Caitya Guru

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Srimad Bhagavatam 4.28.41 Purport

"In this verse the words saksad bhagavatoktena guruna harina are very

significant. The Supreme Personality of Godhead speaks directly to the

individual soul when the devotee has completely purified himself by

rendering devotional service to the Lord. Lord Krsna confirms this also in

Bhagavad Gita (10.10). "To those who are constantly devoted and worship me

with love, I give the understanding by which they can come to me."

 

The Lord is the Supersoul situated in everyones heart, and he acts as caitya

guru, the spiritual master within. However, he gives direct instructions

only to the advanced, pure devotees. In the beginning, when a devotee is

serious and sincere, the Lord gives him directions from within to approach a

bonafide spiritual master. When one is trained by the spiritual master

according to the regulative principles of devotional service and situated on

the platform of spontaneous attachment for the Lord (raga-bhakti), the Lord

also gives instructions from within.Tesam satata yuktanam bhajatam priti

purvakam. This distinct advantage is obtained by a liberated soul. Having

attained this stage, King Malayadvaja was directly in touch with the Supreme

Lord and was receiving instructions from Him directly."

 

This is the kind of 'distinct' advantage that we could really do with to

solve ISKCON's problems. As SriRama prabhu has pointed out, there is no lack

of good arguments, but finding the answer to ALL the problems, in one

comprehensive solution, really needs someone with the above mentioned

advantage.

 

What is the platform of raga bhakti?

 

NOD page 119

"Examples of spontaneous devotional service can be easily seen in Krsnas

direct associates in Vrndavana. The spontaneous dealings of the residents of

Vrindavana in relationship with Krsna are called raganuga. These beings

don't have to learn anything about devotional service; they are already

perfect in all regulative principles and have achieved the spontaneous

loving service of the Supreme personality of Godhead. For example the

cowherd boys who are playing with Krsna do not have to learn by austerities

or penances or yogic practice how to play with Him. They have passed all

tests of regulative principles in their previous lives, and as a result they

are now elevated to the position of direct association with krsna as His

dear friends. Their spontaneous attitude is called raganuga bhakti.

 

Rupa Goswami has defined raganuga bhakti as spontaneous attraction for

something while completely absorbed in thoughts in it, with an intense

desire of love. Devotional service executed with such feelings of

spontaneous love is called raganuga bhakti."

 

Your servant

Samba das