(Q & A session in Trinidad - continued from previous issue)
Compiled by Sri H.V.Prasad

Q - Does chanting or Japa of Mantra without understanding it’s meaning or without concentration bring any benefit? It is just not physical exercise of mouth and tongue?
A - There is the benefit of the repetition of Beejakshara - which is a self-energized letter. But this type of chanting without concentration brings only 20% benefit. If you do Japa with concentration and devotion you get 80% benefit. The day you become fully silent you get 100% benefit. Doing Japa without concentration is a drama. I permit this type of drama with the hope that one day it brings change. While singing Bhajans bend your head a little or close your eyes. It helps you to reach the other plane.
Q - Those of us who are not initiated by you, can we still consider you as Sadguru?
A- Yes. Why not? Ekalavya is an example. You all are initiated today. Even singing Bhajans with Swamiji is a simple initiation. It is indirect initiation. Singing along with Swamiji is no ordinary event.
Q - Can we remove all our Karmas from this life and the previous lives in the span of one life time?
A - If Sadguru wills, he can. But he will have to suffer for that Karma. The story of sage Vishwamitra and King Trishanku amply illustrates this point. But no Guru does it. Guru only guides and the student must travel all by himself. There is no short cut for riddance of Karma. Sadguru is capable. But I am no Vishwamitra or Vasishtha. I believe in Karma theory. Karma here means actions. After the way of Karma come the ways of Bhakti, Jnana and Vairagya. I don’t want to take your Karma. My bag is already full. It weighs 58 kilos (smiles). What to do to get rid of Karma? Pray, help others and Love and respect nature.
Q - Why is the beliefs of Hinduism ridden with mythology ?
A- You think so because you have not understood well. You have not understood well probably because the teacher was no proficient or you were not concentrating. Also there are a lot of metaphors in the mythology so that it appeals all. Once you reach the stage of Vedanta, Puranas and other mythologies are unimportant.
Q - We find that many of the teachings and principles of different religions clash with each other? Why is it so?
A - Many of the world’s religions were born in a certain area at a certain time to address certain people and to address certain inequality they were facing. Nature is diverse. Creation is full of diversity. So there are bound to be differences in each religion’s teaching.
Q - Swamiji can you tell me which religion is good for me ?
A - To cross the river, does it matter which boat you ride? All are same.
Q - Who are you in relation to all of us here in this temple today?
A - There is no answer. It cannot declare I am your Guru. It is His (points towards the sky) will and we have met today. Where it takes us? Let us see.
Q - What is time?
A - It will take a long time to explain and an even longer time to understand. The final analysis will bring the answer - Time is the cycle of births and deaths.
Finally

Follow the master or book or wise man or father or mother
Faith in God - Believe in yourself.
Face the devil. The confusion
Fight the end
Finish the Game.

Jaya Guru Datta