Essential Duty to Carry Out the Orders of Our Spiritual Master
The relationship between the disciple and the spiritual master is the pivot around which spiritual life revolves. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that the spiritual master is not a fashion or a pet to be kept for social prestige; he is the transparent via medium to Lord Kṛṣṇa. The disciple's only duty is to hear the orders of the spiritual master and execute them with life and soul. In these instructions, Śrīla Prabhupāda clarifies that spiritual advancement is not a result of personal qualification, but of strictly abiding by the orders of the guru, specifically regarding the chanting of sixteen rounds and the avoidance of sinful activities.
The Vow of Initiation
Initiation is often misunderstood as a ritual that grants instant enlightenment, but Śrīla Prabhupāda clarifies that it is actually a serious agreement. The disciple agrees to abide by the order of the spiritual master, and the most essential order is to chant at least sixteen rounds of the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra daily and follow the four regulative principles. If one fails to follow these basic instructions, the initiation has no meaning. Spiritual strength comes from strict adherence to this vow, which protects the disciple from the influence of māyā.
- Of all the regulative principles, the spiritual master's order to chant at least sixteen rounds is most essential.
- If one does not strictly follow the guidance of a bona fide Spiritual Master his initiation does not bear any meaning. The initiation performance is an agreement by the disciples to abide by the order of the Spiritual Master.
- Now you must very strictly follow the orders of your spiritual master by chanting 16 rounds of japa daily and accepting the four restrictions; no illicit sex life, no intoxication, no gambling, and no meat-eating. In this way you will surely make progress in Krsna consciousness.
The Secret of Success
The motto of spiritual life is yasya prasādād bhagavat-prasādaḥ: "By the mercy of the spiritual master one receives the benediction of Kṛṣṇa." Śrīla Prabhupāda repeatedly emphasizes that there is no need for artificial austerity or independent scholarship. If a disciple simply pleases the spiritual master by carrying out his orders—whether it be management, book selling, or cooking—success is guaranteed. This submissive attitude allows the disciple to associate with the spiritual master through his words, even if he is not physically present.
- I thank you for following the order of your spiritual master. This is the motto of our spiritual life: yasya prasadad bhagavata prasadao.
- Simply by depending on the mercy of the Lord and carrying out the order of the spiritual master, ones success in spiritual life is guaranteed.
- Just follow his order. Spiritual master is along with you by his words. Just like my spiritual master is not physically present, but I am associating with him by his words.
Avoiding the "Pet Guru" Mentality
Surrender means giving up the independence of the mind. Śrīla Prabhupāda warns against the mentality of accepting a guru as a "pet"—someone to validate one's existence while the disciple continues to do whatever they like. True surrender involves stopping the mental speculation of "Why shall I abide by this order?" Neglecting the order of the spiritual master is considered the fourth offense in chanting. A disciple must not be fickle; they must be prepared to follow the instructions of the guru even if it requires leaving one's family or tolerating difficulties.
- Not that let me take a spiritual master as a pet and I can do whatever I want. No, one must be prepared to follow the order of the spiritual master with life and soul.
- I accept a guru, but in my mind I remain independent, "Oh, why shall I abide by the orders of guru?" That means there is no surrender. There is no surrender. It is false. It is just to satisfy some motive, but that will not help.
- Neglecting the orders of the spiritual master. The beginning of initiation is to voluntarily accept the spiritual master. To abide by his order. So, if you disobey his order, then it is offense. This is fourth offense.
Determination and Historical Warnings
The execution of the spiritual master's order is not always easy; it requires determination and the ability to tolerate impediments. Śrīla Prabhupāda cites the tragic history of the Gauḍīya Maṭha as a warning. Although there were many learned scholars, the mission failed because the leading disciples neglected the order of the ācārya and instead fought for position. True spiritual life means remaining firm in the service of the order, regardless of personal ambition or external difficulties.
- That is spiritual life. One has to take order from the spiritual master and execute it, despite all impediments. That is determination.
- Some self-interested, foolish disciples disobeyed his orders. Each one of them wanted to become head of the mission, and they fought in the courts, neglecting the order of the spiritual master, and the entire mission was defeated. We are not proud of this.
- If I have understood the order of my Spiritual Master rightly, then I must perform my duty under any circumstances and never once think of going away under disgust.
Conclusion
The path of Kṛṣṇa consciousness is simple for those who are sincere: accept a bona fide spiritual master and execute his orders with heart and soul. Śrīla Prabhupāda reminds us that the disciple finds relief from all material problems simply by this act of surrender. Whether the order is to chant, to manage, or to preach, the disciple's perfection lies in the attempt to please the guru. By strictly adhering to the instructions of the spiritual master, avoiding the trap of mental independence, and remaining determined in the face of difficulties, one's return to the spiritual world is assured.
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 Orders of Our Spiritual Master (Disciples of SP). We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.