Follower:
Greetings, Gurudev.
Gurudev:
Greetings, my son. Speak.
Follower:
Gurudev, every day we see a massive influx of people here at Shantikunj—nearly 200 to 250 people gather daily. However, your physical health is currently not well enough to attend to so many people. Because of this, could you please give a message to these people so that the crowd might lessen?
Gurudev:
I have a single message for everyone. I have been seeing people for 30 to 35 years, and my health has never been in this state before. For some reason, ever since I visited Tarapith during the cold weather, I caught a chill. Since then, I've had a persistent cough and cold and various other symptoms. Doctors are coming to check on me; they are monitoring my blood pressure and checking my chest and back for congestion. I am taking the prescribed medicines, but I just don't feel strong enough yet.
Gurudev:
To help people, one needs energy and strength. Just as strength is needed for spiritual practice (Sadhana), it is required to attend to these people. For some reason, that energy is lacking, and I fall ill whenever I try to work. Considering my age and the current weather, it is becoming very difficult. Furthermore, people come with serious illnesses—some with Thalassemia, others with tumors, and various other "sinful" diseases. They come to me for help, but I am simply unable to sit for long periods.
Gurudev:
Every day, I think, "I will sit today," but my body does not permit it. I come here at 10:00 AM solely out of my devotion to "Ma" (the Mother Goddess); otherwise, there would be no need for me to come. I cannot stay away from Mother; she is my everything. When I sit here, people flock to me. It feels bad and embarrassing to turn them away.
Gurudev:
The biggest issue is: how can I see so many people at once? I don't have the resources or the physical capacity. People say, "Just touch us or place your hand on our head, and we will be cured." That is fine, and I used to do that. But now, there is a new threat: COVID-19. It is rising again, as you can see and hear. People don't just come from West Bengal; they come from all over India and even from abroad—America, Canada, France. I do not want this to continue because my health is fragile. As I predicted last year, Corona is taking a dangerous turn again. This "third wave" is going to be far more lethal than the previous ones.
Follower:
Yes, in Pune, Maharashtra, there is already a night curfew, and they are seeing nearly 16,000 new cases every day.
Gurudev:
Exactly. This is very dangerous. All these factors combined are making me fearful. How can I serve people in this state? I am telling everyone: please do not come now. Under no circumstances should anyone come. Once I am healthy again, I will see everyone. If 300 people show up in a single day, who will look after them? What can I even give them?
Gurudev:
So, I have a request for everyone who follows me on YouTube or loves me: if you truly care for me and have any compassion, please do not come here right now. Do not bring flowers, fruits, sweets, or offerings. I have banned everything. We are not letting people in, and my followers are asking them to leave.
Gurudev:
I don't even have to say anything; these boys are telling people not to shout or disturb me. But some people are being very rude and making nasty comments to them. My followers are working tirelessly to keep me safe. From 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, they have to deal with a constant stream of people and endure their insults. People say things like, "Your Gurudev is gone," or "He's changed."
Gurudev:
However, I have seen some polite people who listen and leave when explained the situation. They ask when they should return, and we tell them to check YouTube for updates. But then there are the malicious ones who demand, "Why won't you see us? I've come from so far!"
Gurudev:
To them, I say: Did I call you? You came because of your own pain and problems, not for me. I am the one who has to do the work. No one else here can do it. So, you must allow me to get healthy first. These people don't understand the logic; they only care about their own needs, even if it kills me. But they forget that if they fall into trouble again, they will need me again.
Gurudev:
I am requesting everyone with folded hands: give me some time. My health is very poor. Some people are even threatening to report this to local clubs. What will that achieve? Do the clubs own me? Do you own me? How much money have you spent on me? I have fallen ill so many times—how many of you came to check on me? All I hear is, "I've come from far away, you must see me." It's as if they think they've bought me.
Gurudev:
So, firstly, Corona is increasing. Secondly, do not come here. If you come, you will be turned away and might hear some harsh words. Once I feel completely healthy—regardless of what doctors say—I will sit and see everyone again.
Gurudev:
Furthermore, I might be leaving soon. I am waiting for my book to be published. It is currently in the printing stage. Once it's out, I may go away for a while, as I mentioned in a previous episode. Who will you turn to then?
Gurudev:
I am asking you again with folded hands: do not come. If you come now, you will return empty-handed. I cannot do anything. My health fails whenever I try to work. I have to carry the burden of the "sins" and diseases of thousands of people. Please, understand this.
Follower:
Friends, you have heard Gurudev's words. We also request you with folded hands—please do not come for a few days. We will provide a new update on YouTube when Gurudev is ready to see people again. Considering the COVID outbreak and Gurudev's health, please do not disturb him for the time being. We would be grateful for your cooperation. Thank you. Greetings, Gurudev.
Gurudev:
Greetings. Jai Guru.