Sivananda Yoga FAQ

Q 1: If an individual is a Perfect Master, he is capable of functioning on all planes at the same time. He possesses to a remarkable degree the powers of clairvoyance and clairaudience. Can he not read the thoughts of the student before the student has time to utter them, before the student can bring out his questions? Can one who has such powers, even of thought-reading, be regarded as a Master?

A: Clairvoyance and clairaudience are not always automatic processes. Unless the Master directs his attention towards someone, he need not necessarily be aware of the seeker’s mentality and doubts. Imagine the mind of a seer or a Perfect Master who is ever aware of what everybody thinks! A Siddha does see and hear everything in Samadhi. This everything comes then to mean the Self or Atman or Supreme Consciousness where the individual thoughts and words cease to exist as such. Powers like thought-reading do not necessarily connote perfection; and perfection cannot be vetoed by the absence of these powers. A Perfect Master can acquire these powers, if he so wills, but you cannot force him to.

Q 2: At times I feel that I am entrapped in Maya. At other times I feel that I am the Atma, changeless and pure. I am looking for your Kripa which will certainly take me out of this ocean of troubles.

A: You are in the struggling stage. You are progressing. You will soon be established in your real Svarup. Fear not. Plod on. Persevere. Don’t look back. The goal is very near. Be a Sakshi of all your actions. You are Asanga (unattached), Jakarta (non-doer).

Q 3: Swamiji, what is the need to attain Moksha?

A: To understand this you should resort to Satsang and study of scriptures. An intellect that is clouded by all sorts of desires and evil Samskaras will not be able to grasp even the need for Moksha. Instead, read the Gita, attend Satsang, listen to the discourses of saints and Sannyasins. Then, Viveka will arise in you. You will understand that this world is full of pain and sorrow. The bungalow, the motor-car, the little position and the small salary that you are having now will mean nothing. Your spiritual aspirations will grow. You will want to liberate yourself. What great labour goes into the preparation of the microscope lens? After a lot of grinding only you are able to peep into the beyond. Similarly, after a lot of study and Satsang, only will your intellect even think of the Beyond and Moksha.

Hear what is auspicious. See what is auspicious. Do what is auspicious. – Swami Sivananda