The topic for the Hindi Satsang on Sunday, 13th January, 2013 was ‘Sanskaras.’ (Values)
Following is the transcript of the Q & A between the audience and Dr. Jayadeva Yogendra and Smt. Hansaji Yogendra.
Q. How do we know the difference between right and wrong?
Dr. J: There is no weighing scale available to measure that. A person has to think and decide for themselves.
Smt. H: Those things which increase your Klesas– Ego, attachment, hatred, selfishness, etc. are wrong. Those things which reduce Klesas are right. In any way, many times we realize the difference in right and wrong after mistakes have been made. At least learn from the mistakes. As long as we are on the path of progress, there is no fear. These days man is scared of making mistakes. Mistakes are going to occur. If you get slightly burnt when trying to make roti, it does not mean you stop making roti. Learn from the mistakes and find the solution.
Q. Don’t earlier days’ Sanskaras create problem in today’s world?
Dr. J: No. If a person has absorbed the Sanskaras, understood them, thought on them, believed in them, watched and observed others, if such work has been done then Sanskaras will help.
Smt. H: Sanskaras do not create any problems. The problem arises when we try to impose our Sanskaras (values) on others. When you expect others to think or behave in the same way or to change, that is where the mistake lies. In old times, there were a few Sanskaras that were wrong, like Dowry system, etc. But in these times, old and new Sanskaras do not matter. What appeals to you, and you find right for your personality, you can adopt.
Q. As you said, Sanskaras are learnt in childhood. But is it possible that we learn Sanskaras from our in-laws?
Dr. J: Any source is good enough. We have to learn and evaluate and then decide.
Smt. H: Why not? I will have to understand the Sanskaras of the home I marry into. I always tell girls that when they are marrying into a new family, they should leave all their old thinking behind. Start learning everything afresh. Majority of your life is now going to be spent in this house and it has to be according to the Sanskaras of this house. There is no question of comparison. And when we are in a learning state, there will never be a problem with in-laws.