How should be the approach of a disciple to his Spiritual master?
(Part of the Series “Duties of a disciple to his Guru”)
Firstly, a disciple should be aware of the goal of his life. He should not be a blind follower. He should know what is right and what is wrong.
Srila Prabhupada says that a thoughtful man must act in this way, learning to distinguish right from wrong.
(Importance of Guru (Spiritual master) in a devotee’s Spiritual Life! READ HERE!)
Srimad Bhagavatam Purport (7.6.5):
“We should therefore live in such a way that we keep ourselves always healthy and strong in mind and intelligence so that we can distinguish the goal of life from a life full of problems. A thoughtful man must act in this way, learning to distinguish right from wrong, and thus attain the goal of life.”
He should be fully aware that to attain the right goal of life, a guru is necessary and one should satisfy his guru thru his services.
Ok, How should a disciple approach his guru?
Whenever a disciple likes to meet his Spiritual master, he should get his permission first.
If he permits, the disciple should visit the place where spiritual master is residing in time given to him.
Upon meeting his spiritual master, the disciple should offer his pranams to the spiritual master by falling completely on ground in front of him.
Then, he should stand in front of him calmly.
(Can a disciple of a Non-bonafide Guru take Diksha in ISKCON? READ HERE!)
Whenever the Spiritual master asks any questions to the disciple, he should reply briefly and truthfully in a humble approach.
A disciple should never lie to his spiritual master.
Above all, the disciple should not show that he is a big scholar in front of his guru.
He should approach his guru as if he (disciple) does not know anything.
Though the guru speaks the contents known to you, the disciple should still hear them because the words from the mouth of the spiritual master are very powerful and are able to change the life of the disciples.
Srila Prabhupada says about how should a disciple behave in front of his guru in the below quotes:
A disciple should always remain a fool before his spiritual master:
Sri Caitanya-Caritamruta: Adi-lila : 7.72:
“Caitanya Mahäprabhu Himself presented the perfect example of how to be a disciple. A spiritual master knows very well how to engage each disciple in a particular duty, but if a disciple, thinking himself more advanced than his spiritual master, gives up his orders and acts independently, he checks his own spiritual progress. Every disciple must consider himself completely unaware of the science of Krishna and must always be ready to carry out the orders of the spiritual master to become competent in Krishna consciousness. A disciple should always remain a fool before his spiritual master”
(Is Diksha given by a Guru who is not approved by his guru valid? READ HERE!)
A disciple should act according to the instructions of his spiritual master.
Sri Caitanya-caritamata Adi 7.72:
“Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami Maharaja comments in this connection: “One can become perfectly successful in the mission of his life if he acts exactly according to the words he hears from the mouth of his spiritual master.” This acceptance of the words of the spiritual master is called çrauta-vakya, which indicates that the disciple must carry out the spiritual master’s instructions without deviation. Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura remarks in this connection that a disciple must accept the words of his spiritual master as his life and soul.”
What if Diksha Guru is not present in a place?
Bhagavad-Gita Lecture 17.1-3 — Honolulu, July 4, 1974:
“Sometimes a Diksha-guru is not present always. Therefore one can take learning, instruction, from an advanced devotee. That is called the Siksha-guru. Siksha-guru does not mean he is speaking something against the teachings of the diksha-guru. He is not a diksha-guru. He is a rascal.”
Who delivers a devotee? Diksha Guru? Siksha Guru? Krishna? Who else?
“As such, a devotee is ultimately delivered by Sri Krishna acting through a combination of various manifestations of His mercy. These include, but are not limited to, the Caitya guru, Srila Prabhupäda, the guru Parampara, one’s diksha guru, other Siksha gurus, the Holy Name, sastra, and the nine processes of devotional service.”
Thus, if the approach of a disciple to his Spiritual master is like this, his elevation to the Kingdom of Krishna is guaranteed.
(Importance of GBC in ISKCON & Status of an authorized guru! READ HERE!)