Effective communication is a key feature needed to smoothly run any organisation. Be it a small unit of a family or a large organisation, efficient communication helps in proper planning, exchange of ideas and provides comfort to the people.
Pujya Gurudevshri, leading such a huge Mission, has displayed exquisite communication skills right from a very young age. He has not only been an able communicator Himself but has also trained the sevaks to be effective in communications. Let us admire at His impeccable communication skills.
Verbal Communication
Verbal communication involves usage of words to express ideas or feelings. Pujya Gurudevshri is very particular in the choice of words that He uses to communicate. His expressions through words are such that His message is clearly conveyed and there is no ambiguity whatsoever. Be it a short message to be given to some sevak or a pravachan on a scripture, His words are clear, to the point and never self-contradictory.
Even more amazing is His excellent ability to adapt His communication method to His audience. He ably engages in mature discussions with Saints and Scholars while on the other end He communicates with little Garbharpits in childlike ways. We have witnessed how playfully He taught important life lessons to Garbharpit Athena Sheth by making her recite the 5S – Smiling face, Sweet tongue, Stable mind, Simple life and Sympathy for all.
Communication doesn’t just end at conveying one’s message clearly. It is equally important to ensure that the message is correctly received too. It has been Pujya Gurudevshri’s norm to ensure that the listener has exactly understood what was conveyed. Many a times while giving instructions to sevaks, He makes them repeat what they have understood, so as to ensure that they have grasped the message clearly. For conveying important messages regarding sadhana, mantras or prayaschits He ensures that those are given in writing to the seekers to avoid any communication lapse.
Pujya Gurudevshri has infused the importance of right communication in the sevaks and working of the Mission too. The announcements made at Pravachans, Shibirs, Group Meetings, Dharmayatras are clear, concise and timed in such a way that thousands of seekers can easily grasp and abide accordingly without causing confusion. Another excellent example of Pujya Gurudevshri’s mastery at communications is the Chain Message system He has formulated for passing on messages amongst the Arpit Family. In days where mobile phones and social messaging apps were not available, He had devised the system wherein messages were conveyed to masses within minutes. And having done so, He emphasised that the chain messages should be passed only in case of emergencies, while routine messages should be planned in advance and communicated through announcements itself; thus making sure that the system was used judiciously. What an amazing vision of correct communication!
Words can make or break! Pujya Gurudevshri’s words are such that they can create a garden in a desert, they can enthuse a depressed soul, they can inspire one who has given up hope! Haven’t we experienced a surge in our spirits after each pravachan or a meeting with Him? No matter how much one has faltered, Pujya Gurudevshri has the ability to inspire him, motivate him and make him running back on the path. When one of the devotees had fared badly in her exams and lost hope, He motivated her by saying, “So what? We always celebrate our successes. You need to learn to gladly accept failure as well! It’s not the end of the world, you can take it again, and you will work your hardest on it and do whatever it takes to succeed.”
Truly it is incredible that Pujya Gurudevshri, who revels in the world beyond words and thoughts, yet is the Master of words and their exchange!
Non-Verbal Communication
While His words are sweet as nectar, Pujya Gurudevshri’s non-verbal communication is equally amazing and inspiring. Watching Him pray to Param Krupalu Dev is a treat! The prayers do not have words always, but His gestures, His countenance reflects the unfathomable devotion, humbleness, surrender, love He has for Param Krupalu Dev. His silent prayers have become life transforming events for many seekers.
Without using words too, Pujya Gurudevshri can convey a lot to the seekers. His one look or choosing not to give a look makes the seeker understand how aligned he is to his spiritual goal. Taking hints from these, seekers make necessary amendments to their way of life. Pujya Gurudevshri’s one smile has the ability to elevate one for days and months. Indeed, not only His words, His entire being speaks, constantly guiding seekers to liberation.
Let Us Be Like Him!
Let us not stop at just applauding His qualities. Let us take steps to cultivate them within us.
- Avoid Ambiguity: Express yourself in a clear and precise manner. Be aware if there can be any other meaning the listener may grasp. If so, convey your meaning clearly.
- Ensure Receipt: Ensure that the other person has received your message correctly and completely. Encourage written confirmations for important things.
- Use Gestures: Many a times small gestures mean a lot to others. A smile, a pat on the back, a thumbs-up can lift someone’s spirits. Use them to encourage.
Your compassionate communication lifts our Soul,
Our spiritual growth, being its only goal,
Through Your guidance, the spiritual warrior within us roars,
O Beloved! With Your every word our spirit soars.
Deep yearning for God has the power to purify you, elevate you and even transform you.