Question: I have completed MBA degree. … While doing MBA degree my physical, mental and family situation was very troubled. But due to God’s grace and others’ grace I was able to complete my degree with flying colours. Due to repeated problems, I surrendered myself completely at the feet of God, and I was able to overcome them. My questions are:
1. For me every event is like a dream and I am only witnessing them. Everything is done by God. So, I have stopped worrying for future as God is taking care of me for ever. Am I right ?
2. We can not stop thoughts from arising in our mind which may be good or bad. But can we ignore the bad thoughts by surrendering ourselves at God’s feet or thinking about God ?
3. While praying, if with love I do Padapadmapuja (worshiping the lotus feet) of Swami Vivekananda with flowers by imagination, will it reach Him ?
Answer: 1. Total unconditional surrender is what is required. If you are doing that, your attitude is perfect. Continue to do that sincerely. Wish you all the best.
2. Whenever bad thoughts arise in your mind, think of opposite good thoughts. If negative thoughts arise, think of positive thoughts. If thoughts of weakness come, think of strength. Offer all your weakness at the feet of the Lord. You have to continually do it. And be mentally alert, and do this repeatedly and without any respite.
3. Do mental Padapuja (worshiping the lotus feet) of Swami Vivekananda with flowers with love and devotion. Surely it will reach Him. He understands your sincere feelings and heart-felt worship.
Response to the Above: Thank you for replying my mail. Your suggestions cleared me from various doubts and gave me more strength. In this world, the greatest thing is pure love. And I want this life of mine should go away by praying to Swami Vivekananda. I never want to get married and I am very sure about this. I am God’s; that’s all I know. Each and every moment of this life is for Swamiji. But the glamour of this world really gives some fear to me. I fear of separation from Swamiji. Yet it is true that for a second also we cannot separate ourselves from the Supreme Being. I want till death I must be at Swamiji’s feet. But these worldly temptations always drag me from my path. I have to fight with all these or else I keep silent. Can you tell me how I can dispel all these things ? … … I wanted to know that in the path of devotion, there are many distractions of the mind. How we can overcome and stick to our goal ? These distractions give some fear in me. So how I can remove all these ?
Answer to the above Response: As you are devoted to Swami Vivekananda, PLEASE READ “The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda”, published in English and other Indian languages, everyday and contemplate on the sublime ideas that came out from him. These books you should read again and again. Apart from this, we suggest you to read the following books:
On the Life of Swami Vivekananda: “Life of Swami Vivekananda by His Eastern & Western Disciples”, etc.
On the Life & Teachings of Sri Ramakrishna: “The Great MasterÕ, “Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna”, etc.
On the Life & Teachings of Holy Mother Sri Sarade Devi: “The Life of Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi” – by Swami Gambhirananda, “Gospel of Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi”, etc. Holy Mother’s life is a role model for every women in the present age. So, please read Her Life & Teachings thoroughly. If you regularly read the above books definitely you will get tremendous strength, courage and self-confidence which will help you face the inner and outer problems in life. Of course, side by side, you should cultivate the habit of sincere prayer. God listens to the sincere prayer of His devotees. The problems mentioned by you are natural for a spiritual aspirant; these get reduced through oneÕs spiritual practices and the grace of the Lord. We request you, if you need more details, to meet the following Swami, who is a senior swami of our Order and discuss about your personal problems with him.