Speeches of HH Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji – May 27, 2012 – Mysore
SDVT Brahmotsavam – morning – a summary
Jaya Guru Datta
Devotees should understand the importance of the Guru Mantra. A disciple of Sage Narada was once given a mantra to chant. It was, “Dunnapotaaya Namaha”. (The meaning of the mantra is I offer my salutations to the buffalo). Without question the disciple earnestly began chanting the mantra. After sometime Maharshi Vishwaksena came that way and heard this mantra being chanted by this disciple. He was appalled. He at once tried to stop the disciple from continuing this japa by cautioning him that chanting such a mantra would cause him immense harm. But the disciple was adamant. He told the rishi that it was a mantra given by his Guru and under no circumstances would he give up his chanting of it. Vishwaksena told him, “O Lord, you are a buffalo, you are saying to the Lord. It is not correct.” The disciple replied, “But you spoke the same sentence now. Regardless, I will not change the mantra that has been given to me by my guru. “In the meantime Narada arrived there and told his disciple that Vishwaksena is indeed right and that he should change his mantra and do as the rishi suggests. The disciple said that only his own guru has the right to change his mantra and no one else. As he continued to chant this mantra, Lord Vishnu suddenly appeared there in the form of a buffalo to bless the disciple. Both Vishwaksena and Narada were surprised. Such is the power of the Guru Mantra.”
Sri Guru Datta
Speech
Jaya Guru Datta
I am happy that there are several newcomers who are here at the ashrama today. This is not a 5 Star Hotel. This is a middle level facility; not high class, but not low class either. It is middle class. We are poor. If you are looking for high class comfort, then stay in a hotel and come to the ashram just to visit. The senior devotees know this and should explain to the newcomers. Don’t look for Avakai pickle and lots of dishes with rice. Limited consumption of food without much oil is good. I am cautioning all of you not to eat food outside in restaurants. It is oily food and unhealthy. Please do not go out onto the crowded streets with heavy traffic. It is not safe.
You must follow all the ashrama rules. Even I follow them strictly. Do not fight with the volunteers. Do not make noise, or waste resources. If your behavior is unruly you will be sent out. The senior devotees should firmly tell the new visitors the regulations that we follow here. Do not remain idle. Do not gossip. Do some useful service based on your capacity.
I have been extremely busy inside doing recordings for television channels. At the same time I am eager to see you and spend time in your company. When I am there in the studio, I do not feel like coming out. When I am here with you, I do not feel like going back inside.
Soon a time will come when you will see me less and less. The old devotees know how much time I used to spend with them in the olden days. You are lucky now that you are seeing me up close for so long. In the future you may see me even less. So do not complain that Swamiji is not coming out. Be happy that you are now having this wonderful darshan.
Sri Guru Datta