Initiation (?)

[Guest guest]

On 14 May 1999, Sthita-dhi-muni Dasa wrote:

 

> On 13 May 1999, Tulasi-priya Devi Dasi wrote:

>

>

> >

> > A devotee once told me that the difference between reading SP's books and

> following a living spiritual master is . . .

> >

> >

> > we can close the book

> >

>

>

> Devotees have also done that with 'living spiritual masters', including

Srila

> Prabhupada while he was on the planet.

 

 

 

 

Yeah, but what is meant here is that it's a lot harder to kid yourself that

you're following Prabhupada if there is a living person to whom you're

accountable. In other words, if you read something in SP's books that you

don't like, you can "close the book" and pretend it doesn't apply to you, but

if the guru orders you to do something you would rather not, you can't get

away with pretending you didn't hear him. At least not for long.

 

I'm reminded of a story (hope I remember it right) about a devotee who was not

following. He was growing the most beautiful Tulasi plants, which when SP saw

them, said to the devotee (something like), "I can understand that you must be

following the rules and regulations very strictly." Instead of rising to the

challenge, the poor guy killed himself not long afterward.

 

Ys,

Tulasi-priya dasi