Sujata Rai:
Pranam Gurudev. Salutations to Sri Sri Shyamakhapa. Greetings and well-wishes to everyone from Gurudev's ashram, Shanti Kunj. I am Sujata Rai, and I am beginning today's program.
Sujata Rai:
After a long period of secret spiritual practice (Gupta Sadhana), and upon our request, our Gurudev is sharing his wisdom not only with Bengal or India but with the entire world. Through his personal YouTube channel, "Shyamakhapa," Gurudev has dedicated himself to teaching spiritual life lessons and solving the sorrows and problems of the general public to promote world peace. Today, Gurudev is engaging in a special discussion. I hope you all find it beneficial.
Disciple:
Gurudev, one can only protect others if they can protect themselves first, right?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Exactly. That is a very true statement. You must learn to protect yourself first. There is a common saying, "King, where are your clothes?" People say this often, and it carries great weight. If you do not learn how to protect yourself, you will never be able to protect anyone else. You must know the strategy.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Think about it: if you have no money, who can you lend to? How can you help? But if you have money, you can help five people or manage various tasks.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
There is a great story about this. There was once an influential Guru who lived in an ashram. Many people visited him. Among them, the Guru noticed a particular boy. This boy would stop everyone at the gate, saying, "Talk to me first. You cannot go to Gurudev yet. Gurudev follows my advice; he told me so."
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
The Guru observed this behavior quietly. Every time someone arrived, the boy would claim that without his permission, no one could see the Guru. One day, the Guru decided to teach the boy a lesson. He called him and said, "Look, I see that you are protecting me every moment. I would appreciate it if you could protect me even further."
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
The boy replied, "Of course, Gurudev! I am already protecting you. I tell everyone they must speak to me before they can see you."
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
The Guru said, "I have decided to go into the deep jungle tonight to meditate. There are tigers, elephants, and bears there. I believe you are the one who can protect me."
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
The Guru took the boy to a forest where there were actual wild animals. He handed the boy a bow and arrow and said, "I will sit here and meditate all night. You must keep watch. If a tiger or a bear comes, use these arrows to kill it."
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
The boy was honored. The Guru sat down to meditate. Late at night, the Guru—to test the boy—manifested the presence of a tiger. Seeing the "tiger" and hearing its growl, the boy was terrified. He dropped the bow and arrows and immediately climbed a tree. He sat there thinking, "This tiger is surely going to eat Gurudev."
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
In the morning, the boy climbed down from the tree. He was certain the Guru had been eaten and he wouldn't have to answer to him. However, he found the Guru sitting exactly as he was, deep in meditation.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
When the Guru opened his eyes, he asked, "Where were you all night?"
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
The boy stammered, "I... I was right here, Gurudev."
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
"Then where is your bow? Where are your arrows?" the Guru asked.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
In his hurry to escape, the boy had left them scattered on the ground. He tried to make up excuses, but the Guru stopped him.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
"Look," the Guru said, "first learn to protect yourself. If you cannot protect yourself, you cannot protect me. You were filled with a terrible ego, which is why I brought you here to teach you this lesson. You realized that when faced with real danger, you couldn't even stand your ground."
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
The moral is that you must first learn the strategy of self-protection. Only then can you protect others. After that day, the boy never acted that way again.
Disciple:
Gurudev, you are constantly saving people from diseases and various troubles. How do you protect yourselves?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
There is a method for that. When I work with the hundreds of people who come to me, I use something called Gatra Bandhan (Body Protection/Aura Locking). We also "lock" or protect the physical space where we sit so that no negative energy can enter.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
There are certain spiritual secrets that cannot be disclosed to everyone. But essentially, we sit within a protected boundary. Furthermore, there is a God-given power within my body that acts as a shield. God grants many things to those who seek Him.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
When I used to meditate in cremation grounds (Shhmashana) or old temples, someone once told me to keep a physical weapon nearby. He told me that if I ever saw something supernatural or threatening, I should take that weapon and drop a tiny bit of blood from my finger onto the earth. That act would ensure nothing could harm me.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
We know many such strategies, which is why we can sit anywhere—even in a cemetery at night—without fear. God protects us; His gaze is always upon us. You saw this with Bama Khepa as well; he had the power to protect himself. Those who perform intense spiritual practice (Sadhana) know these strategies.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Beyond that, there is the grace of the Mother (Goddess). There is a difference between dealing with a drunkard causing a nuisance and dealing with evil spirits or ghosts (Apodebota). We have spiritual "weapons" to protect ourselves from these entities.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
While a drunkard might cause a temporary disturbance and leave, evil spirits do not let go easily. We have suffered a lot while working to remove these entities from others. Sometimes, after performing such work, we feel physically drained for two or three days, as if we have been poisoned. It takes time and the Mother's grace to recover.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
This is why you sometimes see spiritual seekers die suddenly; they may not have been able to handle the backlash. Also, you must never take money or material things in exchange for this work. If you do, you fall into a trap. This work must be done selflessly.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
If you cannot protect yourself, you cannot protect the world. These strategies are often taught by one's Guru or granted by the Mother during meditation.
Disciple:
Friends, you just heard the valuable words of Gurudev. Please subscribe to the "Gupta Sadhak Shyamakhapa" YouTube channel, like the videos, and leave your thoughts in the comment box.
Sujata Rai:
You have been listening to a special discussion by Gurudev Sri Sri Shyamakhapa. I hope you found it enlightening. To stay updated on such topics, please subscribe, like, and share Gurudev's channel.
Sujata Rai:
If you wish to contact Gurudev for a consultation or visit his ashram, Shanti Kunj, you must book a prior appointment via WhatsApp only. Please message between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM at 8080539595. Again, the number is 8080539595. Mention your name, phone number, and location in your message. Gurudev will call you back as soon as possible. Please do not call the number repeatedly.