Interviewer:
Pranam, Gurudev.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Pranam, baba. Pranam.
Interviewer:
Gurudev, in the current COVID situation, there is a widespread outcry among people. This "march of death" that is ongoingâwe can see it reflected in the comments on your episodes. Not only that, but we can also see the reality with our own eyes here locallyâthe funeral processions and how people are being affected. We are not finding any peace of mind, and you have spoken about this repeatedly. At this moment, we would like to hear your thoughts on this matter.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Listen, the situation is grim everywhere. We are trying to do what is best for the people. For instance, in yesterday's episode, two of my disciples cameâDr. Sudeep Kar and Dr. Karanjay, who is the Head of the ENT Department at PG Hospital. He is a very influential doctor. Both of them came, and through our communication, we released an episode. There is so much that people don't know, and through this medium, we are trying to inform them.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Now, one person, a Muslim boy, asked why I don't wear a mask. I want to say one thingâwe are in "Mother's room" (the temple) here. There is no need for a mask here. When you go to the Eidgah or when you go to pray, do you have a mask on your face? You don't. We are always with the Mother, so we don't feel the need for a mask. I forget the name of that Muslim boy...
Assistant:
Gurudev, I know the name. It's Mohammad NK Nazrul.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Right, Mohammad NK Nazrul. He tried to make me aware, but he might not know that I had a mask yesterday. I just don't wear it inside the prayer room. Just as you don't cover your face in an Eidgah, we don't either. There is no difference, only a difference in perception or understanding. I did have a mask yesterday. If I wear a mask for too long, I feel a bit of respiratory discomfort. But the mask is always around my neck. When I speak, I take it off, especially since I'm in the Mother's room. Besides, I don't go out on the streets or go into crowded places, so the need is minimal. I go from here to my house and back, wearing a mask during the commute.
Assistant:
Moreover, Gurudev, this is a temple. The movement of people has decreased significantly lately.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
It's almost non-existent now.
Assistant:
So, if we are at home, will we keep wearing masks? This is like a home.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Exactly, this is like a home. Masks are not used here. And as I said, no outsiders are coming now. I have given instructions so that even a fly doesn't enter.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Now, another gentleman mentioned he is infected with COVID and his wife is very ill. I don't recall the name, but there is nothing to fear. COVID has come, and it will go. It's not a big deal. I will pray to the Mother for your wife so that you both recover and stay healthy. I am standing right in front of the Mother as I say this.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
There was another query regarding eye problems. For eye problems, one has to come here in person. These things cannot be treated online. We work on the eyes here, and many have benefited. I can show you cases where doctors sent patients to me because they had become blind. I worked on them and then told the doctor, "Now you apply the medicine." The doctor asked if he could operate, and I said, "Yes, operate, and they will see." When those people first came here, they had to be guided by their shoes because they couldn't see anything. Now, they can see, they put on their own shoes, and they come to see the Mother and me. I even test them by asking what color clothes I'm wearing, and they answer correctly. It feels good. So, for those with serious eye issues, you must come to me. We do some spiritual work with our hands that often proves very effective.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
But the thing is, with my episodes, I feel half the people don't watch the whole thing. They watch a little and leave a commentâgood or badâand like or dislike it. But they don't watch it entirely. If you don't watch the whole episode, you won't understand what I am trying to convey. The conclusion is always at the end. I don't think many people watch it with full attention. Our episodes are 15-20 minutes long; one needs a little patience to listen. It's good for those who listen to the end. As for subscribing, that's a personal choice. I don't ask for it, though we do put a "Please Subscribe" note.
Assistant:
Gurudev, you have said many times that you don't need subscribers for money because you don't earn from this.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
No, I don't get money, so what's the need?
Assistant:
You keep saying that whatever you say is for the benefit of the common man. That's why you request people to watch the episodes.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Exactly. Watch the whole thing before commenting. Most people just write, "Pranam, Gurudev," or "Gurudev, stay well." We are with the Mother, protected by a certain power. COVID hasn't entered our circle yet. There are several boys here day and night; they stay here, sleep here, and by God's grace, nothing has happened to them. I was fine during the first wave, and now in the second wave, I am not feeling ill. I don't know what will happen next, as I am over 75 years old. But I take sufficient precautions. I am surrounded by 8-10 doctors who are my disciples. If I call, they come immediately. They guide me and check on me constantly. So, people don't need to worry about me; I am worried about the people.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
The way COVID is spreadingâwhat I predicted seems to be coming true. But this "match" is not pleasant. I won't make any more predictions because it feels bad. Today I heard a report that both a husband and wife died of COVID, leaving behind a young daughter who is crying inconsolably. We hear such things every moment. People call me saying they or their spouses are seriously ill and ask me to tell the Mother. We are spiritual people. Sometimes we give people certain things (like a consecrated shell) that help them stay well through the Mother's blessings. But in this COVID situation, whom can I ask to come? Yet people are still coming in small numbers.
Assistant:
Gurudev, we have seen that you told everyone not to come, but those who are desperate are still coming, and you are serving them.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, someone might say, "This month is my last; I won't survive the next." So I tell them to come so I can hear their troubles. I do what I can from a distance. But if too many people come, it becomes a problem. Some people come without even informing me.
Assistant:
That means only those in extreme danger are coming.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Absolutely. Yesterday, someone said, "I will stay here if needed, but I know I will die next month. See if you can save me." Today, someone else came with a similar plea. I do whatever work is possible. I am constantly praying to God to end this misery for mankind. I keep telling the Mother. But this is a period of "Pralay" (cataclysm), and during such times, the Mother doesn't always listen easily. Yet, I keep asking. Yesterday, we performed a "Hom" (sacrificial fire ritual) for world peace and for COVID to subside. We will show that video tomorrow.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I remember once, during the CPM era, I was invited to a meeting where Gautam Deb was present. He said, "Everyone should buy a mirror and look at themselves in it." At first, I didn't give it much importance. But later, I realized that your philosophy of life is in that mirror. If you look at your face and your body in the mirror, you can know yourself. This is the philosophy of life. I realized he was right. Buy a mirror and look at yourself. It will solve many of your problems. Looking into the mirror is like looking into your conscience (Bibek). Ask your conscience if you are doing right or wrong.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
That is what I mean by the philosophy of life. Look in the mirror and see if you are a sinner or a virtuous soul. Everyone commits sins, knowingly or unknowingly. Everyone who comes to me says, "I haven't committed any sin." Then I ask, "Then why are you in this state?" Then I have to look into their past lives to see what sins they are paying for now.
Assistant:
Truly Gurudev, "mirror" here refers to the conscience. Questioning the conscienceâlooking in the mirrorâmeans asking yourself if you are doing good or bad.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Exactly. That is what he meant, and I realized it much later. Whether it's the CPM party or any other, what he said was very profound. If people questioned their own conscience, the world wouldn't be in this state today. Buddha said the same thingâawaken your conscience. Let your conscience guide you. No matter how deep the crisis, if you awaken your conscience, you will not suffer. This "chariot of conscience" will lead you. This is what Buddha said before his death. When he was dying, his followers asked, "Lord, you are leaving such a vast empire; who will run it?" He said only one thing: "Awaken your conscience, and it will lead you."
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
People still don't understand; they lack consciousness. Their conscience hasn't awakened. The day it does, they might lose many things, but the chariot of conscience will carry them through. You just hold the reins, and it will take you through the darkest times and the greatest dangers. God will surely help you cross over. 100%. God exists. We may doubt it, but we feel His vibration. Everything that happens, happens at His signal. We just don't realize it. If we can satisfy Him through worship, love, and awakening, these dangers will gradually subside. This is temporary; it won't last forever. The hands of a clock never stop in one place; they keep moving. COVID is here today, but it will be gone tomorrow. But as long as it is here, we must remain aware. "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." Since COVID is here, we must take all necessary precautions, use medicines, and consult doctors.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Those who are neglecting this or just taking a paracetamol for a fever are facing difficulties. And truthfully, we lack infrastructure. If I go to get a COVID test today, it takes four days to get the result.
Assistant:
Gurudev, we see in the news that India is the largest producer of COVID vaccines, yet we are not getting them. It's very unfortunate.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
It is extremely unfortunate. It's beyond imagination. Where is all the stock going? It was made for us.
Assistant:
I think, Gurudev, these political figures need to awaken their conscience for the sake of the people.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
They have no conscience; they are conscienceless. Don't even bring them up. You can't wake someone who is pretending to sleep. These politicians will never awaken their conscience. They only "awaken" where there is money or self-interest. They will flatter wherever it suits them. They don't care who dies of COVID. We see this happening repeatedly. Their conscience will never wake up; the day it does, they will be finished. So there's no point in shouting about their conscience.
Assistant:
So friends, you heard Gurudev repeatedly urging us to awaken our conscience. If we can lead our conscience on the path of truth, we will surely find a new and beautiful world. Gurudev, after paying our respects to the Mother and Father, and to you, we conclude today's episode. Pranam, Gurudev.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Pranam, baba. Pranam.
Spiritual Insight
Guru Shyama Khyapa addresses the pressing concerns of the COVID-19 pandemic and the urgent need for humanity to awaken their inner conscience. Through the philosophy of the mirrorâlooking inward at one's actions and beliefsâhe teaches that questioning your conscience is fundamental to navigating any crisis. Drawing from Buddha's timeless wisdom, Guru explains that the "chariot of conscience" will carry us through the darkest times if we awaken it. His message emphasizes that while we must take practical precautions against the pandemic, the real solution lies in spiritual awakening, devotion to the divine, and the collective activation of human conscience to combat the materialism and dishonesty that plague modern society.