In a recent satsang, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar answered a wide range of questions, from insecurity and comparison to destiny, liberation, multiple worlds, marriage fears, and humility.
Here is a curated Q&A from that dialogue.
Question:I feel a need to prove myself in front of others, even though I know I’m capable. How can I be free from this?
Gurudev:
You don’t need to prove anything to anyone. This urge to prove yourself is a childish game.
When you are centered, there is nothing to prove. If you think people are constantly thinking about you, that is your mistake. Who has the time? Everyone is busy in their own world.
If you must compare, compare yourself with yourself, not with others.
Question:If liberation is our true nature, why does it feel like a distant goal?
Gurudev:
Bondage is also part of nature, and so is liberation. You feel bound, and then you seek freedom. When you are free, that too is your nature.
If you imagine liberation as something that will happen someday in the future, that itself is an illusion.
Question:
Scriptures speak of heaven, earth, underworld, and many other realms. What are they? Can humans go there?
Gurudev:
First, take care of the world you are in right now.
We perceive only a small fraction of reality. Our senses are limited. The universe is vast and immeasurable.
The realm of ancestors is not somewhere else. It exists on a different level, like changing TV channels. The waves are present, but you don’t see them.
The divine realm, ancestors, celestial beings, and nature spirits exist on different vibrational levels. Ancient sages perceived these subtler dimensions.
Through intuition and self-awareness, profound knowledge arises. That is why good company (satsang) is important; your environment influences your thoughts.
Question:In ancient stories, even knowledgeable sages cursed others in anger. Why?
Gurudev:
Knowledge alone is not enough. Without self-control, knowledge can be misused.
Wisdom must be accompanied by maturity and inner discipline.
Question:How can I avoid feeling like a servant after marriage?
Gurudev:
Why assume you will become a slave? Win everyone over with love.
When you win hearts with warmth and intelligence, you are not a servant; you become a natural leader. Avoid petty arguments. Approach situations with maturity and kindness.
Life has a playful quality. Observe it, and you will understand.
Question:If karma has results, why is God described as the friend of the humble?
Gurudev:
There are four kinds of people: the humble, the suffering, the wise, and those with a goal or purpose. All have the possibility of progress.
God belongs to everyone. Pride binds; humility brings simplicity and ease.
Question:
I feel nervous and compare myself to classmates in athletics and intelligence. How can I build confidence?
Gurudev:
You are speaking confidently right now. Do you see that you are already changing? You are already improving.
Confidence grows naturally when you stop comparing and focus on your own progress.
Question:I’ve struggled with mental health for two years. After starting my practices, I feel improvement, but also an imbalance. Will I recover?
Gurudev:
You are getting better. Continue your practice [sadhana]. You will improve.
Question:
Is the future predetermined?
Gurudev:
Some pages are written. Some pages are blank.
You can write on those blank pages.
Question:Do you know I exist?
Gurudev:
You say, “I am a body.” But what is this “I”?
When the ego melts, love arises.
Question:How can I be most successful academically?
Gurudev:
Study well.
Sleep well.
Eat well.
Success requires balance.
Across every question, whether about destiny, insecurity, humility, marriage, or the cosmos, Gurudev’s answers return to simple guidance:
Come back to yourself.
Stop comparing.
Live in the present.
Act with awareness.
Leave space for grace.
Some parts of life may already be written.
But many pages are still blank.
What will you write?
It’s one thing to read about confidence, destiny, and inner freedom. It’s another to experience them directly.
When comparison drops, and the mind settles, clarity naturally arises. You stop asking, “Is my future already written?” and begin living with greater steadiness, purpose, and ease.
The Art of Living Part 1 Course offers practical tools to help you:
At the heart of the course is a powerful, evidence-based breathing practice that supports emotional balance and mental clarity. Many participants describe it as the turning point where self-doubt softens, and inner strength becomes tangible.
If you’ve been reflecting on destiny, comparison, or the desire to feel more grounded in yourself, this may be the right next step.
You don’t have to force confidence.
You don’t have to prove anything.
You simply have to reconnect with what is already within you.
Explore an upcoming Art of Living Part 1 Course near you and discover what shifts when the mind becomes still, and the heart feels steady.
