Narrator:
It is the night of the Kali Puja New Moon (Amavasya). You are watching the Mother in the temple. A Hom (ritual fire) is currently being performed. Guru, my salutations (Pranam) to you.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Pranam, my son. It is quite an atmosphere for Kali Puja. One Hom was completed early this morning, and another is underway now. This happens every year.
Narrator:
I want to ask you something. Kali Puja and the New Moon are deeply connected to Tantra. Do those who practice Tantra do good or bad work on this night?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
They do all kinds of work. I actually forbid everyone to even look at the Mother on the night of the New Moon. I warn people because no good comes from it; it is a night when a great deal of harmful work is done.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
As humans, we are defined by three qualities: Sattva (goodness/purity), Rajas (passion/action), and Tamas (darkness/ignorance). On the night of Kali Puja, the Satvik (pure) way is rarely followed. Many rituals involve things like fish, meat, and the heads of animals like jackals. These are not Satvik practices; they are Tamasik.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
The Tamasik path involves the Panchamakara (the five "M"s): wine, meat, fish, parched grain, and sexual intercourse. Great sages may internalize these practices within their own bodies to reach higher states, but there is another groupāthose I call Pisach (demonic/spirits). They bring in external itemsāmeat, wine, and bloodāto attract people. These things are not good; those who practice this are what I consider Pisach.
Narrator:
In that context, there is also something called Pisach Tantra, right? Are these practices like Dakini or Pisach Tantra always used to harm people?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, they are used for bad purposes. They use these powers against people to do harm. That is why I say: do not look at the Mother on the New Moon. It is a dangerous time. Our elders used to tell us not even to move from our houses on this night. Those who are Satvik perform their puja through meditation and internal reflection; they don't need all these external things.
Narrator:
There is also Mohini Tantra and black magic.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, Mohini, Yoginiāthere are many. And the most common one lately is black magic (Kala Jadu). This is also used for harm. I see many people coming to me because someone has tried to harm them using these methods. They take a personās hair or a piece of their clothing to perform these rituals. It is never used for good.
Narrator:
So, on this night of Kali Puja, why is there such a massive crowd at Tarapith and in the cremation grounds?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
It shouldnāt be that way. I repeat: householders (Grihis), both men and women, should not go there on this night. It is not a place for them today. People don't understand, and then they end up in trouble and come to people like me. I scold them, but they still come, calling me "God" and asking for help.
Narrator:
Guru, when you help these people who have been affected by black magic, do you have to take that "bad energy" onto yourself?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I do have to take it upon myself. Because we work in the name of God, these dark forces fear us. I have seen cases where simply touching a trident or placing a hand on someone makes the dark energy leave them. But it takes a toll. I have been hospitalized five times because of this.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
People use women for rituals, they use wine... they think Kali Puja cannot happen without wine and that Shiva needs weed. That is all nonsense. They drink it themselves and then blame it on the gods to shift the responsibility. The gods are Satvik beings; they don't need those things. I help people for free. I tell them, "You have money, so you gave it, but I don't need your money."
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I warn everyone again: householders should stay inside. On the night of the New Moon, stay home. Don't be lured out by anyone. This is even mentioned in the Chandi: despite knowing the truth, people still fall into the pit of delusion (Mohagarta).
Spiritual Insight
Guru Shyama Khyapa provides a stern warning about the misuse of Tantra during the Kali Puja New Moon. He distinguishes between the Satvik path of internal meditation and the Tamasik path of external rituals that often involve harmful energies. His message is clear: true devotion does not require intoxicants or external displays, and householders should prioritize spiritual safety by staying home during these energetically volatile times.