Narrator:
[Sound of a conch shell blowing and bells ringing]
Interviewer:
Gurudev, pranam (salutations).
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Pranam, child, pranam. Om.
Interviewer:
Gurudev, amidst this wave of the pandemic, you have organized a special fire ritual (Hom) here at Shantikunj for our deliverance. Our respected Kor-da is performing the ritual, and several devotees are present. Friends, we will go there and show you the ritual. Gurudev, please tell us why you are performing this Hom today.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I instructed them to perform it using bael leaves, turmeric, and Atap rice (sun-dried rice). Mixing turmeric with the rice... this will be very beneficial. It will increase the oxygen levels here and help eliminate the coronavirus. For these three reasons, we are performing this Yagna with turmeric and sun-dried rice.
Interviewer:
What kind of rice is it, Gurudev?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Any sun-dried (Atap) rice will do. It must be offered to the fire while chanting mantras. Just burning it won't work; mantras must be recited so that Corona leaves this place completely.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
We are trying. Many such rituals are taking place. However, I can say that currently, only about 1% are losing their lives. Most people are recovering by God's grace. People are getting their lives back. A pandemic like this occurs once every 100 years. This time, it has taken on a different dimension. Previously, we had Cholera and Plague. We've seen how quickly this pandemic spreads and how people are being infected one after another. Everyone is bewildered. Earlier, people avoided touching Corona patients; it's still somewhat true, but the virus has changed its form.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
We are attempting a spiritual path. We don't show all the rituals; maybe just one or two, as people might not always appreciate seeing them. But there is a great need for this. Fire is essential because it purifies and consumes everything. It can turn even a human being into ash. If everyone joins in... one person alone cannot do it; many people should participate. If people perform this collectively, I believe it will be very beneficial. But people aren't doing it together. Look at the current state; there is endless suffering. Even amidst Corona, people come to us; we have to look after them. They ask, "Where shall we go? We can't find reliable help elsewhere, we found you, please do whatever you can." People keep coming one by one.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Another pandemic has been added to this – "tuk-tak" (sorcery/black magic). It has become a horrific phenomenon, much like COVID. People seem to be waiting for an opportunity to harm others. Corona is a disease, a virus. But now, all I hear is people saying, "this person harmed me, that person cast a spell at the crematorium." My ears are tired of hearing this. This "tuk-tak" has merged with the Corona pandemic. Now, only the heavens are left – storms, cyclones, and lightning strikes. The gods are still there; who knows what will happen.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
We are trying in every possible way. Whatever is beneficial, we are doing it. We performed many rituals at Tarapith, and we continue here. If Mother Goddess (Ma) wishes... that is why we do this. We pray day and night. So many poor people and orphans have no money for treatment. Who will save them? Only God can. We don't have the power. This thought is always on my mind – how will they survive? Those with wealth can afford hospitals. But for those who have nothing, I don't know what God has planned. We pray for them constantly.
Interviewer:
That is why people like you are here – for their deliverance.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
It brings tears to my eyes. I have a family too, a wife and children. What if this happened to them? We are poor people without much money. But Mother is there. My heart tells me Mother is saying "everything will be fine." My inner soul says Mother is signaling that the disease will leave soon. Whenever I sit in prayer, Mother tells me the same thing. I pray that everyone stays well and that God protects the orphans, the poor, and the sick. They have no one else.
Interviewer:
I understand, Gurudev. You are very emotional. But what can be done? This is like a divine curse upon us.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
The sins of the world are many. How can I ask Mother? Sins have increased, and people must face the consequences. Mother alone cannot do much against so many sins. People don't even realize what they are doing. We only pray to God to grant them wisdom and show them the path of righteousness. I am getting old, but I still encourage the younger generation to do what they can through these rituals. Science has its place, but science has failed here.
Interviewer:
Even if science failed, spiritual leaders like you are the protectors now. Let's go and show Mother and the ritual to the audience. I will return to you.
Narrator:
[Chanting of mantras]
Interviewer:
Friends, as you can see, in total darkness, illuminated only by the flames of the ritual fire, Mother is being worshipped. This is a unique spiritual arrangement. This ritual must be performed with the lights off, according to Gurudev's instructions. You can see Kor-da performing the Hom for the welfare of mankind. This is solely for the well-being of the world.
Interviewer:
Usually, Mother's idol is brightly lit, but today, she is revealed only by the glow of the sacrificial fire. This ritual must be conducted in darkness, which is why all lights have been extinguished.
Narrator:
[Chanting continues]
Interviewer:
Gurudev, as you mentioned earlier, it is better to perform these rituals in the dark.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
It has always been done in the dark.
Interviewer:
I informed the audience. However, you just said to turn on the lights so everyone can see Mother. If that is your wish, I will show Mother in the light.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Mother can do anything. We are trying; we are seeking her grace. Only God can free the world from this disease. Mother can do it if she wishes. We plead with her repeatedly to remove this disease. Common people may have committed sins, but Mother can forgive. I tell her, "The cup of sins is full, but forgiveness is the greatest virtue. Please forgive us and do not send such diseases again." People are suffering immensely. Seeing people die in ambulances due to a lack of oxygen is heartbreaking. We performed the Maha Mrityunjay Yagna so that fewer lives are lost. Mother is signaling that this virus will leave soon. I am in prayer day and night.
Interviewer:
Gurudev, I haven't heard you say this before. Today you are saying Mother is signaling that this pandemic will soon leave the world.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
What else can I say? I am just a humble man with no other power.
Interviewer:
Gurudev, it isn't about money. Those high in the spiritual path don't need wealth; they dedicate their lives to the world.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I only know one thing: hold on to Mother and pray. Mother has immense power. I am seeking her grace. I request everyone: if someone near you has COVID, please help them. You don't need to be in close contact; help from a distance. If a family survives because of your help, it will be my success. I am appealing through YouTube – help your neighbors collectively. Do their shopping, arrange food. This would mean a lot to me because I have many disciples, and their actions would be my success.
Interviewer:
Let us look at Mother and the ritual once more.
Narrator:
[Continued chanting of mantras]
Interviewer:
Friends, the ritual is ongoing and will continue for some time. I have shown you this Hom performed for deliverance from the disease and the welfare of the world. Kor-da is performing it continuously. Gurudev has given us a message of hope, which is heartening. May you all be well, and may the world be healthy. Please keep us in your blessings. Namaskar.