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My stand has always been: Our Ashram has come about like a tree. The trunk will grow stronger only with the help of branches and leaves. The upper and lower growths are inseparably wedded to each other. I have not felt that I am the cause of it. I have no special aspiration also. “Vasantavat lokahitaṃ carantaḥ” is our way – like the spring season collecting and spreading fragrance around, I am also spreading spiritual fragrance. What all has to be in the years to come will follow naturally. No ego or causality is called for.

So, in establishing spiritual Centres, what verily worked is the invisible spiritual laws of Providence. Let me say with all innocence, that I have not set up any of these. My only wealth is: “I have nothing, I want nothing, I am nothing.” Imagine how profoundly abundant and resourceful is this ‘inner nothingness’, which makes me/one feel and say ‘I want nothing’!

– Swamiji

Introduction

Dear and Blessed Seekers,

Harih Om Tat Sat.

Each of us is born to our parents and raised by them. We receive education in schools, colleges, research centres. Even when parents have limited formal education, their children often gain enough knowledge to achieve great success professionally. As adults, we develop our own
personalities, marry, and raise families. At no point do we feel or say, “I am what my parents made me; I am nothing other than what they have shaped me.” The difference between the attainments of parents and children is often vast and immeasurable. This is the story of birth and growth within households.

However, spiritual seekers follow a completely different path of growth and development. I went to Kolkata seeking a professional life, but soon met my Gurudev, who had been brought to our flat by my elder brother for a brief stay. That moment marked the beginning of my spiritual journey, leading me to Brahmavidya Deeksha, Brahmajnana, and the profound austerities that followed.

The fervent dedication with which I embraced my bond with Baba completely transformed my being, awakening a depth of peace and purpose I had never known before. Through the Deeksha from my Gurudev, my focus shifted from God to the Guru. This bond with Baba blossomed, and so did my spiritual growth and wisdom.

I visited Baba in Dakshinkhanda whenever I could, though only for brief stays. I also met him in Baranagar and sometimes at the home of one of his South Indian disciples in South Kolkata. During this time, I immersed myself in the Scriptures, the biographies of Saints, and
the lives of ascetics. My understanding of these texts, combined with experiential wisdom gained through meditation, grew in unimaginable proportions.

The inherent vairagya (dispassion) in me greatly aided this unfolding process. The knowledge I gained, both through experience and scriptural study, acted like the two wings of a bird, lifting me to greater and greater heights. My zeal and fervour grew irresistibly. My affinity for sannyasa, which I had even in my very young age, must have been influenced by the teachings of the great Shankara, whose home was not far from my native village. Exposure to his Bhaja Govindam and its profound exhortations shaped my heart, mind, and intellect. Above all, the unique grace of my Baba infused everything with serenity and sublimity.

I shared everything with Baba. I felt an overwhelming urge to renounce everything. I shaved my head and beard, donned the gerua (monastic robe) Baba gave me, and bid farewell to my professional life in Kolkata. All of this was the result of what I had become in the hands of my Gurudev. Baba spoke to me about our spiritual lineage and the Tirtha-parampara we belong to. He gave me a new name, marking a rebirth, a new identity, and everything that came with it.

My personality, as it stands today, exists only through the guidance and grace of my Gurudev. All the worth, with any imperfections or virtues it may have, belongs to Baba and Baba alone. I am what he has made me, and it is through his grace that I can firmly say, “I am nothing, I have nothing, and I want nothing.” This state, this dimension, is something that only spirituality can bring.

Spiritual growth and expansion were my sole pursuit, as they were for my Gurudev. These are meant to make me like my Gurudev, embodying his wisdom and spirit.

The personality I now embody is completely different from the one I got from my parents. It is solely what I have derived from Baba. Such a complete and wholesome transformation is only possible in spiritual life, through the ascetic resolve and refuge it offers.

Over seventy years have passed since I met Baba, and everything that followed – the transformation of my personal life, the seekers and devotees I have met, the Narayanashrama Tapovanam I established, and the CIRD Centres in New Delhi, Jamshedpur, Malaysia, Virginia,
and California – are all manifestations of the spiritual seed Baba had sown in me. His grace continues to nurture these efforts as a living testament to his teachings.

The land of Poornashram in Dakshinkhanda was gifted to me for establishing the Ashram. The intent was clear: to create a space that would honour Baba’s spiritual austerities and the sacred abode where they had taken place for decades. The original structure of mud walls and thatched roofs had completely fallen, and we felt compelled to rebuild. After years of effort, we now have the Poornashram what you see today.

As we inaugurate the rebuilt Poornashram, I am moved to share a few reflections. This space, born out of Baba’s spiritual legacy, is not just a physical structure but a living expression of the austere and ascetic nature of this sacred place. May it inspire all who visit to delve deep into their own hearts, unearthing the invaluable spiritual treasure that is accessible only to those who walk the spiritual path with devotion to the Guru.

A Call to the Seekers

To those who step into this sacred abode, I wish to reveal
the deepest thoughts of my mind:

• Do not merely visit Poornashram. Bathe in and absorb its austere divinity.
• Do not merely admire it or criticise it. Be dedicated to its message and splendour.
• This place is not meant just for seeing, but for one’s own inner transformation.
• May the seekers who come here not just seek knowledge, but seek inner awakening.
• May they not just study scriptures, but live the spirit and purpose of scriptures.
• May they not just admire the Guru, but imbibe his grace and grandeur through resignation and dedication.
• Guru’s light does not fade with time. It continues to shine – through his teachings, through every soul that walks this path with devotion.
• The grace of Baba is ever-flowing. May you open yourself to receive it.

With my love, best wishes, and blessings

Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha

Shivaratri, February 2025
Dakshinkhanda, Murshidabad
West Bengal

सद्गुरु-दशकम्

Sadguru Daśakaṃ

गंगाधरं पारमहंस्यवेद्यं
दयासमुद्रं प्रणतोऽस्मि नित्यम् ।
संभ्रान्तचित्तं समुपाश्रितं मां
समादिशद्यः परमात्मतत्त्वम् ।।

gaṅgādharaṃ pāramahaṃsya-vedyaṃ
dayā-samudraṃ praṇato’smi nityam ।
saṃbhrānta-cittaṃ samupāśritaṃ māṃ
samādiśad-yaḥ paramātma-tattvam ॥
Sadguru Daśakaṃ 1

I prostrate constantly before Sri Gangadhara Paramahamsa Dev who can be known only through the tenets of Paaramahamsya, who is an embodiment of compassion, who imparted the truth of the Supreme Self to me, when I sought refuge under him, with agitated mind.

पूर्णाश्रमं यस्य तपोनिधानं
जिज्ञासुवृन्दस्य सदा शरण्यम् ।
क्षेमाय सर्वस्य च मोक्षसिद्ध्यै
नता वयं तं गुरुमेकभक्त्या ।।

pūrṇāśramaṃ yasya taponidhānaṃ
jijñāsu-vṛndasya sadā śaraṇyam ।
kṣemāya sarvasya ca mokṣa-siddhyai
natā vayaṃ taṃ gurum-eka-bhaktyā ॥
Sadguru Daśakaṃ 2

Poornashram is the abode of his austerity, which is always a refuge for seekers and enquirers. Seeking the welfare and liberation of all, we prostrate before him with supreme and exclusive devotion.

नवीकृतं ह्यद्य समर्पितं ते
कृतज्ञतापूर्वमिदं सुधाम ।
आयान्तु जिज्ञासव विश्वतोऽत्र
स्वात्मप्रदीपज्वलनाय सम्यक् ।।

navīkṛtaṃ hyadya samarpitaṃ te
kṛtajñatāpūrvamidaṃ sudhāma ।
āyāntu jijñāsava viśvato’tra
svātmapradīpajvalanāya samyak ।।
Sadguru Daśakaṃ 3

With gratefulness, today we dedicate this renovated holy abode to you. May seekers and enquirers from all over the world come here to light well the lamp of their own inmost Self.

सर्वो गुरुर्वै गुरुवाक्यमेव
वरिष्ठशिष्यान् नयतीति सिद्धम् ।
अतः सदा त्वध्हितपूरणार्थं
नेतुं किलाग्रे हृदि नो विराज ॥

sarvo gururvai guruvākyameva
variṣṭhaśiṣyān nayatīti siddham ।
ataḥ sadā tvadhhitapūraṇārthaṃ
netuṃ kilāgre hṛdi no virāja ॥
Sadguru Daśakaṃ 4

Guru is everything and all indeed. It is well known that Guru’s word alone leads devout disciples to fulfillment. Therefore, in order to fulfil your own wish, dwell you indeed in our heart to lead us forward.

भवत्विदं धाम तपःप्रधानम्
तव स्मृतिर्ह्यत्र वसेद्भृशं वै ।
त्वद्वाक्यनिर्देशमहाप्रभावात्
सर्वाणि कार्याणि शुभानि सन्तु ॥

bhavatvidaṃ dhāma tapaḥpradhānam
tava smṛtirhyatra vasedbhṛśaṃ vai ।
tvadvākyanirdeśamahāprabhāvāt
sarvāṇi kāryāṇi śubhāni santu ॥
Sadguru Daśakaṃ 5

May austerity have the supreme place in this abode, where your memory will reign most. May all activities conducted here be auspicious, inspired by the greatness of your words of wisdom.

शास्त्रोचितं सज्जनपथ्यमार्गे
सल्लक्ष्यमूल्यानुगुणेन नित्यम् ।
विवेकपूर्वं प्रविचार्य सम्यक्
वदन्तु कुर्वन्त्विह सर्वभक्ताः ॥

śāstrocitaṃ sajjanapathyamārge
sallakṣyamūlyānuguṇena nityam ।
vivekapūrvaṃ pravicārya samyak
vadantu kurvantviha sarvabhaktāḥ ॥
Sadguru Daśakaṃ 6

Let all devotees coming here speak and act with discrimination, in tune with the purport of Shastras, following the path dear to Great Souls, adhering equally to great values and goals.

स्वात्मैव सर्वत्र सुसाधनीयः
प्रभासतेऽसौ हृदि सर्वथा वै ।
निवृत्य दृष्टिं प्रविलीय चित्तं
स्वान्तर्महिम्न्यैव निमज्जयेत्स्वम् ॥

svātmaiva sarvatra susādhanīyaḥ
prabhāsate’sau hṛdi sarvathā vai ।
nivṛtya dṛṣṭiṃ pravilīya cittaṃ
svāntarmahimnyaiva nimajjayetsvam ॥
Sadguru Daśakaṃ 7

One’s own Self shines well everywhere and in the heart by every means. Realizing that is the easily attainable goal. Hence, turn your gaze inward, dissolve the mind and dip yourself in your own inner glory and grandeur.

विचारवेगात्तु मनः स्वयं हि
निमज्जति स्वात्मविनिश्चलत्वे ।
पूर्णाश्रमं प्राप्य विचार्य चेतो
लिनात्यहो स्वात्मसुधासमुद्रे ॥

vicāravegāttu manaḥ svayaṃ hi
nimajjati svātmaviniścalatve ।
pūrṇāśramaṃ prāpya vicārya ceto
linātyaho svātmasudhāsamudre ॥
Sadguru Daśakaṃ 8

By the fervour of truthful introspection alone the mind naturally dissolves in profound stillness of one’s own inmost Self. Reaching Poornashram and ruminating well, the mind dissolves by itself in the ocean of elixir of one’s own Self.

गतक्लमाः शान्तविकल्पचित्ताः
निस्संशया निश्चलबुद्धयश्च ।
स्वात्मस्थितापूर्णविबोधदीप्त्यां
प्लवन्तु मज्जन्तु मुहुर्मुहुर्वै ॥

gataklamāḥ śāntavikalpacittāḥ
nissaṃśayā niścalabuddhayaśca ।
svātmasthitāpūrṇavibodhadīptyāṃ
plavantu majjantu muhurmuhurvai ॥
Sadguru Daśakaṃ 9

Rid of all fatigue, the mind with its doubts and indecisions quietened, having attained the stillness of intelligence too, those who come here, let them remain afloat and dip again and again in the effulgence of complete enlightenment which reigns in their own Self.

जिज्ञासवः सन्ततमन्तरेव
मनः समाधातुमनन्यभावात् ।
पुनःपुनर्मज्जनतीव्रचित्ता
भवन्तु सन्तु स्थिरबुद्धयोऽस्मिन् ॥

jijñāsavaḥ santatamantareva
manaḥ samādhātumananyabhāvāt ।
punaḥpunarmajjanatīvracittā
bhavantu santu sthirabuddhayo’smin ॥
Sadguru Daśakaṃ 10

May enquirers and seekers always strive to discipline their mind with exclusive devotion. May they, with the mind imbued with the fervour, dip inwardly again and again. Let their intelligence be steadfast in this resolve.