qualifications
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A person may be a brāhmaṇa or a śūdra or a sannyāsī, but if he happens to be well versed in the science of Kṛṣṇa, then he is fit to become a spiritual master. A real brahmana is the natural teacher or spiritual master. Unless one has Vedic knowledge, one cannot become a spiritual master. The perfect knowledge of the Vedas is to know the Lord, the Personality of Godhead, and that is the end of Vedic knowledge, or Vedanta. One who is situated in the impersonal Brahman and has no information of the Supreme Personality of Godhead may become a brahmana, but he cannot become a spiritual master. It is said: sat-karma-nipuno vipro mantra-tantra-visaradaḥ, avaisnava guru asat sat sva-paco vaisnava guruḥ. An impersonalist can become a qualified brahmana, but he cannot become a spiritual master unless and until he is promoted to the stage of a Vaisnava, or a devotee of the Personality of Godhead. Lord Caitanya, the great authority of Vedic wisdom in the modern age, stated:
(More...) A person may be a brahmana or a sūdra or a sannyasi, but if he happens to be well versed in the science of Krsna, then he is fit to become a spiritual master. [Madhya 8.128] The qualification, then, of a spiritual master is not to be a qualified brahmana, but to be well versed in the science of Krsna.
(More...) Able guidance of a spiritual master who is a bona fide representative of Kṛṣṇa, who knows the nature of the student and who can guide him to act in Kṛṣṇa consciousness Service in Krsna consciousness is, however, best practiced under the able guidance of a spiritual master who is a bona fide representative of Krsna, who knows the nature of the student and who can guide him to act in Krsna consciousness. As such, to be well-versed in Krsna consciousness one has to act firmly and obey the representative of Krsna, and one should accept the instruction of the bona fide spiritual master as one's mission in life. Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakur instructs us, in his famous prayers for the spiritual master, as follows:
(More...) "By satisfaction of the spiritual master, the Supreme Personality of Godhead becomes satisfied. And by not satisfying the spiritual master, there is no chance of being promoted to the plane of Krsna consciousness. I should, therefore, meditate and pray for his mercy three times a day, and offer my respectful obeisances unto him, my spiritual master."
(More...) Imported quote 15115 "Any person who seriously desires to achieve real happiness must seek out a bona fide spiritual master and take shelter of him by initiation. The qualification of his spiritual master is that he must have realized the conclusion of the scriptures by deliberation and be able to convince others of these conclusions. Such great personalities, who have taken shelter of the Supreme Godhead, leaving aside all material considerations, are to be understood as bona fide spiritual masters." Similarly, Visvanatha Cakravarti, a great Vaisnava, also advises, yasya prasadad bhagavat-prasadaḥ: "By the mercy of the spiritual master one receives the mercy of Krsna." This is the same advice given by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu (guru-krsna-prasade paya bhakti-lata-bija). This is essential. One must come to Krsna consciousness, and therefore one must take shelter of a pure devotee. Thus one can become free from the clutches of matter.
(More...) Imported quote 15187 It is stated in the Hari-bhakti-vilasa that one should not accept initiation from a person who is not in the brahminical order if there is a fit person in the brahminical order present. This instruction is meant for those who are overly dependent on the mundane social order and is suitable for those who want to remain in mundane life. If one understands the truth of Krsna consciousness and seriously desires to attain transcendental knowledge for the perfection of life, he can accept a spiritual master from any social status, provided the spiritual master is fully conversant with the science of Krsna. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura also states that although one is situated as a brahmana, ksatriya, vaisya, sūdra, brahmacari, vanaprastha, grhastha or sannyasi, if he is conversant in the science of Krsna he can become a spiritual master as vartma-pradarsaka-guru, diksa-guru or siksa-guru. One who first gives information about spiritual life is called the vartma-pradarsaka-guru or spiritual master. The spiritual master who initiates according to the regulations of the sastras is called diksa-guru, and the spiritual master who gives instructions for elevation is called siksa-guru. Factually the qualifications of a spiritual master depend on his knowledge of the science of Krsna. It does not matter whether he is a brahmana, ksatriya, sannyasi or sūdra. This injunction given by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is not at all against the injunctions of the sastras. In the Padma Purana it is said:
(More...) Imported quote 15610 Due to enviousness one leaves his eternal home and wanders in the material world. In this way he turns his back on Krsna and meets with good and evil amongst various specifies of life. But although one may choose out of envy and delusion to forget Krsna, still Krsna cannot forget the conditioned souls, and thus He is situated in everyone's hart simply to direct the wanderings of all living entities (Bg. 18.61). in this way the Lord acts as caitya-guru, the spiritual master within. But you have warned us that although Krsna is directing, still "He gives direct instructions only to the advanced pure devotees. In the beginning, when a devotee is serious and sincere, the Lord gives him directions from within to approach a bona fide spiritual master." (Bhaktivedanta purports to 4.28.41) So in this way we have all become bhagyavan jiva, or fortunate living entities, because we have come in contact with a true spiritual master like yourself, and we are receiving your mercy through your instructions and through the association of advanced disciples who are true to your instructions. Now one should not again return to the conditioned world by becoming falsely independent or mistakenly thinking that he alone is in a position to receive instructions from the Supersoul, and that only he can understand the desires of the spiritual master. This is to fall victim to a very deep and treacherous pitfall. On the other hand, you have indicated that for one who has been "trained by the spiritual master according to the regulative principles of devotional service and is situated on the platform of spontaneous attachment for the Lord (raga-bhakti), the Lord also gives instructions from within. This distinct advantage is obtained by a liberated soul." (also from the purport to Bhag. 4.28.41) To assist us in advancing to the platform of fixed devotional service, you have declared that "Krsna is now present in this ISKCON movement," and that ISKCON is nondifferent from you yourself. So if one in great delusion rejects the instructions of the spiritual master, and departs from the association of the loyal servitors of yourself who are endeavoring to push on your movement and Lord Caitanya's prophesized mission, then it can only be understood that once again he has fallen prey to envy and become a victim of the deluding potency. Srila Prabhupada, I pray that I will never turn away from you and my Godbrothers, who are your loyal disciples. Srila Prabhupada, we know that there will be many pasanḍis, cheaters who do not know the real path of spiritual advancement, and that they will come forward to disrupt this Krsna consciousness movement. In this way they unjustly belittle your endeavors my minimizing how you relentlessly endeavored to establish ISKCON. All these things will come to pass now that this unfortunate planet is no longer blessed with your footprints and the point of your cane. But those who are actually sincere will not become deluded, and free from envy, they will work with transcendental determination to establish this mission in every town and village. By your divine grace we will see every person as a recipient of your causeless mercy.
(More...) Imported quote 15779 Varnasrama, the consideration of four varnas and four asramas prevails. Until this system is established it is dog society. This too has to be given up. First we should give up this doggish and sheepish propensity and by culture one should claim to be a brahmana, ksatriya, vaisya and sūdra. By culture. That also has to be given up. And that is called sarva-dharman parityajya [Bg 18.66] So long one is situated in the four varnas, varnasrama, that is also a material platform. That too has to be abandoned. The Supreme Lord said sarva-dharman parityajya, the point He is making is that you are proud of being American, Indian, brahmana, ksatriya, white, black and the activities you are pursuing accordingly, all that has to be given up. That is called amanitvam. Adambhitvam. This manitvam or false prestige that I am brahmana, I am ksatriya, I am American, this false prestige everybody is having. That I am great and everyone else is insignificant. This is a material disease. That has to be given up, adambhitvam or prestigious position. It has to be given up. Amanitvam adambhitvam ahimsa, ahimsa, if we try to explain each words it will take whole night even if I will try to explain briefly. We have to acquire this ahimsa. Actually if you notice these four or five slokas beginning from eight to twelve it is filled with complete knowledge. It is a platform of jnana-yoga. Complete knowledge. Take any religious system, take any moral instruction, everything is available here. Ahimsa. Ahimsa is possible only when you have acquired amanitvam adambhitvam. Otherwise it is useless. The Supreme Lord Himself is describing. Ahimsa can be accomplished when you are amanitvam adambhitvam. The general meaning of ahimsa is not to become envious of anyone unnecessarily. That is called ahimsa. Without any cause. Just like kill the animals and eat it. If you have got nice foodstuffs to eat by which your body will be nourished then why do you unnecessarily kill a poor animal? This is called jnana. When the Supreme Personality of Godhead has supplied us wheat, rice, ghee, milk, fruits, vegetables with which we can prepare delicious foodstuffs. We can offer that food to the Supreme Lord and take His remnants, prasada then why you uselessly kill a poor animal. That is called ahimsa. We won't die of starvation. This is in the sastra. If you can spare someone then spare him. That is ahimsa. Nowadays human society has become uncivilized. When they don't know how to grow rice, they live in the forest. They cannot clear the jungle and grow rice. If they kill animal and eat that is not sinful. God has given you plenty of food grains you eat and live. Why do you kill animals? When you learn to do it that is called ahimsa. The Supreme Lord says, patram puspam phalam toyam. [Bg 9.26]
(More...) Imported quote 15892 The teacher must be a representative of Krsna, a devotee, and the student must be like Arjuna. Then this Krsna consciousness study is perfect. Otherwise it is a waste of time. In the Srimad-Bhagavatam [3.25.25] it is stated: "If anyone wants to understand the science of Krsna, he should associate with pure devotees. When discussions take place among pure devotees, the potency of spiritual language is revealed." Scholarly discussion of the Gita is futile. In the Upanisads it is stated: "To one who has firm faith in God, and similar faith in God's representative, all the import of Vedic language will be revealed." We must have the qualification of being a devotee. Become dear to God. My spiritual master used to say, "Don't try to see God. Act in such a way that God will see you." We have to qualify ourselves. By your qualification God Himself will come and see you.
(More...) Imported quote 15909 The sastra says who is guru. Tasmad gurum prapadyeta. One has to surrender to guru. That is, tad vijnanartham sa gurum evabhigacchet [Munḍaka Upanisad 1.2.12]. One must approach guru. This is vidhilih. Not that it is optional, I may accept the guru or not accept guru. No. Must. Gacchet. Gacchet means he must. It is vidhilih. This verb is used where the purport is "one must." Otherwise, it is not possible. Tasmad gurum prapadyeta. And who will go to guru? It is not a fashion, that we make some guru and we are engaged in our own business, and I can say in the society, "Oh, I have got a big guru who can show magic." No. Guru is necessary for him who is inquisitive of transcendental subject matter. He requires a guru. Not ordinary man. Just like somebody keeps some cats and dogs as fashion. Guru is not like that. Guru means one... First of all, who requires a guru? Tasmad gurum prapadyeta jijnasuḥ sreya uttamam [SB 11.3.21]: one who is inquisitive to know about the spiritual world. Uttamam. Uttamam means ud-gata tamam: transcendental to this darkness. This material world is called darkness, ignorance. Actually it is dark. Because it is dark, material world, therefore we require the sun. By the grace of Krsna, we have got the sun. Yac-caksur esa savita sakala-grahanam [Bs 5.52].
(More...) Imported quote 15916 Satam prasahgan. In the association of devotees the discussion on the matter of the Absolute Truth becomes very palatable. We have to hear about the Absolute Truth through the association of persons who are endeavoring to make progress towards eternal life, sat-patham. Yogasya laksanam. What are the symptoms of yoga? Kapiladeva, Kapiladeva is son of Devahūti. Devahūti is the mother of Kapiladeva. The mother is taking instruction from son. So it doesn't matter. One should not think, "Oh, he is my son. What instruction I shall take from him? I know better than him." No. Son or anyone, anyone, if he knows the science of Krsna, he becomes guru. This is the Vedic system. It doesn't matter. Caitanya Mahaprabhu approved this. Caitanya Mahaprabhu was born in a very respectable brahmana family. He was very advanced learned scholar, and after all He took sannyasa. So when He was discussing with Ramananda Raya... Ramananda Raya was a grhastha, householder, and governor of Madras, means politician. A householder, politician, and he was born not in brahmana family; in karana, kayastha family. They are considered as sūdras. So he had no position to instruct Caitanya Mahaprabhu. But Caitanya Mahaprabhu gave him the place of instructor, and He took the position of a listener. Just see Caitanya Mahaprabhu's pastimes. He gave him the position of instructor, and He took the position of student, listener.
(More...) Imported quote 16025 The spiritual master is the representative of the Supreme Lord. How does he become the representative? If one says that such and such an object is a pair of spectacles, and if he teaches his disciple in that way, there is no mistake as to the identity of the object. The spiritual master is he who has captured the words of a particular disciplic succession. In the case given, the key word is "spectacles"-that's all. The spiritual master does not have to say anything beyond that. This is the qualification. Krsna says, "I am the Supreme," and the spiritual master says, "Krsna is the Supreme." It is not that to be a representative of Krsna or to be a spiritual master one has to have any extraordinary qualification. He simply has to carry the message from the authority as it is without any personal interpretation. As soon as there is some personal interpretation, the message is lost and the instructions become offensive. A person who interprets the scriptures according to his own whims should be immediately rejected.
(More...) Imported quote 16084 There is a statement in Brahma-samhita: Just ride on the airplane which runs at the speed of mind. Our material airplanes can run 2,000 miles per hour, but what is the speed of mind? You are sitting at home, you immediately think of India, say 10,000 miles away, and at once it is in your home. Your mind has gone there. The mind-speed is so swift. Therefore it is stated, "If you travel at this speed for millions of years, you'll find that the Spiritual Sky is unlimited." It is not possible even to approach it. Therefore, the Vedic injunction is that one must approach-the word "compulsory" is used-a bona fide spiritual master, a guru. And what is the qualification of a spiritual master? He has rightly heard the Vedic message from the right source. Otherwise he is not bona fide. He must practically be firmly established in Brahman. These are the two qualities. This Krsna Consciousness movement is completely authorized from Vedic principles. In the Bhagavad-gita Krsna says, "The actual aim of Vedic research is to find out Krsna." In the Brahma-samhita it is also stated, "Krsna, Govinda, has innumerable Forms, but they are all one." They are not like our forms, which are fallible. His Form is infallible. My form has a beginning, but His Form has no beginning. It is ananta. And His Form-so many multiforms-has no end. My form is sitting here and not in my apartment. You are sitting there and not in your apartment. But Krsna can be anywhere at one time. He can sit down in Goloka Vrndavana and at the same time He is everywhere, all-pervading. He is Original, the Oldest, but whenever you look at a picture of Krsna you'll find a young Boy of 15-20 years old. You will never find an old man. You have seen pictures of Krsna as a charioteer from the Bhagavad-gita. At that time He was not less than 100 years old. He had great-grandchildren, but He looked just like a boy. Krsna, God, never becomes old. That is His Supreme power. And if you want to search out Krsna by studying the Vedic literature, then you will be baffled. It may be possible, but it is very difficult. But you can very easily learn about Him from His devotee. His devotee can deliver Him to you: "Here He is, take Him." That is the potency of Krsna's devotees.
(More...) Imported quote 16418 How does he deliver you? What is his means? Consider the same example. When there is a fire in the forest, you cannot send a fire brigade or go there yourself with bucketfuls of water to extinguish it. That is not possible. Then how will it be extinguished? You need water to extinguish fire, but where will the water come from-from your bucket or your fire brigade? No, it must come from the sky. Only when there are torrents of rain from the sky will the blazing forest fire be extinguished. These rains from the sky do not depend on your scientific propaganda or manipulation. They depend on the mercy of the Supreme Lord. So the spiritual master is compared to a cloud. Just as there are torrents of rain from a cloud, so the spiritual master brings mercy from the Supreme Personality of Godhead. A cloud takes water from the sea. It doesn't have its own water, but takes water from the sea. Similarly, the spiritual master brings mercy from the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Just see the comparison. He has no mercy of his own, but he carries the mercy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. That is the qualification of the spiritual master.
(More...) Thus the spiritual master is offered obeisances: "Sir, you have brought mercy from the Supreme Lord; therefore, we are much obliged to you. You have come to deliver us, so we offer our respectful obeisances." That is the meaning of this verse: the first qualification of the spiritual master, or guru, is that he brings you the message to stop the blazing fire in your heart. This is the test.
(More...) Imported quote 16748 Therefore things which are beyond your speculation, don't try to argue. Don't be foolish. Don't be rascal. How you can? Because it is beyond your conception. There is no question of it. By argument, by speculation, by logic, you cannot understand what is soul, what is God. That is not possible. Acintyaḥ khalu ye bhava na tams tarkena yojayet. Don't waste your time. So similarly, we do not know what is God by speculation. That is not possible. And religion means the science of God. Religion means the science of God. So how religion, you can understand that this is proper religion? Because you do not know God, neither it is possible to speculate on God, then how I shall accept religion? Just try to understand. Religion means the science of God. It is not a sentiment; it is science. So if you want to know that science... Therefore Vedic injunction is, tad-vijnanartham sa gurum eva abhigacchet [Munḍaka Upanisad 1.2.12]:
(More...) Imported quote 16789 So Krsna recommends that if you want knowledge, then first of all... That is the process, the whole Vedic process. In the Kathopanisad also it is said that tad-vijnanartham gurum eva abhigacchet: "If you want to understand the transcendental science, then you have to approach to a spiritual master." And who is spiritual master? Oh, nowadays everyone wants to be spiritual master. Oh, that is also mentioned, who is spiritual master. Samit-paniḥ srotriyam brahma-nistham [Munḍaka Upanisad 1.2.12]:
(More...) Imported quote 17398 This is describing the quality. Otherwise, everyone will become spiritual master. That quality, the activity, will support the bona fide spiritual master. Guna-karma-vibhagasaḥ [Bg 4.13]. There must be quality and action. So the spiritual master's action is that he is to deliver his disciple from the blazing fire of this material existence. Samsara-davanala.
(More...) Imported quote 17415 These are the qualifications, symptoms of guru. Sabde pare ca nisnatam. He has got full knowledge in the transcendental science. And without book, how he has got knowledge? Or without hearing from another authority?
(More...) Imported quote 17434 So the qualification of guru is, he should be mahatma and muni. Muni means philosopher, and mahatma means God-realized. Really mahatma means God-realized. He knows. That is stated in the Bhagavad-gita:
(More...) So when one understands Krsna perfectly, he becomes mahatma. Just try to understand. Not a politician. Not by changing dress, saffron-color cloth. No, that is not mahatma. One who understands Krsna perfectly well, he is mahatma. Therefore here it is said, munibhir mahatmabhiḥ. The instruction was received from person, munibhiḥ, great philosophers. Not only philosopher, but mahatma. Because one who has understood Krsna perfectly... This is the qualification of guru. So that qualification, to attain, is not very difficult. But because we are rascals, we do not try to take the qualification. That qualification is very simple. One... Who can understand Krsna? Krsna is not so cheap thing. He has said already that yatatam api siddhanam kascin vetti mam tattvataḥ [Bg 7.3].
(More...) Imported quote 17769 Guru is therefore external manifestation of Krsna because he acts as representative of Krsna. So what is the qualification of that guru? Tasmad gurum prapadyeta [SB 11.3.21]. You must go and surrender to guru. In the Vedas also it is said, tasmad gurum prapadyeta jijnasuḥ sreya uttamam. For whom guru is required? Not for all. But tad-vijnanartham sa gurum eva abhigacchet [Munḍaka Upanisad 1.2.12].
(More...) Imported quote 18000 So tad-vijnanartham, if you want to understand spiritual knowledge, then you have to approach a guru. Guru. Guru means weighty, I mean to say, one who has got better knowledge. Heavy. Guru means heavy, heavy with knowledge. And what is that knowledge? "I have got so much knowledge." No. Transcendental. Tad-vijnana. Tad-vijnanartham sa gurum eva abhigacchet, samit-paniḥ srotriyam brahma-nistham [Munḍaka Upanisad 1.2.12].
(More...) So one must approach a proper guru. The guru's qualification is, in every sastra, that... Just like in the Srimad-Bhagavatam it is said, tad viddhi..., er, tasmad gurum prapadyeta jijnasuḥ sreya uttamam [SB 11.3.21]. One does not require to accept a guru unless he is inquisitive to understand the ultimate goal or benefit of life. Ordinary man who is interested with the bodily comforts of life, he doesn't require a guru. But generally, the, at the present moment, guru means who can give you some bodily medicine. Approaches some saintly person, "Mahatmaji, I am suffering from this disease." "Yes, I have mantra. Take this..." That sort of guru is accepted. So same bodily. Or some bodily wealth, bodily... No.
(More...) Imported quote 19259 So to become a bona fide spiritual master there is no difficulty, simply if we carry the message of Krsna as it is, without any adulteration. So we must find out a person who is actually bona fide spiritual master by this test, that he's not, I mean to say, adulterating Krsna's message. He's not playing havoc with the message of Krsna in order to introduce himself, his person. He's simply presenting the message of Krsna as it is. Then he's spiritual master. Nobody else.
(More...) Imported quote 21823 You may hold a fire yajna and at that time the names of the initiates as well as their beads chanted on by Gurukrpa Maharaja may be given. Make sure that they are well aware of the four rules and regulations and that they are fixed in chanting the prescribed number of 16 rounds daily on the beads. Without these two principles no one can make advancement on the path of regulated bhakti. Teach them the science of the Bhagavad gita and train them to be first class representatives of Krsna. It is not very difficult, simply one has to hear from the perfect authority who is in disciplic succession from Krsna Himself, and then repeat the same message without any change. If one does this then he is qualified to become guru. I hope this meets you in good health. Imported quote 22429 Tamala Krsna: It says here... This newsletter is written by Ramesvara. It's especially meant for encouraging book distribution, Srila Prabhupada. It says, "Later on in the morning, Prabhupada sent for Gopala Krsna Prabhu and explained to him that he wanted to print as many books as possible. 'My point is,' Srila Prabhupada said, 'that I don't wish to keep money in the bank. Invest in printing.' So in this way, although... Then Prabhupada went on, referring to Harikesa Swami, after he presented six new hardbound German books to His Divine Grace, 'He is very intelligent boy. My Guru Maharaja is so pleased. He used to say whatever money is there was to be used for printing books. He was so happy to print books. So you do it all very nicely. I printed my books, and now you do it. These are the first class, and there is no defect. German printing is very favorable. This is all right. Thank you very much.' " It says here, "Harikesa Swami told Prabhupada that now he has to become more healthy to finish the Bhagavatam. Prabhupada replied, 'Healthy? I have nothing to do with this body. I have to do with the spiritual world.' Bhagavan Prabhu mentioned to Prabhupada how many books his zone was distributing. They are trying for twenty thousand big books in one week. Prabhupada was very encouraged and told him, 'Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati will give them all blessings. He wanted this very much.' An hour later Hrdayananda Maharaja was in the room and told Prabhupada that they had printed 100,000 copies of Krsna book in Portuguese. Prabhupada said, 'Thank you very much. Printing of books is our life force.' Prabhupada looked through the books and again he asked, 'How many published?' When he heard 100,000, 'Oh, how they are selling, and what is the price? Very good collection? Print more books. This is life. This material body-only bones. So go on, and this is life. We are not concerned with bones and stones. Our concern is the living force. The living force is actually sustaining these bones. Bones are not life. Print books as I have shown the way: half again for printing and half spent for propaganda as you like. In this way go on.' Then he turned to Jayapataka Maharaja and asked him if he was doing that. He told him, 'Whatever propaganda is needed, you go out and spend, but print books and distribute. Whatever English books we have got, if we translate into Bengali, you have got enough stock.' Jayapataka Swami replied, 'Yes, we have got a treasure house,' and Prabhupada said, 'In this way, in all languages, distribute. Thank you very much. Hare Krsna. Chant Hare Krsna.' " It says here, "Prabhupada is translating the Third Volume of the Tenth Canto, and Volume Two is now just being printed and will be available for shipping to all temples on November 11th along with a new book written by Srila Prabhupada called the Teachings of Lord Kapiladeva. Fifty copies..., thousand copies of each volume have been published."
(More...) Imported quote 22583 Prabhupada: No, that you can think-your spiritual master is nice, others bogus-but they do not think like that. [laughter] They will think their spiritual master is good, your spiritual master is bogus. But... there is standard who is spiritual master. Spiritual master means who is the best servant of God. One who does not agree the existence of spiritual ma..., ah God, he is bogus because he's not bona fide. Mūḍha. One who does not accept the existence of God, he is mūḍha. He's a rascal. He cannot... A rascal cannot become spiritual master.
(More...) Imported quote 24058 "Any person who is seriously desirous of achieving real happiness must seek out a bona fide spiritual master and take shelter of him by initiation. The qualification of a spiritual master is that he must have realized the conclusion of the scriptures by deliberation and arguments and thus be able to convince others of these conclusions. Such great personalities, who have taken complete shelter of the Supreme Godhead, leaving aside all material considerations, are to be understood as bona fide spiritual masters." (Bhag. 11.3.21)
(More...) Imported quote 24292 This is qualification of guru, tattva-darsi. What is that tattva?
(More...) One who knows what is Paramatma, what is Brahman, what is Bhagavan, he is tattva-darsi. Vadanti tat tattva-vidas tattvam yaj jnanam advayam . So these are the qualification of guru. Why one should go to a guru to see some magic? One who can make some gold, one who can make some... So many magicians who are becoming guru. This is going on. The public, they do not know what is the meaning of guru, and the cheaters, they get the opportunity of becoming false gurus. In the Western countries we are seeing so many so-called rascal gurus go there and cheat the public, because the Europeans, Americans, they have got some conviction that India has got some spiritual knowledge, so anyone goes as a sannyasi, as a svami, they expect to get something from them. So they gather round them. But these rascals cheat them. Somebody says, "I am incarnation of God, and I can make my secretary, woman, pregnant, and marry and get some money." This is going on. And somebody is Transcendental Meditation. What is the result of prana...? He'll will get strong. He will get money. Your health will be right. These things are going on.
(More...) Imported quote 24445 "One who cannot deliver his dependents from the path of repeated birth and death should never become a spiritual master, a father, a husband, a mother or a worshipable demigod.
(More...) One should not become a pseudo spiritual master as a matter of business to meet one\'s family expenditures; one must be an expert spiritual master to deliver the disciple from the clutches of impending death. Especially for the householder-devotees, the path of Deity worship is strongly recommended. As far as possible, every householder, by the direction of the spiritual master, must install the Deity of Visnu, forms like Radha-Krsna, Laksmi-Narayana or Sita-Rama especially, or any other form of the Lord, like Nrsimha, Varaha, Gaura-Nitai, Matsya, Kūrma, salagrama-sila and many other forms of Visnu, like Trivikrama, Kesava, Acyuta, Vasudeva, Narayana, Damodara, etc., as they are recommended in the Vaisnava Tantras or Puranas, and one's family should worship strictly following the directions and regulations of arcana-vidhi. Any member of the family who is above twelve years of age should be initiated by a bona fide spiritual master, and all the members of the household should be engaged in the daily service of the Lord, beginning from morning (4 a.m.) till night (10 p.m.) by performing mahgala-aratrika, niranjana, arcana, pūja, kirtana, srhgara, bhoga-vaikali, sandhya-aratrika, patha, bhoga (at night), sayana-aratrika, etc. Engagement in such worship of the Deity, under the direction of a bona fide spiritual master, will greatly help the householders to purify their very existence and make rapid progress in spiritual knowledge. Simple theoretical book knowledge is not sufficient for a neophyte devotee. Book knowledge is theoretical, whereas the arcana process is practical. Spiritual knowledge must be developed by a combination of theoretical and practical knowledge, and that is the guaranteed way for attainment of spiritual perfection. The training of devotional service by a neophyte devotee completely depends on the expert spiritual master who knows how to lead his disciple to make gradual progress towards the path back home, back to Godhead. One should not become a pseudo-spiritual master as a matter of business to meet one's family expenditure, but one must be an expert spiritual master to deliver the disciple from the clutches of impending death. Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakur has defined the bona fide qualities of a spiritual master, and one of the verses in that description reads:
(More...) sri-vigraharadhana-nitya-nana- srhgara-tan-mandira-marjanadau yuktasya bhaktams ca niyunjato 'pi vande guroḥ sri-caranaravindam (More...) "Sri-vigraha is the arca, or suitable worshipable form of the Lord, and the disciple should be engaged in worshiping the Deity regularly by srhgara, by proper decoration and dressing, as also mandira-marjana, the matter of cleansing the temple. The spiritual master teaches the neophyte devotee all these kindly and personally to help him gradually in the realization of the transcendental name, quality, form, etc., of the Lord.
(More...) The spiritual master must never be carried away by an accumulation of wealth or a large number of followers. A bona fide spiritual master will never become like that. The spiritual master must never be carried away by an accumulation of wealth or a large number of followers. A bona fide spiritual master will never become like that. But sometimes, if a spiritual master is not properly authorized, and only on his own initiative becomes a spiritual master, he may be carried away by an accumulation of wealth and large numbers of disciples. His is not a very high grade of devotional service. If a person is carried away by such achievements, then his devotional service becomes slackened. One should, therefore, strictly adhere to the principles of disciplic succession.
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