Jai Ram, Jai Govinda

Thakur said:
“So, you want to leave this world and go to the forest to perform austerities?
But what is a forest?
A forest is a rugged, dense area filled with grasses, shrubs, trees, and creepers. Wild and ferocious animals like tigers and bears dwell there. Have you acquired the ability to live alongside them?
Have you rid yourself of hatred and jealousy and attained an equanimous state of mind?
If not, then how will you coexist with them?
Your inner violence will only attract their aggression.

The most suitable place for performing austerities is the forest of worldly life.
Just as a forest is made up of countless plants, animals, and other living beings, the forest of worldly life is made up of numerous people.
Here, in this worldly forest, you are blessed with the company of your father, mother, brothers, sisters, wife, children, relatives, neighbors, villagers, and countrymen. You are indebted to them; that is why you are in their company. Otherwise, you could have been born elsewhere in the world. But that did not happen because you owe no debts elsewhere.

You are in this environment because you owe a debt to these people, and you must repay it. There is no alternative to this.

“Na bhuṅkte kṣīyate karma kalpa-koṭi-śatairapi”
Even after millions of ages, your karmic debts will demand repayment. These individuals will claim every bit of what they are owed from you, no matter how much time passes.

Now, if you try to avoid this debt out of fear of humiliation, suffering, or pain, and seek refuge in a wild forest filled with ferocious animals, shutting your eyes to everything, will that be considered austerity?
No, it won’t be. Not only will your austerity fail, but the burden of your debt will also grow heavier.

What you understand as austerity is not what it truly means. What is austerity?
To remain in this worldly forest, to repay your debts, and to bear the humiliation, suffering, pain, and hardships with patience and resilience—that is austerity. This is not just austerity; it is perpetual austerity.

This is what I expect from you.
I bless you so that you may succeed in this austerity."

Madhuda exclaimed, “Jai Guru, Jai Guru!” and Thakur stopped speaking.

(From the fourth chapter of Rambhai Smaran)
Gurudev’s words addressed to Fanibabu.