Mag Corner
The Eternal Principles: An interview with Sunandaji
S
By: Meredith Forder
unandaji is the daughter-disciple of international philosopher and author A. Parthasarathy. Under his guidance, Sunandaji has been studying and researching the ancient philosophy of Vedanta for over three decades. Sunandaji’s clear and powerful presentations have been acclaimed by prestigious universities and organisations around the world, including the Young Presidents’ Organisation. We had the privilege of asking Sunandaji some questions: What is Vedanta? Is it a religion? Vedanta is the ancient philosophy of life and living. It presents the eternal principles and explains the meaning and purpose of our existence in the world. Vedanta is a knowledge that trains you to think for yourself. To analyse, investigate and realise the Truth about life. Ultimately, the knowledge of Vedanta leads you to the highest goal of spiritual Enlightenment. Download Our App
What is the best way to deal with life’s problems? There is only one problem in life and that is a weak intellect. All problems can be solved with a strong intellect. The intellect is like a muscle, it has to be developed by oneself. My father and guru, Swami Parthasarathy, through years of deep study and research, has written books and founded the Vedanta Academy which runs continuous three-year residential, and online courses wholly dedicated and designed to strengthen the intellect. Relationship problems abound in the modern world. What is the cause and how can authenticity and connection be restored? Problems in relationships arise because of the deadly trait of attachment. Attachment is opposed to love. Where one looks into one’s personal interest rather than that of another. Attachment is rooted in self-centredness, selfishness. Whereas love is based on selflessness and sacrifice. You would need a powerful intellect to control, govern and not let the mind slip into such attachment. What do you consider most important for today’s youth to be aware of? Thinking is generally considered a natural process like seeing, hearing or breathing. The youth must understand that to develop the faculty of thinking, reasoning you need MARCH I 2019
to devote as much time and effort to it as you would to learning any other art or skill. Your life is devoted to the study and propagation of Vedanta. What inspires you? The virtue of selflessness, the power of truth, the grandeur of duty is a fountainhead of inspiration. What do you do for enjoyment during your free time? True and constant enjoyment lies in doing what ought to be done. Moment to moment, experience to experience. Having learned that lesson early has made life truly enjoyable. What is the best advice you have received? Serve. Love. Learn and realise your Self. Invest in Yourself Sunandaji will be in Australia in 2020 for a 3-day Retreat designed to help you gain success and happiness in everything you do.
Register your interest: www.vedanta.org.au Get social: • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ vedantaperth • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ vedantaperth www.DesiAustralia.com
32
