‘Jaigurdev Nam Prabhu Ka’ is the mantra that is always amongst the followers of Swami Sant Umakanth Ji Maharaj. We were blessed to meet His Holiness at the home of Sanjay Thakkar, whose parents are disciples of the Swami. “How did you decide to become a Shishya of Swamiji? I asked. “We have been blessed to have Swamiji in our life for a long time. In His presence we grow spiritually everyday and our problems vanishâ€.
Guru Umakanth ji Maharaj is a Shishya of Tulsidas Ji Maharaj who named his movement Jai Gurudev. “At a young age I was drawn into the spiritual sphere and I found a great Guru in Tulsidas ji Maharaj†says Umakanth ji Maharaj. The story of Tulsidas Ji Maharaj is a powerful one. A swami who spent years seeking to see “Bhagwanâ€, he had a variety of intense experiences. He even went and studied the Koran. Nothing gave him peace. Finally he was granted the method of chanting a “Naam†and that give him the ability to experience the Lord.
What are the basic tenets of the teachings of Jai Gurudev? “We strongly believe in being positive. Staying away from egg, fish, meat and alcohol will make all problems for people to go away. Every Atma seeks a Guru who can guide them properly. Atma takes birth to seek a Guru and find salvation. Satsangathi is very important†says Gurudev.
What is the purpose of life? “Paropkaraya Idam Shariram. The purpose of life is to help others. We will never take anything with us. Whatever we do is only for the good of others†says Swamiji.
Followers of the Swami get a “Naam†or a name. They believe that chanting that name will give one salvation. Swamiji also suggests wearing pink to remove negative energies.
The most beautiful answer I received was when I asked him about the salvation for women. “People say in the Sath Yuga women got salvation by worshipping their husband. The example given is of women like Anusuya who is the wife of a great Rishi Atri. Rishi Atri was indeed someone that was “Pujaniyaâ€. In Kali Yuga there are not such Rishis. Thus men and women have to work on their own path to salvation. The part of worshipping the husband is not valid in Kali Yugaâ€
Has Swamiji seen God? How would he describe that experience? “It is not something we talk about. Suffice to say there a great Ananda that is beyond here. Naam japan can most certainly get you there†says Swamiji.
Swamiji has Lakhs of devotees in India. A special Bandara happens in Ujjain, when devotees flock to the Ashram. The Ashram is building hospitals to serve the needy.
A spiritual master, Swamiji is changing the life of all those he touches. Jai Gurudev .
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