Second Birth Through a Bona Fide Spiritual Master
According to Vedic civilization, human life is meant for distinct spiritual evolution. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that while every living entity gets a biological body through natural birth, only a human being has the prerogative to undergo a "second birth." This spiritual rebirth, known as dvija, is not a mere ritual but a profound transformation of consciousness facilitated by the bona fide spiritual master. This article explores the necessity of this second birth, the role of the guru as the spiritual father, and the alchemical change that occurs within the disciple.
Concept of Dvija
The word dvija means "twice-born." The first birth is by the father and mother, bringing one into the material world. At this stage, everyone is considered a śūdra—unrefined and uneducated in spiritual values. The second birth occurs when one approaches a bona fide spiritual master for instruction. In this relationship, the guru becomes the father and the Vedic scripture (śāstra) becomes the mother, birthing the disciple into spiritual life.
- According to Vedic civilization, one is offered a sacred thread as a sign of second birth. One takes his second birth by dint of having received instructions in the sastra from a bona fide spiritual master. Therefore, sastra, scripture, is the real father.
- This is called dvija, or the second birth. When you catch hold of a bona fide spiritual master just to guide you to act on the spiritual platform, then your second life begins.
Bell Metal to Gold
Śrīla Prabhupāda frequently cites a specific analogy from the scriptures to illustrate the potency of the bona fide spiritual master. Just as bell metal (a base alloy) can be transformed into gold when treated with mercury in an alchemical process, a common man can be transformed into a brāhmaṇa when initiated and trained by a bona fide spiritual master. This proves that spiritual status is based on qualification and training, not merely on birthright.
- As bell metal is turned to gold when mixed with mercury in an alchemical process, so one who is properly trained and initiated by a bona fide spiritual master immediately becomes a brahmana.
- In this Hari-bhakti-vilasa Sri Sanatana Gosvami gives definite instructions that by proper initiation by a bona fide spiritual master one can immediately become a brahmana.
Process of Samskara
Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that the transformation from śūdra to brāhmaṇa is achieved through saṁskāra, or purificatory rites. The most essential saṁskāra is initiation (dīkṣā). A bona fide spiritual master does not simply bestow a title; he engages the disciple in a process of purification that cleanses the heart of material contamination. This training allows anyone, regardless of their background, to attain the highest spiritual platform.
- Becoming a brahmana through the endeavor of a bona fide spiritual master is called samskara.
- According to Vedic sastra, anyone who is properly trained up under a bona fide spiritual master, can become twice born.
Curing the Material Disease
The need for a second birth arises because the material body is diseased with ignorance and suffering. The bona fide spiritual master acts as an expert physician. He diagnoses the root cause of the disciple's suffering—forgetfulness of Kṛṣṇa—and prescribes the cure: the chanting of the holy names and the following of regulative principles.
- His (the living entity's) disease can be cured only when he meets and follows the expert physician, the bona fide spiritual master.
- As we require to go to a physician, to a medical man, for curing our material, I mean, bodily diseases, similarly, to cure our material disease, one has to approach an expert bona fide spiritual master. Otherwise it is not possible.
Conclusion
Without the second birth, human life remains unfulfilled. The biological birth offers only a temporary existence, but the second birth through the bona fide spiritual master offers eternal life. By taking shelter of the guru and undergoing the process of spiritual alchemy, one transcends the bodily conception and enters the family of Kṛṣṇa.
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 Bona Fide 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.