Everyone Should Become a Spiritual Master

The Vedic tradition often reserved the role of the guru for those born in high-caste brāhmaṇa families. However, Śrīla Prabhupāda, following the instruction of Sri Caitanya Mahāprabhu, shattered these social barriers. He taught that the position of a spiritual master is not a birthright but a qualification open to anyone who understands the science of Kṛṣṇa. This article explores the mandate that everyone should become a spiritual master by simply repeating the message of the Lord.

The Only Qualification

The standard for becoming a spiritual master is often misunderstood. It is not based on material erudition, miraculous powers, or social pedigree. The sole criterion is knowledge of Kṛṣṇa. Śrīla Prabhupāda cites the verse yei kṛṣṇa-tattva-vettā, sei 'guru' haya—anyone who knows the truth of Kṛṣṇa can be a guru. This allows even a śūdra or a householder to occupy this exalted post if they are Kṛṣṇa conscious.

• According to Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s philosophy, anyone who knows the science of Krsna can become a spiritual master, without reference to whether or not he is a brahmana or sannyasi.
• Lord Caitanya, therefore, gave His valuable opinion that although a person may not be born in a brahmana family, if he knows Krsna or the science of Krsna consciousness he is more than a brahmana, and he is quite fit to become a spiritual master.
• One who is conversant with Vedic wisdom is a brahmana. And only a brahmana who is a pure Vaisnava and knows all the intricacies of the science of Krsna can become a spiritual master.

The Order to Become Guru

Lord Caitanya's mission is to liberate the fallen souls of this age. To achieve this, He ordered His followers, āmāra ājñāya guru hañā—"Become a spiritual master under My order." This is not a suggestion but a duty. Every devotee is expected to act as a representative of the Lord and teach the message of Bhagavad-gītā to whomever they meet.

• Lord Caitanya advised everyone to spread the word of Krsna. He advised, All of you become spiritual masters. Your duty is simply to talk to whomever you meet of Krsna or of the instructions given by Krsna.
• Instruct everyone to follow the orders of Lord Sri Krsna as they are given in the Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam. In this way become a spiritual master and try to liberate everyone in this land.
• Whatever you are hearing from me, whatever you are learning from me, you have to distribute the same in toto without any addition or alteration. Then all of you become the spiritual master.

A Heavy Responsibility

While the process is simple—repeat what Kṛṣṇa has said—the responsibility is grave. One cannot whimsically pose as a guru for fame or profit. A bona fide spiritual master must be able to save their disciples from the imminent danger of death and rebirth. If one cannot deliver their dependents, they are forbidden from accepting the role of a guru, father, or husband.

• One who cannot deliver his dependents from the path of repeated birth and death should never become a spiritual master, a father, a husband, a mother or a worshipable demigod.
• One should not be eager to become a spiritual master cheaply for the sake of profit and fame, but should become a spiritual master only for the service of the Lord.
• Unless one is fully aware of Krsna, one cannot become spiritual master. The subject matter itself is difficult. Therefore you don't find many spiritual masters.

Conclusion

Becoming a spiritual master is not about egoistic aggrandizement but about humble service. It is the natural culmination of a devotee's own practice. By strictly following the regulative principles and the orders of the ācārya, one becomes empowered to assist others. In this way, the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement expands, as every sincere student becomes a teacher and helps to reclaim the conditioned souls back to Godhead.

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 Becoming a Spiritual Master. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.