View source for Dangers of Prematurely Becoming an Ācārya

The position of an ''ācārya'' is the highest in Vedic culture, representing the transparent medium between the conditioned soul and God. Because of this exalted status, it can become a target for material ambition. Śrīla Prabhupāda issues severe warnings to those who artificially aspire for this post without the requisite purity and authorization. This article examines the spiritual perils of trying to become a master before one has fully perfected the role of a servant.

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=== Poison of Ambition ===
One of the primary dangers in a spiritual institution is the desire for prestige. Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that when disciples harbor the secret desire, "After the demise of ''Guru'', I shall become ''ācārya''," it creates a poisonous atmosphere. This ambition often leads to fighting among godbrothers and the fracturing of the mission. A Vaishnava ''ācārya'' is self-effulgent and creates his own authority through purity; he is not created by political maneuvering or the desire to be a "dictator."

* [[Vaniquotes:At heart, they were, "After demise of Guru, I shall become acarya," "I shall become acarya." So all the acaryas began fight|At heart, they were, "After demise of Guru, I shall become acarya," "I shall become acarya." So all the acaryas began fight.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:A disciple of Kali cannot become an acarya by the decision of some high-court. Mundane votes have no jurisdiction to elect a Vaisnava acarya. A Vaisnava acarya is self-effulgent, and there is no need for any court judgment|A disciple of Kali cannot become an acarya by the decision of some high-court. Mundane votes have no jurisdiction to elect a Vaisnava acarya. A Vaisnava acarya is self-effulgent, and there is no need for any court judgment.]]

=== Transgressing Etiquette ===
There is a strict etiquette in the relationship between guru and disciple. As long as the spiritual master is present, the disciple should not attempt to act as an independent initiator or ''ācārya''. To do so is called ''avamanya'', or disrespect. Śrīla Prabhupāda warns that transgressing this etiquette is a direct cause of falldown. One must remain a submissive servant; attempting to jump over the head of the spiritual master is suicidal for spiritual life.

* [[Vaniquotes:Now people are coming to me, so I can become acarya. - That is avamanya. Navamanyeta karhicit. Don't transgress this etiquette. Navamanyeta. That will be falldown|Now people are coming to me, so I can become acarya. - That is avamanya. Navamanyeta karhicit. Don't transgress this etiquette. Navamanyeta. That will be falldown.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:We are interested in preparing acarya, but the etiquette is, at least for the period the guru is present, one should not become acarya. Even if he is complete he should not|We are interested in preparing acarya, but the etiquette is, at least for the period the guru is present, one should not become acarya. Even if he is complete he should not.]]

=== Qualification vs. Fabrication ===
In the modern age, many people read a few books and immediately claim to be ''gurus''. This is described as "rascaldom." A true ''ācārya'' is not one who speculates or manufactures their own philosophy, but one who is a "rigid student" of the previous ''ācārya''. Without strict adherence to the ''paramparā'' (disciplic succession), any claim to mastership is merely a deception. The qualification is not academic knowledge, but deep spiritual assimilation and obedience.

* [[Vaniquotes:He thought something rascaldom, and he is expressing that. Therefore he is more rascal. These things are going on. As soon as he reads some books, he becomes an acarya, whatever rascal he may be|He thought something rascaldom, and he is expressing that. Therefore he is more rascal. These things are going on. As soon as he reads some books, he becomes an acarya, whatever rascal he may be.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Acarya's disciple becomes acarya when he assimilates the knowledge received from bona fide acarya. So he becomes bona fide to act as an acarya. Acarya means one who has become a rigid disciple of his acarya|Acarya's disciple becomes acarya when he assimilates the knowledge received from bona fide acarya. So he becomes bona fide to act as an acarya. Acarya means one who has become a rigid disciple of his acarya.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:To mislead the people in general they (pseudo religionists) themselves become so-called acaryas, but they do not even follow the principles of the acaryas|To mislead the people in general they (pseudo religionists) themselves become so-called acaryas, but they do not even follow the principles of the acaryas.]]

=== Conclusion ===
According to Śrīla Prabhupāda, the path to becoming a genuine guide is one of patience and surrender. We are advised to first follow the orders of the ''ācārya'' and become mature before even thinking of taking up the post. By remaining a faithful servant and avoiding the allure of premature authority, the disciple remains safe and, in due course, may become qualified to carry the heavy burden of delivering others.

=== Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani ===

Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category [[Vaniquotes:Category:Becoming Acarya|Becoming Acarya]]. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.

(See our [[Vanipedia:Methodology for AI-Assisted Articles|Vanipedia:Methodology for AI-Assisted Articles]])
[[Category:Vanipedia Gemini - Articles]]
[[Category:Vanipedia Articles - The Guru and Disciplic Succession]]

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