Devotee:
Pronam (salutations), Gurudev.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Pronam, pronam.
Devotee:
Gurudev, in today's society, the line between truth and untruth has blurred. Many people use the name of God to commit many wrong and untruthful acts. This is confusing people and leading individuals toward sin. Gurudev, what happens to those who harm others?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Look, God is established in Truth. Truth is God; God is Truth. Therefore, one cannot reach God through falsehood. If I try to reach Him by force, that is a different matter, but one can never reach God through deceit. I might lie, then go to God and offer a garland of 108 flowers or donate two thousand rupees—none of that will work. God does not look at these things. God never tolerates sinful behavior (Papachar).
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
God desires a person's mind to be like that of a six-month-old child—one who understands nothing and is free from the "Six Enemies" (Soro Ripu: lust, anger, greed, etc.), the five senses, and the five elements. God knows them, and it is them that He blesses and draws near. If you are possessed by the "Six Enemies," it is very difficult. That is why we say: go to God as a six-month-old child, and He will embrace you. But if you go to Him after being deceitful or behaving badly with others, He will not accept it.
Devotee:
Today, people are running toward these untruthful people. For example, yesterday you received a phone call from someone asking you to perform a "Ban Mara" (a harmful black magic spell). People are constantly trying to harm one another. Only they know what they hope to gain from such harm.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Look, God never harms anyone. When you use God as a tool to harm others, the consequences are terrifying. If not today, it will happen tomorrow morning. You are using God's name as a shield to harm people, and the result is devastating.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
You see this trend everywhere now—"Kala Jadu" (Black Magic). You won't even know it's happening, but black magic is being performed. The consequences are extremely dire. Some people do this for a bit of money, but the end result is horrific. One should not do these things. You cannot utilize God for sinful work. God is not present in sin or evil acts. If you try to involve Him in such things, you are inviting your own peril. God won't do anything; you will simply become powerless. Whatever spiritual strength you had earned will be destroyed. God will take it away because He never wants you to harm others.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
God wants people to prosper and be well. "Sarva mangala mangalye, shive sarvartha sadhike..."—this means we must pray for the welfare of all. If you pray for someone to get a car, you might at least get a bicycle! That is how it works. You should be for everyone's welfare, just as God is for everyone's welfare. We chant these mantras repeatedly, but we don't apply them in practice. Instead, we call upon God while committing all sorts of wrongs.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Look at the "Hom" (sacrificial fire ritual) happening today. It is for the welfare of people; no evil is intended. If I try to do harm through a ritual, harm will surely follow—but to the one performing it. You have no right to harm anyone. And if you involve God in it, He will not spare you.
Devotee:
Gurudev, how can one distinguish between a holy person and a dishonest one?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
You don't need to distinguish. You are only trying to know because of your own greed. Just call upon God. Why do you need to meet anyone? You only seek them out when you want something.
Devotee:
Gurudev, could you explain the "Eightfold Path" for ordinary people?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
The Eightfold Path (Ashtamarga) is from Gautam Buddha. We use it in his name. Right Action (Sat-karma): Whatever work you do must be honest. In the Gita, it says "Om Tat Sat"—be truthful. Every chapter of the Gita reminds us to be honest.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Right Vision (Sat-drishti): The way we look at the world must be pure. We should look at women as mothers or sisters. Our gaze should not be tainted by evil thoughts. Right Resolve (Sat-sankalpa): Whatever we resolve to do should be for a good cause. We must make a vow to be truthful.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Right Speech (Sat-vakya): We use the same mouth to curse and to chant God's name. Our speech should be used carefully, without hurting others. Right Livelihood (Sat-jivika): Our profession, the way we earn our living, must be honest and not based on deceit.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Right Effort (Sat-prajatna): We must maintain our path with care and mindfulness. One who is honest is a saint, equal to God. Right Mindfulness (Sat-smriti): The thoughts and memories in our minds should not be chaotic or negative. We should have positive thoughts.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Right Samadhi (Sat-samadhi): People often pretend to meditate for show. True Samadhi in the name of God is profound. If a person follows these eight paths, they need nothing else. That is why I say: do good work, walk the path of truth, and do not cheat or harm others. The harm you intend for others is already waiting for you.
Devotee:
Pronam, Gurudev. Let's end here for today.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, let's end here.