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

[Guest guest]

Dear devotees,

 

PAMHO. AGTSP. AGT ISKCON.

 

Here are some quotations , in relation to the above subject.

 

In the Hari Bhakti Vilasa it is stated that if one bonafide spiritual master

is born in a brahmana family and another, who is also qualified, is born in

a sudra family, one should accept the one who is born in a brahmana family.

This statement serves as a social compromise, but *it has nothing to do with

spiritual understanding*. This injunction is only applicable for those who

consider social status more important than spiritual status. It is not for

people who are spiritually serious. A serious person would accept Caitanya

Mahaprabhu's instruction that *any one* --*regardless of his

position*---conversant with Krishna Science must be accepted as a spiritual

master..............ISKCON Founder Acarya Srila Prabhupada. (Teachings Of

Lord Caitanya 319-320).

 

One who is now the disciple is the next spiritual master. .............Bhag

2.9.43

 

The bonafide spiritual master is he who has received the mercy of his guru,

who inturn is bonafide because he has received the mercy of his

guru............Bhag 8.16.24

 

There does not arise any question of discriminating my guru from your's or

anyone else's. There is only one guru, who appears in an infinity of forms

to teach you, me, and all others..............SSR.

 

Your humble servant,

Bhadra Govinda Das.

 

 

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

> which are listed in Hari Bhakti Vilasa.