Devotee:
Pranam, Gurudev.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Pranam.
Devotee:
On your channel, weâve been receiving many questions from your viewers. Iâm here today with some of those questions, hoping you can provide answers that will satisfy their curiosity. The first question is: Who created religionâman or God?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Man created religion; God did not. Before this universe existed, there were no gods. Man created gods out of necessityâbased on specific needs at specific times. Gods never created religion; man created gods. As the Chandi (scripture) says: "Devanam karyasiddhyartham avirbhavati sa yada"âmeaning that for the fulfillment of their purposes, humans created and named various deities. Even today, we see God divided into so many forms. No deity ever said, "I am Durga," "I am Kali," or "I am Tara." These are all human creations. Nature (Prakriti) is the only supreme truth. You cannot act against nature without consequences. So, in my view, man created God; God did not create man.
Devotee:
Gurudev, the next question is: What is Karma?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
To be born is to perform Karma. Whoever performs Karma also performs Dharmaâthey are inseparable, like two sides of a coin. Much like "Education" and "Instruction," if you have one, you must have the other. The Bhagavad Gita teaches us: "Karmanye vadhikaraste ma phaleshu kadachana"âfocus on your actions, not the results. You may or may not get the desired result, but you cannot stop working. Karma is the highest form of worship.
Devotee:
The Gita speaks of three types of Karma. Could you elaborate on those?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Lord Krishna laid out a system based on four Varnas (categories): Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, and Shudra. Originally, each had specific duties. However, in todayâs world, people no longer follow these distinctions. Anyone can do any job. While people might ignore the Gita's structure today, this disregard has led to social confusion. When a Brahmin doesnât do a Brahminâs work, or a Shudra doesnât do a Shudraâs work, the social fabric weakens. We are losing the bond and love that once held society together. Tougher times are ahead because we have abandoned these foundational principles.
Devotee:
Gurudev, for women, which mantra or "Japa" (chanting) is recommended?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
We think in terms of positive and negativeâlike a lightbulb that needs both poles to glow. Women represent one energy and should chant the names of male deitiesâShiva, Narayana, or Krishna. Conversely, men should chant for female deities like Kali, Durga, or Tara. Without this balance of "plus and minus," the spiritual "light" won't ignite.
Devotee:
Another viewer asks: What should one do to become divinely powerful?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
You cannot become divinely powerful just because you wish for it. It is not an overnight achievement. It is a result of "Prarabdha"âthe fruits of your past livesâand immense practice (Abhyasa Yoga). It takes many lifetimes of dedication. People often claim they have seen "divine light," but many are mistaken.
Let me tell you a short story. A man once claimed he saw a divine light in his garden and then in his bedroom. He waited for it, thinking it was a spiritual visitation. When he finally opened his window to investigate, he realized it was just the headlight of an old Ambassador car reflecting into his room! Many people confuse such things with divinity. True spiritual realization is rareâperhaps one in ten million achieves it.
Devotee:
Gurudev, for those of us following Sanatan Dharma, is eating non-vegetarian food a sin?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Religion is not just about what you eat; it is about what sustains you. Character is the most important thing. Sanatan Dharma is eternalâit has no known beginning and no predicted end. Today, "religion" is often treated like a game or a political tool, but true Sanatan Dharma is about the relationship between your soul and the universe. Character and Dharma must go hand-in-hand.
Devotee:
A final question, Gurudev. A young man recently lost his father and is very distressed. He wants to know: Is it possible to see his deceased father again?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
It is not possible to bring someone back once they have left this world. No matter how much someone claims they can do it, they cannot. Death is a great mystery that cannot be bypassed. You may see him in your dreamsâthat is possibleâbut physical communication is not. Even great figures like Rabindranath Tagore explored "planchette" (spirit communication) after losing loved ones, but they eventually realized its limitations. Once the life force leaves, it belongs to nature.
Devotee:
Gurudev, some say Lord Krishna is the sole creator of the universe. What is your take?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Nature (Prakriti) is the creator. Krishna, Rama, and all scriptures came much later. Mountains, rivers, and oceans were not made by man or any historical figure; they are products of nature. Even the gods we worship are under the control of nature. Nature is the supreme powerâit creates and it destroys. Whether you call it God or "Mahadev," the power that controls the universe from the heavens is nature itself.
Devotee:
Thank you, Gurudev. I believe our viewers have received the answers they were looking for. We will continue to share your wisdom. Pranam.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Blessings to you all.