Guru Purnima Celebrations at Shantikunj: Gathering of Devotees

Interviewer: Greetings, viewers. Today is Guru Purnima. Sage Vedavyasa was born to Rishi Parashara and Satyavati. He was the one who compiled the four Vedas and composed the Mahabharata. In those ancient times, the entire Gurukul (traditional school system) accepted him as their Guru, and that is why we celebrate Guru Purnima today.

Across the world, followers of the Sanatan Dharma remember and pay respect to their respective Gurus on this day. Today, here at Shantikunj, we offer our Guru Pranam (salutations) to Shri Shri Baba Shyamakshapa Guruji on behalf of this temple. Pranam, Gurudeb.

Guruji: Pranam, my child.

Interviewer: Gurudeb, today is Guru Purnima. We see a large gathering here; many of your disciples have arrived. Please tell us about it.

Guruji: Yes, it has been busy since 7:00 AM. I tried to stay away for a bit, but the situation is the same everywhere—there is a huge crowd. People are coming from far and wide to offer their worship and touch my feet. What else can I say? This is a very auspicious day. The full moon of the month of Ashadh is known as Guru Purnima. It is a day dedicated to the Guru. Everyone comes to show their respect in their own way. We have made arrangements for food here; we expect to serve around 500 people.

I also have two very close disciples here—Snehasis and Subhasis. They are brothers. They have immense devotion and respect for me.

Interviewer: Friends, as you can see, these two brothers have a very beautiful way of expressing themselves. Their language and writing are truly captivating. Even Gurudeb is often moved by the way they speak and the letters they write. We have featured them in several previous episodes. They are among Gurudeb's most beloved disciples.

Guruji: Indeed. They studied at the Ramakrishna Mission. Although they took their initiation from me, they were educated there. They are exceptional young men; it is rare to find boys like them in this day and age.

Interviewer: (to the brothers) Brothers, you write such beautiful letters to Gurudeb. Where do you get this inspiration and this deep-seated devotion?

Snehasis/Subhasis: Look, everything is a gift from Gurudev. It is something that exists within, and it just needs to be awakened. Those who walk the right path and practice mindfulness receive this strength naturally from within. It doesn't require extra effort. It is a Sanskar (latent impression) from previous births. That Sanskar remains in a subtle form and gradually becomes manifest through the Guru's grace. This potential is within everyone; some awaken it, and some don't.

Furthermore, everyone is at a different stage of spiritual development. We respect Gurudev in this way, while others might show even greater devotion—they might be many steps ahead of us. It is a journey that spans many lifetimes. Ultimately, everyone will attain Mukti (liberation). As Swami Vivekananda said, everyone will reach liberation, but it happens stage by stage.

Interviewer: We see many devotees here today. As you can see, there isn't much room to sit, or even stand! Guruji insisted that these two disciples, who are very knowledgeable, sit beside him while he spoke.

We also have another disciple here who is a priest from Midnapore. He performs the rituals here during Gurudeb's birthday and Guru Purnima. His method of worship is quite unique, and we will try to show you how he honors the Guru on this occasion.

Guruji: Yes, Snehasis and Subhasis... these two brothers are wonderful. They write letters addressed to "Ma" (the Divine Mother). I read them, and others read them too. Their handwriting is exquisite. They have been my disciples for a long time and visit frequently. They are very devoted.

Interviewer: The atmosphere here is filled with devotion. Despite the crowd and the busy arrangements for the feast, the spirit of Guru Purnima is truly felt here at Shantikunj.

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