Interviewer:
Pranam, Gurudev.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Pranam.
Interviewer:
Gurudev, in the video we shared yesterday, there was a prominent personality. We shared a little bit about him, but much remains unknown. There were certain reasons for that.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, it was due to his own insistence. He didn't want to say anything at first. I sat him down because I wanted to learn something. He is a famous doctor from AIIMS, a senior gynecologist, and he was sent here by the WHO (World Health Organization). As you may know, the WHO sends its representatives to all major hospitals. So, the WHO had sent him. He is Mr. Mukherjee, and he is a profound devotee of God. He is a great devotee of Mother Tara and has visited Tarapith frequently. Not only that, he even owns a couple of flats in Bengal Lodge in Tarapith. He is also a very generous donor.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
He insisted that I shouldn't reveal his identity, as it might cause him some professional trouble. Later, I learned that he is a member of the WHO, and they sent him to AIIMS. He is a gynecologist. Such a high-ranking official, yet he didn't want to disclose his identity. Yes, go on.
Interviewer:
Gurudev, regarding this prominent personality—many of us here at Shantikunja don't know much. You've mentioned before how many distinguished people have visited here. Similarly, even though you are such a great seeker, you've lived as a "hidden seeker" (Gupta Sadhak) your whole life. So, when a big doctor from AIIMS suddenly finds his way to Shantikunja, what does that signify for us?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
It's nothing special. He visits Tarapith occasionally. He is a very powerful and influential person. He visits Tarapith to see the Mother (Ma Tara). He has immense capability, as I later found out. I didn't know much at first, but later I learned that the WHO sent him to AIIMS.
Interviewer:
Actually, Gurudev, the WHO is the World Health Organization; they manage the health infrastructure and regulations globally. Then, in our country, AIIMS is the most significant institution. The top doctors of the country are there. For example, Dr. Guleria, the head of AIIMS Delhi and the director of AIIMS, manages all the regulations during this COVID era. So, a member from that institution coming here is a huge deal.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
It is indeed a huge deal. I asked him how he heard about me. He said they heard about me in Tarapith and that they watch our episodes. He said, "Please give me a place at your feet." I asked him, "Why are you saying this? You are such a high-ranking person." I told him to stay in my heart, not at my feet.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I took care of him as much as I could and we had many discussions. He repeatedly requested not to publicize his name because it might affect his position. I told him that people all over India—Delhi, Bombay, Madras—know me, and sitting with me wouldn't harm him. Eventually, he agreed.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I didn't give away his full identity out of respect for his request. However, some might see him as just an ordinary person wearing rings on his fingers. But people like him are rare.
Interviewer:
Exactly, Gurudev. Doctors like him are the ones holding up our country's entire health infrastructure.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Absolutely. But he didn't want to take credit. He spoke a bit about masks and other things, but he mostly avoided talking about his profession. He never really "entered" that topic deeply. I also thought it wasn't necessary to push him if he didn't want to. Regardless, it was a good acquaintance. He told me he would remember me forever before he left.
Interviewer:
So, viewers, these details were unknown in yesterday's episode. We weren't supposed to mention them. But later, when we realized who he was, we felt it would be wrong not to tell you.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I was surprised myself that such a high-ranking person came here. He told many stories about Mother Tara. Even then, I didn't realize he was such a big doctor—an AIIMS gynecologist sent by the WHO. It moved me that someone of his stature came here. I treated him with great hospitality, and he won't forget it. I just attributed it all to Mother Tara.
Interviewer:
Gurudev, those who are truly great often act this way.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Not only that, a man of his stature sat on the floor near my feet. I was astonished. I kept offering him a chair, but he refused and stayed on the floor. He just kept saying, "Please give me a place." At that time, I still didn't realize his importance. He came here after seeing our episodes or hearing about us in Tarapith. It feels good today to know that such a great personality visited us, especially in these current times. He spoke briefly about masks and medicine. I feel we need people like him. Perhaps Mother Tara herself sent him. She might have told him, "Go to the Rajpur cremation ground; my son is there, go see him." He didn't reveal everything, but I feel good about it.
Interviewer:
Gurudev, on that note, we see so many "seekers" (Sadhus) advertising on TV, mobile, and posters on the streets. But here, I've seen people come and ask you where the "Shyama Khepa" (a title for a devotee) stays. It seems those who carry the greatest responsibilities are the ones who stay the most hidden.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Exactly. You can see it yourself. A doctor of that rank, sent by the WHO, sitting on the floor. I am still amazed. People might comment on his rings or other things, but that's not the point. A doctor of his stature can wear four rings if he wants; it's a matter of personal belief or something that gives him mental strength.
Interviewer:
Yes, Gurudev, it's about belief. Like how cricketers have their own superstitions or rituals for good luck. It shouldn't all be dismissed as superstition; it's about their mental strength. They carry such heavy responsibilities, saving lives and performing surgeries. Their mental state needs to be strong.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, he spoke about mental strength too. People find that strength in different ways. Some feel better just by meeting a good person or having someone place a hand on their shoulder. People often tell me, "I can't believe I've finally met you," and they break down in tears. I ask them why they are crying, and they say they never imagined I would actually meet them or touch them.
Interviewer:
Gurudev, I remember once a boy came at 3:00 AM from near Asansol. As soon as he saw you, he started weeping. He had been traveling since morning without eating, just to see you. He couldn't even speak for 15-20 minutes.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, such things happen frequently. People are amazed just to have found me. Their mental strength increases just by the meeting. People come from far and wide—from Cooch Behar, Murshidabad, Ondal. I can't tell them to go away after they've come so far.
Interviewer:
We've released episodes, but people should understand that if they delay their visit by a few days, it might be better for them. We try to explain this through the videos.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
People are impatient. They think if they just come here, everything will be fine. During the lockdown, 50 to 100 people were coming every day. The lockdown didn't stop them. Now, it's the month of Bhadra. People say Krishna was born in Bhadra, Vidyasagar was born in Bhadra—many great people were born in this month. Those who are meant to be great will be great regardless.
Interviewer:
Gurudev, if one person out of a hundred becomes great, that doesn't change the general rule. That's why you've advised people.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, many distinguished people were born in Bhadra, but many others have struggled. I see a hundred people every day, and I am often surprised. People say Bhadra is not a good month to be born in, but there are exceptions. Even one of our Indian Presidents was born in Bhadra. It's all up to God—who He lifts up and who He brings down. Just because Krishna was born in Bhadra doesn't mean the month is universally "good." Since Janmashtami falls in Bhadra, people ask why it would be a bad month. But the world is full of sin now.
Interviewer:
So, viewers, you've heard some unknown facts and the reasons why Gurudev advises against visiting during this month. This is a continuation of our previous episode. Please try to understand why we are saying this.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
People think just by seeing me, they will be healed. They come from everywhere—even Cooch Behar. It is a matter of pride for this temple. Now, even Google Maps shows "Rajpur Smashan" (cremation ground). I told the Mother (Ma Tara) that I have meditated here and conquered death (Mahamrityunjaya), so the whole world should know about this place.
Interviewer:
So, viewers, today's episode was about these known and unknown things. We will end it here. Gurudev explained everything about the month of Bhadra. In our scriptures, it is said that in the month of Bhadra, one shouldn't get married, buy property, or start auspicious work. That is why we say it is not a "good" month for such things.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Pranam.
Interviewer:
Pranam, Gurudev.