Host:
Dear friends, on this beautiful spring afternoon in Shantikunj, I offer my pranams (respects) to Ma Bamacharan as we begin today's episode. Welcome to those new to the Gupta Sadhak Shyama Khyapa YouTube channel, and thank you to our long-time friends for staying with us.
Host:
Pranam, Gurudev.
Gurudev:
Pranam, my son.
Host:
Gurudev, we are currently navigating a very difficult time. I want to discuss a specific problem with you today. People today—whether elderly or young—are suffering from a deep sense of loneliness. How is this loneliness developing, and what is the solution?
Gurudev:
The biggest issue, you see, is that society has broken into pieces. The days of living together in joint families are gone. Now, it's like a bird's nest—just a flat for the father, mother, and children. There's no room for anyone else. This is a major cause of loneliness.
Gurudev:
Perhaps a son gets a good job offer and moves far away, or a spouse passes away. Loneliness sets in automatically. If this loneliness persists for a long time, people can lose their sanity or develop neurological problems that require medical attention.
Gurudev:
I've also seen men and women who, out of loneliness, get involved in problematic activities that lead to police trouble and legal battles. You have to understand that an idle brain often gravitates toward negative thoughts.
Gurudev:
Loneliness is becoming more acute as time goes on. I've seen cases where a child dies in an accident, or a spouse passes away, leaving the survivor completely isolated. It is hard to fathom how much this brings a person down until you discuss it. We see it all the time. Many people come to this temple suffering from the disease of loneliness.
Host:
Yes, Gurudev, we've seen people come here in despair. I remember a mother whose son died while mountain climbing. she was weeping uncontrollably. She was a well-off lady with a good job, but she left everything and stayed home, nearly losing her mind.
Gurudev:
That's true. Others have come to me crying, and I've tried to give them strength and solutions. One woman lost her 21-year-old son in an accident and felt she couldn't go on. I talked to her at length. Now, she spends her time traveling to holy places—Kedarnath, Amarnath, Pashupatinath. She is trying to ensure her son finds a good rebirth and has even visited Pushkar.
Gurudev:
The Swamis in Pushkar know me well. I sent her there, and she's traveling and finding peace. Her mind is no longer on worldly affairs. She realized she must call upon God; that this is God's play. She comes here almost every other day to serve the Mother (the Goddess). This service helps her escape the loneliness.
Gurudev:
Sometimes, loneliness comes because a husband is unfaithful, leading to a wife's detachment from the household. I hear many such unfortunate stories. I see people who have to take medication every single day just to cope with being alone.
Host:
We've also seen people who were very successful and active in their careers, but once they retire, they fall into a deep pit of loneliness.
Gurudev:
Exactly. Loneliness comes in many forms. People cannot endure it for long. It leads to health issues or legal trouble. If you don't end up at the doctor's office, you might end up at the police station due to some misguided action.
Gurudev:
I have one primary solution: People should turn toward "Dharma." By Dharma, I mean living an unselfish life. Do something for others without expecting anything in return. Serve God by serving humanity. That is the essence of Sanatana Dharma—serving God through people.
Gurudev:
If people feel they have achieved much and taken a lot from society, they should realize it is now time to give back. Help an orphan, support the sick, or join an organization dedicated to service. Engaging in these activities helps banish loneliness.
Gurudev:
In the end, God is the only true companion. Call upon Him. Cooperation with the Divine helps pass the time and prevents negative thoughts from clouding the mind.
Host:
When you say "staying with God," you don't necessarily mean just chanting or meditation, right? Serving His creation is also a way.
Gurudev:
Absolutely. Selfless service is a way to stay connected. Without it, loneliness will consume you. I see many parents left alone because their only child has moved abroad or doesn't care to look after them.
Gurudev:
This loneliness is dangerous. To overcome it, one must seek God's help. There is no other way. Nanya Pantha Vidyate'yanaya (There is no other path). Call upon God with a pure heart. It will only benefit you. It keeps the "suicidal tendency" away.
Gurudev:
I tell people: suicide is a great sin; it leads to a dark destination. Who belongs to whom in this world? As the old Baul song says: "Who are you, and who belongs to you? Do not weep in vain." You came into this world alone, and you will leave alone. No one goes with you. The only way to bridge that loneliness is to build a relationship with the Divine. It fills your time and your heart.
Host:
Friends, you were listening to Gurudev's beautiful discussion on loneliness—how it arises and how to solve it. He explained it in such simple, profound language. I hope this helps you.
Host:
Pranam, Gurudev.
Gurudev:
Pranam.