Speaker 1 (Interviewer):
Pronam, Gurudev.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Pronam, my son. Pronam.
Speaker 1:
Everyone wants to know how your physical health is doing right now.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I am doing quite well now, following the doctor's advice. Today, the catheter has been removed, and I have been asked to observe how things go. I need to update the doctor; I have already updated him twice since this morning, and I will do so once more tonight. If everything is fine after three updates, then another catheter may not be necessary. The operation will certainly take place, likely around the 2nd or 3rd of next month. Those who went abroad are all returning on the 27th, so the operation will be scheduled after that. I am arranging the fundsâthey quoted a package of 70,000 rupees. Everything is on track. What else?
Speaker 1:
So, your physical condition is okay, but you still feel some weakness?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, the weakness persists.
Speaker 1:
Are you experiencing any breathing difficulties at the moment?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Not currently. However, if I feel any discomfort, I use oxygen. It's kept ready. Five to seven minutes of oxygen makes me feel better.
Speaker 1:
A question has been on my mind that I'd like to ask: Gurudev, have you been a devotee of God since your childhood?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Well, our home is in Vachaspati Para. Many Brahmins have come from this neighborhood. We are originally Vachaspatis, not Bhattacharyas. My father was Kanai Lal Vachaspati, and my grandfather was Haricharan Vachaspati. I am Shyamal Vachaspati.
Speaker 1:
Was "Vachaspati" a title given by a Zamindar (landlord)?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, it was a title. My grandfather served in the landlord's court, and he received this title, which he used. Later, from my father's time, it changed to Bhattacharya. But essentially, we are Vachaspatisâpeople close to Lord Narayan and Lakshmi. You could say that. No one taught me; after my sacred thread ceremony (Poita), coming from a very poor familyâextremely poorâmy father worked in a private bank. But he lost that job, and my father became helpless. We saw his struggle, and eventually, he passed away. My father was a blind devotee of Lord Krishna. He wouldn't return home before 11 PM until he finished Kirtan. Every day, there would be Kirtan at one house or anotherâthis was back in the day in Sharshatala. Things weren't like they are now. We used gas lights, Day-lights, and Hazak lights. Carbide lights were also used for various activities. That's where it all began for me. I was also a Krishna devotee at first. But after my father's death, I became somewhat disillusioned. My father was such a devoted Krishna follower, yet he spent his final two days in a coma before passing away. I felt a sense of anger toward Krishna. A deep anger. When I began my spiritual practice (Sadhana), I decided I wouldn't follow Krishna Bhajana; instead, I would pursue Dashmahavidya. There was no one to teach me then. I started performing Pujas from the age of 11. I used to accompany my father to perform Durga Puja; he would perform the rituals, and I would assist with the Tantradharak duties. I used to watch the deities all night and often fall asleep while sitting there, for which I'd get scolded by my father. I didn't have much to say; my father performed the Pujas himself. I just helped with small tasks like lighting incense or lamps. But during those times, I'd sleep quite well! I remember getting in trouble for it. People truly respected and loved the Pujas back then. On the day of the Shinni (sweet offering), many houses were visited. I remember waiting with a bowl for the Shinni for two or three hours until the Puja finished. It took at least two-and-a-half to three hours. There were four or five houses where Shinni was offered every full moon. I would wait with my bowl to bring the Shinni home. It was served in small portions, and everyone at home would share it as Prasad. This was a regular occurrence. Then there was Harinam Sankirtan and Hariloot (throwing sweets). I remember sweets being thrown at the Tulsi altar during Kirtan, and everyone would scramble to collect them. These are memories I can never forget. We weren't taught; we learned bit by bit on our own. I eventually took initiation (Diksha) from Ramnath Bhattacharya of Bhatpara. He was our family guru. When I started Tantra Sadhana at a young age, I told my Gurudev. He said he didn't know much about it as he was a college lecturer, but he encouraged me and said he would help however he could. That made me very happy. My first visit was to Tarapith. I started my Japa (meditation) there, but I didn't get a vision of the Mother. Then I met a young boy who had cancer. He asked me what I was doing, and I told him I was doing Japa. He said, "That won't work. To reach the Mother, you must first practice Vamdev Sadhana. If you find Vamdev, he might even initiate you. Seek him out, take initiation, and then your Tara Sadhana will quickly bear fruit." He was a young boy from Armlokhi's MokshuddiâBabul's Mokshuddi was quite famous then. He didn't eat regular food; I saw him eating the soil of the cremation ground. He lived for a long time.
Speaker 1:
Right.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Anyway, what else should I say?
Speaker 1:
So, that transition from Krishna Bhajana to Tantra Sadhana...
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Later on, Krishna became a part of it. Through Tantra, I found GopalâGopal Tantra. I began practicing Gopal Tantra, which is a part of Tantra. I brought a Gopal deity, established it, made a swing (Dola), and used to feed him and swing him. Kali and Tara were also there. Kali was made of clay, as was Tara. I realized then that there is no difference between Kali and Krishna; they are the same. My father had written many songs...
Speaker 1:
You mentioned he wrote many songs and composed music.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, a great many. In one place, I read: "Krishna-Kali at the foot of the Kadamba tree, with a flute in hand and a sword in the other." I realized then that I was perhaps on the right path. I found him again in PuriâLord Jagannath. I realized He is Krishna himself. I began visiting the Jagannath Temple regularly and learned that He is a great Tantrik. Without His blessing, one cannot truly practice Tantra or even call themselves a Tantrik. You must carry the name He gives you. I realized this clearly. I visited Puri many timesâ30 or 40 timesâand spent days at the temple. I can tell you exactly where every stone and carving is inside the Jagannath Temple.
Speaker 1:
You've visited so often. Today, as a major event is happening at the Khidirpur Jagannath Temple, the organizers had invited Gurudev. But as you know, due to his health, he couldn't go. They called again yesterday, wishing to honor him and wanting him there. But Gurudev isn't quite strong enough for us to take him.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I don't know what Sri Madhav's (Jagannath's) wish is. As I always say, nothing happens without His will. Sri Madhav gave me this title: "Gupta Sadhak Shyakapa." They are releasing a book called Bhabishya Malika in Bengali. They want me to inaugurate it. They said they couldn't find anyone else and that it was Vasudeva's (Jagannath's) instruction to choose me. I told them about my condition, but they said if Madhav wishes, He can take me there. The catheter has been removed now, so let's see. If I can go, I will, but the weakness is still a problem. Everything depends on His will. I have received much regarding Bhabishya Malika from Mr. Pavan Kumar. I even printed and distributed copies to people at a nominal costâjust 25 rupees for the paper and printing. There is still a huge demand for it. People call me from all over asking if the book is available. If I go to the Khidirpur temple, I will definitely get a copy. I have that right. Pavan Kumar-ji told me that Lord Jagannath can take me there if He wishes. We shall see; there are still a few days left. If I go on the 26th, there is time. Let's see if I feel strong enough.
Speaker 1:
Well, listeners, you heard how Gurudev has been drawn to God since his childhood, a path he followed from his father. We have included a link in the description for more information about Gurudev. Please check that out to learn more. Gurudev, Pronam. We will end here for now. May you stay healthy and well.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
The link... which one?
Speaker 1:
Yes, the link is in the description.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Good. May you all stay healthy and well. Pronam.
Speaker 1:
Pronam, Gurudev.