Swami Prakashanand Saraswati, a beloved spiritual guide, imparted profound teachings on nurturing one’s bond with Radha-Krishn, encouraging humility and steadfast devotion. Through this Q&A session during a meditation program, he addresses essential spiritual practices to help devotees deepen their faith, understand Devi Bhagwat, and embrace mindfulness in both meditation and daily rituals.
Question & Answer Session:
Question: What is Devi Bhagwat?
Answer: Devi Bhagwat is one of the eighteen Puranas produced by Ved Vyas. The description and history of all the Divine Goddesses is in Devi Bhagwat. In the tenth canto, Ved Vyas explains that Radha is the Supreme Goddess. Radha is the origin of Durga, Mahalakshmi, Mahagauri, and all other Divine Goddesses. Devi Bhagwat also reveals that Radha is the life-breath of Krishn. “PranDhish- that rise devi”.
Question: Swamiji, would you please tell me how to develop confidence that I belong to Radha-Krishn and overcome feelings of unworthiness?
Answer: I always advise that you have to be humble, but not to the point of having the feeling of disappointment or rejection. In this world, there is no hope of receiving total contentment, but from God, you can receive perfect happiness. A time may come that you could receive the vision of Radha-Krishn and be with them forever. A devotee must develop faith and hope. Feelings of dejection and disappointment hamper your faith in Krishn. Whatever is the class or kind of devotee, as long as he has faith in Radha-Krishn he is progressing in devotion.
Question: What is introversion, and how should we meditate?
Answer: Extroversion means thinking of the world. Introversion means thinking of Radha-Krishn. In meditation, thoughts are there. We don’t want to remove our thoughts, they are not obstacles. We have to change the quality of our thoughts and make them all devotional and loving in the love of Radha and Krishn. Think of any Krishn leela that comes into your mind and try to be absorbed in watching that leela. This is meditation in divine-love- consciousness.
Question: During the annual intensive we dine in silence, can you please explain the benefits of this practice?
Answer: It is actually our religious discipline not to talk while eating. In our scriptures, there are certain Smriti granthas which advise the disciple to not talk while eating. When you eat there are two benefits: physical and spiritual. There is a prayer in the dining hall about offering your food to Radha-Krishn which you can read before eating. While you are eating keep thinking of Radha, Krishn, and Divine Vrindaban. It’s a very good time for devotional remembrance. You are not doing any physical work at that time. Keep your mind engrossed in the Divine name, kind and loving form of Radha-Krishn, and slowly keep on eating, chewing your food properly. That’s the best advice, I advise you to follow.