Narrator:
Today marks the one-year anniversary of our YouTube channel. On December 2, 2019, we uploaded our first video. Since then, a year has passed, and much has happened. Today, we've come to Gurudev with some personal questions we'd like to ask him.
Narrator:
Pranam, Gurudev.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Pranam.
Narrator:
Gurudev, a few questions have crossed our minds, and I'd like to ask them on behalf of everyone. Over the past few days, several events have unfolded in quick succession—your two visits to Tarapith, and Pagla Baba, who has been your long-time disciple, suddenly setting out for Kamakhya with your full consent and blessing.
Narrator:
One devotee initially accompanied him, but eventually had to return for personal reasons. Later, another devotee was sent from here to be with him. Our question regarding their spiritual journey under your blessing is this: Pagla Baba has a specific goal; he intends to walk the entire distance to Kamakhya. His first companion planned to go as far as possible before returning after a few days. The third person was simply sent to accompany Pagla Baba. Despite their differing individual objectives, they are on the same path. Will they all gather the same spiritual merit, or will there be differences?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
There is no difference at all. They are all on the same journey with the same purpose. I didn't want Pagla Baba to be alone because I worry about him constantly. During the day, it's not so bad since there are many people around and I'm busy attending to them. But once everyone leaves, the worry sets in. It's even worse at night. I think of him out there in the cold while I'm tucked away in my room. It makes me wonder where he is, how he's coping, and what he's eating. Every time I call, he cries and tells me not to worry and to take care of my own health. He never complains.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
The first person I sent was a government official who asked to accompany him for his four-day leave. He went as far as Paikradanga and then returned to give me a full report. After that, I decided someone had to be with him. I called one of the devotees here and asked if he could go as far as Kamakhya. He agreed immediately. I mentioned that he'd need money, but when I called Pagla Baba, he told me not to worry as he had enough. Still, I gave the devotee some money and sent him off. He reached Pagla Baba at noon today and will stay with him for the rest of the journey. He needs someone with him. If I didn't care for him like a son, I wouldn't worry so much. Having someone there to provide updates is a great relief. They have everything they need—medicine, money, and support. My only concern is the journey itself and who will look after him.
Narrator:
Gurudev, that's your concern as a fatherly figure. But to put it more bluntly, does the help and support they receive along the way affect the spiritual merit they gain from this journey?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Not at all. The journey itself is a profound spiritual practice. Since they share the same purpose, the companion will receive the same spiritual rewards as Pagla Baba.
Narrator:
So, the act of walking the path is the main factor.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Exactly. They will both be equally rewarded. Pagla Baba is currently in Krishnanagar at an ISKCON temple. He plans to leave tomorrow morning and continue past Krishnanagar. I've requested all my followers and YouTube viewers to help them in any way they can. They've been receiving a lot of support along the way, finding good places to rest and eat.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Still, as a human being, I can't help but worry. I feel as though I've sent him into a very difficult situation. It was his strong desire to go, and although I suggested he take a train, he insisted on walking and visiting various temples along the way. So, I let him go.
Narrator:
Gurudev, if I may, I'd like to ask another question based on what you just said. You mentioned that despite being a spiritual guide, you still have human feelings and a fatherly concern. We recently heard the sad news that your own sister has passed away. I noticed you seemed very upset, yet you still saw over a hundred people that day, listening to their problems and complaints. How do you balance your personal grief with your responsibilities toward so many people?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
The wise do not grieve. A person of knowledge doesn't dwell on such things. My sister was much older than me; we grew up, played, and studied together. But the suffering of the people who come to me is a much greater concern. Even today, on the day of her funeral rites, I saw a hundred people this morning. I keep my inner pain to myself because helping others is my primary duty.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
People come to me with their own pain and struggles, and my task is to help them. I've witnessed her life and her passing, but she won't come back. My focus remains on those who are still here and suffering. I didn't even mention my sister's death to anyone on the day it happened; I just continued to see people. A wise person shouldn't be consumed by regret or sorrow. Death is inevitable for everyone—for my sister, for me, and for you. It's the way of the world. We come here, play our roles, and then we must leave.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Helping people is the greatest virtue. My personal pain shouldn't stop me from doing my duty. You might know the song "She amar chhoto bon" (She is my dear little sister); it's very moving. I feel that pain, but I cannot let it overcome me. We must be like stone, impartial and steady. When God becomes like stone, like the goddesses Kali or Tara, we too must become like stone. Personal joys and sorrows shouldn't sway us.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Even when my wife had cancer, I spent years caring for her and eventually brought her home healthy. Then my son had a serious pancreatic issue and was hospitalized three times. Throughout all of this, I never stopped my work. I continued to see people, talk to them, and help them, even while visiting the hospital. I don't let personal troubles interfere with my service.
Narrator:
So, Gurudev, you're teaching us that we must stay committed to our duties, no matter what.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes. "Karmaney vadhikaraste ma phaleshu kadachana"—focus on your duty, not the results. People will die; it's the law of nature. Whether it's my sister, my brother, or myself, we all must go. There's no use in dwelling on it. Wise people don't let these things consume them. I have my own inner pain, of course, but I don't let it show. I've faced very difficult times, but I've always stayed true to my path.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Helping others brings the greatest joy. As they say, "Kar bhala toh ho bhala" (Do good and good will come to you). I believe that if I do good for others, good will come to me. But "good" doesn't mean living forever. We all must leave one day. There's no point in grieving over the inevitable, whether it's a sister, a son, or anyone else.
Narrator:
Thank you, Gurudev. We've learned so much today—about the spiritual rewards of a journey and about the importance of duty over personal grief. We hope our viewers will find your words as enlightening as we have. We look forward to hearing more from you in the future. Pranam, Gurudev.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Pranam.