Subho Bhoumik:
Hello, my name is Subho Bhoumik, Shubhankar Bhoumik, also known as Akash Subho. I am currently writing a biography on Gurudev Shri Shri Shyama Khepa Maharaj. It is my good fortune and a privilege given to me by Gurudev Shri Shri Shyama Khepa Maharaj to write a book about him.
Subho Bhoumik:
He is a sadhu of the highest order. You may have heard about the traditional order of Indian monks—the sadhus, the rishis, the maharishis, and the holy saints. We speak of stalwarts like Rishi Bhrigu, Vishwamitra ji, and Rishi Vashistha Muni, who glorified our country, India, which is regarded as Punya Bhumi, or the holy land, all over the world. It has been hallowed by the footsteps of great rishis, sages, and mahatmas—great souls and accomplished saints who have realized God and their inner souls, or Paramatma (Brahma), as we call it.
Subho Bhoumik:
The main philosophy of Indian religion is "Aham Brahmasmi"—I am He, So-ham. That is the philosophy our great sages have taught throughout time: realize yourself, know yourself, know thy self. This is our motto and our goal.
Subho Bhoumik:
While the philosophies of the East and the West have often been viewed as separate in terms of culture, religion, and creed, basically, we are all the same. We come from the same God. Some may call him Christ, some Allah, and we call him Brahma or Bhagwan. Regardless of the name, he is the same supreme entity or cosmic consciousness.
Subho Bhoumik:
This is what the sages have tried to preach to us. However, in recent decades—especially over the last 60 to 70 years—there has been a serious dearth of true sadhus and mahatmas who can show the path to salvation. As we say in Hindi, we lack those who can show us the way and tell us the path to reach the Almighty.
Subho Bhoumik:
We need someone to lead us to the path of Brahma because many today lack that in-depth, profound knowledge or have not realized themselves. Only someone who knows the way can show the way. Our Gurudev, Shri Shri Shyama Khepa Maharaj, knows the way because he has walked it himself. He has lived it, and therefore, he can show it to us. That is the core truth: a man who has already traveled the path can guide others.
Subho Bhoumik:
I had a desire that the people of the West, who are also very religiously minded, should know him. It is not true, as some say, that Westerners are purely materialistic and lack spirituality. Look at how the Krishna Consciousness movement (ISKCON) has created a sensation all over the world. People are seeking; they are interested in knowing what Krishna is—the Param Brahma or the highest soul.
Subho Bhoumik:
Unfortunately, as I mentioned, there has been a shortage of enlightened monks who can show the path to enlightenment. But here, we are extremely fortunate, by the grace of God Almighty and Goddess Mahakali (Shyama Ma), that Shri Shri Shyama Khepa Maharaj—an ardent devotee and worshiper of Goddess Kali and Tara Ma—is with us.
Subho Bhoumik:
It must be mentioned that he did not want to be exposed. He practiced Gupt Sadhana (secret meditation) and preferred to remain in total seclusion and isolation. However, for the broader interest of society and people at large, we felt that his philosophy, spirituality, and divinity should be disclosed to everyone—not just to the East, but to the West as well. Everyone should know the essence of India and how enriched our religion, culture, and spirituality are.
Subho Bhoumik:
Our good luck is that we have an enlightened monk like Shri Shri Shyama Khepa Maharaj with us, who shows the path of enlightenment and salvation in the easiest possible way. In my book, you will find how he guides people. He always says it is very easy to find God; you just need to talk to yourself and delve into your inner soul. Just call out to "Ma" (Mother), and she will come. One does not necessarily need to perform extreme austerities; he has already done that on our behalf.
Subho Bhoumik:
Just as Jesus Christ suffered for the sake of mankind, our Gurudev has taken all the suffering upon himself. Today, people come to him in droves—people who are suffering from diseases, ailments, and those saturated with misery and pain. When all other doors are closed, they come here. I have been a witness to the miraculous things that happen here, and that is why I took the responsibility to write this book. It is my sacred duty to let people know what an original Indian monk and enlightened sadhu can do using his spiritual and yogic powers for the well-being of mankind.
Subho Bhoumik:
His philosophy is simple: live a simple life and do good for others. He tells his disciples that if they ever become successful by the grace of the Mother, they must never forget the common people. Live for their welfare, and God will bless you. This is his philosophy: do good to everyone. In Latin, we call it Summum Bonum—the greatest good for the greatest number.
Subho Bhoumik:
I am writing this book—though it may not be very voluminous—to contain his philosophies, high ideals, and his four decades of Sadhana. He has led a very strict, disciplined life and has taken the pain and agony of others upon his own physical body.
Subho Bhoumik:
In my book, you will find a quote he often shares from the famous Sanskrit poet Bhartṛhari:
Subho Bhoumik:
"Paropakaraya phalanti vrikshah, Paropakaraya vahanti nadyah, Paropakaraya duhanti gavah, Paropakarartham idam shariram."
Subho Bhoumik:
This means: trees bear fruit for the benefit of others, not themselves. Rivers flow not for themselves, but to sustain civilizations and people along their banks. Cows graze and give milk not for themselves, but for others to drink. Similarly, God has given us this body not for sensual pleasures or selfish indulgence, but for the sake of helping others (Paropkar).
Subho Bhoumik:
This is Gurudev's philosophy, and he lives it. He takes the diseases and miseries of others onto his own worldly body and suffers for them, yet he always maintains a graceful, divine, and beatific smile on his face. He is always happy, saying his body is meant for sharing and taking away the sorrows of others. He is not concerned about himself at all.
Subho Bhoumik:
This is the motto: live for others and know thyself. This is what Gurudev teaches us—how to live a beautiful, complete, and religious life with total faith and devotion to the Almighty.
Subho Bhoumik:
I hope, by the grace of Goddess Kali and Gurudev Shri Shri Shyama Khepa Maharaj, that you will enjoy reading the book. Thank you so much.
Subho Bhoumik:
Pranam, Gurudev.
Spiritual Insight
This introduction by Subho Bhoumik reveals the essence of Gurudev Shri Shri Shyama Khepa Maharaj's teachings: the philosophy of Paropkar (selfless service to others). Through the timeless Sanskrit verse from Bhartṛhari, we understand that just as trees bear fruit, rivers flow, and cows give milk—all for the benefit of others—so too is our human body meant for serving others, not for selfish indulgence. Gurudev embodies this principle by taking upon himself the diseases and sufferings of those who come to him, offering a living example of what true Indian spiritualism represents: "Aham Brahmasmi"—the realization that we are one with the Supreme, expressed through compassionate action.