Interviewer:
Gurudev, first of all, my respectful salutations to you.
Gurudev:
Yes, go on.
Interviewer:
Dear audience, today we are presenting this program on a very special topic: the life and spiritual journey of our revered Gurudev, Sri Shyama Khepa. Recently, a comprehensive book on his life and spiritual path has been published.
Gurudev:
It was published by Dr. Kalyan Roy from Bombay (Mumbai). It was his initiative.
Interviewer:
Indeed. In this book, you will find details about our revered Gurudev's life, spiritual practices, and more. Gurudev, I'd like to ask you about the editor of this book, Sri Saptarshi. He is our fellow brother, Dr. Sujit Kar.
Gurudev:
Yes, the distinguished Dr. Sujit Kar edited the book. He wrote and compiled it, and it was published from Bombay. It's a Bombay-based publication, not specifically for this local region. It was released for the Bengali community living in Bombay so they could learn about this life. It's written in Bengali and is also available online.
Gurudev:
Those in Bombay or elsewhere can access it. This is a new edition of the book. I have received a few copies; let me show it to you. This is the book about Bhabadeb Baba. You can see Bhabadeb Baba here.
Interviewer:
Yes, we can see the book.
Gurudev:
And here is the hidden practitioner, Shyama Khepa. We are looking at the book from the beginning. This is the front cover, and this is the back cover.
Interviewer:
Gurudev, let's talk about the editing. Could you tell us something about Sri Saptarshi?
Gurudev:
This book was written and edited by Dr. Sujit Kar, a distinguished scholar and recipient of the 'Shiksha Ratna' award from the government. He is a headmaster. He received the 'Shiksha Ratna' after many years of service. He took initiation from me sixteen years ago. It was on a Maha Ashtami day during Durga Puja.
Gurudev:
After his initiation, he began his Tantra practices. He asked me, "Gurudev, please teach me Tantra." I told him, "I can teach you, but you must not wear any special robes. Practice in whatever clothes you usually wear." Whether it's meditation or chanting, do it in your regular attire. I did the same; when I first came to this cremation ground, I was wearing a shirt and trousers. I told him to keep his practice very secret so that no one would know.
Gurudev:
He meditates throughout the night, which most people aren't aware of. Once a week, he performs the 'Maha Mrityunjay' and 'Dashamahavidya' Homa (sacrificial fire ritual) here. Previously, he used to come on Wednesdays, but now he comes whenever he finds time during the week to perform the rituals. He also offers oblations to other deities.
Gurudev:
One night, while he was meditating towards dawn, he felt a bit drowsy—a state of trance. At that moment, he heard a divine prophecy. His prayer room is on the fourth floor of his house. Suddenly, there was a sound, but he couldn't quite understand it. Then, a deep, grave voice said, "We are the sages of the Saptarshi (Seven Sages) constellation. Why are we not receiving any offerings? One of us is sitting right there, so why isn't he giving us offerings? Why are you not including us in your rituals?"
Gurudev:
He didn't say anything then, but he was deeply moved. He came to see me the very next morning. I asked him, "You were here just yesterday, why are you back again?" He said, "Something serious has happened; I came to tell you." I asked him to explain.
Gurudev:
He told me, "I was meditating late at night, and towards dawn, I felt a bit drowsy. I was still on my meditation mat. Suddenly, I heard a sound and then a deep voice saying, 'We are the sages of the Saptarshi. Why isn't the sage sitting there giving us offerings?'" He told me he wasn't one of the Saptarshi. I replied, "If they said so, then it must be true. They explicitly mentioned that a Saptarshi sage is sitting there."
Gurudev:
From that day on, I named him 'Saptarshi.' I told him that whatever he writes about me should be under the pen name 'Sri Saptarshi.' He has maintained that name since then.
Gurudev:
He is deeply immersed in his spiritual practice now. An ordinary person might not realize the extent of the spiritual power he has achieved. I told him never to wear red, blue, or yellow robes. As long as he can, he should perform his rituals in his everyday clothes so that people do not recognize him for what he is.
Gurudev:
One day, Basudev Jagannath (the Lord) will call him. When he reaches spiritual perfection in Tantra, he will receive that call. Basudev Jagannath is the ultimate Tantric; He will provide the final validation, like a certificate after an exam. We are practitioners because of His grace and His 'certificate.' I told Sujit that when the time comes, he must go to receive that recognition. Currently, he continues his rituals, worship, and meditation.
Interviewer:
In this context, Gurudev, could you shed some light on the subject matter of the book?
Gurudev:
The book contains my biography—my life story. It also mentions some supernatural events witnessed by others, often referred to as 'Vibhuti' (divine manifestations). It describes experiences of the subtle body (astral travel), as witnessed and documented by others. It also includes some words about my Gurudev.
Interviewer:
It's wonderful that the Bengali community in Bombay will have access to this book. But what about the rest of India, especially other Bengalis?
Gurudev:
It has been arranged so that anyone who wants it can get it online. I don't know all the details, but Dr. Kalyan Roy, who has been my disciple for over 20 years, lives in Khar, Bombay. He loves me dearly and bore all the expenses for these books. He didn't take a single penny from me. Many people are benefiting from reading these books. The previous edition is already out of stock. This new edition is now available online for everyone.
Interviewer:
Gurudev, will there be any revised editions in the future?
Gurudev:
Many people are writing about me. One or two more books might be released soon. Sujit Kar will likely receive higher honors in the future; he might even apply for or receive a prestigious national award like the Bharat Ratna for his contributions.
Gurudev:
He has been involved in significant projects. For instance, he provided engineering advice regarding the Howrah Bridge and the Bowbazar incidents in Kolkata. He consulted with engineers on how to manage the Ganga River water to prevent flooding in the city. He also visited the metro tunnels and provided suggestions to the Railway Department.
Gurudev:
Furthermore, he submitted a project proposal to the Indian Government regarding the purification of the River Ganga. I don't know if it will be implemented, but he has submitted it. Besides all this, he is a headmaster and also lectures at colleges.
Gurudev:
As I mentioned, he took initiation from me 16 years ago on a Durga Puja Ashtami. At that time, he was going through a lot of mental distress. He even cried when he first came to me. I consoled him, saying, "Why are you crying? You are young; you will stand strong." I gave him mental strength. He is exceptionally devoted to his Guru. His devotion is incomparable. It is through this devotion that he has progressed so far.
Interviewer:
Gurudev, having this book is truly an enlightenment for the Bengali intellectual and general community. We hope the book reaches more people in the future.
Gurudev:
Yes, this is the book. It starts with a picture of my Gurudev, Bhabadeb Baba. Then there's the biography, family history, and some supernatural accounts. One has to read it to understand. It's available online.
Interviewer:
Gurudev, thank you for this discussion about your new biography and spiritual life.
Gurudev:
This is actually the fifth book. Four books were released previously; this is the fifth one.
Interviewer:
We will end here today, Gurudev. My respects to you.
Gurudev:
Namaskar (Salutations).
Spiritual Insight
This article introduces the fifth book about Guru Shyama Khyapa's life, written and edited by Dr. Sujit Kar under the pen name "Saptarshi." The name originated from a profound spiritual experience where the Seven Sages (Saptarshi) constellation appeared to Dr. Kar during meditation, identifying him as one of their own. The book, published in Mumbai by Dr. Kalyan Roy, chronicles Gurudev's biography, supernatural experiences, and spiritual journey. The story of Saptarshi exemplifies how divine recognition comes through sincere practice—Basudev Jagannath Himself provides the ultimate "certificate" of spiritual attainment.