The characteristics of a spiritual master (should & should not)

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The following is a summary of the characteristics of the spiritual master

which are listed in Hari Bhakti Vilasa.

 

He should be knowledgeable of the Vedas and know the conclusions of the

scriptures.

He should be absorbed in worship of the Lord by chanting of the Lord's name.

He should be peaceful, fully satisfied in activities of devotional service.

He should have deep faith in the Lord.

He should exhibit all good qualities.

He should be intelligent, stead, austere, and truthful.

He should be sweet in speech, pleasant to look at, clean, youthful-looking,

wearing clean cloth.

He should be expert in conducting himself as a saintly person, sad-acara.

He should be expert at arguing with and defeating those opposed to

devotional service.

He should be an expert judge.

He should be feel gratitude for services rendered to him.

He should be capable of both showing favour to and reprimanding another

person.

He should feel affection for his disciples.

He should always be anxious for the welfare of all living beings.

He should be completely free from envy, malice, violence, anger, laziness,

sinful activity.

 

The spiritual master should not possess the following characteristics.

 

He should not desire wealth, fame or service from his disciples.

He should not have a desire for accumulating material objects.

He should not be attached to receiving things or hesitant to give things.

He should not delay in making decisions which must be made.

He should not eat too much.

He should not be prone to lying.

He should not be critical of the good qualities of others.

He should not absorb himself in talking about the sinful activities of

others.

He should not associate with low characters (people who take intoxication

and indulge in illicit sex or criminal activities).

He should not involve himself in useless philosophies and material logic.

 

Next will be characteristics of the disciple.

 

Your servant,

Nayana-ranjana das