Question:
Referring to ‘making mistakes,’ do mistakes also happen in our inner life, in
understanding our inner being?
Answer:
Yes. We make various types of mistakes but those mistakes
which concern our understanding of the true nature of ourselves and the world are
the most serious mistakes. They influence our whole attitude towards life and
have far-reaching consequences. Such fundamental mistakes lead to further
mistakes in their train.
Question:
Many times it happens that we make choice which is correct for the given
situation; then we move ahead. But down
the line, we may not reach the exact goal. The factors could be many. Then we
call it a ‘failure’ or a ‘wrong choice’. How to overcome this? Because my
choice was correct at the earlier situation.
Answer: To
prevent or avoid such things to happen we must take the advice of our seniors,
or whom we hold in respect for their wisdom, or the Guru. Secondly, we must not
take any major decision hastily, without judging all the pros and cons of the
issue.
As you say, there could be many factors in our failure,
although the first choice of decision might have been correct. You might not
have put enough effort, that too in the right direction. Or there might not
have been right or sufficient preparation. Besides, there are always some
unforeseen factors. Finally, it is far more important to make the right choice
and to struggle for the goal whole-heartedly than actually reaching the goal.
Certain things may look wrong but may prove right in a larger
perspective.
Question:
What are the practical means of clarifying our goals?
Answer:
Traditionally four goals are recognized in Hinduism: Dharma or
righteousness, Artha or acquisition of wealth, Kama or enjoyment
and Moksha or spiritual Freedom.
Majority of people seek Artha and Kama. But this should be done with the help
of Dharma. Whatever might be your goal, it is important to follow Dharma or
righteous path. If you do this, there will be less chance of mistakes and as
you proceed, the goal will become clearer. If you hold on to Dharma, a time may
come when your desire for Artha and Kama might get fulfilled and you might
start aspiring for Moksha.
Question: Is
there any ‘Undo’ option in life? Or is it only in computer?
Answer: Yes
in life also, there are both ‘undo’ and ‘redo’ options. Although like in a
computer, you cannot totally erase what you have already done but you can prevent
committing further mistakes. It will be good to remember that the ‘undo’ option
in life is limited. This will make us more careful.
For people who really and sincerely want to transform their
lives and undo their evil pasts, there is a very strong undo option. By sincere
confession, by strong resolve to transform one’s life and not to commit the
mistakes again, the past evil is undone. There are instances of a number of
criminals who undid their past and became saints through strong resolve. Every
saint has a past and every sinner has a future.
Question: In
what way can we overcome the bad things that happened in the past?
Answer:
Don’t repeat them. Try to forget them. Everyone commits mistakes knowingly and
unknowingly and realizes this later. This is a very common problem and one need
not be depressed, disheartened by it. More important, you must try to do good
things and develop good habits.
Question: How
to change our self-image? What is the role of smriti in it?
Answer: This
can be done by cultivating or forming better samskaras. By smriti, you
probably mean the deep-rooted impressions (samskaras) which make you think what
you are and you act accordingly. Samskaras or impressions can be modified by
newer, better samskaras. It is almost impossible to destroy all the old
samskaras but better ones can be made.
Question: How
can that be done?
Answer:
Samskaras are formed
(a) by certain rituals like the thread ceremony, marriage
ceremony and Sannyasa ceremony. In Hinduism, there are a number of such
samskaras which gradually alter the personality of the individual.
(b)
New samskaras are also formed by dedicated and determined practice of certain
noble values which in long run change the personality.
