Speech of HH Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji – November 5, 2018 – Srisailam
Compiled by Parimala Eshwarla
Shivaya Rudraya namah- Swamiji gave this mantra during His trip to Trinidad this year. Initially devotees there were puzzled- why this new mantra? What could be the reason for this special mantra? Swamiji said it would protect. ‘A tsunami will come this year and it will help them cope with it’- Swamiji said. One member said, ‘It doesn’t appear as if any tsunami will occur here’. Swamiji said, ‘wait and watch’. 15 days back i.e. 3 months after initiating them into this mantra, Trinidad was hit by an earthquake, a tsunami and floods. They then realized the intensity of the situation. Swamiji asked them to complete many millions of recitation of this mantra after which He will go there to perform a Rudra homa. To Hanuman, Rudra is very dear.
Always remember that any word that comes from Swamiji’s mouth always is for the good. It is always aimed at ensuring the well-being of many. Certain actions/ statements of His appear funny/ strange initially as the gravity of the situation does not seep into our minds. At times His actions generate suspicion in us. However, this is the Guru principle. His actions or statements appear humorous, confusing, suspicious and casual. In Swamiji’s life too there are many such instances. ‘Swamiji was only joking, it was plain humour’- we casually brush off many statements of His with this outlook. Nevertheless, the truth is that behind such seemingly casual statements is an unimaginable hidden energy/power.
Many senior devotees are aware of Swamiji’s tattva and as to who he is. All of you have developed firm devotion, love and faith towards him. Even with your small contributions you come forward to participate in His activities. You take delight in offering service – albeit trivial -to the ashram. You have the enthusiasm and eagerness to participate in His activities and serve Him. This quality of Datta bhaktas is laudable.
In Swamiji’s life history, Chandrashekar read the deep connection that Sri Swamiji has with Srisailam. Deeply touched, he was determined to do something about it. He thereafter invited Swamiji to his house for bhiksha. After Swamiji had taken the bhiksha and rested, he sought personal audience with Swamiji. It is normal for people to seek personal audience with Swamiji for guidance in solving their material problems. Chandrashekar had daughters who were of a marriageable age, but in his case, it was Swamiji who was pestering him to get them married and settled. The service rendered by Chandrashekar to ashram is creditable. He is totally service oriented. So are his children.
He said, ‘Swamiji, it is my desire that an ashram should be constructed in Srisailam. I am impressed after reading your life history. Srisailam has given us the chance to associate with you. Such is its sacredness. If Srisailam had not sent you back to us, we do not know in which direction your journey would have gone. Perhaps you would not have been available to guide us and be with us. We must therefore have an ashram there in memory’.
I said, ‘I will not interfere now to take it forward. I am not keen to seek approvals from Government etc.’ He said, ‘Swamiji, you permit me to construct the ashram and I will take it forward’. Undaunted by difficulties on his path he went ahead and today, with his efforts, a beautiful ashram stands here in Srisailam. His devotion, dedication and commitment are visible here.
I had almost decided against giving permissions for any new ashram set ups. Managing the existing ashrams itself was an adequate task. More importantly, foreign travels had increased as Swamiji had to reform some souls in those countries and also had to complete the promises given to them in the past. As such, foreign travels had become inevitable. Just at that critical juncture when Swamiji was pondering over stopping new permissions, Chandrashekar approached and obtained permission for this ashram.
Chandrashekar’s experiences with Swamiji are mind-blowing. He can write a book on the miracles experienced by him and his family members, on how his daughters got married, how his life was saved etc. Their life is filled with miracles. The beauty is that Swamiji himself chased him to help solve his personal problems. Isn’t it a great fortune? Instead of we chasing Swamiji seeking solutions to our problems, won’t it be wonderful if Swamiji chases us for completion of the same? ‘How is your health? What is your son studying? When are you getting your daughter married?’- if Swamiji were to thus enquire from you, wouldn’t it be wonderful?
It is my desire that all of you should rise to such levels in your devotion. If everyone rises to such levels, problems will cease to exist. In this assembly, there are many who have had such unexplainable miraculous experiences with Swamiji. At least 80% of them will vouch for it.
Srisailam, the supremely sacred holy town, is the land for penance. Sleeping here for a night dispels all sins in totality. It is said in the Shiva Purana. Sleeping here for 3 nights bestows the kingdom of liberation upon the person. We have now got this opportunity in Datta ashram here. Come here whenever possible and stay here in the ashram. Whenever mind is agitated or when submerged under difficulties just visit Srisailam and stay here in our ashram. Sleep here for at least a night.
You have to help this ashram sustain. Many devotees are supporting the ashrams in Haridwar and Rishikesh due to which the local managements there are able to perform annadana and many other charitable activities on a large scale. Likewise everyone must support this ashram to help them conduct such activities. You must visit this sacred place, visit the Jyotirlinga temple, bathe in the river, cure yourself of all diseases through them and obtain the Lord’s blessings through such deeds. Contribute either financially or through material offerings to help this new ashram run successfully. Offer blankets, mattresses, rice or any other item as needed by them.
Jaya Guru Datta.