Is a Guru Infallible?

[Guest guest]

Hare Krishna,

 

I would like to hear some thoughts backed by scriptures (and if possible words

of acharyas of other traditions) on this topic. I think it is an important

question, particularly because of the special status attributed to the guru in

gaudiya vaishnavism. Many in the Krishna consciousness movement have the opinion

that Srila Prabhupada is/was infallible and perfect, while he himself has said

otherwise. While some may say that this is a sign of his humility, I think it

has led to unwanted "hero-worship" and "fanaticism" in the movement that has

pushed away many people from appreciating the underlying sublime teachings- this

is also a main reason, I would argue, for the existence of ritvik proponents.

Also, after listening to many senior devotees, I see there are two kinds of

opinions: 1) Srila Prabhupada was indeed perfect and any imperfections should be

overlooked and 2) Srila Prabhupada had his share of imperfections, but he never

dwelled on those, and was 24h absorbed in Krishna's

service.

 

while I agree on the general principle that a devotee should learn to overlook

imperfections in others to avoid committing offenses, I find it difficult to

agree with people, imperfect as they are, who claim, often out of sentimental

attachment that he is/was perfect. Srila Prabhupada has said that a guru is

perfect only when he perfectly repeats the perfect of Krishna. This would mean

that say when he is commenting on "moon landing" or other similar issues he's

probably not correct.

 

I'm confused after hearing two kinds of opinions, and so would like to seek the

thoughts of learned members.

 

in your service,

 

 

Aravind Mohanram

Ph.D. Candidate

Dept. of Mat Sci and Engg.,

Penn State University,

University Park, PA 16801

www.personal.psu.edu/aum105

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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