Here are a few of the questions and answers from our dialogue with Swami Satyana

[Guest guest]

Question: How important is it to perform your daily Sadhana program

at the same place and time everyday?

 

Answer: The more we perform at the same place and same time, the

easier it becomes. It becomes second nature to us. Then it becomes

our true nature.

 

First, when we are out and about, our minds are engaged in various

contemplations, so it is all the more difficult to make them sit

still.

 

Second, when we have new surroundings and new timings, it is that

much more difficult to compose ourselves and get into the bhava of

true devotion.

 

When we perform at the same time and place, we go deeper and are

less distracted. After some time the mantras remember us, rather

than our having to memorize the mantras.

 

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Question: Can only those people that have conducive astrological

positions progress in the spiritual path? Are the rest

of us merely pretenders ?

 

Answer: That is a false proposition. Chapter 12 of the Chandi

specifically says that the recitation of Chandi removes all the

malevolent effects of the planets.

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Question: In the dhyanam to Durga in the Durga Puja, in the 12th

shloka,"chanda" appears to be translated both as "passion" and

as "fear." (as in "The Terrible Slayer of Passion," or "She Who

Tears Apart Fear.") How can we understand this more deeply?

 

Answer: Passion, fear, desire - these are all inseparably connected.

Whatever we are passionate about, we desire. When we desire, there

is a fear that our desire will not be fulfilled. They all work

together.

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Question: Is the purpose of being vegetarian more than not harming

animals? I use an animal skin as an asan. Do I have a karmic

responsibility to the animal who lost their skin for my benefit?

 

 

Answer: The purpose is more than not harming, although that is one

of many good reasons. The primary reason is that we take the fuel

according to the work we want to perform. If you put deisel in a

gasoline engine, it will not function properly.

 

If you put the food of aggressive action into the body of a

meditator, it will not be easy to quiet the mind. We need all the

help we can get.

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Question:When we recite

 

"Kusasane Sthitho Brahma ...Kusasana namostute "

 

we are asked to tie a thread. Do we tie on the left

hand if we are female, and the right if we are male ?

 

 

Answer: Yes, that is the custom. In that way the two make a whole.

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