Morning Walk [partially recorded] – September 2, 1976, Delhi

Why the spiritual master is given so exalted position than the demigods?

Ravi: ...Krsna. So how are we to understand the name of the spiritual master? In kirtana when we chant the name of the spiritual master, is that as spiritually potent?

Prabhupada: Answer.

Lokanatha: You have to understand the position of Vaisnava. Vaisnava's position is far, far greater than the demigods'. Demigods, they shower flowers on the Vaisnavas. So they are very exalted personalities, especially the spiritual master. There's no comparison of the spiritual master with any entity in the universe or brahmanḍa. As Prabhupada's purport has said many places: "The spiritual master is the external manifestation of the Supersoul, Paramatma, within your heart." So Paramatma is Ksirodakasayi Visnu, and He becomes manifest before you in form of a guru, or spiritual master. So you cannot compare a spiritual master, or guru, with any other...

Prabhupada: No, his question is why the demigods... Just like Lord Brahma, he is the original spiritual master. So why the demigods should not be equal to the spiritual master? That is his question. Is it not?

Ravi: Yes.

Lokanatha: They are not equal to the spiritual master.

Prabhupada: Why? That is his question.

Lokanatha: As you are explaining in your scriptures that spiritual master is Paramatma externally manifested, but not in case of other demigods.

Prabhupada: Why the spiritual master is given so exalted position than the demigods? That should be the answer. Demigods, they are also Vaisnava, mostly.

Lokanatha: They are not pure devotees. You said they...

Prabhupada: They are also devotees.

Lokanatha: But their devotion is mixed devotion.

Prabhupada: No. Just like Lord Brahma. We belong to the brahma-sampradaya. Brahma is the original spiritual master after Krsna. Brahma, then Narada, then Vyasadeva-like that. So all of them are gurus, acaryas. So why spiritual master is honored as good as the Supreme Lord? Saksad-dharitvena samasta-sastraiḥ. Why? That should be his question: Why spiritual master is given the supreme post than all others? Saksad-dharitvena-as good as God. Why? Is it not? It is clear, his question. First of all, is this his question?

Ravi: Yes, this is the question.

Prabhupada: So what is the answer?

Lokanatha: The spiritual master is very much concerned about our personal welfare. They are the present acaryas coming in the parampara...

Prabhupada: He gives direct knowledge of Krsna; therefore he's as good as Krsna. [japa]

Hari-sauri: [to devotee fanning] Only when there's some flies.

Prabhupada: Hmm?

Hari-sauri: I was just telling him to fan just when there's flies just to scatter.

Prabhupada: [to Krsna dasa:] You are tired now? No?

Indian man: [Transl. He likes to roam around.]

Prabhupada: [to Krsna dasa:] You can climb on the tree? No. Let me see.

Krsna dasa [child]: Prabhupada said we have to climb up the tree. Prabhupada said that. [children laughing]

Prabhupada: [japa] It is better than that path.

Hari-sauri: This one?

Prabhupada: Yes. It is not so crowded. That path is very crowded. [break]

Lokanatha: ...five thousand years back, until now, there's only thirty acaryas...

Prabhupada: Chain is broken when there are false spiritual masters. Otherwise it is not broken. Chain is broken if a so-called spiritual master speaks something manufactured. Then the chain is broken. Otherwise, chain is not broken.

Devotee: [indistinct]

Prabhupada: No, you could not. [break] Uktas tatha bhavyata eva sadbhiḥ kintu prabhor yaḥ priya eva tasya: "The spiritual master is as good as God because he's very dear to Krsna." He's preaching Krsna's mission, and Krsna is very, very pleased with him. Na ca tasman manusyesu kascin me priya-krttamaḥ [Bg 18.69]. That is spiritual master's qualification. He's trying his best to deliver the soul from these clutches of maya. That is a great service. Therefore he is very dear. One who is chanting or executing devotional service for his personal benefit and one who is trying to deliver others for others' benefit, there is difference.

Ravi: Srila Prabhupada? Isn't it the case that for some people, then, when the disciplic succession is lost, because if you're following a false guru... For example, your teachings now will always be on the planet. There will be other gurus who present some false teaching. So does that mean that for some people the disciplic succession is there and some people it's not there? If they're following a false guru does that mean they've lost the disciplic succession?

Prabhupada: [to Kapila:] Oh, there is a good boy. [Transl. What's your name?]

Kapila [child]: Kapila.

Prabhupada: Kapila? Ah! [end]