Who is the True Guru?

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by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura Prabhupada

 

Who is the true Guru? It is he who is constantly engaged in the service of Sri Hari. And who is the truly learned man? It is he who, in the words of Sri Krsna, is well conversant with actual knowledge of the jiva’s bondage and his deliverance from it (cf. Srimad-Bhagavatam 11.19.41).

 

We should only accept as our guru he who employs all of his time, cent per cent, in God’s service. Otherwise we will fail miserably by following him. Sri Caitanya-caritamrta has instructed us: “A true guru teaches his disciple through his own behaviour and practice. He cannot teach dharma who does not abide by it himself.”

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The srutis instruct us, “one who seeks true knowledge of tat – that Supreme Being – should gather the necessary articles for initiation and approach a guru who is conversant in the Vedas and steeped in realization of Brahman – the Supreme Spirit” (Mundaka Upanisad 1.2.12). This instruction has also been given in the Srimad-Bhagavatam (11.3.21): “One who seeks his highest well-being should surrender himself to a guru who is well-versed in the imports of the Vedas, who has full realization of Parabrahma and who has thereby become the shelter of true peace.” Neither platform-speakers, who are but skilled in giving speeches, yet who conduct themselves improperly, nor professional priests can be gurus.

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One who does not stay constantly engaged in hari-bhajana (devotional service to Sri Hari) will be anxious to take up other engagements on the strength of sri-nama and will thus risk committing the severe aparadha, or offence, of utilizing sri-nama in sinful affairs. Moreover, one who acts in the capacity of guru for a salary or according to a contract cannot be a guru, nor can one who reads the Srimad-Bhagavatam blindly. First of all, refrain from approaching such professional priests and platform-speakers. Observe whether or not they fully devote their time to Srimad-Bhagavatam. For one who is steeped or accomplished in realization of Parabrahma, one’s full time is occupied with service to God.

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Only a mahabhagavata (exalted devotee of God) who has no worldly possession or attachment, and who has sincerely surrendered himself to Krsna and exclusively serves Him twenty-four hours a day can legitimately occupy the acarya’s seat.