Host:
Salutations, Gurudeb.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, blessings to you.
Host:
Today, before we begin our topic on the YouTube channel "Gupto Sadhok Shyama Khyapa," I would like to inform our friends that next Sunday, March 1st, Gurudeb will be on Facebook Live from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM. You can speak with him directly and ask your questions during that time.
Host:
Gurudeb, the topic I would like to ask you about today is "Brahmacharya." Could you please tell us something about it?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Ah, "Brahma." The meaning of this word is vast. Brahma is Swayambhu—self-born. Just as the twelve Jyotirlingas are self-born, our Brahma originates from within and resides within. Those who possess the knowledge of Brahma (Brahma-gyan) often do not even realize they have attained it.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
In our childhood, Brahmacharya is practiced among Brahmins during the sacred thread ceremony (Upanayana). A Brahmin boy must stay in a dark room for three days, away from sunlight. He must not see the face of any woman except his mother. He must not eat food prepared by others; if he can cook for himself, that is best. At that young age, the mother usually prepares simple, unsalted food for him. This is a significant practice.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
In our Puranas, you must have heard of Hanuman. He was a great Mahabali and a complete Brahmagyani. When Hanuman reached the gates of Lanka, he encountered Maa Chamunda (Maa Kali), who was guarding the city for Ravana. When she saw Hanuman, she recognized him as a true Brahmagyani. Goddess Kali has immense respect for the state of Brahma. Wherever Brahmacharya is practiced, the Mother Herself protects that space.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
When Brahma is awakened or practiced, the sun cannot harm that person. Fire cannot burn Brahma, and water cannot drench or weaken it. Such is the power of Brahma. This is why Brahmins or those initiated stay away from the sun for three days. The sun has twelve kalas (aspects), but Brahma has sixteen. Brahma is complete (Paripurna).
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Nowadays, these rules are often ignored. People look at the sun and others' faces on the very day of the ceremony. However, true initiation requires following these rituals because the boy is being called "Brahma" from that moment. Since he lacks the knowledge yet, the rituals are meant to sustain that energy.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
In the story of Hanuman, Maa Chamunda left her post and gave him way because of his purity. She respects the practice of Brahmacharya so much that she "fences" the area where it is practiced to ensure no harm comes to the practitioner.
Host:
Gurudeb, are there specific scriptural readings required during this time?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, certainly. There are chapters in the Bhagavad Gita regarding the practice of Brahmacharya. It details everything from diet to self-control. One must avoid excess salt, sour foods, and spicy foods. The practitioner should ideally cook their own food and eat only havishyanna (pure, boiled vegetarian food).
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
If a person understands Brahma and then experiences its awakening, they gain immense control. It is said that a Brahmagyani can later lead a worldly life and even father children, but only after mastering this state. Even Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa confirmed this—that a person who has attained Brahma can participate in the world without losing their spiritual essence.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
However, the path is extremely difficult. If one slips even slightly, the practice is ruined. One must follow every rule with absolute precision. This is why a guide or Guru is essential to explain the nuances of Brahmacharya.
Host:
Is attaining "Brahmatva" (the state of Brahma) a matter of perception or realization?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
It cannot be perceived by the ordinary mind. Brahma is unmanifest (avyakta). One might not even know they have it. Consider the musk deer: when the scent matures in its navel, the deer runs everywhere searching for the source of the smell, not realizing it is within itself. Similarly, when Brahma is awakened, a person may enter a state of "divine madness" (Unmada). In this state, they see Brahma everywhere. They might see a dog eating and see the Divine in it. For them, there is no distinction between a dog, a jackal, or a human. They see the same Brahma in everyone. This is the state of Sarvam Khalvidam Brahma (All this is indeed Brahma).
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Covering this distance is very difficult. Some lose their sanity, much like the musk deer.
Host:
I want to ask about two terms: "Brahma-shaap" (Brahma's curse) and "Brahma-tej" (Brahma's power).
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
If a true Brahmin—and by that, I mean someone who has attained the power of Brahma—curses someone, that curse is irreversible. It never fails. Look at Karna; he had the Brahmastra, but it failed him when he needed it due to a curse.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
As for Brahma-tej, it is the final authority. Whatever a person with this power speaks, it becomes reality. There is no room for error. Such people usually live very simply.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
There is a story about Sri Ramakrishna. Once, an eccentric man with great spiritual power was being harassed by a crowd. When Ramakrishna saw him, he recognized the Brahma-tej in him. He told the crowd, "Do not hit him, do not chase him; he is Brahma!" The man was acting like a madman, but Ramakrishna saw the divine light within him.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
In summary, the state of Brahma is one where the sun cannot burn you, water cannot drown you, and fire cannot touch you. That is the essence of Brahma.
Host:
Gurudeb, we have heard many valuable insights from you today regarding Brahma and Brahmacharya. We pray for your good health. Friends, please subscribe to our channel "Gupto Sadhok Shyama Khyapa" and share Gurudeb's valuable words with your friends and family. In today's era of civilizational crisis, we believe his guidance is vital for society.
Host & Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Pronam.