Interviewer:
Gurudev, Pranam.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Pranam, my son. Speak.
Interviewer:
Gurudev, given the wave of the pandemic currently sweeping through the world, as well as here in India, people are completely devastated. We hear many people saying that instead of suffering like this, if everyone were simply destroyed at once, perhaps we could all die together. We cannot bear to see others suffering like this. What would you say about that?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Listen, towards the end of 2020, in January, I already stated that I would have no power in 2021. My power would be gone. I won't be able to do anything. I raised my hands and told everyone. But the situation is such that people can't help but come. From this morning, several people arrived. We told them that because of COVID, they shouldn't come now. But who listens? They sat outside and said, "We won't leave until you do something."
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
This evening, officials from the administration came. The IC of the police station, the former chairman, and other officials arrived. They were quite firm with us. They said, "You can look after the temple, but no more than two or three people should be here, and everyone must wear a mask." They explicitly stated that masks are mandatory. They don't want a single outsider to come here, no matter how close they are to us or if they are disciples. We have to provide a report to the police station naming the four people who will stay here to serve the Mother. Only two or three are enough for service, maybe one more for supplies. They were very clear: no people, no cars, no visitors.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
They warned me that if anyone comes, they will be arrested. Even if they come by car just to see me, they will be arrested. They were very blunt about it. Another issue is the cremation ground. There is a huge pressure of bodies, including COVID victims. They told us that from midnight until 5:00 AM, only COVID bodies would be cremated. After 5:00 AM, the entire area will be sanitized for an hour or two before any local bodies are accepted. This was decided in their meeting. The pandemic has taken a terrifying form.
Interviewer:
So Gurudev, you are sending this message through this episode to all your disciples and followers—that they should not come here under any circumstances?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Absolutely not. They even told me to wear a mask. Now, they know I don't usually wear a mask when I'm with the Mother. But I do wear one on the road. When I come from outside, I wear a mask until I reach the Mother's side. But now they've insisted I must wear one here too. I agreed, but it's difficult to keep a mask on all the time while performing rituals for the Mother. Some tasks just can't be done with a mask on. But on the road, I never go without one.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
In the first wave, I didn't wear a mask much and didn't feel the need. But this time, it's different. This disease has taken a different form. It's spreading among so many people that the administration is struggling. We are also overwhelmed because people are calling from everywhere saying they have COVID or are in the hospital. So, I am requesting everyone: if anyone comes here now for work or to visit, I cannot take any responsibility for them. If the police pick them up, that is on them. The administration was very clear: "Do not allow anyone."
Interviewer:
Even if the area is sanitized after cremating COVID victims, there is still a risk of infection.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
True, but the workers have protective suits. I'm more concerned about the people who want to visit. I am telling you again, very forcefully: there is no need to come here. Let the COVID situation subside a bit, then people can come. But for now, no one should come to this cremation ground or temple. It's a very dangerous situation. No children, no elderly—no one should be around here.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I'm very worried. Yesterday, twelve doctors who treat COVID patients came to see me. They shared some statistics and said if their calculations are correct, India's situation will become very grave. A doctor from Ruby Hospital was here and warned us. He even gave me his number to call if we need help with medicines or advice. Other doctors are saying the same.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
There are only three or four of us here—myself, Tapan-da, Chandan-da, and occasionally Madhu. We are the ones serving the Mother, performing the morning prayers and rituals. I'm worried about them too, but their service to the Mother cannot be stopped.
Interviewer:
Gurudev, is there any spiritual way to handle this wave of the pandemic?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
We are trying our best. I don't know if there is a definitive spiritual way, but we are doing whatever we can to help. Science is very advanced now, yet even science is struggling to stop this. This is a pandemic that seems to happen every hundred years, but this one feels different. We've seen plague and cholera in history, but this is something else. We didn't worry much during the first wave, but this second wave is frightening. We don't know what turn it will take.
Interviewer:
Friends, you heard Gurudev. He is strictly forbidding everyone from coming to the temple or the cremation ground for now. Please follow this advice.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, the administration has been very strict. I have never seen such measures in my life at this cremation ground. They've even stopped people who used to come here to loiter or drink. Everything is closed. All doors are locked, except for one gate for essential vehicles.
Interviewer:
Please stay safe and stay away for now. Gurudev, we will end this episode here with a Pranam to you and to Ma Tara.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Pranam. I don't know when the next episode will be. We'll see. Stay safe.