Host:
Greetings, Gurudev.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Greetings, my son.
Host:
Gurudev, today, sitting beside you is the same doctor who was with us before.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, greetings, Doctor.
Host:
Last time, he gave a wonderful speech regarding the coronavirus. Today, he will speak on the same topic. Doctor, please tell us what questions you'll be addressing today.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Well, my main point is that as this COVID situation and the vaccination drive continue, I have a few questions. Doctors are constantly dealing with these matters. So, I want to ask him: which vaccine is better? Should we take it or not? There is a lot of talk—some say it must be taken every year, some say it isn't working even after taking it, and that people are still dying. We are ignorant; we don't know much. Since you are experts, it would be good if you could explain this so people can understand.
Doctor:
Detailed explanations are available in several places. Currently, three or four vaccines are available on the market. None of them are "bad" compared to the others. Let me give a small example: the Mayor of Boston in the U.S. conducted a survey where they found the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines to be the most effective. They weren't as keen on Johnson & Johnson or Sputnik. In Boston, they ended up administering only Pfizer and Moderna. However, the explanation is that a vaccine's efficacy is proven based on many factors, such as how many people it was tested on and at what temperature. Is the vaccine suitable for that specific climate and temperature? In my personal opinion, no vaccine is bad. We will see the results over time. Since the vaccination drive has just begun, doctors don't have a massive amount of data yet. In the future, we will see that the efficacy of all these vaccines is quite similar; there isn't a massive difference.
Doctor:
For instance, many of us have taken Covishield; I have also taken both doses of Covishield. There was some reluctance among Indians regarding Covaxin. However, the U.S. government and researchers are now saying that Covaxin is one of the best vaccines in the world. They are saying that as the coronavirus changes its form day by day—some of which are quite dangerous—Covaxin is working brilliantly against them.
Doctor:
Actually, the issue is that we often don't like home-cooked food. We don't appreciate our simple rice and lentils, but we love eating hotel food on the street. It's like a child who won't eat a paratha made at home but will happily eat a roll from a street stall, even if it's fried in old oil, just because it's tasty. Our situation as Indians is similar; we often don't value our own products but love foreign things.
Doctor:
I believe everyone should get vaccinated. Those who have major health complications or multiple diseases should consult their doctor before getting vaccinated to avoid any issues.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I also say that you should get your health checked first and then take the vaccine.
Doctor:
Exactly. If you have any doubts, call your local doctor or the health helpline. Ask them, "I have these specific diseases; can I take this vaccine?" This will clear your doubts. You must remember that the more people get vaccinated, the further we move away from the coronavirus.
Doctor:
Consider this: last year in Delhi, many doctors, nurses, and paramedic staff passed away. But that isn't happening this time because they are all vaccinated. People also have a natural question: will we get COVID even after being vaccinated? It is possible, but it won't be fatal. You might have a fever, cough, or cold, but it likely won't affect your lungs severely. This is because the vaccine helps the body produce antibodies. By the time the virus enters your bloodstream, your body's antibodies will destroy it. So, it's better to set aside your doubts and get vaccinated.
Doctor:
Don't judge based on isolated incidents, like someone dying of COVID after being vaccinated. Those cases are mathematically negligible—less than 0.01%. You should look at the 99.99% of people who are safe.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
That's true, but people are influenced by what they hear, what's in the news, and what they see on TV channels. We rely on that. You doctors are our hope. I tell everyone: go to a doctor first, and if they say it's okay, then take the vaccine.
Host:
Doctor, you mentioned earlier that one should know their existing conditions before taking the vaccine. Since you are here at Shantibunj today, could you give a message about who should not take the vaccine?
Doctor:
It's not quite like that, but complications can arise. Today, many people have chronic diseases like hypertension, hyperglycemia, or hyperthyroidism. We need to see if their body is ready for vaccination. For example, if a patient's sodium or potassium levels have dropped, giving them a vaccine—which is a high dose—might cause dizziness, fever, or rashes. These are complications. The doctor treating the patient should make the decision. It's not right for us to make a blanket statement because it varies from person to person. We encourage vaccination and never discourage it, but the decision of whether a person is capable of taking it should be made by their personal physician.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I asked my family doctor if I should take the vaccine, and he told me not to take it just yet. He said he would let me know when the time was right. I asked if I was fit for it, and he said he would tell me when to take it and that he would personally administer it. I went to him yesterday to clear my doubts because I am older now. He mentioned that another vaccine, perhaps Sputnik, is coming and that it would be better for me.
Doctor:
Yes, vaccines have different types. Most require two doses, but Johnson & Johnson is a one-shot vaccine. Their efficacy is all similar.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
It's a blessing that a medicine has been developed and is being given to people during this crisis.
Doctor:
I want to tell everyone one more thing: if you have a fever, cold, or cough, or if you lose your sense of taste or smell, get an RT-PCR test on day one. Don't wait. In a country like India, RT-PCR reports don't always come back in 24 hours; sometimes it takes 90 hours. If you test on day one and get the report after 90 hours, doctors still have time to start treatment. But if you wait until day three to test and then get the report 90 hours later, it might be too late. So, stay alert, stay well, and help others stay well. If you have any doubts, get tested immediately and consult a doctor.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
In the past, they said you could get COVID just by touching someone. Is it still the same?
Doctor:
Yes, and this year is even more severe and devastating. Last year, if one person in a house got it, the other five might not. This year, if one person gets it, all five members of the family are getting infected, and it's very serious.
Host:
That's not happening in every house. In my neighborhood, I saw one person get it but the other four members didn't. How does that happen?
Doctor:
That's due to their immunity levels. It's like Tuberculosis—an old disease. You'll see one person getting it while someone eating right next to them doesn't. Why? It's the body's immunity. Also, there's a misconception: some cases are asymptomatic. Someone might have the infection but show no symptoms, so they don't get tested. In a country like India, a test costs 950 rupees, though it's free in government facilities. Because we are a relatively poor country, people might not have the means to test all five family members. So, unless someone actually falls ill, they don't go to the doctor or get tested. They just assume they are negative.
Host:
So, Doctor, your message from Shantibunj is that everyone should get vaccinated.
Doctor:
Exactly. Everyone should get vaccinated and stay healthy. In my opinion, if we vaccinate on a mass scale, we can overcome this. People need to be aware. It's not just about what political leaders or the government do; people must wake up themselves. If people take the vaccine now, even if there is a third wave next year, their immunity will be stronger. It will be like a common flu or cold. Remember, Americans take a flu shot every year in September or October to prevent influenza. I don't know if such a shot will be necessary here in the future, but once people's immunity grows, this will become a common illness rather than the deadly one it is today.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
It's happening so suddenly. People are fine one moment, and then suddenly they have COVID without any symptoms.
Host:
Gurudev, the doctor has advised everyone to take the vaccine. What do you say?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I cannot go against a doctor's advice. They are like gods. We call our mothers the second god, but doctors are the first. I tell everyone: go to a doctor first. We come in much later. We must accept science first, then spirituality. If a doctor says they can't do anything more for a patient, then bring them to us, and we will try. But we should never ignore doctors. To ignore or disobey doctors is very harmful to society.
Host:
Usually, when we are sick, we go to a doctor first.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
As it should be. Only when a doctor says they can't diagnose the problem do we suggest coming to us. People should follow the doctor's advice to the letter.
Host:
So friends, you heard the discussion between Gurudev and the doctor. They both urge everyone to get vaccinated.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I'll tell you, I'm actually a bit scared now. During the previous wave, I never wore a mask; I didn't feel the need. But this time, I feel it's necessary, so I am wearing one. I didn't wear one before, but now I feel there's something wrong. And as I've told you before, 2021 is beyond my power. I can't do anything about it.
Host:
Well, it was a wonderful discussion today. I hope our viewers find it helpful.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, it was. Greetings, Doctor.
Doctor:
Greetings.
Spiritual Insight
Guru Shyama Khyapa demonstrates profound wisdom by bridging the gap between science and spirituality. His respect for medical expertise—calling doctors "the first god"—teaches us that true spiritual practice never contradicts scientific knowledge. In times of pandemic, his message is clear: trust medical science, consult your doctors, and take the vaccine when advised. This harmonious integration of healing traditions offers a path of wisdom for navigating modern challenges.