Spiritual Master is A MUST!
Posted by Navīna Kṛṣṇa dāsī on January 29, 2012 at 15:30
Nectar of Devotion, excerpts from Introduction to NOD, by Srila Prabhupada
http://thenectarofdevotion.com/?g=155673
Similarly, we can offer many services with our bodily activities. But all such activities must be in relationship with Kṛṣṇa. This relationship is established by connecting oneself with the bona fide spiritual master who is the direct representative of Kṛṣṇa in disciplic succession. Therefore, the execution of Kṛṣṇa conscious activities with the body should be directed by the spiritual master and then performed with faith. The connection with the spiritual master is called initiation. From the date of initiation by the spiritual master, the connection between Kṛṣṇa and a person cultivating Kṛṣṇa consciousness is established. Without initiation by a bona fide spiritual master, the actual connection with Kṛṣṇa consciousness is never performed.
This cultivation of Kṛṣṇa consciousness is not material. The Lord has generally three energies-namely, the external energy, the internal energy, and the marginal energy. The living entities are called marginal energy, and the material cosmic manifestation the action of the external or material energy. Then there is the spiritual world, which is a manifestation of the internal energy. The living entities, who are called marginal energy, perform material activities when acting under the inferior external energy. And when they engage in activities under the internal spiritual energy, their activities are called Kṛṣṇa conscious.
This means that those who are great souls or great devotees do not act under the spell of material energy, but act instead under the protection of the spiritual energy. Any activities done in devotional service or in Kṛṣṇa consciousness are directly under the control of spiritual energy. In other words, energy is a sort of strength, and this strength can be spiritualized by the mercy of both the bona fide spiritual master and Kṛṣṇa."
In the Caitanya-caritāmṛta, by Kṛṣṇadāsa Kavirāja Gosvāmī, Lord Caitanya states that it is a fortunate person who comes in contact with a bona fide spiritual master by the grace of Kṛṣṇa. One who is serious about spiritual life is given by Kṛṣṇa the intelligence to come in contact with a bona fide spiritual master, and then by the grace of the spiritual master one becomes advanced in Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
In this way the whole jurisdiction of Kṛṣṇa consciousness is directly under the spiritual energy-Kṛṣṇa and the spiritual master. This has nothing to do with the material world. When we speak of Kṛṣṇa we refer to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, along with His many expansions. He is expanded by His plenary parts and parcels, His differentiated parts and parcels and His different energies. Kṛṣṇa, in other words, means everything and includes everything. Generally, however, we should understand Kṛṣṇa to mean Kṛṣṇa and His personal expansions. Kṛṣṇa expands Himself as Baladeva, Saṅkarṣaṇa, Vāsudeva, Aniruddha, Pradyumna, Rāma, Nṛsiṁha and Varāha, as well as many other incarnations and innumerable Viṣṇu expansions. These are described in the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam to be as numerous as the uncountable waves. So Kṛṣṇa includes all such expansions, as well as His pure devotees. In the Brahma-saṁhitā it is stated that Kṛṣṇa's expansions are all complete in eternity, blissfulness and cognizance.
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As long as one identifies himself as belonging to a certain family, a certain society or a certain person, he is said to be covered with designations. When one is fully aware that he does not belong to any family, society or country, but is eternally related to Kṛṣṇa, he then realizes that his energy should be employed not in the interests of so-called family, society or country, but in the interests of Kṛṣṇa. This is purity of purpose and the platform of pure devotional service in Kṛṣṇa consciousness."
~ Srila Prabhupada Ki Jaya!
Comment by Welcome on January 29, 2012 at 18:14
Nirmama 's articles are always very sastric and often encouraging of pure devotion to Srila Prabhupada. I could read such articles all day. Even I have been reading Srila Prabhupada since 1971, his books are ever fresh and always a new face is shown! I feel like I have only just scracthed the surface of his books, have only seen the trailer, there is so very very much shown in Srila Prabhupada's vision of Godhead ! It is truly astonishing that these books have no spiritual limitations.
Comment by Welcome on January 29, 2012 at 18:23
Therefore, one must take diksa and act according to the directions of the spiritual master without changing anything. By cooperating together, the devotees, we can harbor a good concensus and makes plans for service as according to the general directions of Srila Prabhupada, and small specifics can be adjusted to suit the time and circumstances, such as internet preaching. Internet is nowadays almost necessary to further the mnission, and it is accepted by most of the devotees as a good tool for preaching work. We accept this as favorable.</p> In this way, following closely , without concocting things such as performing outside weddings for pay in front of the Deities, then we are situated in the disciplic succession. If we deviate , we are outside Srila Prabhupada's programs, and that is for us a fall down from our pure devotional service."
There is a tendency to think that one can do whatever one likes, and call it devotional service. But service via the disciplic succession is specific. For example; If one is a worker, and decides to replace the furnace, it may be service, but does the shop steward, the shop leader, want it done now? If not, it is not actually working for the shop boss, it is a concoction, and you will be subject to reactions, karma, for such activitiers.
It the boss says, go replace the furnace, and you do it, it is then pure devotional service according to that shop. It is specific. If you want SP's service, it is that specific.
Therefore, one must take diksa and act according to the directions of the spiritual master without changing anything. By cooperating together, the devotees, we can harbor a good concensus and makes plans for service as according to the general directions of Srila Prabhupada, and small specifics can be adjusted to suit the time and circumstances, such as internet preaching. Internet is nowadays almost necessary to further the mnission, and it is accepted by most of the devotees as a good tool for preaching work. We accept this as favorable.
In this way, following closely , without concocting things such as performing outside weddings for pay in front of the Deities, then we are situated in the disciplic succession. If we deviate, we are outside Srila Prabhupada's programs, and that is for us a fall down from our pure devotional service.
Comment by Navīna Kṛṣṇa dāsī on January 30, 2012 at 14:46
Dear Tamohara Prabhu, thank you for providing such clear example in the worker and the boss story. It is crucial to get connected with Srila Prabhupada first via diksa and then all of us together. This creates a nice team under the supervision and guidance of expert boss and then the success is guaranteed. ~ It is very hard to play this game alone, if at all possible, I know it from my own experience. Yes, it counts as service though, because a candidate for diksa should show the willing to serve and exhibit some substantial service, right? You call it imitation, right, Prabhu? But the real service starts with diksa and cooperation among devotees who willingly engage in the specific mission of the boss (spiritual master). ~ My humble opinion (based on the teaching of the text above), not yet personal experience, but I hope will be soon. :D Haribol!
on January 31, 2012 at 15:28
Tdasa; I always found in the temples sometimes one devotee was my good example, sometimes another, so altogether, there were no "off" days so far as there being a nice brahmana to set a good example. And, we all followed Srila Prabhupad's books, and thus corrected our mistakes and sinful tendencies.
Our strength is our numbers, Srila Prabhupada likes to use the example of sticks tied together in a bundle, or single instruments combined as an orchestra; very effective combined, not so much alone.
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