Host: Today, we are present here with Gurudev. You have seen in the past few episodes how Gurudev has been addressing the natural disasters unfolding across the world and the constant conflicts between humans. Faith, respect, devotion, and love—these human values are gradually disappearing. It feels as if we are sliding from civilization toward incivility. Gurudev is naturally very concerned. Today, we see that the worship of the Goddess Chandi is being performed here. Gurudev, what is the significance of this in the current global context?
Guru Shyama Khyapa: Indeed, there is no other way now. Look, when the demons—specifically Mahishasura—became too powerful in the past, the gods had to invoke the Goddess Durga. Similarly, we are performing Homa-Yagna (fire rituals) and reciting the Chandi Path so that the Mother may awaken and put an end to this global conflict. We are trying our best. It has happened before; when Mahishasura rose, everyone called upon Durga. Now, that time has come again. Only she can suppress these modern-day demons.
Host: I see that you are performing these rituals continuously. What is your advice to the general public? You mentioned performing Durga Puja in a previous episode as well.
Guru Shyama Khyapa: The problem is that many people are indifferent. They eat, drink, and sleep, thinking, "It's happening in another country, why should I care?" or "It's happening somewhere else, how does it affect me?" But the destruction is global. Recently, we've seen tears in the Mother's eyes. Anyone who visits me asks, "Why is Ma crying?" Even a young girl came this morning and said, "Father, the Mother is crying." What can I say? It is her creation that is being destroyed. Of course, she will weep.
Host: You previously advised people to turn towards spiritual practice. In the current situation, what do you see ahead?
Guru Shyama Khyapa: The situation is dire. I am performing these rituals, but I cannot do it alone. The world belongs to everyone. If everyone participates, it will be better. Nature is restless, and so are the "demons" of our time. We are being hit from two sides—nature on one side and human cruelty on the other. It may not have reached us yet, but look at our neighboring states and countries. It is terrifying. It is like a return to a primitive, wild civilization.
Guru Shyama Khyapa: What we are seeing on TV—the brutality, the inhumanity—it is frightening. One group is committing atrocities to show others, "If you do this, this will be your fate." It is pure barbarism. Look at what is happening across Afghanistan; it is total chaos. We have seen the cruelty of the Taliban before, and we are seeing it again.
Host: It seems nature is also very angry.
Guru Shyama Khyapa: Extremely angry. There was a massive earthquake in the Bay of Bengal recently. I have said before, and I will say it again: there will be a series of earthquakes, and they will be large. We won't be talking about 3 or 4 on the Richter scale; they will be much bigger. Entire villages could be wiped out. Then there are the flash floods and landslides in the mountains. Both our guardians—the Himalayas and the Sea—have become restless. The ice in Antarctica is melting at an alarming rate. This will lead to inevitable flooding. Nature will strike back at humanity, and it will be devastating.
Host: And then there is the talk of the "third wave" of the pandemic in October.
Guru Shyama Khyapa: Yes, they are talking about a third wave. Human civilization is being squeezed from all sides. People are losing their livelihoods. I predict that by December or January, another 50,000 people will lose their jobs. I hear people talking about suicide every day. They come to me and say, "I have no way out but death," or "Give me death." These are things I shouldn't have to hear, but people are desperate. They tell me they have no work and can't sustain themselves. It makes me wonder if humanity is heading toward its end—some dying of hunger, some by nature's wrath, and some by the hands of other humans.
Host: What about the role of the government?
Guru Shyama Khyapa: The government has become indifferent. They are busy with schemes like Bangalakshmi or Duare Sarkar (Government at your doorstep). That's as far as it goes. It reminds me of an old story about Lalu Prasad Yadav during a flood. He told the people, "Look, Mother Ganga has come to your doorstep, worship her," while the people were standing in waist-deep water. This is the kind of "cleverness" we see now. But you cannot achieve great things through mere cleverness. The government thinks they can just sail through this, but when the real crisis hits, their very existence will be at stake.
Guru Shyama Khyapa: People have become isolated. They only care about themselves and their immediate family—husband and wife. They don't even want to look after their parents. A girl came to me this morning saying her family is breaking apart because she doesn't want to live with her in-laws. I told her, "I won't do anything for you. If you can, go back and serve them." I try to educate people, but how much can one person do?
Host: You've made a very important point today. Just because the danger hasn't reached our door yet doesn't mean it won't. We must stay united and devoted.
Guru Shyama Khyapa: Yes, only the Mother can replenish what has been destroyed and make the Earth green and fertile again.
Narrator: (The Guru and his followers then begin a rhythmic, fast-paced Sanskrit chant/mantra of the Chandi Path, invoking various forms of the Goddess for protection and strength. The chanting continues until the end of the recording.)