Narrator:
What comes first?! || by Shyama Khyapa YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIzvQzZFaiA
Narrator:
This transcript is a translation and clear rendering of the Bengali conversation in the audio.
Narrator:
[00:00 - 00:08] (Sound of a conch shell blowing followed by temple bells and rhythmic music)
Interviewer:
Friends, on this beautiful evening of Shravan, I begin today's episode by paying my respects to Ma Bama at Shantikunj. A warm welcome to those who are new to the "Gupta Sadhak Shyama Kapa" YouTube channel, and I request my old friends to stay with us as always.
Interviewer:
Pranam, Gurudev.
Gurudev:
Pranam, son. Pranam.
Interviewer:
Gurudev, we know there is a famous quote by Swami Vivekananda that resonates deeply with us in these current times. We would like to hear more about it from your holy mouth. I will recite the quote for you: "Protecting humanity by sacrificing religion is a more pious act than protecting religion by killing humanity."
Gurudev:
Absolutely. This is the truth. This statement is very applicable today. People are being killed, yet we who call upon God have not yet attained true consciousness. Consciousness is the real thing, but that is exactly what is missing. We are killing people in the name of religion. This is a very bad thing, son.
Gurudev:
Instead of killing people in the name of religion, it is much better to let the religion die and keep the people alive. Vivekananda's words are highly relevant right now. Today, people are filled with such temptation-the urge to catch him, hit him, or cut him down just so their religion survives.
Gurudev:
But tell me, if people don't exist, where will religion be? Religion exists because people exist. If people are killed, who will practice religion? Who will protect it? This is what people refuse to understand. They think killing people is the way to protect religion. That never happens, and the consequences are terrible.
Gurudev:
This is nothing but hatred-meaningless hatred toward other humans. It has taken such a massive form that it is beyond imagination-one person waiting to devour another. They will do whatever it takes to achieve this. It feels very bad; we are dedicated to religion, but what is happening in its name today is only tarnishing it. I do not want such a religion. There is no need for it.
Gurudev:
There is no need to practice a religion that requires killing people. It's better to discard the religion and keep the people alive-the very people who are supposed to hold and protect the faith. This issue has grown to a massive scale. I feel ashamed that such things are happening in the name of religion.
Gurudev:
We follow the path of Vivekananda. He said these things long ago, and today they are proven true. In the coming days, this will become even more apparent. I cannot accept those who commit such acts. What do you have to say?
Interviewer:
We have seen, Gurudev, that at various times, leaders of different religions instruct their followers to kill those of other faiths to establish their own. This is simply not possible.
Gurudev:
That's right. Religion cannot be protected that way. To protect religion, one must be broad-minded and liberal. Just because someone hit me or abused me doesn't mean I should do the same.
Gurudev:
Innocent people are dying in this process. What is the ultimate gain? Nothing. One day, everyone involved will have to answer for this. There is no escaping it. No religion-be it Hinduism, Islam, or Christianity-attains prominence this way. To uphold a religion, one must make sacrifices. Religious leaders must endure oppression and harsh words. Otherwise, it won't work.
Gurudev:
We are the ones who hold the religion. If we aren't here, who will sustain it? People, and society as a whole, are making this mistake repeatedly. Whether it is Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, or any other faith-I do not believe in killing people to maintain them. I view everyone equally. To me, Hindus, Muslims, Christians, and Buddhists are all the same. I will not belittle anyone.
Gurudev:
But these current policies are wrong. The responsibility lies with the religious leaders who guide the people. If they are not right, this cycle will continue.
Interviewer:
Gurudev, we have seen that people of all faiths-Hindu, Christian, Buddhist, and Muslim-come to your temple. We see a level of liberal thought in you that we don't see in many other religious leaders. That is why we see such a positive result here.
Gurudev:
That is why my name has spread so far. I don't discriminate. When a Muslim comes, I give them proper respect. When a Christian comes, I give them proper respect. I never ask anyone about their religion. They come, they pay their respects, and we talk. At the end, they might mention their faith, but it doesn't matter to me. I see them as human beings.
Interviewer:
It is wonderful. Swamiji's quote is so powerful. It will be even more relevant in the future. His thoughts were very clear: you cannot protect religion by killing people.
Gurudev:
All this "religion, religion" talk has only created divides. This is the cause of our downfall. In the name of maintaining religion, we are sinking lower. The communal violence we see is all because of this. I don't give any weight to these conflicts. It is the poor and helpless people who are being sacrificed.
Gurudev:
I say again, follow Vivekananda's words: let the religion go, but keep the people alive. It doesn't matter what caste or creed they belong to. This truth will become even more effective in the future. Just wait a little longer and you will see. A very tough time is coming. Ordinary people have no idea what is about to happen.
Interviewer:
Gurudev, you often warn people during significant moments. Today you highlighted that violence in the name of religion is cowardice.
Gurudev:
It is cowardice. Only cowards do such things. Why should I kill a person? I am a follower of the Hindu religion; what need do I have to kill someone? These are the marks of cowards. We are "Mahapurush" (great souls); we don't have thoughts of killing or cutting others down to save a religion. If a religion requires that, then that religion is not needed. Let it die. That is my opinion.
Interviewer:
We often see people posing as gurus who are not true leaders, causing conflict between two sides. This won't change unless human consciousness is awakened. People must become aware.
Interviewer:
Gurudev, it was wonderful hearing your thoughts on this beautiful evening of Shravan. We hope our viewers take your words and Swamiji's words to heart. If they do, this world will surely be a more beautiful place.
Interviewer:
Pranam, Gurudev.
Gurudev:
Pranam, son. Pranam.