Host:
Greetings to all from Shanti Kunja. I begin today's episode by bowing to the lotus feet of Bama-Mata. A warm welcome to those who are new to the "Gupta Sadhok Shyama Khyapa" YouTube channel, and I request our old friends to stay with us.
Host:
Many of you often comment that it feels strange to see unknown people sitting next to Gurudev in these episodes. Sometimes we have to do this because we believe it is for the welfare of people, and for no other reason. As you can see on the screen, a young gentleman is sitting with us. He is like a younger brother to us. He is not a disciple of Gurudev; he lives quite far away, in Bangladesh.
Host:
Our Gurudev is a man free from superstitions and communalism. He does not believe in sectarianism or discrimination. Every caste and nationality is equal to him. Every living being in this world exists at a single point for him. He believes that everyone is a child of God, and I believe that as well. In that context, let us hear from the young man sitting next to Gurudev.
Host:
Namaskar, brother. Could you please tell us your name?
Asif Mohammad:
I am Asif Mohammad, coming from Dhaka.
Host:
Asif Mohammad from Dhaka. We learned earlier that he is an Aeronautical Engineer who studied in the UK. I want to ask you first—being from a different faith (Muslim), while our Gurudev follows the Sanatana path—how did you come into Gurudev's presence or learn about him?
Asif Mohammad:
Actually, religion isn't the primary issue here. The main focus for those who practice or follow spirituality is to attain the vision or closeness of the Creator. If one thinks only within the boundaries of a specific religion, I don't believe that person has truly understood the essence of spirituality. I believe spirituality is like a vast ocean. If we get caught up in the differences between Hinduism, Islam, or other faiths, we will be deprived of many things. While researching these matters, I came across the teachings of Baba Bama Deb (Bama Khyapa). It was through the grace of Baba Bama Deb that I learned about Gurudev, through books and the internet.
Host:
We just heard your beautiful statement. Gurudev, you were saying from the start that you are a man free from superstition. We have seen proof of that today. We know there is much division and conflict in the world regarding religion. In that light, it is wonderful that you have brought all religions to a single point.
Gurudev:
Let him stay in his religion, and I will stay in mine. I have no objections. I won't tell him to join my religion. There is no need for that. Let him believe what he believes, and I will stay with what I believe. This way, there will be no quarrels or unrest. There won't be this "us vs. them" mentality—that he is Muslim, he is Hindu, or he is Parsi. Let people live in peace.
Host:
Both of your goals are to attain God.
Gurudev:
They have already attained God, you could say. Their mindset... after talking to him, I feel he has already seen God. There is nothing left. He calls Him "Allah"; I call Him "Bhagwan" or "Devata." What's the difference? Allah and our Bhagwan are the same.
Host:
Gurudev, it often surprises us that in today's world, where religious fanaticism is so prevalent, someone like him...
Gurudev:
Fanaticism is for those who are blind, those who haven't learned or been educated. He is educated. Why would he be communal? He has taken the essence from every religion and has come to me with that core truth. Based on his studies... I bless him to become a true human being. It doesn't matter that he is Muslim. I want him to succeed in his studies in Aeronautical Engineering. This is a subject I am very interested in. One of my own sons is studying it, and now I have met him, who is studying in the UK. It feels great to meet such a young man. Many people come here—from Dhaka, Barishal, Chittagong... a teacher from Chittagong came yesterday for initiation. People are coming, taking initiation, and leaving. I have no bias. He is a human being. He believes in Allah; I believe in my Deity. What is there to fight about?
Host:
Gurudev, we see many comments from people of different faiths on your YouTube channel.
Gurudev:
Let them say what they want. He is like my own son. What does Hindu or Muslim matter? I don't see those labels.
Host:
We have seen this repeatedly with you—you have a sense of equality. You see everyone with the same eyes.
Gurudev:
One should see everyone that way. I have performed spiritual practices (Sadhana). I didn't do Sadhana to spite others. I give him due respect for his education and his character. I bless him with all my heart. May he do well in his studies and have a great future. Let him bring honor to Bangladesh. He is a son of Bengal; let him brighten the name of his country.
Host:
We learned a lesson from him today—he brought all religions to one point. He says the essence of every religion is the same, but we have divided it.
Gurudev:
That is a matter of education. One who has wisdom will never say "I am Muslim" or "I am Hindu" in a divisive way. He will say, "I am a human." We are born to serve humanity.
Host:
(to Asif) Asif, what are your thoughts after hearing Gurudev?
Asif Mohammad:
What Gurudev said is the absolute truth. Regardless of our religion, we are all suffering. Suffering doesn't discriminate based on religion. It's not that a Muslim is in peace and a Hindu is in unrest. Suffering is the same for everyone. Therefore, liberation and the essence of religion are also the same. Differentiating based on outward labels is a result of ignorance. Once that ignorance is gone, all problems are solved. That is what Gurudev is trying to explain.
Gurudev:
Even the descendants of Kazi Nazrul Islam (the Rebel Poet) came here. They sat and ate with me. Their view is the same. Whether Hindu or Muslim, that is a question for the ignorant. All are the children of the same Mother. I don't believe in those divisions. Even if someone were to shoot me for it, I would still see him as my own son. I don't need to see if he is Hindu or Muslim.
Host:
You just love him as a human being, like a son.
Gurudev:
Yes, he is my son.
Host:
Friends, you were listening to a young man who studied in the UK and is going to pursue his PhD from the same university. Gurudev has blessed him fully, and on behalf of our temple, we welcome him. May your future be beautiful.
Host:
Pranam, Gurudev. Brother, I will say "Adab" or "Salam," whichever you prefer.
Gurudev:
Say whatever you feel. It's all the same.
Host:
We'll take our leave now. Pranam, Gurudev.
Gurudev:
Pranam, pranam.