Guru-selection training

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"COM: Samba (das) SDG (Mauritius)" wrote:

 

> [Text 2299587 from COM]

>

> The point is that Srila Prabhupada definately did want his disciples to

> become gurus. He also definately did want them to become qualified.

>

>

>

> Pradyumna Prabhu was one of the first to raise objections, and was demonised

> and kicked out. You can imagine the effect that might have had on any other

> godbrothers who may have considered speaking up. Actualy many did in their

> various locations, and many were also chased out. So from then on for the

> next 11 years, misconceptions regarding siddhanta abounded, many devotees

> were weaned on such misconceptions.

>

> I find it amazing that after more than 30 years of ISKCON we are still

> debating this. This is the most basic fundamental kmowledge, who is a guru.

> This is the information that any spirit soul who wishes to advance should

> know. It should be extensively and exhaustively available to anyone who

> first joins our movement, yet here we are still debating it.

 

Again I say, selecting and accepting a guru is one of the most important

activities of beginning one's spiritual life. It is amazing that after 30

years, there is no systematic training for bhaktas on how to do this.

 

What is a guru?

 

What are his qualifications?

 

What should I expect of him? What are his responsibilities? How will he act

as

my personal spiritual guide?

 

What is expected of me? What do a disciple's qualifications have to be?

 

How do I know if my guru is fallen? What are the warning signs? What are the

conclusive signs? How have others survived similar emotional turmoil? How do

I

maintain my spiritual health?

 

*****************

 

Since temples feel no responsibility to provide systematic training in how to

select a guru, young people use the method that they use for worshipping movie

stars and rock stars, they simply join a personality cult. Naturally this is

not the case in every instance, but it is too often the case. Personal

spiritual guidance is sacrificed to a feeling of excitement for serving a guru

whom one has little personal contact with.

 

Even many devotees worshipped Srila Prabhupada in the mood of personality cult

-- so this is not in itself an indictment of the qualifications of the guru in

question. But with Srila Prabhupada, they were definitely plain lucky (ie,

they

had Krsna's mercy). In other cases, things don't always have such a happy

ending.

 

Unfortunately, with no specific training, people too often select a spiritual

master based simply on their emotions rather than on a sober appraisal of the

individual and the kind of personal spiritual guidance that he will be able to

give.

 

 

 

> Some say that some leaders have been more interested in establishing

> themselves, so they need a lot of enthusiastic 'yes men' to do and not ask.

> New people are ideal for this as they dont ask too many questions, and you

> can easily indoctrinate them to be humble. Older devotees ask too many

> questions, and are a pain, so why should we bother with them. Let them get a

> job.

>

> Oops, did I go too far?

 

I think the purity of your motivation surpasses any so-called offensive

statements. Truth is, we will never get very far until we are actually honest

enough to sit down and discuss these issues without being afraid everything

will

be shattered if we go to far. If there is a real humility and sincere attitude

of well-wishing for ISKCON, Krsna will see to it that the outcome of such

discussions will be productive and not destructive. I think your respectful,

humble tone is a good example for us.

 

your servant,

 

Hare Krsna dasi