Vlogger:
Namaskar, yes, Namaskar. Greetings to all. On November 26, 2020, Santu Acharya—whom we call 'Pagla'—a secret seeker and disciple of Syamakhyapa of this Shantikunja, started his journey on foot to Kamakhya. Today is March 28, which means we are seeing Pagla after almost four months and four days. He went to Kamakhya on foot, performed his spiritual practices (sadhana) there, and has now returned. Just moments ago, we witnessed our Guru, Sri Sri Syamakhyapa, welcoming him in a way we have almost never seen before. It was a rare and beautiful sight of a Guru honoring his disciple. Gurudev, if you could please speak about the spiritual significance or the rituals behind this.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Spiritual matters and the relationship between Guru and disciple are profound; it is rare to witness such an encounter. Since the disciple has returned after successfully reaching Mother Kamakhya, it is the Guru's duty to welcome him warmly. That is the tradition. What else would a Guru do? A Guru must always protect his disciple. We can say Pagla has reached a new stage of elevation, and so we welcomed him by washing his feet and offering garlands, lamps, and incense.
Vlogger:
It felt as if you were almost worshipping him as a Guru.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, that is how it should be. This is a rare scene that ordinary people usually don't get to see.
Vlogger:
True, there's little chance of that. We maintain certain ancient rituals here. I would like Ghotok Babu to say a few words. Ghotok Babu, this tradition of mutual respect between Guru and disciple in our Sanatana Dharma is a great treasure. Please share your thoughts on this.
Ghotok Babu:
This is an ancient tradition of India. When the Guru sent the disciple there, the Guru's presence reached the Mother through him. It wasn't just for Pagla's own spiritual growth. We have seen from the beginning that the Guru's goal here is world peace and human welfare. It is about the upliftment of the entire human society and delivering them from danger. Gurudev practices and performs rituals for this daily. Despite his age and physical ailments, and even amidst the severity of the pandemic, we couldn't stop him. His only aim was to stand by the helpless and distressed during these times.
Vlogger:
For the welfare of the people, as we say.
Ghotok Babu:
Yes, for public welfare. Sacrificial fires (Yajnas) and prayers were held here almost every day. By the Mother's grace, we haven't seen a single case of COVID in this Shantikunja. It couldn't enter here.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I said that before—corona will not enter here because the Mahamrityunjaya Yajna has been performed here for three years. This is unprecedented in history, at least in recent times. We did that, and so I can confidently say there is no place for corona here.
Ghotok Babu:
Yes. Another thing I noticed is that when our Pagla Baba started his journey, it seemed like an insurmountable task. It was a very long path, and I heard from Gurudev that some parts were quite treacherous. Pagla also shared that there were temptations and dangers at every step, but he had to overcome them to reach the Mother in Kamakhya.
Vlogger:
Yes, we witnessed the temptations of the road. Gurudev was anxious at every moment. He would constantly ask anyone who came here where Pagla had reached that day. He was always eager to hear from him; talking to him seemed to give Gurudev mental peace. After Pagla reached Kamakhya, Gurudev suggested someone visit him. I went there and met him, and we have brought you videos of our conversations during my stay there. Everything happened under Gurudev's instructions. He told me to go there and arrange his stay and place of practice. Then Pagla finished his sadhana. There was a time when news reached Gurudev that Pagla's mother was bedridden at home. We wondered if he would return, but he remained firm in his resolve. He finished his practice and has returned to Shantikunja today. His future life of spiritual practice is a lesson for all of us. He has our best wishes. Now, I'll ask Gurudev to say something to him.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Pagla, you are most welcome. It is very good that you have completed your task and returned. Say a few words to the people.
Pagla (Santu Acharya):
There isn't much more to say; Ghotok Babu has said it all. I have traveled a long way. In this day and age, people can hardly imagine the mental resolve needed for such a journey. It requires a spiritual power that I received from Gurudev. I won't speak about that in public. Briefly, I will say that for as long as I walked toward Kamakhya, I realized something. I realized that I am but a part of my Guru—this is something I must accept now and in the future. The Mother's blessing is always there, but without my Guru, completing this resolve would have been impossible. That's all for this episode. We will see what happens next. Now, I will offer my respects to Gurudev.
Vlogger:
Prayers and respects to everyone. My love, best wishes, and respects to all the devotees on YouTube. Joy Guru, Joy Ma!
Everyone:
Joy Guru, Joy Ma! Joy Guru, Joy Ma!