How Important a Guru (Spiritual Master) is for a disciple?
The initiated life is the beginning of our formalized spiritual life.
The life of an initiated disciple is a life that is not lived for ourselves but for our Guru and the Lord.
Therefore, one should take initiation only if he has faith that he will not do sinful things. Otherwise he can think about it after his reformation.
If not, as said by Srila Prabhupada in the previous section that our Guru would have to take birth many times to take us to Bhagavan.
(Why ISKCON follows Siksha Guru Parampara? READ HERE!)
So, never forget that discipleship is an ascetic life.
Well, how important is Guru to a disciple?
How much should we respect him?
Why such a level of respect and worship to our Guru?
The reason is:
Srila Prabhupada has said a lot about it. Let’s read some more today:
(1) “There is no difference between the spiritual master and Krishna”
Guru – Krishna Rupa Hana Sastrera Pramane
Guru – Rube Krishna Krupa Karena Bhakta-Gane
“To the spiritual master according to the deep sober concept of all the Shastras. Krishna is no different. Lord Krishna liberates his devotees in the form of a spiritual guru.”
Not only that!
(Is the system of appointing the gurus beneficial and effective? READ HERE!)
(2) Sri Chaitanya Charitamiruta, Adi Lila 1.45 says:
“Even a disciple. The relationship between the spiritual master is like the relationship he (the disciple) has with Krishna.”
(3) Srimad Bhagavatam 11.17.27 says:
Acharya mam vigyananeyan navamanyeta kahisit na madya – budhyaseeyate sarva-deva-mayoguru:ha
“Knowing that I am the Acharya, one should not insult him in any way. Since he is the representative of all the gods, one should not envy him as an ordinary man.”
(4) Without knowing this, can we think that the spiritual master is an ordinary person like us?
No. Srimad-Bhagavatam 7.15.26 says that he who regards the spiritual master as an ordinary man will be all ruined.
“It is prescribed to respect the spiritual master as equal to the Supreme Purusha. Saud Daritvenasamastha-sastrai. This is enjoined in all the Shastras. Asara yam mam vijaniyat. One should consider the Acharya as equal to the Supreme Purusha. Despite all these teachings, one who regards the spiritual master as an ordinary man is doomed. .”
If we follow a pure devotee, we are also a pure devotee Srila Prabhupada says:
(5) Bhagavad Gita, 2.1-10. Los Angeles, November, 25, 1968:
“So if you follow a pure devotee, you are also a pure devotee. One may not be hundred percent pure. Because we are trying to lift ourselves out of the bondage of life. But if we follow a pure devotee, we are also a pure devotee. The more we follow, the purer we are. So being a pure devotee does not mean that one should immediately become one hundred percent pure. But if we firmly follow the principle of ‘we will follow a pure devotee’, then his actions and he will be equal to the pure devotee.”
Why our problems continue even after initiation if guru accepts our karma? READ HERE!
Guru may look like an ordinary person. But, in the life of a devotee, his guru is the primary member.
Our guru too should follow his guru. Thus, our guru is part of a Parampara, ie, lineage that goes up to Krishna Himself.
Therefore, we should always remember that our Guru connects us with Krishna Himself thru this Guru Parampara.
Thus, a disciple is connected to Krishna Himself thru Parampara.
Our Guru is the Connecting Link to get Krishna!
Since our Guru gives Krishna Himself, Guru is as important as Krishna in spiritual life.
IMPORTANCE OF GURU AS SAID BY SRI GURU ASHTAKA
We sing the glories of Guru every day during Mangala Aarti in the SRI GURU ASHTAKA song “Samsara Dava…”
Sri Viswanatha Chakravarti Thakura composed the SRI GURU ASHTAKA song “Samsara Dava” which is sung during Mangala Aarti in ISKCON temples.
In that song he has highlighted the glories of the spiritual guru. Let’s read the meanings alone here:
(1)
The spiritual master is receiving benediction from the ocean of mercy. Just as a cloud pours water on a forest fire to extinguish it, so the spiritual master delivers the materially afflicted world by extinguishing the blazing fire of material existence. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master, who is an ocean of auspicious qualities.
(2)
Chanting the holy name, dancing in ecstasy, singing, and playing musical instruments, the spiritual master is always gladdened by the sankirtana movement of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Because he is relishing the mellows of pure devotion within his mind, sometimes his hair stands on end, he feels quivering in his body, and tears flow from his eyes like waves. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master.
(Duties of a disciple to his Guru – Part-1! READ HERE!)
(3)
The spiritual master is always engaged in the temple worship of Sri Sri Radha and Krsna. He also engages his disciples in such worship. They dress the Deities in beautiful clothes and ornaments, clean Their temple, and perform other similar worship of the Lord. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master.
(4)
The spiritual master is always offering Krsna four kinds of delicious food [analyzed as that which is licked, chewed, drunk, and sucked]. When the spiritual master sees that the devotees are satisfied by eating bhagavat-prasada, he is satisfied. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master.
(5)
The spiritual master is always eager to hear and chant about the unlimited conjugal pastimes of Radhika and Madhava, and Their qualities, names, and forms. The spiritual master aspires to relish these at every moment. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master.
(Why should we do just the rituals with impure heart? Why can’t we follow purity of heart instead of rituals? READ HERE!)
(6)
The spiritual master is very dear, because he is expert in assisting the gopis, who at different times make different tasteful arrangements for the perfection of Radha and Krsna’s conjugal loving affairs within the groves of Vrndavana. I offer my most humble obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master.
(7)
The spiritual master is to be honored as much as the Supreme Lord, because he is the most confidential servitor of the Lord. This is acknowledged in all revealed scriptures and followed by all authorities. Therefore I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master, who is a bonafide representative of Sri Hari [Krsna].
(Deity worship of Baby Krishna and Radha Krishna – Which is recommended for home and what is the procedure? READ HERE!)
(8)
By the mercy of the spiritual master one receives the benediction of Krsna. Without the grace of the spiritual master, one cannot make any advancement. Therefore, I should always remember and praise the spiritual master. At least three times a day I should offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of my spiritual master.
(9)
One who recites this beautiful prayer to a spiritual master during the brahma muhurta with great concentration and conversion, attains direct service to Lord Krishna of Vrindavan at the time of his death.
This song beautifully conveys the greatness of the spiritual master.
Let our only aim in life be to please such a glorious spiritual master.