Previous Chapter Jay: Grandma, I am confused by different terms you used. Please explain to me clearly what is the difference between renunciation (Samnyāsa) and selfless work (KarmaYoga)? Grandma: Some people think renunciation means walking away from family, home, possessions, and living in a cave or the forest or any other place outside society. But […]
Previous Chapter Jay: Grandma, how do I know what foods to eat? Grandma: There are three types of foods, Jay (Gita 17.07-10). The foods that bring long life, virtue, strength, health, happiness, and joy are juicy, smooth, substantial, and nutritious. Such health foods are the best. They are called Sattvik or healthy food. Foods that
Previous Chapter Jay: I meet different types of students in the class. How many types of people are there, Grandma? Grandma: Generally, there are only two types (or castes) of people in this world, the good and the bad (Gita 16.06). Most people have both good and bad qualities. If you have more good qualities,
Previous Chapter Jay: Grandma, I am confused by the difference between Supreme Spirit, Spirit, Divine Beings and individual souls. Will you please explain them again? Grandma: Yes, Jay, these are terms you should understand well. The Supreme Spirit is also called the Supreme Person, the Supreme Being, the Supersoul, the Absolute, Father, Mother, God, Ishvara,
Previous Chapter Jay: Grandma, sometimes I feel lazy, and at other times I am very active? Why is that? Grandma: We all pass through different states in order to do certain things. These states or modes (Gunas) are three types: the mode of goodness (Sattva), the mode of passion (Rajas), and the mode of ignorance
Previous Chapter Jay: Grandma, I can eat and sleep and think and talk and walk and run and work and study. How does my body know how to do all this? Grandma: The whole world, including our body, is made of five basic elements or matter. These elements are: earth, water, fire, air, and ether
Previous Chapter Jay: Should we worship or meditate every day, Grandma, or just on Sundays? Grandma: Children should do some form of worship, prayer, or meditation everyday. Good habits must be formed early. Jay: You said that God is formless but also has forms. Should I worship God as Rāma, Krishna, Shiva, Durgā, or should
Previous Chapter Jay: You said we can know a little bit about God. Is it possible for people to see God? Grandma: Yes, Jay. But not with our physical eyes. God does not have hands and legs like we have in our world. But when God is pleased by our selfless service (Sevā) and
Previous Chapter Jay: If Lord Krishna said He will take care of us if we always remember and adore Him, then I want to know and love God. How do I do that, Grandma? Grandma: The love of God is called devotion (Bhakti). If you have devotion, God will give you the knowledge and understanding
Previous Chapter Jay: Grandma, you said there are several paths leading to God. You told me about the path of duty and the path of spiritual knowledge. Please tell me about other paths. Grandma: The third path is called the path of meditation. One who is united with God is called a yogi. The mind
