Guruji's disciples
have generously shared their personal letters from Guruji dating back to 1958.
They have been collected and prepared by the tireless work of Guru Bhai Dr.
T. N. Basu (Tapu) of Calcutta. Originally they appeared in a book about Guruji
in the Bengali language. We have received the further fortune of having Guru
Bahen, Uma Sanyal, translate many of these letters into English. They appear
below.
Guruji has also told many stories. Uma has also translated several of these
as well
This is a collection of letters written by our Guruji, Sri Sri 108 Swami Narayan Tirtha, to his disciples.
Each letter speaks of His love and concern for His disciples. How He inspires them to lead a life worthy of a human being—God's most precious creation. For only man has the power to distinguish between the good and the evil. He can attain the Supreme or go down to the level of an animal by his own deeds.
By my Guruji's grace and blessings I have translated His letters from Bengali to English.
Uma
Sanyal
February 2001
Calcutta, India
22/12/58
1. Those who do not make a difference between God and
their Guru are the blessed people on this earth. Your Guru is one and the same.
Believe this.
24/2/59
2. The desire to seek God and the longing to come closer to Him arises only
in the virtuous people. You should think of God with your mind and heart; pray
and sing His glories with words; and worship Him with flowers, etc., with your
hands. While doing all this with sincere devotion, your heart and soul is completely
immersed in Him. The outside world is lost to you. What joy this feeling brings
cannot be expressed in words, or shared with another person.
15/11/59
3. In the family life there are bound to be troubles — ups and downs. As
in the sea there is always the rise and fall of waves, so also in the sea of
family life there is the constant ebb and tide of sorrows and joys. You will
have to accept it as God's will.
20/7/61
4. One who is not overwhelmed by joy during happy times, nor disturbed and depressed
in sorrow, is a truly happy person. This state of mind can be achieved only
by sustained meditation, devotion and faith.
27/7/62
5. You should meditate and repeat your “mantra” every day, without
fail. Do not lose heart — have patience. If you have patience you will
succeed in any work you undertake.
27/9/64
6. Where there is mental peace and happiness, physical illness cannot cause
much pain. Mental unhappiness and suffering are much worse than physical suffering.
27/6/66
7. Sorrows and failures in life cannot overcome those who are steadfast in their
faith and devotion to God. This faith is a weapon with which you can sail along
life's journey, just as a compass helps the captain to find his directions at
sea.
12/8/66
8. When your clothes get dirty you have to use soap to clean them. Your mind
and spirit also get dirty sometimes. Then you have to read good religious books,
the scriptures and join religious discourses to cleanse your mind and spirit.
9/1/69
9. Every person is born in this world with their destiny, which is directly
linked with their previous birth. Whatever good or evil you are doing in this
life will be rewarded or punished within your next life. But those who have
attained the Supreme knowledge will not be reborn. For knowledge of the Supreme
absolves one of all their deeds.
18/8/69
10. In this life on earth you suffer as well as enjoy. This is nature's law.
When people suffer they become depressed and lose faith. Chanting your “mantra”
and prayer are the only ways to get some peace. If there were no suffering and
losses, people would never think of God or pray to Him. So these sufferings
are a blessing in disguise to remember and pray to Him.
25/12/69
11. You should not think that Biswanath is just a piece of stone. He is the
all-pervasive Lord of the world. In the same way you should not view your Guru
as a human being, but as the Almighty God. And since He is Almighty, He is present-everywhere
— this should be firmly believed by His disciple.
That is why you dreamt that whenever you are in
trouble your Gurudev will rescue you. I have told you here, and you have also
dreamt that you should repeat your “mantra” every day without fail.
The more you practice your mantra the more you will realize it’s value.
You should spend a little portion of whatever you earn
on good deeds or charity. This is in fact saving. Because what you spent on
good deeds in your past life, you are getting back now. And whatever you spend
on charity, etc. in this life, you will get back in your next life.
15/6/70
12. People shed tears for their loved ones, but nobody sheds a teardrop for
God. Those people are truly virtuous, whose eyes water and tears roll down on
hearing the name of God and devotional songs.
29/7/70
13. When there is respect and devotion, nothing else is wanted. I do not expect
anything more than this from my disciples. Even God surrenders Himself before
devotion and faith.
10/3/71
14. Never lose heart and give up hope. Do not worry unnecessarily. God is with
you, He will guide you. Have faith. Try and remain satisfied under whatever
circumstances you are, for it is God’s will.
2/7/71
15. Those who have the will to help do not have the capacity, and those who
do have the capacity, very often do not have the will to help. God seldom grants
both the will and capacity to people. So it is advisable that when you are donating,
it should be given to a truly needy or deserving person. When you feed a hungry
person he feels gratified, but when you feed someone who is already well fed,
he does not appreciate it. Charity or donations to the undeserving do not have
much value. Exercise your judgment, be judicious.
28/7/71
16. You can always enjoy by comparison. You should be thankful to God for keeping
you so comfortable while there are hundreds and hundreds of people living on
the pavement without food or shelter. Be thankful for whatever mercies He has
bestowed on you. Count your blessings and you will find how much better off
you are compared to many others.
17. Your mental unhappiness will lessen as you think of and concentrate on God. Your thoughts should always be with Him; no matter what you are doing. Remember if you receive His grace, you have received everything. There is nothing more to achieve, there will be no more cravings for worldly goods. He is the only source of peace and feeling of fulfillment. But you have to wait and have patience to achieve this, just as you cannot expect a tree to flower and bear fruits as soon as you have planted the seeds. You have to wait and have faith.
21/12/71
18. There is no substitute for prayer and meditation. So practice your meditation
with devotion. Never disbelieve the words of the scriptures and your Guru. You
know how much effort and hard work is needed to achieve some material gain.
So you should realize how much more effort and patience is needed to achieve
something that is sublime — much more enjoyable than the material gains.
6/6/72
19. If you sit near the fire you are bound to feel its warmth and if you are
really devoted to God you are bound to receive His mercy.
30/12/72
20. When there are religious discourses and discussions, not everyone present
can accept and appreciate the teachings and their values. Only those who are
prepared spiritually can accept them. Like rainwater, it falls everywhere, but
does not remain even for a minute on the mountain tops — it rolls down
to settle on flat land. It is the same with our human minds. Those who are prepared
can hold on, for those who are not, the teachings just pass over.
13/2/73
21. Just as a boatsman controls the movement of his boat with the oars, you
can also use your good judgment and faith as the oars to sail along peacefully
in this world.
7/3/73
22. Always remember God's love and blessings are showered equally on all His
creatures. He is not partial like the ever-flowing river Ganga. She does not
give more or less water. People get as much water as their containers can hold.
Some pious and virtuous souls feel His love and blessings and realize them,
the less devoted do not. It is not His fault.
5/12/74
23. When you are young, you can do much more and work much harder than when
you become old. So do not waste time. Time is very precious.
20/12/74
24. Nothing on earth can change your destiny. Go on doing your duty. Truth can
never be concealed — never. Truth will always prevail. Never abstain from
your duty. Do not find fault with others. Never be vindictive. Your mind and
heart should always be honest and pious. Those who do wrong will have to suffer
in the long run sometime or other. Because there are these infallible laws in
God's creation, there is still some peace in this disturbed world.
13/2/75
25. Nothing is impossible to achieve when there is sustained effort. No other
creature has the characteristics that a human being has. He can even tame the
powerful elephant and bring him under his control. It is by his own deeds that
a person turns Godlike or animal-like.
24/11/75
26. Anger is like fire. It burns your own soul and causes sufferings to others.
Anger can cause only harm, it does no good. There is no end to the harm one
can do under the influence of anger. One who can overcome anger is naturally
free from committing any serious misdeeds.
10/7/76
27. Try not overcome and discard the worries of everyday life. Think of God.
Only when you have given up all worries and worldly thought can God enter your
mind.
3/10/77
28. When you are leading a family life, you must save a certain portion of
your earnings every month. It is not expedient to spend everything you earn.
You should save for exigencies. One never knows when you may need some extra
money.
26/11/77
29. Never have any fears. When God is your protector, what is there to be afraid
of? But you must have firm faith.
18/12/78
30. Any work you undertake will succeed only when the time for it ripens. For
everything is predetermined. So don't worry which will only cause mental and
physical illness. Stop worrying and think of God. Thinking of God will give
you mental peace. God will grant your wish when the time comes.
9/11/79
31. Human beings are bound to make mistakes. But I love all of your equally.
Even if I have chided someone it is only for their welfare. But you must feel
sorry and ask for pardon for the mistake you have made.
24/8/81
32. You need a lot of patience and will power to do difficult work. In the beginning
you may have to face a lot of hardships, but do not give up your efforts.
29/1/82
33. You can never get more or less than what fate has destined for you. He is
very unhappy and dissatisfied who desires too much. So you go on doing your
best and do not get disheartened.
31/1/84
34. Never be proud of your wealth and possessions. Always remember there are
others richer than you. At dusk the fireflies think they are giving us the light,
but when the stars come out the fireflies lose their vanity. And when the moon
rises, the stars feel ashamed of their pride. The moon glories in the fact that
he is giving all the light to the world. But finally at dawn, the sun rises
to outshine everyone of them. If the wealthy people remember this, they will
never be proud. Pride only brings downfall.
17/5/85
35. You can always let me know your demands and wishes without any hesitation.
You have the right to demand my help, which I definitely do by praying for you.
Do not hesitate to let me know your problems, if you think that will lessen
your worries. I will always do my best to help you.
17/12/85
36. Do not feel sad if you cannot come to visit and see me. If you think your
Guru is a human being, then I am really far away from you. But if you believe
that your Guru and God are one and the same, then I am always with you, residing
in your heart. Whenever you wish, you can talk to me with your mind and heart.
I will hear you.
6/8/86
37. There are many people in this world who doubt the existence of God. Is there
someone really called God? Can He hear me? Will He protect me? Where there is
this doubt, nothing will work. God in His infinite mercy, who has already provided
the unborn baby with their first food in their mother's breast. How can people
not believe in Him is beyond my comprehension.
29/11/89
38. When you come to this world you do not bring anything with you, nor do you
take anything with you when you depart. You do not even come to see what is
happening after you have left. So do not waste your time by worrying unnecessarily
about those whom you love. Instead if you spend that time by thinking of God
and praying, it will not only be good for you, but also for those whom you love.
39. Your good deeds will definitely be rewarded. Pray, for prayer brings peace and happiness. If you depend on God, He will always save you. Believe this. Complete dependence is necessary.
22/6/92
40. Only the aged people realize what it is like to be old. One feels helpless
for no one likes to tend to an old person for a long time. All the senses start
losing their power. Your eyes, ears, teeth, muscles — they all give up
— saying we have worked for a long time, it is time for us to retire.
21/4/95
41. This is a very strange world. People will not tolerate their slightest bit
of discomfort. But are absolutely blind towards others' inconveniences.
3/7/96
42. If you want to serve me, pray and practice your meditation daily without
fail. That is the best and only service I expect from you. While working, eating,
walking, in fact — all the time, so you as you are awake, repeat the mantra
in your mind. Only this can give you peace. Your wealth, property, family —
nothing will give you as much peace as the constant thought of God. It is difficult
to do this in the beginning, but gradually you will find it has become a habit.
14/3/97
43. Do not borrow money. As it is people do not like to lend money. And in the
process of trying to recover the money many friends turn into enemies.
44. Your child is in fact God's child. For if God does not will, no matter how much you try, you will not be able to bear a child. So do not worry about God's child. He knows what is best for them, and trust God to look after them.
45. There are may people who show a lot of devotion and love toward their Guru, but are not sincere in their feelings. This insincerity will bring a lot of harm. There is no forgiveness for falsehoods in your dealings with God, nor even with your fellow humans.
1. Once a Guruji was telling his disciples that God alone is your ‘only own’. One disciple could not believe this and asked, “My parents, my wife and children who love and care for me so much, are they not my own?”
The Guruji decided
to show his disciple the truth. He called him aside, gave him a tablet and told
him to go home, swallow it and lie down. This medicine keeps the senses alive
but the person appears to be dead.
The disciple did as he was told. After some time his family members came to
his room and thought he was dead. They started crying. After sometime a vaidya
came and wanted to know how the man died. He took a tablet and said, “This
medicine is very potent. It can even bring a dead man back to life.” The
only problem was that half the tablet had to be taken by someone else, whose
life could be at risk.
Hearing this, the family members could not decide who would take the other half. No one was willing to take the risk of his life. All the time the vaidya was asking them to hurry up as time was running out. Finally the dead man's wife was asked to take the pill. Even she refused, saying she had to look after her young children. No one came forward to take the other half of the tablet. The vaidya was disappointed.
By this time the effect of the Guru's medicine wore off and the man arose. He had heard everything. He got up and prostrated before his Guru's feet (disguised as the vaidya) and said, “I now fully realize what you had said.”
2. The King of Nabadwip used to perform the annual Durga puja at his palace with great pomp and show of wealth. Once the king saw from his balcony a pretty woman filling a golden pitcher with water from the pond in front of him. The king came down and asked who she was, but she went away without answering.
After a few days he saw the same woman with the golden pitcher. He was very curious, came down and again asked her who she was. This time the woman replied, “I have come from Kailash.”
The kind asked her whether Mother Durga (who also resides in Kailash) was pleased with the puja he performs every year. The woman replied, “I cannot remember any king performing the puja, but there is a poor Brahmin in this village who performs the puja and Mother goes there every year.” Hearing this the king was very depressed and thought not only does Mother not come to my pujas, she does not even know that I perform the pujas with so much expense.
So the next year the king, disguised as a commoner went to the poor Brahmin's house. There he saw that there was not much show nor much money spent for the puja. Only the bear minimums necessary for the puja had been arranged by the Brahmin, according to the poor Brahmin's financial capacity. Suddenly he saw the same beautiful woman (Durga) holding the Brahmin's hand and saying, “My child, I eat whatever you eat.”
The king realized God does not reach where there is no sincerity.
3. An old milk woman used to supply milk to a Brahmin's house every morning. She crossed a river daily to reach the Brahmin's home. There used to be religious discourses quite often at the Brahmin's house. Once the subject of discussion was faith — if you have true faith and chant His name devotedly, you will sail along the sea of life smoothly. This was heard by the old milk woman and she instantly believed it. After that she used to chant His name constantly with devotion.
One morning when she came to the river to cross over and take the daily supply of milk, it was raining heavily and a furious storm was raging. No boats were willing to cross the river. She was at a loss on how to cross the river. Then she thought, ‘I will take God's name and wad across the river.’ She did and reached the Brahmin's house safely.
He was surprised to see the milk woman and asked her how she could come in this weather. He knew the boats would not be travelling on such a day. She replied, “I came in the boat of faith — His name.” The Brahmin did not believe her and decided to secretly follow her to the river bank to see.
The woman again got into the river, step by step, chanting His name — unmindful of the weather — and crossed over to the other side. The Brahmin tried to do the same, fearing all the while, and hence drowned.
True faith can work wonders. Doubts take you far away from God.