Guru Purnima London, 2006
Guru Purnima speech of HH Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji - July 2, 2006 - Teddington school, London
Guru purnima is the time to offer prayer TO Sadguru for truth, bliss and consciousness.
Some know guru purnima as Buddha purnima and Vyas purnima . Why do we celebrate Guru purnima? It is for the enlightenment of self (Aatma Gyana).
From birth we have many gurus at each stage of life.
Mother as guru
Father as guru
teacher as guru
Career guru
Spiritual guru
You may have many gurus but mother, father and Sadguru can not be changed. Some devotees chase different gurus. They do not understand the principle of guru tatva (principle).
We breathe through nose from birth to date. But we never imagine changing our nose. Surely if you have something for a long time, it is human tendency to replace old thing. Now a days it is fashion to change guru’s and have many gurus. So why don’t you change your nose as well. Chop your nose off and may be you can replace with another nose! How about breathing thru ear? We all like change of scenery, items etc. Similarly surely you want a new nose. OK so we have established that it is not a good idea to change your nose. It is a natures way.
Likewise it is not advisable to change sadguru. It is nature’s way. A sadguru is your guide, a friend, a well-wisher but truly speaking your spiritual guide from birth to eternity. All of you are leaving a chaotic life. Every one worries about business, family, friends wealth etc etc. But do you know your life span. You should strive to get onboard of guru’s boat. Guru is your navigator who will guide you from birth to immortality. Of course it is difficult to get on that boat. Only a select few gets on such a boat. All those present here are lucky souls. You all have a chance to get on the board. Don’t miss such an opportunity.
Such opportunities are rare but God sent opportunity. Don’t miss it. Many devotees have been associated with Sri Swamiji for many years. But they cannot explain their inner feeling. They are asked questions to explain their experience, but they fail to do so. It is not easy to explain such a wonderful experience. It is to be felt. Many a time’s devotees are asked to explain their association with Swamiji. But words fail them. How can you explain that wonderful experience? It is like saying that I know yet I don’t know! Devotees have made an effort to write and print their experiences. But they all end up with a long list. They always feel that they have failed to do justice. It is impossible to describe Guru’s glory. One can only try. Physical effort is all that you can do. But the real devotee experiences within their heart. How can you explain such a wonderful experience.
Another group of devotees chase after Swamiji. Some have been chasing for many years. But spiritually they have failed to grasp the essence. They have failed to develop spiritually. Some devotees always want interviews. Others always ask for Paada puja (Worship of Guru’s lotus feet). Some ask series of personal questions year after year and also give large donations. But what about your spiritual development? So when such devotees are asked about such spiritual experience they fill at a loss. Than they search for other guru’s. That is foolishness.
It is like carrying butter and asking every one can I please have ghee (clarified butter).
It is a known fact that to obtain ghee, one must boil butter continuously until ghee appears. Similarly for spiritual attainment, one must learn some spiritual techniques rather than chase Swamiji. Learn art of Kriya yoga, meditation, listen to Swamiji’s music, read Swamiji’s books, watch videos and DVD. To improve your spiritual experience you must develop such practices. Some devotees do not think of Sadguru until old age. Such people fail to grasp the true essence of guru principle. The body gets weak with advancing age. The back hurts, the eyes fail and the hearing weakens. And the mind is corrupted with all the worldly worries. So how can they concentrate and pray. Don’t waste time and begin now.
Remember that with birth, problems will arise day after day. You will never be free from worldly problems. But learn to meditate and pray. Such practises will help you over come your weak tendencies and attain higher spiritual level.
In my avatar (Incarnation) devotees approach me from all walks of life. That is lord’s play, Datta’s play. You can not explain. No one can explain. But those who have had my darshan (audience), are with me for ever. Make the most of my presence. Don’t waste time. Rather than ask me questions on mundane subjects, worldly pleasures, ask me about spiritual quest. I bless you all. Today is a good association. Good vibration and good energy. May lord Datta bless you.
Jai Guru Datta. Sri Guru Datta.
Courtesy: Avadhoota Dattapeetham (Brief report compiled by Jitu Dave)