Host:
Pranam, Gurudev.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Pranam, Baba. Pranam. Pranam.
Host:
Offering my respect to the viewers as well, let's begin today's episode. First, I have an announcement: the upcoming September 25th is Mahalaya. It marks our annual Puja for the Mother (Maa) here, which is entering its 32nd year. I invite everyone to attend. Now, Gurudev, let's start today's episode. I have a slightly different question for you today. Looking at what's happening in society, would you say that women are the benchmark or standard for men? What is your take on this?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, the idea that women are the benchmark is applicable. If you look back at Ramakrishna Paramahansa, his initiation was guided by a woman. Later, when he took a job, he got it from a woman, Rani Rashmoni. The deity he worshipped, Maa Kali, is female. Maa Sarada, whom he revered, is female. If you analyze it this way, for spiritual seekers (sadhaks), women are everything. Sadhaks rely heavily on women for power. Even Ramakrishna's Bhairavi Maa, who initiated him, was a woman. In his case, every step of his journey involved the help of women. One thing you must accept: there is no one more helpful than a woman in this world. We may talk about "manhood," but women are essential.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
The Vedas are male-centric. There are four Vedas, and they are all male-oriented. Women weren't given much power or mentioned much in discussions there. Because the Vedas are male-centric, women haven't been given their due importance. Yet, the entire world is sustained by women. A woman carries a child, feeds them, and raises them. She can raise a thief or a saint; she can raise a high-ranking official. It all depends on the motherly race. That's why we sadhaks always try to draw strength from the Bhairavi Mothers.
Host:
I have a question. Brahma is the creator. Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwar are considered the ultimate authorities. So how can you say women are everything?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Even if Brahma is the creator, Saraswati is the original creator. Brahma has Savitri on his left and Saraswati on his right. Regardless of who the creator is, Brahma cannot create from his own womb. He might be the "Lord of Creation," but Maa Saraswati is essentially his daughter whom he once mistreated. For that, he was punished and is now worshipped only in markets or specific places, not in every home. Even Gods make mistakes; lust spares no one.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Women are vital; we cannot survive a moment without them. Yet, we neglect and abuse them. Those who insult the motherly race are destined for sorrow. As sadhaks, we need women because they provide power (Shakti). We say Krishna is all-powerful, but he is always with Radhika. Where does Krishna get his power? From Radhika. We, who seek power, absorb it from women. Just as the sun's light absorbs the darkness, we absorb power from the "Bhairavi Mothers" or any woman who comes here. They might not even realize it, but we draw that subtle energy from them. Women are the source of power. There are 51 Shakti Peethas (seats of power). Those who practice spirituality at these seats attain power quickly.
Host:
Despite women being the form of the Mother and the source of power, they are still neglected and abused. What should women do?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
What can they do? They cannot live without men, which is why marriage exists. They are exploited and have been for ages. Because the Vedas are male-centric, women were never fully acknowledged. Yet, without women, there is no creation. If there is no creation, who will sustain it? Who will protect it?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
In the past, women stayed at home, managed the household, and raised children. Today, that is disappearing.
Host:
But we see a trend now where women want to live independently or only with other women. They are moving away from the Vedic traditions.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Is that for better or worse? It's causing great harm. In the past, things were better. Now, under the guise of independence, there is a lot of filth in society.
Host:
If a man tries to explain this to a woman, he is often seen as the "bad guy." It's a contradictory situation.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
That is why we are in this state. Women now say they won't be subservient; they want to work and earn their own money. They don't want to depend on a husband's income. So, does that mean the traditions followed for ages were false? Which is the truth—the old ways or the new? Women used to protect the home and the family; men used to earn. Now women are saying they must earn too. The consequences are severe.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Whether the old ways were better or the current ways are better is a massive debate. I'll leave that to the audience. But I believe you can't ignore the scriptures. When you ignore them, the results are disastrous.
Host:
You've left us with many questions, Gurudev. We invite the viewers to share their thoughts in the comments, and we may discuss them in a future episode.
Host:
To our viewers, Gurudev sits at Shantikunja, Rajpur, from Monday to Friday, 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, to meet devotees. He does not see visitors on Saturdays, Sundays, or on special lunar days like Purnima, Amavasya, or Ekadashi. Pranam, Gurudev.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Pranam.
Host:
Pranam, Gurudev.
Host:
Let's start a short episode today. Gurudev has an announcement for the viewers. Please listen carefully.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Like every year, we perform special prayers on Mahalaya. Before that, we have to prepare the idol of the Mother, perform the Angoraag (painting/decoration), and clean everything. I also want to install tiles in the Mother's room and repaint it. Because of these preparations, we will be closed for 15 days.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Durga Puja is approaching fast. We have Purnima coming up, and Mahalaya is just 15 days after that. There isn't much time—only about 22 to 24 days. So, we are closing down all visitations during this period. I am requesting everyone who usually comes to see me: please do not come until after Amavasya (Mahalaya).
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
We will stop seeing visitors starting tomorrow after the Purnima Homa. We will not reopen until after Mahalaya (September 25th). Please do not come before then, as it will be a wasted trip.
Host:
You heard the announcement. From September 10th, Gurudev will not be seeing anyone. This will continue until September 25th. As mentioned before, September 25th is our annual Puja. We invite you all to come and accept the "Bhog" of the Mother on that day.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Pranam.
Host:
Pranam, Gurudev. Respect to all the viewers. Stay well.