On Master Anukul Chandra

My mother was initiated by the guru Anukulchandra. Inspired by her, in my youth I read various works—discussions about the guru, his teachings, his reflections on countless subjects, books like Anushruthi, Deeprakshi, and Satyanusaran (which Sri Sri Thakur wrote in a single night when he was merely twenty-two)—and through them I received nourishment for my thoughts on philosophy and psychology. That is where it began.

My beloved writer, my birthday-mate Shirdhendu Mukhopadhyay, through his 'The Guru Nearby' and certain interviews, helped me understand how a man had been rescued from spiritual death by the touch of his guru's feet. This has happened in my own life as well. I have written about this in my four-part essay 'Conversations with My Idol' and 'Sitting at the Guru's Feet'—those interested will find these pieces on my website. A true guru can indeed breathe life into a lifeless body. The art of becoming human is the science that flows from the guru's mouth.

There are various opinions—and counter-opinions—about whether one becomes progressively more golden in the guru's presence. But such talk seems to me the work of idle people. You are no one to decide what I shall live by and grow through. When I see such hollow displays of mastery and arrogance, I cannot help but laugh. Yet some people refuse to grasp even this simple truth. Why Shirdhendu Mukhopadhyay spoke throughout his life of his guru Anukulchandra's grace as the very source of all his literary genius—I have witnessed learned people of considerable stature engage in unpleasant disputation over this very matter. And each time, seeing such spiritual poverty in them, I have felt revulsion rise to my throat, mingled with pity. Because I harbor a violent contempt for judgmental people, I have made it a point to avoid them consciously. Not everyone can do; only one or two can, the rest merely talk. But when a guru truly labors for you, you can offer your very life to him without hesitation.

I am not saying that I have loved everything Anukulchandra wrote, or that I agree with all he said. (I am aware that many of his followers are of an intrusive nature, intellectually limited, and of base minds.) But I know how to glean jewels with care. So what I need, I hold close to my heart. I am a gatherer of jewels, and I have no time to speak of dust as do those learned critics. That is their work; I never even tread in their shadow. I store what I need, delete the rest. Who has the time for idle research? The ocean of jewels is vast indeed.

I went to the Satsang Ashram in Hemayetpur in search of certain books. I found quite a few, and the ashram dwellers gave me some as gifts as well. The residents there are deeply sincere. While staying at the ashram, one experiences a kind of supreme peace. You may try it yourself—there is truly peace there. If time is scarce, read the small book 'Satyanusaran' written by the guru; it will please you. And if you have more time, slowly read through whatever the guru Anukulchandra has created on philosophy and psychology—understanding will surely dawn.