ASK MAULANA

In today’s age is there a need to redefine or re-apply religion?

Yes. But redefinition does not mean revision. Redefinition means describing the old teachings in the modern idiom. That is, reapplying religious values to the new lifestyle.

What is the starting point of leading a spiritual life?

Adopt a simple lifestyle. The simple life always leads to spiritual development and ensures that you save yourself from all kinds of distraction. Distraction deprives you of the joys of being a spiritual personality, while a simple lifestyle helps you become a spiritual personality.

Do you think that it is a human need to believe in the existence of a God?

Yes, seeking the faith is a human trait and the seeking spirit is a part of the fibre of human nature. It is everyone’s urge to find out the higher truth, and higher truth is nothing but the Creator of our world. Without finding the higher truth no one can be satisfied; in this sense God is the need of every man and woman, there is no doubt about it.

What is the importance of conviction? And what is the source of a strong conviction?

Conviction is very important; it is conviction that gives you courage and determination. Without conviction you cannot do anything in this world of competition. And the only source of conviction, is trust in God.

Is it necessary to entertain feelings of guilt? Doesn’t it undermine confidence?

This thinking is based on a false assumption. Guilt means admitting your mistakes, so guilt gives you renewed confidence that henceforth you will do your work in a better way. Feeling guilty means being more cautious and more sincere; so, guilt is an entirely positive quality. There is nothing negative about it.

Why is a luxurious lifestyle condemned by religion?

It is not a matter of condemnation. It is a matter of wise living. A luxurious lifestyle makes you an easy-going person. It leaves you unable to understand the often harsh realities of life.

How can one find peace of mind?

People generally confuse individual peace and social peace. Social peace is an ideal that cannot be achieved, and individual peace is completely achievable. Society is out of your control, but your mind is not. When you develop the quality of tolerance you will be able to live in peace, even when there is no peace in the outer world. Peace of mind depends far more on one’s attitude than the state of social affairs.

It is said that we should keep remembering death. Would this not become an obstacle to growth and development?

No. Remembering death means we must remind ourselves that time is very short and we cannot afford to lose any. Death is unavoidable, so plan your life wisely on the basis of urgency. In fact, remembering death makes you more prompt, efficient, and cautious about your time and energy. That way, you always know that it is ‘now or never’.

What is the importance of silence?

Silence is the quality of a wise person. Silence means more concentrated thinking. This means avoiding an immediate reaction and giving a well-considered response in any situation. Silence simply means speaking after thinking.

What is the difference between Spirit and Mind?

In my experience, there is no difference between the two. Spirit is not an independent entity. Spirit is only a manifestation of the mind. Mind is the basis of every personality. All other things like emotions, thinking, love are different functions of the mind. You are what your mind is.

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