Siksa as most important guru

[Guest guest]

On 26 Jun 1999, Srila Dasa wrote:

 

> As far as being complacent to "simply read SP's books," in those very books

> Janesvara Prabhu speaks of, Prabhupada over and over again emphasizes the

> importance of associating with and learning from advanced devotees --

> sadhu-sanga.

 

 

 

Hogwash. You associate by reading Srila Prabhupada's books.

 

 

> Let's not make a false dogma of the statement "Everything is in Srila

> Prabhupada's books," by a one-sided and small-minded understanding of what

is

> in those books.

 

 

You will never understand them unless you READ them.

 

A few more words to the wise:"These are not ordinary books. It is recorded

chanting. Anyone who reads, he is hearing."

(Letter Rupanuga 10/19/74)

 

"...Srimad-Bhagavatam is so scientifically presented that any sincere student

of this great science will be able to understand the science of God simply by

reading it with attention..." S.B. 2.7.52.

 

"Regular reading or hearing of Srimad-Bhagavatam is also performance of

Bhakti-yoga, and one can attain the highest perfection simply by the

association of Srimad-Bhagavatam." S.B. 2.9.4.

 

"Practicing yoga without reading the standard literatures is simply a waste of

time." S.B. 3.28.4.

 

"In my books the philosophy of Krishna Consciousness is explained fully, so if

there is anything which you do not understand, then you simply have to read

again and again. By reading daily the knowledge will be revealed to you and by

this process your spiritual life will develop."

(Letter Baharupa 11/22/74)

 

"Everyone of you must regularly read our books at least twice, in the morning

and evening, and automatically all questions will be answered."

(Letter Ranadhir 1/24/70)

 

"Devotee: Srila Prabhupada, when you're not present with us, how is it

possible to receive instructions? For example in questions that may arise...

Srila Prabhupada: Well the questions are answ...answers are there in my

books."

(Conv. 5/13/73)

 

"So utilize whatever time you find to make a thorough study of my books. Then

all your questions will be answered."

(Letter Upendra 1/7/76)

 

"After 80 years, no one can be expected to live long. My life is almost ended.

So you have to carry on, and these books will do everything."

(Conv. 2/18/76)

 

"So there is nothing new to be said. Whatever I have to speak, I have spoken

in my books. Now you try to understand it and continue in your endeavor.

Whether I am present or not present it doesn't matter."

(Arrival Conv. 5/17/77 Vrn.)

 

"... hearing is the most important function in the process of bhakti-yoga.

Without hearing sufficiently and properly, no one can make any progress by any

of the practicing methods. And for hearing only, all the Vedic literatures

are there..." S.B. 2.2.36.