Narrator:
Respectful greetings, Pagla Baba.
Pagla Baba:
Respectful greetings. Victory to the Guru, Victory to the Mother.
Narrator:
We saw that you were a traveling companion with Gurudev at the Tarapith Mahapith. We saw you performing a hom (fire ritual) there. What was the purpose of that hom, and did you perform it on Gurudev's instructions?
Pagla Baba:
This hom was done entirely on Gurudev's instructions for world peace. It went very well. Many people have asked—I've also read comments—why Gurudev wasn't present there. Actually, Gurudev certainly needs to be present, since we are disciples. But if Gurudev is present before a disciple when a hom, yagna, or any ritual is being performed, doing it in front of him is like showing off the act to him. Showing off is a sign of audacity. That's why he wasn't present. It would have shown audacity; that's why it wasn't performed in his presence.
Narrator:
I have a question. Do you first learn those methods from Gurudev?
Pagla Baba:
Exactly.
Narrator:
After learning, when you are seated for the ritual, Gurudev will not be there. This is the tradition.
Pagla Baba:
This is the tradition. This is the tradition.
Narrator:
Many viewers wanted to know why Gurudev wasn't there. We got the answer to that. You are sitting for the hom now; you perform it daily at Gurudev's temple. It's great to see; you're about to start. I didn't want to disturb you, but I suddenly became curious and came to satisfy that curiosity. Well, it's been good. The answer you gave to the various questions coming in the comments—we wanted that answer from you, and you gave it. How did you feel performing that hom?
Pagla Baba:
It felt very good. Performing the hom on Gurudev's command felt very good. I felt fulfilled doing it myself. And since it's a great cremation ground (Maha Shhmashana), it's a different kind of feeling. It was performed in complete silence and peace. It was opposite the Shhmashana Kali temple. The Mother (Goddess Kali) is very "awakened" there.
Narrator:
I want to know one thing about what you said. Where you sat for the hom, there was something like a temple opposite. Is that the Shhmashana Kali temple?
Pagla Baba:
That is the Shhmashana Kali temple. The Mother there is very benevolent and very awakened. I performed it there. By the Mother's and Gurudev's infinite grace, the hom was completed successfully. That's all there is to say.
Narrator:
Respects to you. Now we are going to Gurudev. I will ask Gurudev about what you just said. You please start the hom.
Narrator:
Greetings, Gurudev.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, greetings, son.
Narrator:
Gurudev, your great disciple Pagla Baba performed a hom in front of Shhmashana Kali. Seeing that, many have asked why you weren't there. I wanted to know directly from him, and he said that performing a ritual in front of the Guru is audacity. He said you teach them beforehand, and then they perform it themselves. Is this correct?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes. Look, no work gets done in front of the Guru. Divine rituals for deities don't happen because the Guru is supreme. If I were with him, many things would have been canceled out. I trained him and told him how to perform the hom, and he did it that way. The point is, the Guru cannot be present.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
For instance, if a Durga Puja is happening and the Guru suddenly arrives at the puja, then the Durga Puja must stop. First, the Guru's puja must be done, he must be garlanded and honored, and only then can the Durga Puja continue. This is the rule for any ritual. The Guru is a person who is the God of Gods. It is said that if God is angry, the Guru saves you, but if the Guru is angry, God cannot save you. No such God has been born yet. If the Guru is angry once, there is no salvation.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
That's why we say, give the Guru that place. If you belittle the Guru or listen to criticism of him, you will sink to the lowest depths. Nothing will happen to the Guru, but your downfall will begin. So, give the Guru his due respect. If a bad discussion about the Guru starts, leave. If you can't protest, leave. But do not listen to criticism of the Guru. This is "Gurubad." I don't tell people this often because it's hard to follow in this day and age. But maintain it as much as you can. This is what our scriptures say.
Narrator:
Gurudev, I asked you and Pagla Baba this because comments kept coming from those who didn't understand the matter.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Many people know about this. The problem is, people have phones and they just type whatever without thinking. But the things I say, if people listen carefully, they have deep significance. Look, what I said about the Dwaraka River—I don't think anyone has explained it like this on YouTube yet. I've said it because those who are ready to understand will do so.
Narrator:
Many have asked questions about this.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I don't want to earn from this. I want people to know and understand. The person who won't understand will never understand. Still, I say, let people know; there is a great need for understanding. Then there are those who don't even want to know. I don't hate them; they just don't know or believe in God. There's no coercion here. Someone might call me bad, someone might call me good. I don't fuss over this. "The elephant walks through the market, a thousand dogs bark." When an elephant goes to the market, many dogs bark, but does that matter to the elephant?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
These are spiritual matters. I don't discuss anything else. I don't do politics. However, someone wrote a long message asking questions about Lokenath Baba. I will answer. Discussing great men like him is actually an act of audacity for us. We are not even the dust under their feet. To speak about them might seem boastful. Still, I'll say what little I know.
Narrator:
So friends, I hope you've received your answers. Whenever you comment, I request you to do so after studying or knowing something. Gurudev, we appreciated hearing your views. Today we've learned something new.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Many people don't know many things. They just write something for the sake of it. If you ask someone about the Dwaraka River now, no one will be able to explain its original significance.
Narrator:
That river has a deep significance.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I'm saying that... but has anyone explained it? No. But I have. If someone listens carefully, they will understand.
Narrator:
Well Gurudev, I've heard your speech. Respectful greetings to you.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, greetings, son.