Siksa guru as personal spiritual guide

[Guest guest]

On 20 Jun 1999, Srila Dasa wrote:

 

 

>

> 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.

>

 

 

"In ISKCON" Srila Prabhupada remains the founder/acaraya. What we do with our

personal lives is a personal matter.

 

 

>

> 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:

>

 

 

Many feel puport that Prabhupada's purports are quite adequate. Others may

feel differently.

 

 

>

> 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.

>

 

 

Obviously -- KC is not something stagnant. No matter how much we understand,

we will always have much left to comprehend. Krsna and His philosophy are both

dynamic and unlimitted.

 

 

> 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.

>

 

 

Maybe not. Many left Prabhupada's association during his presence as well.

Prabhupada was quoted as saying he was amazed when they stayed.

 

In other words, the receptivity of the disciple is very important, and the

viability of the guru/disciple relationship is not bound by time or place, and

certainly not by physical presence.

 

 

> The primary dynamic of spiritual life for Vaisnavas is continuing

> ASSOCIATION WITH ADVANCED DEVOTEES.

>

 

 

Yes, that's true. Many feel their relationship with Srila Prabhupada is

enriched by reading his books and associating with his sincere followers.

Other may wish to look in other venues -- that is their choice.

 

ys,

 

Sthita-dhi