epistemology and hermeneutics

[Guest guest]

> >Surely it would have been better when Srila Prabhupada left us, if all

> >the

> devotees had gathered together, in their respective yatras, studied &

> discussed Srila Prabhupadas books and instructions with great diligence,

> and had a worldwide sankirtana of prayer,>

>

> We can do that even now,--- better late than never. Or in fact we must do

> this every day

 

Yes, it is never to late, and it should be done.

 

> The basic problem with us is we think that a pure devotee was there only

> in the past or he will come only in the future, and there are no pure

> devotees (perfected Sadhus) at present. In Srila Prabhupada's words then

> what/where is that *missing link*?

>

> One must understand that pure devotees or perfected Sadhus are present at

> all times, in all ages. Other wise there would be no Parampara.

>

> Please correct me if this my understanding is wrong.

 

Certainly you are right, there MUST be sadhus present, indeed as far as I

can remember (but I can't supply a quote) there are ALWAYS sadhus present.

 

I guess that the problem is that we cannot perceive them if we are only

looking for a 'nice' service, or some 'name, fame, profit, adoration, and

distinction', or if we are not actually wanting to surrender unto such a

sadhu.

 

One shining example of a great sadhu in our movement, to the eternal

glorious credit of Srila Prabhupada, was Srila Gour Govinda Swami, yet how

many devotees came for his association? In fact many were very

disrespectful.

 

So it would behove us all to look deeply into our hearts, and see what our

motivations are. If we want to find a sadhu, sadhu is there. Krsna will

definitely give us that association. The most important thing is to

understand that we need that association. Simply reading and speculating

will simply throw us into confusion and disagreement.

 

Therefore I have to agree with Bhakti Vikas Swamis suggestion (below) that

we need acaryas.

 

> This all requires fine, purified intelligence. We need acaryas. Any amount

> of wrangling is insignificant before the conclusive understandings of true

> acaryas, persons directly inspired by Krsna.

 

Your Servant

Samba das