View source for The Ideal Attitude Every Disciple Should Maintain

The success of a disciple relies entirely on their internal attitude and external behavior toward the spiritual master. Highlighting this vital relationship, Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that a disciple should offer everything they possess in menial service, respecting the ''guru'' as the direct manifestation of the Supreme Lord. By maintaining unwavering faith, avoiding offenses, and following instructions without hesitation, the disciple easily crosses over the dangerous ocean of material existence.

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=== Seeing the Guru as the Lord's Representative ===
The foundational vision a disciple must cultivate is seeing the spiritual master as nondifferent from the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Because the ''guru'' delivers the message of the Lord purely, he is worthy of the exact same respect. Emphasizing this divine connection, Śrīla Prabhupāda instructs that this vision is confirmed throughout Vedic scriptures. By honoring the spiritual master in this way, the disciple attracts the direct mercy of Kṛṣṇa.

* [[Vaniquotes:A disciple should always respect the spiritual master as a manifestation of Sri Krsna, but at the same time one should always remember that a spiritual master is never authorized to imitate the transcendental pastimes of the Lord|A disciple should always respect the spiritual master as a manifestation of Sri Krsna, but at the same time one should always remember that a spiritual master is never authorized to imitate the transcendental pastimes of the Lord.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:A woman should think of her husband as the Supreme Lord. Similarly, a disciple should think of the spiritual master as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, a sudra should think of a brahmana as the Supreme Personality of Godhead|A woman should think of her husband as the Supreme Lord. Similarly, a disciple should think of the spiritual master as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, a sudra should think of a brahmana as the Supreme Personality of Godhead.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Prabuddha said, "In other words, the disciple should accept the spiritual master as God because he is the external manifestation of Krsna"|Prabuddha said, "In other words, the disciple should accept the spiritual master as God because he is the external manifestation of Krsna."]]
* [[Vaniquotes:This is confirmed in every scripture, and a disciple should accept the spiritual master as such|This is confirmed in every scripture, and a disciple should accept the spiritual master as such.]]

=== Unhesitating Execution of Orders ===
The primary business of a disciple is to meditate upon and execute the orders of the spiritual master. Rather than worrying about their own liberation or material comforts, the disciple finds perfection solely in following instructions. Clarifying this absolute duty, Śrīla Prabhupāda states that whatever the ''guru'' orders must be accepted without argument or hesitation. This strict adherence is the true demonstration of surrender and love.

* [[Vaniquotes:A disciple should always meditate on the order of the spiritual master, and that is perfectional meditation. Not only should he meditate upon that order, but he should find out the means by which he can perfectly worship and execute it|A disciple should always meditate on the order of the spiritual master, and that is perfectional meditation. Not only should he meditate upon that order, but he should find out the means by which he can perfectly worship and execute it.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:He (the disciple) should faithfully try to execute that particular instruction (received from the spiritual master) and should consider that his life and soul|He (the disciple) should faithfully try to execute that particular instruction (received from the spiritual master) and should consider that his life and soul.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:The disciple should not consider whether he is going back home, back to Godhead; his first business should be to execute the order of his spiritual master|The disciple should not consider whether he is going back home, back to Godhead; his first business should be to execute the order of his spiritual master.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:The son or disciple should accept the words of his spiritual master and father without hesitation. Whatever the father and the spiritual master order should be taken without argument: Yes|The son or disciple should accept the words of his spiritual master and father without hesitation. Whatever the father and the spiritual master order should be taken without argument: Yes.]]

=== Rendering Menial Service and Respect ===
Humility is practically expressed through menial service and the offering of profound respect to the spiritual master. A disciple should never feel too proud to perform basic tasks or offer physical obeisances. Providing the standard for this behavior, Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that a student should dedicate their body, mind, words, and possessions to the ''guru's'' service. This etiquette forms the bedrock of traditional Vedic training and spiritual advancement.

* [[Vaniquotes:A disciple should offer dandabats, not namaskara. The more one becomes fixed up in guru obeisances, the more he advances in spiritual progress|A disciple should offer dandabats, not namaskara. The more one becomes fixed up in guru obeisances, the more he advances in spiritual progress.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:A disciple should serve the spiritual master as a menial servant, and whatever he has in his possession should be dedicated to the spiritual master|A disciple should serve the spiritual master as a menial servant, and whatever he has in his possession should be dedicated to the spiritual master.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:It is the etiquette, before speaking anything, the disciple should first of all offer respect to the spiritual master|It is the etiquette, before speaking anything, the disciple should first of all offer respect to the spiritual master.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:This is the correct attitude for a disciple. The disciple should be prepared to offer everything he has including his body, mind, and words, in the service of the guru|This is the correct attitude for a disciple. The disciple should be prepared to offer everything he has including his body, mind, and words, in the service of the guru.]]

=== Avoiding Offenses and Hypocrisy ===
Because the spiritual master takes on the immense burden of the disciple's sinful reactions, the disciple must be exceedingly careful not to commit further offenses. Hypocrisy, criticism, or acting as an advisor to the ''guru'' are severe breaches of spiritual etiquette. Warning against these dangers, Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that a disciple should remain a fool before the master and never try to instruct him. Committing such offenses severely hampers one's spiritual life.

* [[Vaniquotes:A devotee or a disciple should never attempt to criticize the Lord or His representative, the spiritual master|A devotee or a disciple should never attempt to criticize the Lord or His representative, the spiritual master.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:A disciple should never be a hypocrite or be unfaithful to his spiritual master|A disciple should never be a hypocrite or be unfaithful to his spiritual master.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:If he (the disciple) again commits sinful activities, his spiritual master has to suffer. A disciple should be sympathetic and consider this. - For my sinful activities, my spiritual master will suffer|If he (the disciple) again commits sinful activities, his spiritual master has to suffer. A disciple should be sympathetic and consider this. - For my sinful activities, my spiritual master will suffer.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Not knowing why Madhavendra Puri was crying, Ramacandra Puri tried to become his advisor. Thus he committed a great offense, for a disciple should never try to instruct his spiritual master|Not knowing why Madhavendra Puri was crying, Ramacandra Puri tried to become his advisor. Thus he committed a great offense, for a disciple should never try to instruct his spiritual master.]]

=== Conclusion ===
To achieve the ultimate goal of life, a disciple must rigorously maintain a submissive, respectful, and dedicated attitude. As thoroughly explained by Śrīla Prabhupāda, by executing the spiritual master's orders without hesitation and rendering menial service, the disciple proves their sincerity. Avoiding offenses and holding the ''guru'' in the highest esteem ensures that the disciple will safely and swiftly advance in the supreme science of devotion.

=== 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 [[Vaniquotes:Category:A_Disciple_Should|A Disciple Should]]. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.

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