Speech of HH Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji on Guru Purnima at Jain Temple – San Jose, CA – July 13, 2003 – USA
Om Vyasaaya Namaha
Who is this Vyasa? He is our ancient Guru. Our scripture, Puranas, Maha Bharata, Upanishads were given by him. He is the beginner of Guru Purnima tradition. If you sit near any Guru who gives lecture, that seat is called VYAASA PEETHA or JNAANA PEETHA. Who is a Guru? IS it necessary to have a Guru? How to judge a Guru? What does Guru mean?
Guru is like Atman. He is in you. He is in your inner self. It is very difficult to find a Guru these days. Male Gurus, Female Gurus are all pervasive these days. They are in all denominations, decorations, bearded ones, shaved ones; it is very difficult to find a Guru. Because people want it so much, the Gurus too are confused. These days, we keep on changing jobs, houses, cars, wives, husbands; it is common to change Gurus also. It is not good. A Telugu proverb says, we can change houses but we cannot change hearts. But that creed also is changing. The change is very minimal. In our Dharma, it is our custom that the husband – wife relationship is a rare friendship. In the beginning, we may find it difficult to adjust. But arranged marriage, love marriage, bus stand marriage, airport marriages, collage lovers, cinema lovers – there are so many types of lovers. After about two years, we find out that we are in wrong path. But 99 percent of marriages sustain in our tradition. Visit India then you will understand. There are couples that have been married for 80 years. They too would have gone through confusion, problems, etc. But still they continue the friendship. They do sustain because they are afraid of God, Guru and scriptures. IN the same manner, the coming to a Sadguru is like a marriage, There is no divorce in this relation. Who removes our ego, Ajnaana, and with whom we feel like our family member is your GURU. There are many families who are devotees of Swamiji for over 40 years. They have fought with Swamiji, they have had misunderstandings, and they have felt sad. But still they persisted. But Swamiji ensures that Jnana comes to you when you are in need of it. They follow Swamiji with love and affection. But beware of temporary attachments.
Our live here itself is temporary. We are using this planet earth. Our journey is a long one. We may live 100 years but then one day, we have to go forward and go to our next stop. Our planet is different. You are here on a temporary basis. The house is elsewhere. We are here to finish our Karma. We should enjoy this fun. BE happy that you are enjoying this fun with your Sadguru. This house has so many doors and windows. This house has lot of decorations and luxuries. That house has no windows or doors. We are worried about the safety of this house. Don’t be attached to this house. Since you will be here for a while. Keep it clean and useable and livable. We may have wonderful friends on this planet. We may be enjoying the science. We enjoy this beautiful flower. OK. Enjoy. But don’t be attached. Because you cannot carry with you. When you cannot carry your own body with you, how can you carry gold or TV or refrigerator or the Mercedes Benz car. Your constant chanting of mine, me, has no meaning. This is a temporary drama. You go to a bathroom, stand in front of a mirror and enjoy your beauty. YOU play all monkey games standing in front of the mirror. Some carry a comb in the pocket always. At any available moment, they start to comb their hair. Some wear rings in many places, lips, chins, etc. Why this extra decoration? Psychologically are you unfit?
Some times I feel unfit to be with you all. I must be in Himalayas. Not here. I do Sri Chakra Puja, compose Bhajans and then sing them for your sake. Just think of Swamiji and think of all that he is going through for your sake. You will get a little understanding. I don’t say I am unhappy. No. I am happy.
Sadguru came down to your level to be with you. All times I am happy. I want to keep myself happy. I am saying all this because Sadguru always struggling to bless devotees.
Sadguru is always happy. Even while watching your antics and confusion, I am laughing inside. Such a lesson is given to you. He helps you to be happy. When touring Andhra Pradesh last month, a millionaire came to Swamiji and asked “I have seen your devotees. Many are friends in my business. Even after having lost all their money. They are still happy. I want to join this family. Please bless me”.
Sadguru is like a signboard. IT only leads you in a path. But you are driving that car. You have come here with your Karma bundle to go through that. He can never change that KARMA. YOU HAVE TO GO THROUGH THAT. But Guru is a good company to keep.
Purnima means full moon. Full moon means fulfillment. So, Guru Purnima is a day of fulfillment. If you go to a millionaire, he may give you a dollar or two. If you go to Kali Ray, she may give you Yoga. If you go to Swamiji, he will give you ANANDA. That’s all. But Sadguru is very difficult to please. You must keep praying. Because he is a miser. IT may appear like a stubborn diamond. But at the same time, a Sadguru is a delicate flower. I always say this. “If you apply heat to butter, it will melt. But Sadguru’s heart can melt in a refrigerator also. Such is the delicateness of Sadguru’s heart”.
I am sure you all are lucky fellows. Mike, Sharada, Mehul and others have arranged the programs well. I always urge you to do Satsang. I bless you. Once again, I pray that you all get Jnaana. IT is not possible to talk to Swamiji about your personal problems and get guidance. Don’t worry. You can close your eyes and think of your problems. Definitely Swamiji will give your strength. You all know that Swamiji is helping indirectly.
This evening Swamiji wants to chant Guru Geetha Shlokas. Some may miss it. Anyway you can collect all tapes and CDs from the bookshop. Tomorrow there may be a small evening session.
Many have job, health, and family problems. I Bless you to have more strength. I urge you to keep in touch with me through mental contact.
Jaya Guru Datta