Vedic Secret to Become an Authority Is Simply to Follow
In modern culture, becoming an authority is often associated with originality, innovation, and independence. A person is considered an authority if they discover something new or assert a unique perspective. However, Śrīla Prabhupāda presents a radically different definition based on Vedic epistemology. To become an authority in spiritual science does not require one to be an inventor; it requires one to be a faithful carrier. Just as a wire becomes an authority on electricity simply by carrying the current without resistance, a human being becomes an authority on God simply by repeating the words of God without addition or subtraction.
Paradox of Rejection
Śrīla Prabhupāda often engaged with the argument of skeptics who claimed, "I do not accept any authority." He exposed the inherent contradiction in this statement. If a person asserts that there is no authority, they are implicitly demanding that others accept their statement as authoritative. By rejecting established authority, they are simply trying to set themselves up as the new authority.
- If you don't accept other authority, and who is going to accept your authority? Why shall I? You cannot become authority that, "I don't accept any authority." I have to follow that? Then you become authority.
- In Russia the authority was the czar. Now, after this Bolshevik revolution, Lenin became authority. That was his point. I said that you have to accept one authority. That you cannot change.
Simply to Follow
How, then, does one become a genuine authority? The secret is strict adherence to the previous ācāryas. Śrīla Prabhupāda gives the examples of Kuntī Devī, Maitreya, and Vidura. They are considered authorities not because they speculated, but because they strictly followed the statements of Brahmā, Nārada, and their spiritual masters. In the Vedic system, 2 plus 2 must always equal 4. Anyone who says it equals 5 to be "original" is not an authority, but a rascal.
- To become authority is simply to follow the authority. If someone makes 2 plus 2 equal to 3 or 5, he is a rascal. That means he does not follow the authority and thus he fails to become himself an authority.
- Maitreya heard the narration from his bona fide spiritual master, and Vidura also heard from Maitreya. One becomes an authority simply by presenting whatever he has heard from his spiritual master.
No Scope for Argument
Because Vedic knowledge is perfect (apauruṣeya), becoming an authority means entering a realm where there is no scope for mental speculation. One cannot change the texts to suit the times or one's whims. The qualification of the authority is uncompromised purity in transmission.
Conclusion
The desire to be a "self-made" authority is the defect of modern civilization. It leads to the manufacturing of religion and philosophy that has no value. True authority is humble. It says, "I am not the author; I am the messenger." As Śrīla Prabhupāda states, "You become guru, authority. But you learn first of all as cela from the guru. And then you become guru."
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 an Authority. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.