Posted on: 29 Apr 2023
1. Why is Subhadra worshipped along with Krishna and Balarama in Puri Jagannath temple?
[Smt. Priyanka asked: Padanamaskaram Swami, Can You explain why Subhadra, who is Lord Krishna's sister, is also worshipped along with Krishna and Balarama in Puri Jagannath temple? Was she also an incarnation of God? At Your divine lotus feet, Priyanka]
Swami replied:- Any devotee of God shall be worshipped and this pleases God more than His personal worship. But, remember that the value of the devotee is also due to God only.
2. Can You explain how Karna was born as Bhakta Siriyala in his next birth even though he supported Kauravas (injustice)?
[Padanamaskaram Swami, You had given a wonderful explanation on why Arjuna was born as hunter in next birth and finally was born as Swami Vivekananda. Similarly, can You please explain how Karna was born as Bhakta Siriyala in his next birth even when he supported Kauravas (injustice)? At Your divine lotus feet, Priyanka]
Swami replied:- Karna was having the excellent divine quality, which is sacrifice through charity. Sacrifice of fruit of work (Karma phala tyaaga) is the most important final step in the spiritual path. Karna was very much rectified and reformed in that birth. 99% of devotees fail in the practical sacrifice to God only, who wish to win the heart of God through intelligence (knowledge) and mind (theoretical devotion). The final fruit, which is the grace of God comes to the mango plant only and not to water tank (knowledge) nor to manure bag (devotion). Both these can help the plant to yield the fruit but, can’t get the fruit directly.
3. Is it right for an overweight person to walk on a treadmill by wearing a knee brace on knees?
[Smt. Priyanka asked: Padanamaskaram Swami, Thank You so much for advising us on what kind of exercises we should do to get fit (this link). I have some questions for further clarification.
For overweight people, You advised that walking should be done after losing some weight due to the impact on the knees. But, is it alright to walk on a treadmill machine by wearing a knee brace on both knees or shall we completely avoid walking until we reach a normal weight range?]
Swami replied:- You need not completely avoid walking, but, avoid too much walking till you reduce your body weight.
4. Can overweight people do weight training with dumbbells twice a week or so? I heard it burns fat faster.
[Apart from the exercises and pranayam You mentioned, can overweight people do weight training with dumbbells twice a week or so? I heard it burns fat faster and develops bone density/strength in women above 35 yrs age especially. What is Your advice on this?]
Swami replied:- If overweight is too much, such special exercises are recommended depending on the study of their side effects.
5. Is it ok to do pranayam indoors in a constant AC environment when outside weather doesn’t permit?
[Once You mentioned that doing pranayam early morning outdoors is ideal and not inside the house. But, when weather conditions do not permit stepping out, is it ok to do it indoors every day? Does it have any negative impacts on doing it indoors in a constant AC environment? At Your divine lotus feet, Priyanka]
Swami replied:- It will not have much negative impact, but, positive impact is less.