Heavy Responsibility of Becoming a Spiritual Master
Becoming a spiritual master is the most responsible position in human society. It involves accepting the karma of the disciple and guiding them back to the spiritual world. Śrīla Prabhupāda clarifies that while the instruction to preach is universal, the acceptance of disciples is not a cheap affair. This article details the grave responsibilities and strict qualifications necessary to become a bona fide spiritual master, warning against the dangers of unauthorized or motivated leadership.
Deliverance from Birth and Death
The primary duty of a spiritual master is to liberate the disciple. It is not enough to simply give advice or social guidance; the guru must be able to severed the knot of material attachment. The Vedic scriptures strictly forbid anyone from assuming the role of a guardian—whether as a guru, parent, or demigod—if they are unable to save their dependent from the imminent danger of death.
- 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.
- Bhagavata says that, "If you cannot develop the spiritual life of your dependent, then don't become a spiritual master, don't become a teacher, don't become a father, don't become a husband." These things are restricted.
- No one should become a spiritual master - nor a relative, father, mother, worshipable Deity or husband - if he cannot help a person escape the imminent path of death.
Strict Control of the Senses
To guide others out of the material world, the guide must not be entangled in it. A fundamental qualification for a spiritual master is complete control over the six urges: speech, mind, anger, tongue, belly, and genitals. One who is a slave to these urges (godāsa) is unfit to lead; only one who has mastered them (gosvāmī) is qualified to accept disciples.
- I cannot control even my tongue and control my genital, and I become spiritual master? This is nonsense.
- One who does not have control over the senses and mind is called a godasa, or a servant of the senses, and cannot become a spiritual master.
- Anyone who has become competent to control the tongue, to control the mind, to control the anger, to control the belly & control the genital, if 6 kind of control is there, he is fit for becoming spiritual master; he can make disciples all over the world.
Avoiding Profit, Fame, and Professionalism
Śrīla Prabhupāda strongly condemns the practice of becoming a "caste guru" or a professional teacher for the sake of livelihood. The spiritual master acts solely for the service of the Lord, not for personal aggrandizement or financial gain. Using the position of guru to cover family expenditures or accumulate wealth is described as offensive and illegal.
- 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.
- They (materialistic persons who become preachers, gurus, religionists or philosophers) spread a network of business schemes to collect money for sense gratification by cheating people in general, who have no knowledge of pure devotional service.
- One should not become a pseudo spiritual master as a matter of business to meet one's family expenditures; one must be an expert spiritual master to deliver the disciple from the clutches of impending death.
Need for Authorization
One cannot simply decide to become a spiritual master based on their own intellect or ambition. It requires authorization from the Supreme Lord and the strict following of the disciplic succession. Without being empowered by Kṛṣṇa (kṛṣṇa-śakti), any attempt to act as a guru will be a failure, as one cannot preach or deliver others by mental concoction.
- Two things. Without being representative of Krsna, nobody can become spiritual master. Krsna-sakti vina nahe tara pravartana. Without being empowered by Krsna, nobody can preach, nobody can become a spiritual master.
- One who is not authorized by the Lord cannot become a spiritual master.
- Without being specifically favored by the Lord, no human being can become the spiritual master of the whole world. He certainly cannot succeed by mental concoction, which is not meant for devotees or religious people.
Conclusion
The position of a spiritual master is not a comfortable post for enjoying the homage of disciples. It is a position of sacrifice, austerity, and immense responsibility. One must be fully surrendered to Kṛṣṇa and free from material desires to take up this duty. As Śrīla Prabhupāda warns, if one is not fit, the accumulation of disciples will only lead to suffering; but if one is sincere and authorized, they can deliver the whole world.
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.