Spiritual Truths Accepted by Authorities
The path to understanding the Absolute Truth is founded upon the principle of receiving knowledge from realized souls. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that transcendental facts are established not by popular vote, but by the consistent testimony of the great ācāryas and Vedic scriptures. Through his teachings, Śrīla Prabhupāda clarifies that we must accept the version of those who have seen the truth.
The Perfection of the Descending Process
Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that transcendental knowledge is best received through the disciplic succession rather than mental invention. According to Śrīla Prabhupāda, following the thoughts of exalted authorities is a much easier and more perfect method for grasping the Absolute Truth than independent speculation.
- Accepting the thoughts of exalted authorities through disciplic succession is certainly much easier than the method of mental speculation, by which one tries to invent some means to understand the Absolute Truth.
- Our process is, process of acquiring knowledge, is very easy and perfect. That is Krsna consciousness. We cannot say anything which is not accepted by the authorities coming from Krsna.
Universal Recognition of Kṛṣṇa as God
The divinity of Kṛṣṇa is confirmed by Śrīla Prabhupāda as a fact recognized by all historical and spiritual authorities. Śrīla Prabhupāda points out that from Arjuna to sages like Vyāsadeva and Nārada, the consensus remains that Kṛṣṇa is the Supreme Personality of Godhead and the proprietor of all.
- Arjuna says that Krsna is accepted as the Supreme Personality of Godhead not only by himself but by authorities like the sage Narada, Asita, Devala, Vyasadeva & so on. These are great personalities who distribute the Vedic knowledge. BG 1972 Introduction.
- Krsna is para-tattva, accepted by all acaryas. We are not talking of the fools and rascals who are theorizing without any knowledge. We are concerned with the authorities.
- If you are doubtful, prove that Krsna is not proprietor. But that you cannot do. Or bring another person who can claim like that, "I am the proprietor." Therefore you have to accept Krsna as the proprietor. And it is accepted by all great personalities.
The Authoritative Role of the Spiritual Master
Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that according to the śāstras, the spiritual master must be honored as the external manifestation of the Lord. Śrīla Prabhupāda confirms this principle is accepted by great authorities who recognize the guru as a confidential servitor of Kṛṣṇa.
- It is recommended in authoritative scriptures the spiritual master be worshiped as the S P of God because of being His very confidential servitor, it is accepted by great authorities that the spiritual master is the external manifestation of Krsna.
- Saksad-dharitvena samasta-sastrair uktas, in every sastra it is said the guru is God, Krsna. So it is stated in the sastra and it is accepted by authorities. Not that it is simply stated. Samasta-sastrair, ukta.
- One cannot challenge a superior authority, but with great submission one can submit his proposal for acceptance by the spiritual master or spiritual authorities.
Scientific Basis of Kṛṣṇa Consciousness
Śrīla Prabhupāda describes Kṛṣṇa consciousness as a great science based on scientific propositions and Vedic evidence. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that it is validated by the major ācāryas who accept the authority of the holy name and the saṅkīrtana movement as sanctioned by scripture.
- Krsna consciousness is a great science. It is not a sentiment or mental speculation or bluff. It is based on scientific proposition, as described in the Bhagavad-gita, as described in the Vedas, as described in the Samhitas, as accepted by the authorities.
- On the basis of all the Upanisads, Srila Jiva Gosvami says that omkara is the Supreme Absolute Truth and is accepted as such by all the acaryas and authorities.
- The world is full of sinful reactions. If this sankirtana movement is pushed on there will be peace, there will be auspicity all over the world. It is not that we have introduced a new thing. It is sanctioned by the sastras & accepted by the authorities.
Conclusion
The foundation of spiritual life is built upon the solid ground of authoritative acceptance. By following the mahājanas and the great ācāryas, one avoids the pitfalls of imagination and finds a clear path to the Absolute Truth. As Śrīla Prabhupāda has shown, these truths regarding the nature of Kṛṣṇa and the necessity of a spiritual master are eternal realities confirmed by all genuine authorities of the Vedic line.
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 Accepted By Authorities. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.