Guru Karunamayi is the founder of the group Soundarya  Lahari whose mission is to spread Sri Vidya. Since starting the organization in Boston in 2000, Guru ji has traveled widely and established centers around the world. He talked to Lokvani about his life’s journey and mission.  He is in the Boston area and will be holding Sri Vidya Workshops in the area. Please check out the event schedule at http://www.lokvani.com/lokvani/article.php?article_id=14464

Can you describe your spiritual journey that led you to the creation of Soundarya Lahari?

I was raised in a spiritual home. My mother, Yashoda was the very incarnation of goodness and compassion. She was my first Guru. I had a thirst to experience God. When I was 7 I went to a Ganesha temple and actually had the experience of seeing Ganesha blink his eyes. That was a very special moment. After that I continued to live an ordinary life, studying and later taking up a job. When I was 27, I met my Guru, Sri Amritananda Saraswati. I was initiated then.  Everything that has happened in my life is Mata’s Leela.  One example is my marriage. I had an idea of the type of woman I wanted to marry. Usha did not fit that mold. But when I saw her I immediately felt she is the one.  Her support has been crucial for my work.

What motivated you to create Soundarya Lahari?

I used to explain the meaning of the verses to people. We formed a small group of 5 people and every Friday we would meet. It started in Rama Putcha’ s home. At that time I used to prepare and give some Pravachans.  At that time we formed Soundarya Lahari as a formal group. One day the group decided to have the Pravachan with a larger group and over a hundred people came to the event. As usual I prepared and went to speak. When I got on stage I could not find my notes. I then surrendered completely to the Divine will and let Her speak through me. People saw the transformation in my talk. Since then I have given up the preparation. I always let Her speak through me. It has been a most joyous experience.

You are always smiling and joyous and your joy is infectious. What differentiates you from others?

I am blessed to spend all my time with Mother. I talk to Her. Thus I am connected to her. If you see the joy it is because She is in me. That makes you see Her joyous presence and feel happy.

Do Mantras have power? How important is the meaning and the right pronunciation to feel the power of the Mantra?

Mantras do have power when recited correctly. Incorrectly recited Mantras will not harm anyone. The power however will only be felt and the impact happens when the intonation is correct.  It is up to the individual if the want to know the meaning or not. If Goddess wills, the meaning will come to you. I have not studied Sanskrit. What I know is what is revealed to me.

Can anyone learn the Mantras irrespective of Gender or Caste? Why in the old days were women and non-brahmins not taught the Mantras?

Anyone can learn the Mantras.    In the old days Brahmin took alms and devoted his life to studying the scriptures. Other people had other tasks to do and did not focus on scriptures. With respect to women, it was believed in the old days that women were filled with devotion and compassion and thus did not need to learn the Mantras. In today’s world I believe that all should study the scriptures irrespective of gender or caste.

What is your opinion on doing promises like if something happens I will give donate this much to the temple?

Mata  is very compassionate and will always give you what you need. The promise she wants from you is not donation to temples but that you will spend time with Her. Spend time praying to her in return for Her blessings.

 Do you have a special message for our readers?

Do not spend time thinking of the future or the past. Spend your time Thanking God for the Present. The two words Think and Thank have one alphabet that is different. Think has “I” Thank has “A”. I represents the Ego.  A represents the All Pervading Divinity.  Let us focus on the A and ignore the I

Thank you Guru ji

Thank you

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