This is an extract from the conversations between two Indian saints, Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa and Swami Vivekananda. The questions are from Swami Vivekananda.
Q:- “I can’t find free time. Life has become hectic.”
A:- “Activity gets you busy. But productivity gets you free.”
Q:- “Why has life become complicated now?”
A:- “Stop analysing life. It makes it complicated. Just live it.”
Q:- “Why are we then constantly unhappy?”
A:- “Worrying has become your habit. That’s why you are not happy.”
Q:- “Why do good people always suffer?”
A:- “Diamond cannot be polished without friction. Gold cannot be purified without fire. Good people go through trials, but don’t suffer. With that experience their life becomes better, not bitter.”
Q:- “You mean to say such experience is useful?”
A:- “Yes. In every term, Experience is a hard teacher. She gives the test first and the lessons later.”
Q:- “Because of so many problems, we don’t know where we are heading.”
A:- “If you look outside you will not know where you are heading. Look inside. Eyes provide sight. Heart provides the way.”
Q:- “Does failure hurt more than moving in the right direction?”
A:- “Success is a measure as decided by others. Satisfaction is a measure as decided by you.”
Q:- “In tough times, how do you stay motivated?”
A:- “Always look at how far you have come rather than how far you have to go. Always count your blessing, not what you are missing.”
Q:- “What surprises you about people?”
A:- “When they suffer they ask, “why me?” When they prosper, they never ask “Why me?”
Q:- “How can I get the best out of life?”
A:- “Face your past without regret. Handle your present with confidence. Prepare for the future without fear.”
Q:- “One last question. Sometimes I feel my prayers are not answered.”
A:- “There are no unanswered prayers. Keep the faith and drop the fear. Life is a mystery to solve, not a problem to resolve. Trust me. Life is wonderful if you know how to live.”
