Awaiting the Return of the Messiah?

[suchandra]

If one cannot find such a maha-bhagavat as described in Caitanya-caritamrita, Madhya 22, Verse 71, should one settle for a second-class devotee of the Lord ("The second-class devotee, even though he cannot support his position with sastric reference, can gradually become a first-class devotee by studying the sastras and associating with a first-class devotee"), Asamordhva das asks this question.

Hopefully the honoured members of this forum might have an answer?

 

 

 

BY: ASAMORDHVA DAS

 

Sep 9, 2007 — I am responding to five points in the recent article by Balavidya das which brilliantly analysed the qualifications of those seeking initiation and the initiator. As our Srila Prabhupada states in his comments on the fifth verse of his Nectar of Instruction:

 

• "Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura has given some practical hints to the effect that an uttama- adhikari Vaisnava can be recognized by his ability to convert many fallen souls to Vaisn?avism. One should not become a spiritual master unless he has attained the platform of uttama-adhikari. A neophyte Vaisnava or a Vaisnava situated on the intermediate platform can also accept disciples, but such disciples must be on the same platform, and it should be understood that they cannot advance very well toward the ultimate goal of life under his insufficient guidance. Therefore a disciple should be careful to accept an uttama-adhikari as a spiritual master."

That being the case we then have to determine, basically, if we have such a spiritual commodity within our reach. In the Caitanya-caritamrita, Madhya 22, Verse 72 there is the following quote rendered by Krishnadas: <HTTP: en 6 noi vedabase.net>

 

• "A person advanced in devotional service sees within everything the soul of souls, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Consequently he always sees the form of the Supreme Personality of Godhead as the cause of all causes and understands that all things are situated in Him."

If one cannot find such an maha-bhagavat, then one will have to settle for a second-class devotee of the Lord. But it is also said in Srila Prabhupada's purports to Caitanya-caritamrita, Madhya 22, Verse 71, that if the second-class devotee does not take instructions from a first-class devotee then he is unable to advance.

 

• "The second-class devotee, even though he cannot support his position with sastric reference, can gradually become a first-class devotee by studying the sastras and associating with a first-class devotee. However, if the second-class devotee does not advance himself by associating with a first-class devotee, he makes no progress."

Thus we become wholly dependent on the mercy of Krishna in the shape of a maha-bhagavat.

 

Now here is my question:

 

If there is no maha-bhagavat in your institution of whatever shape or form it assumes, will the members of such an institution therefore consider taking instruction and ultimately initiation from a maha-bhagavat outside of the revered institution? If not, then why? If there is absolute need for higher association, can one reach beyond ecclesiastical walls? Or will one be confined to dream only of the possibilities? If institutionalism is perceived as greater than realization of God, then I feel that the material energy has succeeded in ways unbeknownst to the members of that institution.

 

If such an institution does, however, declare that 'uttama adhikaris' are to found but later such first-class devotees fall down, then it goes against the definition of a top-class devotee as stated in the last part of the purport to the verse in mention, "There is no possibility that a first-class devotee will fall down, even though he may mix with nondevotees to preach. Conviction and faith gradually increase to make one an uttama-adhikari, a first-class devotee."

 

Many have criticized those who have left institutional boundaries in search of higher association but according to the above statements, those who are third-class and second-class would have to resign themselves to the limitations imposed on them and ultimately 'make no progress'. If one does not wish to make progress, but is happy simply performing his duties in Krishna-consciousness that may be alright to some degree, but for one who is keen to realize God and taste Krishna-prema, then he will have to curse himself until the day or lifetime comes when he is no longer restricted by ecclesiastical restrictions.

 

Spiritual life without respecting an individual's greed for 'bhakti' is, in one sense, tyrannical and if one has no higher association then that, greed cannot bear fruit of love-of-God.

 

One of the Sun readers submitted fairly recently that the members should all pray for the descent of such a maha-bhagavat within the boundaries of the institution and that is certainly praiseworthy, but what if such an event does not take place? It could end up like the Christian institutions that are still patiently awaiting the return of the Messiah.

As Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur has said, it is best to act with times that are with thee, than depend on some future hope. This only leads me to conclude that such members under the grip of institutional politics should revolt.

[mahak]

Isnt there shastra indicating that only fools refuse to consider associating with more advanced devotees. This messaiah consciousness is deep rooted in such foolishness, putting things off. And it is also blatant arrogance, and reeks of one so awaiting such pie in the sky that they are ther most advanced, you cant teach me, Im higher than you, you are not messaiah (so I must be).

 

Rather thsan useless prayers from demons for the appearance of messaiahs, try adopting some of the practices of the past messaiahs. Then maybe we can be pleasing to the Supreme Lord by becoming messaiahs in our own right.

 

mahaksadasa

[passionate_freak]

Hmm,

I agree Mahak to some extent. Addopting words of earlier messaiahs gonna lead us to a bit of peace but the need for the messiah is still soaring.

If you look into scriptures you'll find the description regarding it.

 

According to Vishwamitra ( i forgot the book), such incarnation happens only in 2500 years.And if any one with such qualities be here, possesses awesome knowledge in everything unlike the knowledge of scholars in particualr field.

If you consult the book by Krsna's Guru Sandeepan maharaj, the person must be with some qualities as Krsna was with. Such qualities have been found in someone in our age and it has been explained in a book "Purna: Purna Midam" by a scholar in Banaras( i forgot his name).

So, only if we try coming out of our ignorance, we''ll witness a new world, unlike of all those old aged formulas n so so.............

[Pita das]

Only if one follows the previous authority transparently can they have any power to present the message of his authority .To the degree that they surrender to the spiritual master that much impowerment will manifest within them or not so.

Srila Bhaktisiddanta is Gaura Vani impowered by Lord Chaintaya and by Srila Prabhupada's surrender to Him was His impowerment possible.