Speaker 1:
Welcome to the Bhakta Sadhak Syama Khyapa YouTube channel. Today, we have two specific questions for Gurudev. Gurudev, those who watch your videos on YouTube often ask various questions, and from time to time, you provide answers to them. Today, we have two questions for you. One person is asking why you have a photo of Mother Teresa in our Shantipunj Thakur Ghar (prayer room). You have many other photos there as well. But the question is, why Mother Teresa's photo?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Not just that, he also mentioned that I might even put up photos of Muslim Pir-Paigambars (saints and prophets). He lives in a world of ignorance. Ignorance comes in many forms, and he is deeply ignorant. He is focused on just one thing: since we are Hindus, we cannot have photos of Mother Teresa or anything related to Muslims. This seems like a major issue to them. Their argument is that Muslims don't keep our photos. But he doesn't know that many Muslims are not only my devotees but respect me like a god. There are numerous such Muslims.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
The fact is, they might not keep photos because they worship the formless Brahman, which we don't. Think about the atrocities happening in the name of a deity! People do all sorts of wrong things while keeping a photo of Goddess Kali in front of them. These people are better off because they avoid such hypocrisy. They are practicing true spiritual discipline, unlike many who don't protest against the wrongs happening at major temples like Kalighat. For them, my keeping a photo is a bigger issue. These people are truly ignorant, living in their own small world. Chanakya once said that if a foolish person is taken to heaven, he would turn it into hell. On the other hand, if a wise person is taken to hell, he would turn it into heaven. So, they are living with a narrow, frog-in-the-well mentality.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
In this age of globalization, Mother Teresa didn't commit any theft or robbery. She didn't deceive anyone. She served humanity. And service is the ultimate religion. Many of our modern-day "servants of the people" first bring a camera along. They make sure the camera captures them giving away rice and potatoes; otherwise, it's not "service" to them. But she served without such displays.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
If you believe in Hinduism, why can't you respect other religions? My question is, why not?
Speaker 1:
Perhaps Hinduism doesn't say anything like that.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
They've made this up themselves! Hinduism, or Sanatan Dharma, has accepted all religions and given them a place. In fact, many religions today have their roots in Hinduism. They've just adapted things for their own scriptures, like the Quran, Hadith, or the Bible. Everything is borrowed from our traditions. So, what's the problem with a photo? I might like Mother Teresa. I might like a Sufi saint or a prophet. He doesn't know the power of a prophet and the discipline required to reach that level.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
These people are spreading hatred by saying, "I am Hindu, so I won't look at Muslims." Can you change the constitution? Can anyone else live here besides Hindus? You don't have the power to change that. You don't protest against the misuse of a deity's name in temples, but you have a problem with a photo. I'd say they lack proper education. To discuss these things, one needs to be truly educated. Where there is no education, there is nothing. It's a lack of understanding.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I feel bad because we believe in Hinduism, Sanatan Dharma, and Hindutva. But nowhere does Hindutva say to exclude the Quran, the Bible, or Buddha, and that only my religion should exist. Were the great sages of the past fools for promoting inclusivity? Is he the only smart one? That's my question. We are educated, and if we are clear in our own beliefs, there's no problem. 80% of Hindus go to Muslim healers or shrines for remedies. Why don't you protest that? Why do Hindus go to them for medicine? You can't stop that. These people are simply uneducated. I'd suggest they learn from true saints and gurus and understand what they have to say before speaking out.
Speaker 1:
Gurudev, the second question is something you've touched upon before, but people still lack awareness. They focus too much on outward appearances. The second question is that as a spiritual practitioner, your attire is different from the traditional robes of a sadhak (ascetic). We never see you in those traditional clothes; you always wear simple white.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
White is the symbol of peace. Those who love peace often fly white pigeons. In any discussion about peace, white pigeons are released. You don't see black or any other color used for this. White is the messenger of peace. Where there is white, there is peace. Saffron and black have their significance, but not everyone can uphold their dignity. Even a small stain on this white garment would mean it has to be discarded. No stain stays hidden on white. We wear it because we are discussing peace, working for world peace through our rituals and prayers. Why would I need any other elaborate attire? White is the best. If you want peace, embrace white. This white clothing, these white pigeons—they are messengers of peace.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Even if you tell me to wear black or saffron, I won't. I am a great practitioner of Tantra, and many people respect me for that. But that doesn't mean I have to wear saffron and rudraksha all day long. This is not my profession. I love God, and I know that the message of peace lies in this white attire. People come to me for peace, so I wear white to convey that if you can keep your heart pure and "white," everything will be fine. Not everyone can appreciate the value of white; it's difficult for them to understand that white is the messenger of peace.
Speaker 1:
You just heard Gurudev explain the significance of his white attire. Those who have had the good fortune of visiting Shantipunj or being in his presence know that he has dedicated himself to world peace and human welfare. There is no distinction of Hindu, Muslim, or Christian here. A person's primary identity is that they are human. Gurudev constantly prays to the Mother for relief from people's problems and misfortunes.
Speaker 1:
Regarding the photos of other figures, Gurudev clarified that those who criticize this haven't truly understood the essence of religion. They are still living with a narrow mindset. Religion never teaches narrow-mindedness; it always teaches broadness and inclusivity. Those of us who visit Gurudev witness this spirit of inclusivity and peace in everything he does.
Speaker 1:
Gurudev, thank you for answering these two questions. My respects to you.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Blessings, my child. Blessings.