(Translation of a discourse by Gurudev Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya on "Devatva Vikasita Karen, Kalanemi Na Banen" delivered on Gurupurnima, 1986) Let us begin with the collective chanting of the Gayatri Mantra: "Om Bhur Buva¡ Swa¡, Tatsaviturvarenyam Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi, Dhiyo Yona¡ Pracodayat ||" Sisters and Brothers, I am referring to the ancient times described in the Ramayana. When it was confirmed that Ravan had kidnapped Devi Sita, every one was puzzled as to how to fight that mighty demon? Many kings with resourceful armies were there in the states surrounding the forests where Lord Ram and Lakshman resided in exile. But none of them dared challenging Ravan and risk their lives. It was not difficult for Lord Ram to kill Ravan, but the purpose of his incarnation was to awaken the masses to uproot the prevailing devilish tendencies from the earth by collective efforts. Looking at the cowardice of the kings and the people around, he wondered what to do? Then the gods of heavens (divine powers) planned to descend in the form of monkeys and bears and came forward to join Lord Ram and Lakshman in the battle against Ravan. Just imagine! Where these tiny animals would have stood against the mighty army and immense powers of Ravan? How could they have crushed the goldrempire of Lanka, rescued Mother Sita, and helped in establishing the ideal rule? But remember! They were not ordinary monkeys and bears who would have been simply jumping on the trees or roving snugly in the forests. They were devatas (divine powers) in disguise. History is going to repeat again. I see you as devatas in the new form of 'Lord Ram's army' today. You all have performed noble deeds in the past births; your devotion to divinity has blessed you with this rare opportunity in this life. What opportunity? To join the mission of "Yug Nirman" r reviving the "Age of Truth" in the modern times. I am reminding you of your indwelling divinity today, the auspicious day of Gurupurnima. Whenever you find time, sit calmly and ponder over what your Guru is telling you today, ask yourself "who you are" r an evolved animal or a descendent of divine powers? Recall that you have been assigned some duties, which are like what the devatas would have chosen to do in today's time. Don't think that your capabilities are limited, what you can do to reverse the perverse trends, when the whole world seems to move downwards with the flow of time. Haven't you heard of the Pandvas? What had happened in the War of Mahabharat? Even the most intrepid, skilled warrior like Arjun was baffled in the battlefield. Arjun's concern would appear genuine to any logical mind. The Pandvas were only five with their meager resources and handful of friends while the Kauravas were hundred and had a well equipped grand army of millions of soldiers? Moreover most of those on the enemy's side were the near and dear relations and friends of the Pandavas. It was impossible in an ordinary case, to imagine even in a dream, the survival of Pandavas, leave aside the chance of their victory. Then Lord Krishna had revealed r 'Hey Arjun! In fact, I have already 'killed them' and kept the crown of victory ready for you. You just have to throw the arrows against them using best of your potentials and get ready to be sworn in as a great warrior king together with other Pandvas after the decisive war.

- courtesy Akhand Jyoti