Guest guest Posted May 30, 2006 Report Share Posted May 30, 2006 In the Seventh Canto of Çrémad-Bhägavatam, Thirteenth Chapter, verse 8, Sb 7.13.8 A sannyäsé must not present allurements of material benefits to gather many disciples, nor should he unnecessarily read many books or give discourses as a means of livelihood. He must never attempt to increase material opulences unnecessarily. Närada Muni, while discussing with Mahäräja Yudhiñöhira the various functions of the different orders in society, especially mentions rules for the sannyäsés, those persons who have renounced this material world. One who has accepted the sannyäsa order of life is forbidden to accept as a disciple anyone who is not fit. A sannyäsé should first of all examine whether a prospective student is sincerely seeking Kåñëa consciousness. If he is not, he should not be accepted. However, Lord Caitanya's causeless mercy is such that He advised all bona fide spiritual masters to speak about Kåñëa consciousness everywhere. Therefore, in the line of Lord Caitanya even the sannyäsés can speak about Kåñëa consciousness everywhere, and if someone is seriously inclined to become a disciple, the sannyäsé always accepts him. The one point is that without increasing the number of disciples, there is no propagation of the cult of Kåñëa consciousness. Therefore, sometimes even at a risk, a sannyäsé in the line of Caitanya Mahäprabhu may accept even a person who is not thoroughly fit to become a disciple. Later on, by the mercy of such a bona fide spiritual master, the disciple is gradually elevated. However, if one increases the number of disciples simply for some prestige or false honor, he will surely fall down in the matter of executing Kåñëa consciousness. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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