S. No.

Questions

Answers

CONCENTRATION

1

How can I concentrate during the study?

Prepare a fixed routine and follow it. Allow the mind to wander for 5 minutes at its own wish. After that put yourself to the task of study with full determination.

2

How can I concentrate when the mind is too reactive?

It is quite natural for your mind to get distracted during studies. Impress upon your mind firmly that whether you like it or not you will have to study properly with concentration. The mind is your slave. You are not the slave of your mind. You must force your mind to study properly

3

What if after concentration in studies and doing hardwork, we do not get the fruits thereof?

If after doing hard work you do not get the result, you should have the satisfaction that you have tried your best. If you work hard you will surely get the good results today or tomorrow. Because the law of Karma is supreme in the mental world. Working hard itself is a great gain and helps in building character.

4

How to train our minds to attain success?

You are what you allow inside your mind. Give pep talks to your mind to stay focussed in whatever you do. Have strong determination and motivate yourself by always having positive good thoughts.

5

How can a restless mind be brought under control?

By the force of constant practices and detachment.

6

What is the need to keep the mind under control?

If one’s mind is under one’s own control great goals can be achieved.

7

When I try to concentrate I get headache? How to overcome this?

That is because the brain does not have sufficient strength. In order to make the brain strong one should practise special yogasana under the guidance of an adept. Take in nutritious food.

POWER OF MIND

8

Suggestions to get peace of mind?

If you want peace of mind, do not look at the faults of others. See your own faults. Learn to make the whole world your own. Getting along better with people around you and trying to be in touch with the Divine through prayer, meditation etc., will give peace of mind. But unselfish service also you get peace of mind.

9

What should we do when we are terribly depressed?

You should immediately approach a person for whom you have lot of respect and love, and unburden your heart by telling your innermost feelings and problems. It there is no such person available, you may intensely pray to the Divine who is present in the heart of all beings. Fill your mind with positive thoughts. Reading books also work like a miracle.

10

The young generation is suffering from mental ailments – frustration, lack of will power depression etc. What is the remedy?

The root cause of all these problems is the lack of spiritual education. The modern youth are blindly imitating the materialistic culture of the west and are becoming more and more self centered. They are very intelligent and energetic but they lack direction and crumble down at the slightest difficulty. They feel lonely. They are in need of a true friend. I’ll suggest them one person who will be their best friend, philosopher and guide, to whom they can open up their heart’s problems: that is Swami Vivekananda.

He is specially present in his books. Let them read the books of Swamiji. Certainly they will be able to get out of depressed and frustrated state of mind.

11

How to maintain purity of mind?

One should always cultivate pure thoughts in the mind, speak what is auspicious, see what is auspicious and listen what is auspicious. This will help in keeping one’s mind pure.

12

How to purify one’s mind?

By filling our minds with pure thoughts, by regular meditation, prayer and reading good books.

We can remember Gandhiji’s quote “Seeing no evil, hearing no evil, and speaking no evil”.

13

How to control my mind?

Remember the formula – ‘Start with the minimum and practice the easiest’. Fix a daily routine for your life and follow it. Practice, regular prayer, meditation, reading holy books etc. Please try to give up habits which cause distraction.

14

What are the causes for suicidal tendency?

Pursuit of material pleasures, competition, mental imbalance, frustration and lack of peace of mind are the prime causes for the suicidal tendencies.

15

Everyday dawns with a problem. We are amidst a confused state. What is the solution to overcome this?

The solution lies in the educational system. According to Swamiji man making education is the need of the hour. If the Man is made perfect the nation will automatically become perfect.

16

How to remove bad thoughts from the mind?

One should not pay attention to such thoughts, we should ignore those thoughts. Try to replace them with some holy thoughts. Remember a holy personality or chant some holy mantras.

17

How do thoughts affect us?

They say, “what the mind conceives, it is achieved”. So, if we think in a positive good manner, good things will happen or vice versa.

18

What are the reasons for people committing suicide?

A turbulent mind and lack of understanding the values of human life are the main causes for suicide.

19

How can we get peace of mind?

Peace of mind can be achieved by

SELF CONFIDENCE

20

What are the areas in which a student should try for improvement?

21

How can we conquer the world?

We conquer the world only when we re-build our own nation. Character – building only can lead to the re-building of the nation. So, conquering the world will become possible only if we become enlightened citizens.

22

Which book of Swami Vivekananda helps in building self confidence?

“Thoughts of Power”

23

What should we depend on for our success?

We should depend on our self-effort for success. We must put all our energy and time in achieving our goal.

24

Which quote of Swami Vivekananda instills confidence in us?

The quote ‘Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached’ enables one to gain self confidence

25

What is Self confidence?

The ability to assert oneself is self confidence. This can be developed by hardworking.

26

What are the reasons for lack of self confidence in youngsters in rural areas?

Inferiority complex and poverty are the main reasons for lack of self confidence in rural youngsters.

MEDITATION

27

What are the techniques of meditation?

There are so many techniques, Vipasyana, Preksha, Zen, transcendental, vedantic etc. We can adopt any one as per our choice.

28

Can we do the meditation by ourselves?

No, this must be learnt personally from a competent teacher.

29

How should we meditate?

One of the simple methods is to see the photo of any holy personality with open eyes and staring for 2 minutes and then closing the eyes for 2 minutes during which we may continue to visualize the same picture.

30

How does meditation help us?

It brings excellence to life by increasing the power of concentration, removing our mental stress, improving health and developing the efficiency in our everyday work.

31

When should meditation be done?

It should preferably be done early in the morning and in the evening. It can be practised at any time. It should be done before meals or after light food. It should not be done when the stomach is full.

32

What are the benefits you get through regular meditation?

By regular meditation you will find that you are saving at least two hours by way of better human relations, less quarrel, better efficiency, better health, better concentration etc - a net saving of 90 minutes!

SPIRITUAL

33

What should we do to cultivate a spiritual life?

Spiritual strength is a virtue which is helpful personally to cultivate a spiritual life. There are two ways to practise these virtues.

34

What are the vital things for successful living?

Self control, self knowledge, self confidence, self reliance and self sacrifice are the five vital values for a successful living

35

What made Swami Vivekananda a towering personality?

The secret of success of Swamiji’s towering personality was his power of mental concentration which he get through purity of mind.

36

Which is the way to success?

The power of concentration of mind is responsible for the success of very great person.

Control of mind is necessary in order to have concentration of mind.

37

How Bhagavad Gita defines enemy and friend?

According to Gita the in-disciplined mind acts as our enemy where as a trained mind acts our friend.

38

How can I lead an auspicious life? i.e. devoted life.

The pre requisite for such life is clean mind. If you want to get purity of mind you should love every living thing and doing your duty.

ANGER

39

Why do we become angry? What should we do when we become angry?

We get angry when our expectations are not fulfilled. Let us remember the formula – ‘Do your Best and leave the rest’.

By having a better control over our mind and having more will power we will be able to control anger. There is a standard formula of counting one to ten just when the anger is arising. Chant the name of God; it is more effective because the feeling of love contradicts the feeling of anger.

40

If some one teases I become angry. What should I do?

The more you become angry the more others will tease you. So do not react when someone teases you. Have confidence in yourself.

41

What are the ways to control anger?

One should analyse the situation in which one gets angry and find out the reasons. One should also see the consequences of that anger. Anger results in loss, only. Our relationship with others also get damaged because of anger. By diverting the mind to something more pleasant, by doing meditation and prayer, we can calm our mind which will help to control anger.

GOAL / PERSONALITY

42

What is personality?

The usual concept of personality is how you appear to be. Actually personality development is related to what you are – i.e. character development.

43

What is the secret of success of great people?

The power of concentration is the secret of success of great people.

44

What is expected of the youth?

Youths of today will have to take the responsibility of receiving the nectar of vedanta so that blind imitation of western culture can be shed down.

45

What should be our goal?

Our goal of life is the manifestation of our divinity.

46

What determines one’s personality?

How one behaves, feels and thinks how he conducts himself in a given set of circumstances is highly determined by the state of one’s mind.

47

How emotions affect one’s personality?

If you are able to control your emotions your personality becomes healthier.

48

What are the essential qualities for personality development?

Self faith, positive thinking, attitude, self reliance and service are the five qualities to improve personality.

49

How to have good character?

Each man’s character is determined by the total sum of all impressions of past life. If good impressions prevail, the character becomes good.

CHARACTER

50

How one’s spoiled character can be retrieved?

One should pray to God for forgiveness and start anew and give up evil company.

51

Can one change one’s character?

If one is keen on doing so certainly it is possible. It is a long process which requires continuous effort. Character is the aggregate of tendencies and tendencies are formed by repeated actions.

52

What is meant by self control?

Controlling the five organs and the mind is called Self control.

53

What is character development?

It is not how you appear to be. But what you really are. i.e. you may appear to be good. Externally, But ultimately people will find out what you really are.

54

How can we build the character?

We can build the character by getting the guidance from the books of Swamy Vivekananda. If you are sincere in the reading of these books and practice the teachings, you will surely build your character.

55

Which are the basic components of character building?

They are like punchshilas for youth as mentioned

56

How to develop strong will power?

Strong willpower will come through practice, start with the minimum and practice the easiest, gradually take up difficult ones. As you attain to more and more success in your endeavours, self confidence and your will power will go on increasing.

57

Is it necessary to renounce the world to do service to the society?

No, those who cannot become monks or nuns must become enlightened citizens by renouncing selfishness

58

What is Self Sacrifice?

Self Sacrifice means shunning one’s ego and living in peace and harmony with others.

STRESS

59

How can we get over stress and tension during exam days/

It is necessary that you pay attention to your studies throughout the year and not merely at the time of exams. Study systematically. Remember the formula, “Do your best and leave the rest, “and you will not have any tension during the time of examination.

60

How should I calm my nerves?

Think about the harmful effects of your hot temper. If you are convinced that it is harmful, this itself will motivate you to keep yourself cool. Reading of inspiring books is also very important. Try to avoid arguments with others. You may practice silence for some time.

61

What is the best way to relieve our tension?

Combine all the four Yogas, Karma yoga, Jnana yoga, Bhakti yoga and Raja yoga. If you practice all these yogas everyday. You will find that the tension of your mind is decreasing and you are living a happier life.

62

What should I do when I feel as if no one likes me?

Avoid such negative thoughts, Do not think that no one likes you. Even if no human being likes you, remember that God loves those who do not have any friends in this world. Try to serve and like others. Then all will like you.

63

How to overcome guilty feelings?

Please remember your divine nature. Have regular meditation and prayer. Once you get the taste of divine life, you will forget all the mistakes of life. Regular prayers also help.

GENERAL

64

How do we stop ourselves from being distracted by games?

The games provide a golden opportunity for you to develop your personality in an integrated manner. Sports and games are very important for the total development of personality. You need not avoid games. ‘Work while you work. Play while you play’.

65

Is it true that it is not proper for the girls to argue?

“Arguing for the sake of arguing” is always bad whether for boys or for girls. But arguing for the sake of clearing one’s understanding is always commendable.

66

Is it good to be a member of a religious cult?

There is no harm in becoming a part of a religious culture. But we should be careful that we do not become too dogmatic and sectarian in our views.

67

What is Shraddha?

It means an attitude of mind which is ready to receive teachings of the elders and the scriptures with respect. In order to cultivate spiritual life we should have more of this Shraddha.

68

Swamiji, I desire to do everything perfectly but I don'’ have time. Please suggest me what can I do?

Please don’t say, “I don’t have time. None gets less than 24hours a day (i.e. 86400 seconds) Try to make use of your every second. Contribute 15 minutes of your time for your self-improvement everyday. I assure you, gradually all the qualities that you desire will come to you to develop your personality.

69

Should we believe in destiny?

Swami Vivekananda said, ‘ you are the creator of your own destiny”. According to the law of karma our present destiny is created by our past karmas and that proves that our future destiny will be created by our own present actions.

Remember the saying in Hindi-

“Make yourself so strong that even God has to ask you as to what is your desire, before writing your destiny”.

70

God is one but why is it that we follow different religions?

The Supreme Reality is one, but different people call it by different names. There are many paths to reach that reality. Sri Ramakrishna said, ‘As many faiths, so many paths’. There is no harm in having any number of religions or faiths in the world. But we must accept all the religions as equally as true.

71

What do we need to learn in school?

You need to develop the power of concentration of mind.

Swami Vivekananda said, ‘What we want is western science coupled with Vedanta brahmacharya as the guiding motto and also Shraddha and faith in one’s own self.

72

If there is a God, why can’t we see him?

God is present in the heart of each and every being but there is a screen of ignorance covering this Reality. We can see him when the screen of ignorance is removed.

73

Is there any way to start the life a new when some one has done something wrong?

Yes, any person can start his / her life anew at any point of time. If he / she has true remorse. He / she should ask forgiveness and pray to God to give strength to start the life again. If one is sincere in prayer, God will surely give strength to start the life again.

74

How to forget our mistakes?

Mistakes are quite natural. Never mind the mistakes. Hold the ideal a thousand times and if you fail a thousand times make the attempt once more. What is done cannot be undone. So it is no use weeping over our past mistakes. Forget the past and build the future.

75

What is the art of Living?

To live with peace of mind for oneself being at peace with others and serving other people in every possible way is the art of living.

Poet Kabir said when you leave this world you should have satisfaction for having served others and others should feel sorry for our death.

76

What is self knowledge?

Realisation of God is widely known as Self Knowledge. However knowledge of our strength and weakness can be also called self-knowledge. One should have faith in oneself.

77

What do the three monkeys with closed eyes, closed ears and closed mouth signify?

We should not see bad things, nor hear bad / nor hear evil / nor speak evil things

78

What is the advice of Swami Vivekananda in reading books?

One should read the books not only with ones eyes but should apply their mind also. (2 nos.)

79

What type of books should we read?

Apart from the books concerning your studies you may read books on general knowledge and those connected with your hobbies and self-development.

80

What should be our attitude rewards failure?

One should not lose heart if he / she fails even thousand times. Mistakes and failures provide lessons to be learnt from them.

81

How to overcome difficulties in daily life?

By removing negative emotions and filling the mind the good positive thoughts we can overcome our difficulties.

82

What is the limit of human mind?

There is no limit to the power of the human mind. The more concentrated it is, the more power is brought to bear on one point.

83

How do we remove our defects to grow?

Self-analysis or self examination daily is the best way to remove your defects and grow steadily analyse what you have learned, have you missed anything etc.

84

Mind is always wandering and prom to commit mistakes. How to control it?

It is difficult to control the wandering of one’s mind. Only by strong will and regular practice you can control the mind.

85

Why people with faith fail sometimes?

Failures are quite natural, but one should not lose faith and march ahead till one get success.

86

What is the best way to get mind control?

You should get in a lonely place and practice yoga, meditation, prayer etc. to control your mind and body by concentrating on your religion / God.

87

How to give meaning to my life?

To give life a meaning one must have a purpose larger than our-self.

88

What is luck?

Luck is opportunity meeting with preparation. So you must prepare yourself to be lucky.

89

What is the use of meditation?

Meditation helps us finding answers, ideas and alternative to make our break through to success. Major scientific successes have come from the solitude of meditation.

90

Does success have anything to do with attitude?

To focus on success one has to start with his / her attitude. You obtain the right kind of attitude one thought at a time.

91

How do we overcome fear?

By remembering our divine nature and being realistic in approach.

92

How to believe in our ability?

Belief starts as an attitude in your mind and must be maintained by the power of your heart. Put your heart in to every thing you do.

93

How do we get motivated?

Motivation depends on how our belief system is and how we have chosen to delay on gratification. We must learn to strike a balance between impulse and restraint, and ego.

94

Why do even people with knowledge feel unhappy and unsuccessful at times?

Knowledge without understanding produces negative results and discontent and you cannot gain understanding without questions.

95

How to remove bad thoughts of our mind?

Always replace bad thoughts with good ones. Keep company with peoples having good character, knowledge and wisdom. Read books written by great people like Swami Vivekananda, etc.

96

Which bad habits are to be eliminated?

Anger, greed, lust are to be eliminated from your mind in order to keep your mind in a balance way and attain happiness in life.

97

Are we guided by destiny or by our wilful actions?

Our present is the outcome of our actions and experiences of the past and our present actions decide our future. Many people call this destiny. But is an accepted fact that we are the masters of our life. We can become what we want to be by performing actions focussing on our purposes and to create our won destiny.

98

Why does we feel afraid?

Ego, concern about the security and lack of knowledge result in uneasy feeling which is translated as fear. One should trust one’s religion.

99

How am I to realise myself?

Measured speech and controlled food habit are the primary steps to realise oneself.

100

What does detachment signify?

It implies remaining aloof from all other temptations and attractions while striving, to fulfil a chosen aim. i.e. to retain interest and concern for the work in hand alone and to remain unconcerned about everything else.