The initiation means bhajana-kriyā. Actually executing devotional service: initiation.

[Tamohara dasa ADMIN.]

The initiation means bhajana-kriyā. Actually executing devotional service: initiation. And if one actually executes devotional service, then anartha-nivṛttiḥ syāt, then all nonsense habits will disappear. Then I'll not have to stress on the point these four regulative principles. Automatically it will go away. That is the test. How one has properly utilized his initiation will be tested that he has no more attraction for these four principles: illicit sex, intoxication, gambling, and meat-eating. They will automatically go. There is no need of asking. Anartha-nivṛttiḥ syāt. Then ruci. When one is freed from all these prohibitive principles, then he develops a taste, tato ruci. Tato niṣṭhā: then he's steadily confirmed. Athāsaktiḥ. Then attachment: he cannot go. He cannot go. Athāsaktis tato bhāvaḥ. Then ecstasy. And then he comes to the platform of love of Godhead. So when that platform is reached, then everything is successful. And if that platform is not reached, then everything is simply waste of time.

(The Nectar of Devotion - Los Angeles, June 23, 1970)

[Tamohara dasa ADMIN.]

UNLESS ONE IS SUBMISSIVE, ONE CANNOT ACCEPT SUBLIME INSTRUCTIONS.

It is stated in Bhagavad-gita that no one is barred from rendering service to the Lord. Whether one is a woman or a labourer or a merchant, if he engages himself in the devotional service of the Lord, he is promoted to the highest perfectional state and goes back home, back to Godhead. The devotional service most suitable for different types of devotees is determined and fixed by the mercy of the spiritual master. Therefore in order to become free from the miseries of material nature, one should approach a bonafide spiritual master inquisitively and submissively. When Arjuna submitted to Krsna, he sid, "My dear Krsna, now I no longer care to talk to You as a friend because friendly talks will not benefit me now." Generally we talk to a friend just to spend time, but when we approach a spiritual master, we should be submissive. Friends, approach one another on an equal basis, but this is not the way to approach a spiritual master. Unless one is submissive, one cannot accept sublime instructions. Arjuna teaches us submission by giving up his friendly relationship with Krsna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He says, "I have now become Your disciple. Please instruct me."

We can speculate for many births, for many years and yet not be able to understand the ultimate goal of life. Therefore the sastras all advise that we search out a guru. The word guru means 'heavy' or 'weighty'. One who has much knowledge is heavy with knowledge. One should consider the bonafide guru in this way, and one should not think, "I know everything. Who can teach me?" No one can say such a thing, for everyone needs instruction.

According to the Vedic system, a child is sent to a guru-kula to learn spiritual knowledge from the very beginning. When a child goes to a guru-kula, he becomes a brahmacari and works like a menial servant. He may be the son of a great brahmana or a great king; it doesn't matter.When one goes to a guru-kula, he immediately becomes the menial servant of the guru. If the guru orders him to perform some lowly service, he is prepared to do it. This is the business of a brahmacari. Even Krsna went to a guru-kula to teach us. There was no need for Krsna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, to go to guru-kula, but He did this simply to set an example. Caitanya Mahaprabhu also accepted a guru.

[Excerpt from the TEACHINGS OF LORD KAPILA- The Son of Devahuti- Chapter 13 Purport by His Divine Grace A.C.Bhaktivedantaswami Prabhupada reproduced herein by this menial servant.]

[Tamohara dasa ADMIN.]