Dallas

As stated by Krsna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, in the essence of the Bhagavatam, catuḥsloki: a person interested in transcendental knowledge must inquire about it. Intelligent inquiry directed toward the source of all transcendental knowledge, Sri Krsna, is an integral part of the path of self-realization.

Because we are densely covered by the modes of passion and ignorance, it is impossible for us to contact Lord Krsna directly, although He resides in the nearness of our hearts.

Therefore, in the words of Krsnadasa Kaviraja:

And Krsnadasa Kaviraja makes the point that although the spiritual master is a servitor of the Lord, he is also a plenary manifestation (prakasa) of the Lord. Lord Krsna manifests Himself in the form of bhakta-srestha, or the topmost devotee of the Lord. Krsna Himself says to Uddhava:

Self-realization being the goal of our human life, we must become intelligent enough to approach the spiritual master and take initiation. He is the exemplary embodiment of the Lord's mercy, and he is empowered to bestow on us the fulfillment of our desire for self-realization. Krsna confirms this in the Bhagavad-gita:

Also, there is an important verse in the Munḍaka Upanisad wherein it is stated:

The objective of the sincere inquirer of the Absolute Truth is established in all the Vedas as the lotus feet of Krsna. The practical acquisition of this objective is realized through devotional service, rendered unrestrictedly to the divine couple, Sri Sri Radha-Govinda. The means for approaching this perfected platform of knowledge and service is stated in the Svetasvatara Upanisad:

Unfortunately, our intelligence for understanding the Absolute Truth has been covered by ignorance, into which we have been forcefully thrust by our all-devouring enemy, lust. It has covered our real spiritual inclination, and if we factually desire purification we must accept no alternative than to hear eagerly, with great care and attention, the messages of the spiritual master. Krsna warns:

"However, if out of false ego you do not hear, you will be lost." Or, as sung by Visvanatha Cakravarti, "Without the grace of the spiritual master, one cannot make any advancement."

Therefore, our only hope is to accept the lotus feet of the spiritual master, and have our senses, mind and intelligence enlivened by his instructions. This is confirmed by Narottama dasa Thakura:

Factually, the entire material world is like a burning forest, and the lustful desires within out hearts are equally destructive. We are destined by time to see the frustration of all our materialistic goals, just as the forest animal loses everything, including his life, when the forest burns. But Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti sings:

Our spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada, is bestowing devotional service on the fallen souls. We are seemingly rendered useless by our bad association and lack of practical intelligence. Yet, he is engaging us in devotional service to Lord Krsna.

And further,

In light of so much evidence of the mercy and potency of our spiritual master, we can only beg forgiveness that we are unable to perform any pleasing service to you. Nevertheless, you are continuing to benedict us with your purificatory instructions, and you continue to engage us in service at the feet of Lord Sri Krsna.

By your causeless mercy only, will our struggling attempts to serve and please you result in pure devotional service unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead.