Siksa guru as personal spiritual guide

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On 21 May 1999, Mahanidhi das wrote:

> > If you are looking for one, then it is your responsibility

> > to evaluate for yourself. And if you are simply making an

> > argument "There is no bona-fide (read: uttama-adhikari) guru

> > in ISCKON", then it would be a fool's business to try to

> > name some to you.

 

On 21 May 1999, Janesvara Dasa wrote:

> Honestly, Prabhu, I am NOT saying that. I do not know factually,

> geographically, whatever. If you think there is one I would be genuinely

interested in knowing who you think is an uttama-adhikari in ISKCON right now

(besides Srila Prabhupada).

 

A major problem in this discussion is that we limit ourselves to "in ISKCON."

There's a whole world of advanced Vaisnavas outside our self-conceived

sectarian walls.

 

If we are real spiritualists, we will never stop craving for the association

of highly advanced devotees (1st-class, uttama, etc.) IN THIS VERY LIFETIME

for further inspiration in our devotional service. However, it must be made

clear continued association with advanced Vaisnavas knows no such distinction

as "SP disciple,grand-disciple," disciple of fallen guru,ISKCON

devotee,Gaudiya Matha," etc. Advanced or high-class association is an

essential need for everyone regardless of our particular designation. Indeed

our so-called "spiritual" designations may be our worst impediments to making

greater spiritual progress.

 

Our ability to associate with Srila Prabhupada through his books, prayer or

any other means depends upon our individual *adhikara*. Anyone can certainly

read SP's books, but understanding their purport (being able to "read the fine

print") is another issue. Asociation with advanced souls (sadhu-sanga)

increases our spiritual *sukrti* by leaps and bounds:

 

sadhu-sanga sadhu-sanga sarva sastre kaya

lava-matra sadhu-sange sarva-siddhi haya

 

It is easy to concoct a new philosophy and make another religious dogma out of

Vaisnavism. It has happened repeatedly throughout the past and it can and did

happen in ISKCON.

 

How much do we actually understand what we read in Srila Prabhupada's books?

Judging from the interminable debate that has gone on under the rubric of the

"guru issue," it is obvious we have still much to comprehend.

 

Just in SP's presence, all doubts about "who is a guru" were immediately

dispelled, similarly in the presence of highly advanced souls, all our

questions about *guru-tattva* will be quickly resolved.

 

The "guru question" affects everyone of us, because it is a universal

principle. *Guru* is not a dogma or a matter of a personality cult --

restricted to any particular person or institution -- but it is the spiritual

dynamic of how each one of us continues to receive guidance from within and

without. The primary dynamic of spiritual life for Vaisnavas is continuing

ASSOCIATION WITH ADVANCED DEVOTEES.

 

Is this not our philosophy?

 

Dasaunudasa,

 

Srila dasa