DISCIPLE:
Pranam, Gurudev. Today, at Ma Shantikunj, after offering our salutations to Bama Tara and to you, we begin our conversation. Gurudev, there is something we want to understand from you. During this current COVID-19 situation, we see many saints and devotees consuming gochona (cow urine) and cow dung. What are your thoughts on this?
GURUDEV:
Pranam, son. See, regarding gochona, our scriptures have provided a direction: “Gandhadwaram Duradharsham Nitya-pushtam Karishinim, Ishwarim Sarvabhutanam Tamihopahvaye Shriyam.” This means that consuming gochona provides daily nutrition. To fight against diseases, doctors say to consume nutritious things so that the body becomes stronger. Our scriptures said this a long time ago—that it provides daily nourishment.
GURUDEV:
However, there is a concern. In the past, cows used to eat grass and plants. Now, they are often fed processed "mash" and other unsuitable things. Cows eat grass, and plants have various medicinal juices that keep them healthy. Since they don't get that naturally as much anymore, the gochona isn't as pure. Still, our scriptures state that if you consume gomutra (cow urine) regularly, you will get daily nutrition. It contains essential nutrients.
DISCIPLE:
Gurudev, this isn't a new thing, right? As you said, this has been practiced since ancient times.
GURUDEV:
Yes. The scriptures have mentioned Panchamrit (the five elixirs) many times. One of those elixirs is gochona. The second elixir is cow’s milk, or Soma. In the past, sages used to consume Somras. When those plants became scarce, they looked for an alternative with equal power and found it in cow’s milk. That is why cow's milk is also called Soma.
GURUDEV:
Then comes curd (yogurt). Curd increases the longevity of life (Prana). If you eat curd every day, it extends your lifespan. Then there is Ghrita (ghee/clarified butter), which increases vitality and strength. That is why it’s often said, “Even if you have to take a loan, consume ghee.” And finally, there is Kushodak (water infused with Kusha grass).
GURUDEV:
These five elixirs are: 1. Gochona (Cow urine) for nutrition. 2. Milk for strength. 3. Curd for longevity. 4. Ghee for vitality. 5. Kushodak (Kusha grass water). Each of these has a specific mantra. These five elixirs are consumed by monks. Additionally, there is a tradition for pregnant women: after five months, they are given Panchamrit to purify the womb (Garbha Shodhan). This tradition has mostly faded now, but it was practiced to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
DISCIPLE:
Gurudev, another thing—what about eating cow dung? What are its benefits?
GURUDEV:
Cow dung has no such role in consumption. There is no benefit to eating cow dung. The benefit lies in gochona (urine). Eating cow dung won't do anything for internal nutrition in this context. Monks consume gochona, but they do not eat cow dung—that’s a misconception.
GURUDEV:
People today don't know these things and don't try to learn. They just make a comment because they feel like it. But there is a reason behind these practices; otherwise, why would people follow them? The scriptures have emphasized Panchamrit and its benefits for a reason. Scientists might not want to accept it initially, but they have to accept parts of it. They cannot deny the benefits of milk, ghee, or curd. Common people have only memorized science from books; it would have been better if they had studied this traditional science as well.
GURUDEV:
We have always said that ghee is a vitality booster. Live happily as long as you consume ghee. These things are written, but people don't study them anymore. I have often said that traditional science should be taught alongside modern science. 90% of people don't know the benefits of the five sacred elements. If you understand the meaning of the mantras, you will understand why they are necessary.
DISCIPLE:
So, friends, you heard from Gurudev. We often look down on these traditions out of ignorance, but they are a vital part of our heritage and one of the five elixirs. We learned a lot today from you, Gurudev. Pranam to you.
GURUDEV:
Pranam, son.