Swami Answers Devotees' Questions

[An online spiritual discussion was conducted on February 21, 2021, in which several devotees participated. Some of the questions of devotees answered by Swāmi are given below.]

1. Is it a sin to bribe a corrupt officer to prevent our land from being illegally occupied?

[Kum. Thrylokya asked: Is it a sin to bribe a corrupt government officer to protect our own land from being illegally occupied by others? Otherwise, in the real estate business, it is possible that others may bribe that officer in order to help them occupy our land illegally.]

Swāmi replied: In such a case, it is not a sin. A sin done to prevent other sins is not a sin at all. In the Mahābhārata war, Kṛṣṇa followed this policy, at every step. The end justifies the means. Sometimes, justice has to be protected by unjust means also.

2. How can we overcome the delay in having children due to the defect of unsatisfied ancestors (pitá¹› doá¹£a)?

[A question asked by Smt. Sistla Yashaswi.]

Swāmi replied: Pitá¹› doá¹£a, is the defect arising as a result of giving pain and suffering to one’s living parents and not one’s departed ancestors. Once the soul leaves the body, it has no connection with the souls here. If you regard your parents highly, keep them happy and listen to their words, the sin of pitá¹› doá¹£a gets removed.

3. Do preserved foods increase the quality of tamas in us?

[Śrī Bharath Krishna asked: Swami! I have learnt from You that eating food preserved for a long time leads to an increase in tāmasic qualities. Does this also apply to food items preserved with some chemical preservatives, pickles and deep-fried snacks?]

Swāmi replied: Eating freshly prepared food while it is still warm is the best food, even according to medical science. Food preserved for a long time always has the possibility of bacterial contamination, which can lead to several diseases. Due to illness, the brain becomes dull and such dullness is tamas.