Narrator:
Salutations to the holy hidden sage, Shri Shri Shyamakhapa. Greetings from Shanti Kunj. We begin our program today by paying our respects to the Guru, Shri Shri Shyamakhapa. Let us all listen together to the invaluable words of the Guru.
Disciple:
Salutations, Guru.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Blessings, my son.
Disciple:
Guru, whenever we speak, whether it is to someone specific or in a public setting, we are told it is vital to remember the principle of "Sthan, Kaal, and Patra" (Place, Time, and Recipient). Could you please explain what this concept means and why it is so important to maintain?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
To understand this, we must first look at "Kaya, Mana, and Vakya" (Body, Mind, and Speech). These are three fundamental aspects. Kaya refers to the body. Mana is the mind—the restless, wandering mind within us. And Vakya is speech.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Speech is considered Brahma (Divine). The same mouth can utter foul words or the name of God. Therefore, this "Brahma" must be handled with extreme care.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Consider this example: A man who doesn't particularly believe in God goes to a temple, wearing a very expensive pair of shoes. As he approaches the temple, he worries, "If I leave these shoes outside, they might be stolen." With this thought, he enters the temple. His Kaya (body) is before the Goddess, but his Mana (mind) is outside with his shoes. Because his mind is preoccupied with the shoes, he cannot truly focus on the Goddess or find peace. Furthermore, he cannot offer a true Vakya (prayer or petition) because his body, mind, and speech are disconnected. All because of a pair of shoes!
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
When we say we are speaking with "Body, Mind, and Speech," it means the mind is aligned with the body, and the speech reflects that unity. This is the foundation.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Now, let's discuss Sthan (Place). Every place has its own significance. A temple has its sanctity; a court of law has its gravity; a home has its own value. Wherever you go, you must consider the nature of the place. If you go to a place with negative energy, your thoughts will turn negative. If you go to a holy place, the divinity of that place will influence you. We often go home after a long day to find rest and relaxation. That is the "significance" of that place. Some people go to beaches like Goa just to see people idling or being worldly—that is the significance they seek. Others go to holy sites like Kalighat or Tarapith. The significance is entirely different. One must choose a place of high significance.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Next is Kaal (Time). Everything has its time. If you eat a fruit out of season, it will not taste right. Mangoes taste best in the summer; if you eat them in winter, the essence is missing. Time is a factor we must respect. People often say, "Your time hasn't come yet," or "The time is ripe."
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Consider the story of Rama and Ravana. When Rama defeated Ravana, he recognized Ravana as a great scholar and a man of immense power. Rama approached the dying Ravana to seek some final advice. Ravana told him, "Never postpone a good deed." He explained that he had always wanted to build a staircase to Heaven. Every day he thought, "I will start today," but he kept delaying it. Then, his sister Surpanakha's nose was cut, then he abducted Sita, then the war began. Because he kept saying "tomorrow," the staircase was never built. His advice was: "Do it now." Even a former Chief Minister, Buddhadeb Bhattacharya, used to say, "Do it now." Do not leave today's work for tomorrow. Time is a thief; it steals every moment of our lives.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Finally, there is Patra (Recipient). This is about knowing who you are addressing or giving to. There is a Sanskrit proverb: "Upadesho hi murkhanam prakopaya na shantaye" (Giving advice to the foolish only provokes them; it doesn't bring peace). You should not offer deep knowledge to someone who thinks they already know everything.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Finding the right recipient is a quest even for the greats. Ramakrishna Paramahansa searched for a worthy recipient and found Vivekananda. When you find the right "vessel," the knowledge you pour into it becomes immortal. Sages and saints always look for a worthy disciple to carry on their lineage. If a sage cannot find a worthy recipient, they often return their accumulated spiritual powers to the Ganges or consume them in a sacred fire rather than passing them to someone unworthy. In today's world, finding a true "Patra" is very difficult.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
So, one must align Body, Mind, and Speech, and then navigate through life by carefully considering the Place, the Time, and the Recipient. Only then will your efforts bear fruit.
Disciple:
Friends, we just heard the Guru's discourse on the importance of maintaining Place, Time, and Recipient in our lives. Please subscribe to the Gupta Sadhak Shyamakhapa YouTube channel, like our videos, and share your thoughts in the comments.
Narrator:
You were listening to the invaluable words of Guru Gupta Sadhak Shri Shri Shyamakhapa. To listen to his teachings regularly, please subscribe, like, and share. If you wish to contact the Guru, please send a WhatsApp message between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM with your name, location, and phone number. The Guru will call you back as soon as possible. The WhatsApp number is 8080539595.
Narrator:
We conclude today's program with pranams to the Guru and his blessings to you all. Stay well. Namaskar.