Sivananda Yoga FAQ

Q 1: Why does man not remember death and cease forthwith from sinful deeds keeping the transience of earthly life in view?

A: Every man has not sprung up all on a sudden as a man. The Jiva, right from the very first ushering into the world, continues to undergo the cycle of births and deaths not in tens, hundreds or thousands, but in lakhs. It actually carries with it the Samskaras right from its very first birth up to the birth current, i.e., under enjoyment. The unenjoyed or residual Samskaras continue till they are completely fried in toto by Atma Jnana. The very forgetfulness of death by man, though he sees countless deaths daily, indicates the nescience that has developed in him to avoid seeing the face of Truth. The experiences that he has gained thus far, i.e., up to the moment of consideration, are quite insufficient to drag his attention towards the eternal truth which is God. A day will certainly dawn in the life of every individual on this earth, not necessarily in this very birth itself, when he will, by some rare merit, through Satsang with Mahatmas, devotion to Guru, or God’s grace, tune in to the Ultimate by gradual evolution.
The sinful deeds which men commit are mainly due to ignorance. When ignorance vanishes once and for all by performance of good and selfless deeds, Japa, Svadhyaya, etc., or by Guru Kripa, the final goal ever remains in view. Commission of vicious deeds indicates that the Jiva is not yet an evolved one and that he is to gain more and more experiences of the world and undergo repeated and continual refinement from grossness. For the disappearance of ignorance and firm remembrance of God, there is no way more powerful than to encounter the kicks, blows and knocks of the world that may greet one unawares.

Q 2: I am observing fast on Ekadasi days. I hear that fasting will cut short the life of man. Is it a fact?

A: Certainly not. By fasting, the body, mind, Prana and nerves will be renovated, vivified. All the impurities will be destroyed. One can develop easily Sattvic qualities. The mind becomes calm and peaceful. All the diseases can be destroyed by fasting. If a glutton takes to fasting, they will find it difficult. A man of Mitahara will take great pleasure in fasting. He can live for a longer period. Constant fasts for long periods should be avoided. Gradual practice is necessary. In the beginning, observe fast for a day in a month, then, once in fifteen days. After some time, you can fast once a week.

Q 3: What is the easiest way for concentration?

A: Japa of the Name of the Lord. And a very important point to bear in mind in this connection is that perfect concentration is not achieved in just a day; you should never despair and give up your efforts. Be calm. Be patient. Do not worry yourself if the mind wanders. Be regular in your Japa; stick to the meditation hour. Slowly the mind will automatically turn God-ward. And once it tastes the bliss of the Lord, nothing will be able to shake it.

To encounter the kicks, blows and knocks of the world is to erase Ignorance and affirm remembrance of God. – Sri Swami Sivananda