Guru Purnima 2007
Speech of HH Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji on Guru Purnima - July 29, 2007 - Canada
Guru Purnima can be considered as the Birthday of all important Gurus. Dattatreya, Sanaka, Vyasa, Sanandana, Parashara and all Gurus Birthday. On this day, one should remember the first Guru, Mother, Father and the teacher who taught your skills in life, the skill of writing and reading. The teacher, who gave you skills to work and gain food. Even your employment consultant is also a Guru and you should remember them all on this day. Even the person who taught you driving is also your Guru. The person who sponsored your visa to be in the country you reside, the person who taught you A for Apple, the person who taught you the computer skills, are all your Gurus.
You must remember and give respects on this Guru Purnima day. Don't forget them. Many imagine Guru Purnima to be only connected with Guru, Sadguru, Parameshti Guru and Parampara Guru. All are important. There are so many categories of Gurus. We must remember all Gurus on this full moon day. We must meditate and give respect to them today. Many think only the person who gives Mantra as your Guru. No. All the above persons are also your Gurus. Mantra Guru is your final Guru. The above persons taught you to lead life.
I remember and meditate on Sage Vyasa today. He started the Guru Purnima system. He gave the Guru Parampara (lineage) system. Sri Swamiji has explained the Guru Geeta so many times. While Sri Chakra Puja was going on, we heard Guru Geeta. Ganapati Sachchidananda did not sing that wonderful Shlokas. Bhagavan Dattatreya himself sang those verses. If you ask me to sing like that today, I cannot. Whenever I listen to it, I get good experience.
Not just the voice. Each Shloka is full of power and knowledge. Guru Geeta does not canvas any religion. No. If you understand its true meaning, you understand it's universality. We received Guru Geeta from Lord Shiva Himself. Vyasa and Shankara propagated it. Guru Parampara is a large tree. Your Swamiji's lineage is also a small branch in that large tree. When you feel you have problem, listen to the Guru Geeta chanting. Your mind will be put at ease to tackle the problem. Don't be wary in your approach. Believe in something. Don't keep butter in your hand and search around for ghee. Most likely, the answer to your problems lie with you.
Start somewhere. Many people say they miss old Swamiji. But when I am available, most people ask silly questions. Very few ask question relating to enrichment of Jnana. Some Gurus may like your silly questions. But not with me. Don't be tricky with me. 10 years back Sri Swamiji was available for hours together. Very few people got Jnana from me. Today new persons hear that old devotees spent hours after hours with Swamiji. After two years, even this will be not be there. After two years, Swamiji may not speak. After two years, Bhajans will not be there.
After two years, I may not travel . I may just wave my hand. . Today you are lucky. That's all. Don't compare too much. Those who have seen this have to see the different situations also. Time moves on. Time changes everything. 15 years ago many of you in this hall were children who were lifted by me. Some were even named by Swamiji. But today, you are grown up and I cannot hold you like I held you when you were children. Don't be upset. That is how life is. Adjust to the new situation. As time moves, things change. That is the only permanent thing. My Blessings to you all.
Sri Guru Datta