Introduction

Reflect & Ask is a non-registered course open to all. No prior commitment is required, and seekers may bring questions from any space.

In this forum, questions are asked verbally—not through chat—so that one’s voice is heard. Many others may resonate with the same inquiry. (Vivekji humorously noted that one day these sessions could even inspire a gen AI question–answer agent!)

Each Thursday, from 8:45–9:00 PM, participants are invited to revisit and reflect upon questions raised in the previous week.

Vivekji shared that, moving forward, a rotation of teachers will help facilitate Reflect & Ask sessions.

Opening Prayer

Vivekji began with Om Sahanāvavatu, describing it as part of a sacred framework:

• May we be safe
  
• May we enjoy
  
• May we exert
  
• May we shine
  
• May we understand
  
• May we be peaceful
  

Opening Reflection

“Sees Up” – one who looks up.

Vivekji asked: What is the sign that you are truly praying, truly looking up?

The sign is that you are less affected by the pushes and pulls of the day—the “punches and kicks” of life.

He shared that we are like an R&D corporation for the inner self—engaging in research and development that leads to innovation and inclusion. Programs such as Mindful Meditation (MM) offer structure to our schedule, and initiatives like Loving Earth provide opportunities for meaningful action.

Vision for Reflect & Ask

• Sanātana Dharma means infinite nature.
  
• The vision of Sanātana Dharma is to be Joy and to be joyous.
  
• This community will practice through its three strengths:
  
  • Accessibility
    
  • Actionability
    
  • Accountability
    

This Reflect & Ask space provides accessibility—unlike a YouTube video where one cannot ask questions, here seekers can directly inquire and receive clarification from various teachers.

Question 1 

In Bhakti Space, we studied Gajendra Moksha, Duhkha Nivṛtti, and Sukha Prāpti. Are we so desperate that we are trying to escape something?

How do I know if I am acting from a Sukha Prāpti orientation? Isn’t that aligned more with Śreyas?

Vivekji’s Response 

In the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, there is the story of Gajendra, a king in the form of an elephant. Though he possessed all pleasures, possessions, and positions, he lacked peace. When these were taken away, he realized that without peace, all else was empty. Finally, he surrendered even this sense of loss and chose Divinity. Through this surrender, he discovered true peace—moksha.

Vivekji explained that our main urges are:

• Duhkha Nivṛtti – the urge to escape pain
  
• Sukha Prāpti – the urge to embrace peace
  

To discern where we are on this continuum, intention is key. Without intention, there is no evolution.

Even great deeds—saving lives, donating wealth—if not done with the intention of peace or Divinity, are misdirected.

Signs of intentional living:

• Reduced FOMO (fear of missing out)
  
• Confidence in holding onto peace
  
• Freedom from envy or intimidation when others have more possessions or status
  

Acting for something—with attachment to an outcome—signals escapism. Acting from peace reflects evolution.

Question 2 

With the reality of school shootings, how can one avoid living in constant fear?
How does one justify living in a country like this?

Vivekji’s Response 

Convert your tears into action—otherwise both your tears and your time are wasted.

Take responsibility for creating safety rather than waiting for others to do so. This may include:

• Donating to organizations that prevent gun violence
  
• Volunteering for school safety initiatives
  
• Partnering with policymakers to influence change
  

By doing something, fear diminishes.

“Do your best and leave the rest—but truly do your best so you can leave the rest.”

At a personal level, strengthen the family unit. Be close to loved ones. Hug your children a little tighter.

Question 3 

In Manah Śodhanam, why is there focus on purifying the mind rather than the intellect or other aspects?

Vivekji’s Response 

The spirit simply is—it performs no task. Among the remaining layers—body, mind, intellect, and ego—the ego is deeply unconscious.

Thus, our work begins with the body, mind, and intellect:

• Body – the worker
  
• Mind – the manager (adds likes/dislikes)
  
• Intellect – the supervisor (makes judgments)
  

Using an analogy:
When the worker (body) brings a burger, the manager (mind) colors it with preferences, sends it to the supervisor (intellect), who returns it. The manager further amplifies likes/dislikes before the worker acts again.

The first area of corruption is not the worker but the mind—because of our constant justification of likes and dislikes.

Therefore, Manah Śodhanam focuses on purifying the mind, which currently is loud, while the intellect is quiet. The goal is to reverse this balance.

Question 4 

I screamed when I saw a snake. I came back early from a wedding and felt upset.
Why do I get disturbed by such mundane things?

Vivekji’s Response 

We are disturbed because we rely on context to feel complete. We seek the “right” circumstances to experience wholeness.

While the right context may bring temporary satisfaction, it can never last. This is the nature of dvaita—duality—and the nature of creation is conflict.

Once we understand and accept this, we stop depending on context for completion—and thus, it no longer disturbs us.

When agitation arises, chant meaningfully—e.g., I am Joy or I am Peace—to anchor the mind. Without this, the mind will continue spinning. Chanting helps slow its motion.

Question 5 

I feel deeply disturbed by inhumane practices and suffering, and spiral into negative thoughts. How do I handle this?
I struggle to separate myself from it.

Vivekji’s Response 

All you can do is your best. We often look for exceptions, but the answer remains the same.

When you act responsibly, emotions like anger and fear will reduce or dissolve. Sadness may still arise, but there is a difference between grief and sadness.

When you find yourself caught in thought spirals, get out of your head through action—something physically productive such as washing dishes, doing laundry, or vacuuming.

The sooner you act, the healthier you’ll feel.

Closing Insight

Ideal Profession:Guidance Counselor
A reminder that our life’s work is to guide, support, and help others grow—through intentional action and inner clarity.