By the Mercy of the Spiritual Master One Can Make Spiritual Advancement
The path of spiritual realization is often compared to a razor's edge—difficult to traverse without proper guidance. Śrīla Prabhupāda repeatedly stresses that independent study or mental speculation is insufficient for understanding the Absolute Truth. The essential key to making spiritual advancement is the mercy of the spiritual master. By pleasing the representative of God through submission and service, the disciple automatically pleases the Supreme Lord and clears the path back to Godhead.
Essential Role of the Guru
The verdict of the Vedic scriptures is clear: yasya prasādād bhagavat-prasādo. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that by the mercy of the spiritual master, one receives the benediction of Kṛṣṇa. Conversely, without his grace, there is no destination (na gatiḥ kuto 'pi). Therefore, the primary duty of a disciple is to follow the instructions received at initiation without deviation.
- By the mercy of the spiritual master one is benedicted by the mercy of Krsna. Without the grace of the spiritual master no one can make any advancement. Therefore I should always remember the spiritual master.
- Yasyaprasadan na gatih kuto 'pi: "Without the grace of the spiritual master one cannot make any advancement." If you displease him, then you are nowhere. Therefore we worship the guru.
- As one advances in devotional activities, the process becomes progressively clearer and more encouraging. Unless one gets this spiritual encouragement by following the instructions of the spiritual master, it is not possible to make advancement.
Process: Faith, Association, and Regulations
Advancement follows a scientific process outlined by Rūpa Gosvāmī: ādau śraddhā tataḥ sādhu-saṅgaḥ. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that first one must have faith, and then one must associate with devotees. Within that association, one must strictly follow the regulative principles and chant the prescribed number of rounds.
- Adau sraddha tatah sadhu-sangah (Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu 1.4.15). This is the way to make spiritual advancement. One has to associate with a sadhu.
- If one is actually serious, then by chanting Hare Krsna 16 rounds daily, following the four regulative principles, and reading my books, certainly you will make advancement.
- It is not compulsory that one live in the temple, but in order to make spiritual advancement, one must follow all the rule and regulations of Krishna Consciousness, just as the devotees in the temples do.
Signs of Genuine Advancement
How does one know if they are advancing? Śrīla Prabhupāda clarifies that it is not judged by material success or reputation. Real advancement is tested by detachment from material pleasure and the ability to remain steady when facing opposition. Furthermore, for a preacher, making new devotees is a tangible sign of their own spiritual standing.
- The more one makes advancement in devotional service, the more one becomes detached from material opulence and material activity. This is the spiritual nature, full of bliss.
- Because you are preacher, so you have to test yourself, how you are making advance. Don't be self-complacent, "Oh, I have advanced very much." Your advancement will be tested when you can meet opposing elements.
- Your program for preaching in Delhi is very much approved by me, preaching Krsna is the same as remembering Krsna. I can understand if one of my students is making spiritual advancement if he is also making many life members and devotees.
Impediments to Progress
Śrīla Prabhupāda notes one more point regarding obstacles: certain activities act as anchors, preventing the soul from rising to the spiritual platform. Chief among these are illicit sex, meat-eating, gambling, and intoxication. If one remains a plaything for the opposite sex or is attached to family life without a spiritual center, advancement is impossible.
- Illicit sexual indulgence, meat-eating, gambling and intoxication, are an integral part of the lives of the mlecchas and yavanas. Being bound by such sinful activities, one cannot make any advancement in God realization.
- Those who are just like playthings in the hands of a woman (yosit-krida-mrgesu) cannot make any advancement in spiritual realization.
- Generally a person cannot make much advancement in spiritual consciousness if he is married. He becomes attached to his family and is prone to sense gratification. Thus his spiritual advancement is very slow or almost nil.
Conclusion
Śrīla Prabhupāda asserts that making spiritual advancement is the practical result of sincere service. It is not a mystical manufacture but a scientific process of purification. By taking shelter of the spiritual master, following the rules, and engaging in the saṅkīrtana movement, any person—regardless of their condition—can realize the Supreme Personality of Godhead and attain the perfection of life.
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 Making Spiritual Advancement. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.