Swami answers questions of Shri Hrushikesh

1. What is the time period for a Jiiva to live on this earth? Does this differ from one to the other?

[Shri Hrushikesh asked:- Dear Swami, My friend Deepika has asked the following questions. I request you to kindly enlighten us with the answers. What is the time period for a Jeeva to live on this earth? Does this differ from one Jeeva to another? What factors influence the increase or decrease in the time a Jeeva spends on earth? Who decides these factors, and on what basis?]

Swami replied:- Generally, the human longevity is in the range of 80 to 90 years. There will be differences in the longevity among the souls, which is based on several factors. For example, the scripture says that the longevity is more if you serve the elders (Vṛddhopa sevī cāyuṣmān). The scripture also says that if you sleep after sunrise, the longevity is reduced.

2 There are certain people who try to give up their lives by committing suicide. What are the reasons for this?

Swami replied:- Lack of spiritual knowledge is the main reason for committing suicide.

3. Does God have any role to play in the case of a person committing suicide?

[Is there any involvement of God? Does God have any role to play in the case of a person committing suicide? Do God’s actions influence people’s minds, or is it simply the circumstances and timing that create such thought processes? or is it purely based on one’s past deeds of a Jeeva?]

Swami replied:- Suicide is based on the ignorance of the person due to lack of spiritual knowledge. Suicide is not considered an act influenced by God and it is a terrible sin that is highly disliked by God.

4. I wished that the people who made my mother suffer should also suffer. Is my thinking wrong?

[If good karma and bad karma affect a person’s thought process, my mother is being ill-treated and insulted, and she has been given a very tough time in her life. The people she trusted for a long time are the ones who are making her life difficult. I feel bad about her situation, and I have wished that the people who made my mother suffer should also suffer in the same way as my mother. Is this way of thinking wrong? If so, is there any way I can do prāyaścitta (atonement) for this?]

Swami replied:- Your way of thinking like this extends the time of punishment required by God for the sake of reformation of the soul. If you don’t wish like this and completely surrender to the will of God, God’s action will be fast.

5. What should I do when people insult me for no mistake of mine?

[How should I deal with a situation when I am insulted by others for no mistake of my own? Please advise. I become angry when somebody points a finger at me without any fault on my part.]

Swami replied:- You must develop patience towards the actions of other souls. Your anger and impatience will only prolong the time of punishment required for your own reformation.

6. How to overcome Suicidal thoughts?

[At Your Divine Lotus Feet, Hrushikesh]

Swami replied:- By reading and revising the spiritual knowledge again and again and by consulting the Sadguru frequently.

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