Presenter:
Greetings, Gurudev. Greetings to everyone. Today, a very special person is sitting beside Gurudev. Those of us who are new might not recognize him, but all the old friends and companions who were with Gurudev on this long path of practice (sadhana) are coming forward one by one. We have introduced many of them to you. Today, sitting here with Gurudev is Bablu De. He has been a companion of Gurudev for over 20 years. We will hear some stories and events from those 20 years from him today. Sir, please tell us something.
Bablu De:
First, I offer my respects to Gurudev and Ma. In this pandemic situation, Gurudev has been constantly making efforts through this 'Mrityunjay Yoga' so that there isn't more loss of life. Now, let me say, I call Gurudev 'Shyamal Da.' Although I haven't taken initiation (diksha) from him, I have learned a lot from him in many ways. He has an ocean of knowledge which he has shared with us. We used to meet as friends. I first came to Shyamal Da about 21 years ago through someone named Subrata Bose. Since then, I have known him. Back then, there was no temple; there was a small 5x6 room where we used to sit and chat. We used to call it 'Shyamal Da's Club.' We used to eat and smoke cigarettes there. Perhaps Mother (the deity) didn't get the scent of incense but got the scent of cigarettes there! We used to sit in that tiny space with our knees tucked in, day after day. The devotees who came to Shyamal Da would stand on the road for hours outside that small room. Shyamal Da performed his spiritual practice (sadhana) here.
Bablu De:
Back then, the cremation ground wasn't this high. A lot of anti-social activities used to happen in this area. We saw Shyamal Da dealing with it. I used to see Shyamal Da in that small temple and the registrar's room at the cremation ground. We spent many days there until late in the evening. Shyamal Da has helped many people I brought here. I brought many respectable people here in their times of trouble, and he helped them as much as possible. I have witnessed many supernatural events. When my niece was first getting married, there were many obstacles. Shyamal Da asked us to do something, and he even came and did it himself. Within two months, her marriage was fixed. One day, some people came to see her for a proposal. They were well-established residents of Kolkata from Howrah. Shyamal Da suddenly came to my house and said, "Don't give her to these people, don't give her to them." He said it very clearly. He left immediately without even staying for tea. Later, when she got married, Shyamal Da insisted on being present. After the ceremony, we didn't even see where he went. He is quite unique.
Bablu De:
I was a witness to another thing. Subrata Bose's mother was a cancer patient for a long time. The doctors had given up. But Shyamal Da didn't. She lived for almost 22 more years. When she got older, she passed away normally. She had said, "I won't take any medicine as long as Shyamal Da is there," and she didn't. Even the doctors said it was remarkable. She lived in my neighborhood; she was a very good lady. When this temple started, I was involved. Shyamal Da would tell me if there was any trouble. I have been visiting his family for a long time. Shyamal Da has also visited my house many times, including my father-in-law's house in Berhampore.
Bablu De:
Recently, I moved to a flat near Phari. I invited Shyamal Da, and he came. He told me, "I have done what was needed; there is nothing to fear." When my grandson had his first rice-eating ceremony (Annaprasan), Shyamal Da cooked the rice pudding (payesh) himself and fed him the first grain. We have immense faith in him. We know that if we are in trouble, even if no one else is there, Shyamal Da will be. My one request to those who are coming here and taking initiation is: take initiation, but also take the education (shiksha) from him. Without learning his teachings, initiation has no value. He knows so much. If people learn from him, they will realize he is watching over them. I have always met him as a friend. Many great people have come here, but we were there for the chats—tea and cigarettes. That was our thing. I told Shyamal Da at the beginning, "Leave the flat and build a house. You have so many followers; you need space." Every morning, there is such a crowd of 150 people. It's natural for a 76-year-old man to hear the same problems every day. There might be some lapses, but I told him, "Look, in current times, everyone is in trouble—rich and poor alike." People's aspirations have grown so much that parents want their children to always be first in class, even in Kindergarten.
Bablu De:
I see people bringing these complaints to Shyamal Da too. One parent was worried that their son in Class 1 wasn't studying properly! I tell those who come here: take his blessings and tell Ma your desires. He has never turned anyone away. People come from Japan and England. Even 30 to 35 doctors come here because they see his honesty. It's written in this temple: "Don't give a single penny." He gives so much to people without taking anything in return. I have seen this honesty for 22 years. Many have found relief from their troubles here, but you must have faith and lead a disciplined life.
Bablu De:
Shyamal Da comes here and rests for only two hours until 8:00 PM. Earlier, he used to stay until midnight. Now that he is older, he needs rest. To the followers watching on YouTube: please have patience. Many people lack it. If you inform him beforehand by phone, it would be easier for him. Many famous people come here secretly, but he doesn't mention them. They come with immense faith. Even when doctors say a patient won't survive, Shyamal Da says, "Surgery will happen, just let me know at that time," and many have recovered. I request Shyamal Da to keep doing this for the people. This is your religion and your duty. In this pandemic, may people be saved. A terrible Delta variant has been found in Kerala. People should be disciplined and avoid crowds. Don't just look at your own interest; be socially responsible. I ask Shyamal Da to save people from this situation. Offering my respects, I end my speech.
Presenter:
Now, I will ask Gurudev a few things. Gurudev, the person sitting beside you spoke so well. We were listening intently.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
He is highly educated. He came when I was practicing. I didn't turn him away. He comes, we chat, have tea and cigarettes like friends. There's no "Gurudev" formality between us. He is an educated man and has helped many people, especially with health issues. If someone can't get admitted to a hospital, he gets them admitted. He was very close to Jyoti Basu and Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, and still is. He still goes to Alimuddin Street regularly. His nature is completely different from others. Many CPM members come here, and though they might not believe in God, Bablu Da is different. In 22 years, I've only seen him helping people. He even helps people financially, which I cannot do. I might give some sacred soil for healing, but Bablu Da spends his own money to help the truly poor. He has great connections with hospitals and can get anyone admitted anytime. This is a great contribution to society.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
He agrees with me, and I do what I can. Many big leaders come here secretly, and Bablu Da knows about it, but it's better not to say names. I have found a truly good friend in him, which is rare. Our friendship will remain as long as I live.
Presenter:
So, viewers, you heard from a friend of Gurudev today. We have brought the words of many companions to you. Today, a companion of 22 years, Bablu De, spoke about his relationship with Gurudev. Please share your valuable comments and suggestions with us. We want to improve our daily videos, so let us know your thoughts. Respects to Gurudev.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Blessings to all.
Spiritual Insight
Bablu De's testimony reveals the human side of Guru Shyama Khyapa—a friend who chats over tea, helps the needy get hospital admission, and performs miracles without seeking recognition. This 22-year journey from the small 5x6 room at the cremation ground to the present temple shows that true spiritual bonds transcend formal guru-disciple relationships. Gurudev's work extends beyond spiritual healing to genuine social service, supported by devoted friends like Bablu De who serve humanity alongside him.