Speech of HH Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji during the Teppotsava – February 5, 2023 – Mysore
Taking a dip in the holy Ganges river removes one’s sins. Having Sadguru’s Darshan rids one of sins. Having darshan of elders who have witnessed 1000 moons is very special, so imagine how special witnessing Sadguru’s Sahasra Chandra Darshana is.
Today is not the last day. from today the festival begins. There are countless suns and moons in all the nakshatra and surya mandalas. Depending on the star in ascent when one is born, that nakshatra Devata is the guardian angel who protects and watches over that person. This concept extends to all religions and to all beings, not just human beings. But, there are many who don’t abide by this.
The effect of this guiding star keeps changing every 12 years. If you observe who was born, who passed away, which home you shifted to, whom you befriended, who cheated you, and how much money you made or lost, – for every 12 year period, it keeps repeating. If you hold onto Sadguru, then this strange mandala effect will not affect you.
Datta is the brother of Chandra, who governs over all the stars. Therefore we must have Darshana of Datta. Guru is one who advices us and guides us on the spiritual path. Prostrate to elders at home who have had Sahasra Chandra Darshan. Accord them the respect due to them because of their age. Gurus who abide by the scriptures will definitely perform all the Shanti pujas to be followed on the occasion of Sahasra Chandra Darshana, because Paramatma’s reflection falls on the moon which then falls on the Guru. Having darshan of such a Guru is very important.
The benefit of witnessing Sahasra Chandra Darshana is such that such a Guru’s compassion falls on us and the difficulties, mental anguish, bodily diseases – all of which arise because of the mind, get quelled.
Elders must be helped – hold their hand and help them walk, give them food to eat and take care of them so they never have to go to an old-age home. Take their favourite grandchildren, food items they love etc. to them, because one day we all will become old and when old age sets in anytime between ages 50-90, because of health, financial and mental situations, one will become weak.
The senses become weak and longevity reduces because we don’t wake up before sunrise. The day we arise before the sun, our day will be good. Therefore, before old age sets in, we must start rising early. Avoid eating too much, thinking too much and sleeping too much. Remain calm in spite of difficulties and take everything in your stride, then the senses will be in control and we will be healthy even in old age.
From now on, if you change the system and follow healthy habits, you can increase longevity. HH gives the example of disciplined people who even in their 80s look like they are only in their 60s and how some 40yr olds look very old.
When the Sun’s rays fall on us at sunrise time, we will be healthy. Homeopathy and Ayurvedic Medicines are prepared using moon’s rays, making them very beneficial in curing illnesses.
Many of you do not see the moon because you go indoors by 6-7pm. The sun is visible all day, but the moon hides and one needs to go in search and have darshan in silence.
HH narrates the story of a young child who insisted on staying in Swamiji’s quarters and suddenly yelled out “Swamiji! Look at the beautiful moon!” But it was only the reflection of a mercury lamp on the sea. We are very blessed to be witnessing the real moon. You can also see the Guru nakshatra today. Special blessings to all of you!
Swamiji is seeing the 1000th full moon’s reflection in bowls containing milk, ghee, honey, Ganga water and sea water. Just as this boat is going round in the water, you all are swimming about in My stomach.