You ask the questions, the VIPs are ready to answer!

By Thenkachi Swaminathan

Q: It is saddening that even for spirituality, ostentation seems necessary. (Sriranjini, Bhopal)

A: Only those who make it their livelihood need it. But spirituality doesn’t require it. The more you abstain from ostentation, the nearer you are to God.

Q: Those who are in government service are not able to speak out their thoughts freely. Have you ever felt this restraint? (S. Ravi, Coimbatore – 35)

A: There was a superior officer in my office. I had to get his approval for my radio dramas. He had a habit. Just for the sake of correction, he would say that the title was not apt and would ask me to change it. I would feel embarrassed to think that I had to change an apt title. I thought over the matter. Then, I started going to him with some other title. He would ask me to change it. Then, I would give the script the title which I had already decided to give! He would then approve of it! I was managing like that!

Q: People who live in Tamil Nadu don’t seem to have love for Tamil language when compared to those living abroad. Is it because of the feeling that ‘the pasture is greener on the other side’? (K. Raman, Theni)

A: If those here live abroad, they’ll develop more love for Tamil language; similarly, if those abroad are here, their love will be less. This is natural. Only distance creates affection.

Q: I get angry when I feel unable to engage myself fully in spirituality because of my responsibilities towards my family. (G. Radha, Ponneri)

A: He who fulfills his duties towards his family doesn’t need to go to temple. There’s no need to get angry also. The confusion arises due to segregation of duty from God.

Q: Your speeches and thoughts are very much positive. But this might lead to ignorance of the other side. (K. Lavanya, Mettur)

A: “You can do it!” should be the correct approach. “You cannot …” is not the correct advice. The other side can be learned through experience.

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