Kanistha/Madhyama Adhikari Gurus? BG 4.34

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In a message dated Thu, 25 Jul 2002 9:16:00 PM Eastern Standard Time,

Ryan (AT) pamho (DOT) net writes:

 

>

> This is because the lower and intermeadiate gurus are not self-realized,

> otherwise they wouldn't be kanistha/madhyama adikaris, and

> thus they must

> not see the truth according to the above info.

>

> In other words does text 4.34 apply to these two Gurus?

 

Haribol

 

The qualification of diksa guru as uttama adhikari is mentioned in Nectar of

Instruction verses 1 and 5 and the purport as well as in CC Madhya 22.

 

Now the question is: what is an uttama adhikari? The word uttama merely means

"higher".

 

The spectrum of spiritual advancement is described in two ways:

(1) in terms of attachment (rati) in the Srimad Bhagavatam 11.2.45-47

(2) and also in terms of faith (sraddha) in Nectar of Devotion.

 

Both of these sets of definitions are repeated in CC Madhya 22 and are

distinct. If one tries to merge these two sets of definitions into a single

model, then one runs into a number of logical difficulties.

 

 

The discussion of a guru's minimum qualifications occur in discussions of the

latter model of "uttama-adhikari".

This is true both in NOI as well as CC Madhya.

The qualifications of a higher-faith-adhikari are that he tolerates the urges

of the body (which also implies he has them), he preaches, and he has strong

faith and logically understands the scriptures.

 

These qualifications are easily identifiable by a sincere seeker of devotional

service, unlike the qualifications of the higher-rati- adhikari which is

practically impossible for one on the neophyte platform.

 

In regards to BG 4.34, the high-faith adhikari is applicable in terms of his

being fixed in devotional service because of being clear of anarthas. The

verse does not specify that the truth means complete realization in prema so

can be applied to the faith-based definition of uttama adhikari.

 

ys

Gerald Surya