Ask the Swami

These questions are answered by Swami Satyamayananda. If you have a question for the Swami, please email it to society@vedanta-seattle.org.

How can the mind know infinity, because the mind is finite?

ANSWER: If the finite mind claims that it has known infinity, then that infinity has already become finite. The ancient sages said, “No, it cannot be known the way you know things. It has to be known differently.” There is … Continue reading

Posted: September 13th, 2010

How can we become immortal?

ANSWER: Once you know the truth about yourself, what happens? You know that you are immortal. One ancient sage of India, said, “I have come to know that something, that truth, which is beyond all ignorance.” And, “I have come … Continue reading

Posted: September 13th, 2010

What does Brahman mean?

ANSWER:  It means “greater than the greatest.” And those who had come to know this truth sometimes said that it was not just greater than the greatest, it was smaller that the smallest as well.

Posted: September 13th, 2010

Where is God?

ANSWER: Even though God is equally present everywhere, He is not equally visible in every person or place. To explain, think of four light bulbs of 100 watts each. When turned on, each one will give the same amount of … Continue reading

Posted: September 13th, 2010

What does Vedanta depend on?

ANSWER: Vedanta depends on truth. Its foundation is truth. And its goal is also truth. A person can throw away, leave or abandon something that is extraneous to him or herself. But what forms the very core of a person’s … Continue reading

Posted: September 13th, 2010

Does Vedanta depend on any holy book in particular?

ANSWER: Even though there are some holy books, Vedanta does not depend on any particular holy book. It depends upon truth itself, the truth about us. This message has been given by many; and has have been recorded in books. … Continue reading

Posted: September 13th, 2010

Is Vedanta atheistic or theistic?

ANSWER: It is both. It is atheistic. At the same time it is theistic. You can’t place it under either category. Even a die-hard atheist can be accommodated by Vedanta, and can be given the right kind of teachings to … Continue reading

Posted: September 13th, 2010

Does Vedanta have a founder?

ANSWER: We assume that all religions must have founders. And all the major religions of the world, except one, do have founders. Jesus Christ is the founder of Christianity; Prophet Mohamed is the founder of Islam; and Gautama Buddha is … Continue reading

Posted: September 13th, 2010