Following the Spiritual Master - The Secret of Spiritual Success
In the material world, people pride themselves on their independence, constantly striving to act according to their own whimsical desires. However, the path of self-realization requires a complete paradigm shift. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that the absolute foundation of spiritual life—and the true secret to ultimate success—is the humble, strict, and uncompromising execution of the instructions given by a bona fide spiritual master.
Necessity of Strict Following
Spiritual life cannot be invented. It must be received. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that the word anu means "to follow." A bona fide spiritual master never speaks nonsense or manufactures his own philosophy; he simply repeats what he has heard from his guru. Therefore, when a disciple strictly follows the spiritual master, they are directly following the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
- Because he'll (a guru) never speak nonsense. He'll also speak the same thing which he has heard from his guru. That is called anu, anu, following. So this is very easy. We don't manufacture things.
- If we follow the instruction of acarya, or spiritual master, then we are directly following the orders of Krsna, and thus I become a bhagavad-duta. No more I am the duta or the follower of the dictation of my senses.
- Following the order of the bona fide spiritual master is the only duty of the disciple, and this completely faithful execution of the order of the bona fide spiritual master is the secret of success.
- One must follow the instructions of a spiritual master; then one will certainly be delivered from all sinful reactions. This is the secret of success.
- I am glad to learn that you are realizing about Krishna's providing us with more and more facilities and that you are appreciating for my following purely the instructions of my Spiritual Master. Yes, that is the secret of success.
Perfection of Obedience
To prove that obedience is not a sign of weakness but the highest spiritual qualification, even the Supreme Lord sets the example. Śrīla Prabhupāda points out that Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu deliberately took the position of a disciple to show how strictly one must follow the guru's order to chant the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra. Historical examples like Dhruva Mahārāja and Prahlāda Mahārāja further prove that success depends entirely on following the guru, regardless of one's age or material qualifications.
- Caitanya nevertheless took the position of a disciple in order to teach by example how a devotee should strictly follow the orders of a spiritual master in executing the duty of always chanting the Hare Krsna maha-mantra.
- Although he (Dhruva Maharaja) was only a five-year-old prince with a very delicate body, he was successful because he followed the directions of his spiritual master, Narada.
- Prahlada Maharaja simply followed the instructions of Narada Muni, his guru, and thus he always remained a stalwart devotee. This is the nature of an intelligent devotee.
- His (a person's who had become so successful) spiritual activities did not depend on material things such as correct pronunciation. Rather, his success depended on strictly following the instructions of his spiritual master.
- You read it (Prabhupa's books) or not read it, but you have to realize. Suppose one is illiterate, he cannot read, but he can follow. Anyone can follow the instruction of guru. Even he does not read because one is not educated.
Power of Vāṇī (Instruction) Over Vapu (Physical Presence)
A common misunderstanding is that one must be physically in the constant presence of the guru to advance. Śrīla Prabhupāda completely shatters this myth by sharing his own personal experience with his spiritual master, Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura. He explains that the true, unbreakable connection between guru and disciple exists in the form of vāṇī—the immortal instructions.
- So far personal association with the Guru is concerned, I was only with my Guru Maharaja four or five times, but I have never left his association, not even for a moment. Because I am following his instructions, I have never felt any separation.
- I have written in the first publications of Srimad Bhagavatam, "The spiritual master lives forever by His divine instruction and the disciple lives with him.", because I have always served my Guru Maharaja and followed His teachings I am now even never separated from Him.
- The disciple and spiritual master are never separated because the spiritual master always keeps company with the disciple as long as the disciple follows strictly the instructions of the spiritual master. This is called the association of vani - words.
- Follow the instruction. Then you are secure anywhere. It doesn't matter. Just like I told you that I saw my Guru Maharaja not more than ten days in my life, but I followed his instruction. I was a grhastha, I never lived with the Matha, in the temple.
Danger of Whimsical Action
Because the spiritual master represents Kṛṣṇa, ignoring his instructions is a fatal spiritual error. Śrīla Prabhupāda strongly warns against accepting a guru merely as a fashion statement or a status symbol. If a disciple is initiated, makes vows, and then deliberately defies the spiritual master's orders, they guarantee their own spiritual downfall.
- If one desires to advance in spiritual life but he acts whimsically, not following the orders of the spiritual master, he has no shelter. Yasyaprasadan na gatih kuto 'pi.
- One should not accept a spiritual master without following his instructions. Nor should one accept a spiritual master just to make a fashionable show of spiritual life.
- The instructions given to the disciple by the Spiritual Master. at the time of initiation should be strictly followed. That will make one advance to the spiritual path. If one deliberately defies such instructions, then his advancement is hampered.
- Wherever you live, if you follow strictly the instruction of guru, then you remain perfect. But if we create, concoct ideas against the instruction of guru, then we are gone, hell.
- You have taken initiation from me, so actually you are obliged to do this. You have promised, therefore there is no choice, you must follow strictly. Otherwise, you are carving your pathway to hell.
Conclusion
Śrīla Prabhupāda sums up the entire process beautifully: "I strictly follow the instruction of my Guru Mahārāja, that's all. Otherwise I have no strength. I have not played any magic." By putting aside our false ego, strictly chanting our prescribed rounds, following the regulative principles, and humbly executing the specific orders of the bona fide spiritual master, our success is absolutely guaranteed, and our return back home, back to Godhead becomes a certainty.
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 Following a Spiritual Master. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience the teachings in their direct, verbatim form.