Sharanagati

(from a lecture of Swami Tirtha, 30.09.2017 morning, Sofia)

(continues from the previous Monday)

Question of Kripadham: Gurudev, how can we somehow see this aspect of guru, which represents the disciple tattva, not only guru-tattva?

Swami Tirtha: Usually gurus distribute the japas-malas and the disciples accept. But sometimes it might happen in another way – a disciple will bring a japa-mala for the guru. I see now you are perplexed. Unexpected, ha? How can it happen? But don’t forget, they both have their own position. And both are instruments in the hands of the Supreme. If the whole situation, if the whole connection is ideal, pure, transcendental, then all are players of the lila. There is the official hierarchy – this one is considered to be a superior and the other is considered to be a future superior. But what if God has chosen this disciple to bring some new message to the master? Is it possible? We cannot exclude the possibility that through the disciple something will be revealed to the master.

We have a beautiful example of Shyamananda Goswami. I’m sure you are fully aware of the story of Shyamananda and his master: when the spiritual master of Shyamananda Goswami understood what special mercy his young devotee has received, immediately he offered obeisances to him. So who is superior? What is official and what is real?

But your question is very important, because it reminds me again of one very strong face of Gurudev. The standard measurement of his life was serving Shrila Prabhupad. And he said: “Those who help me in serving Shrila Prabhupad are welcome, I’m very happy! But if somebody doesn’t help my service, what can I do with him?”  And he was so committed in his service that it was compelling us to join that service.

I think this is very much according to the principles that we had learned: krishnera-das-anudas-anudas – to be a servant of the servants of the servants of the Supreme. And as Gurudev was serving his superiors, he gave us the best education. Because serving your masters, you instruct your followers. He was very delicate in his dealings and in this way he instructed us to be very delicate in the spiritual practices, to be very sensitive. So if a master is acting as a student towards his master, this is the best education for us.

And the greatest gift of my life was meeting him. Because this totally converted me. I thought there was nothing higher than that. But then I understood that our Lord is unlimited. And after the disappearance of my master He gave me another gift. It is you. Well, not fully or totally converted me… yet… but I’m trying to work hard.

Premananda: Gurudev, we had celebrated the guru principle, but nowadays when many people gather, everybody is afraid that some radical elements might also be there.

Swami Tirtha: We hope that some Radhika elements will be included!

Premananda: So there might be some people who actually came to celebrate the guru person here. But we cannot know this, because they hide.

Swami Tirtha: Yeah, the greatest mystery is when the principle enters our life. When collecting his memories, one disciple of Shrila Prabhupad said: “There are unlimited encounters and stories concerning Prabhupad. But what was the best that will stay with me for this lifetime? When Prabhupad was caressing the shikhas[1] on our heads with his finger.”

Tattva cannot do this. This translates the tattva into practical reality. How much love is there to turn the shikha of a person around your finger!? It’s a natural expression of love. It’s beyond the explanation. Sometimes deeds speak louder than words.

(to be continued)

[1] Tufts of hair