Receiving Transcendental Knowledge "From Me" - Prabhupāda
Receiving spiritual knowledge is not an independent endeavor but requires approaching a bona fide spiritual master. Śrīla Prabhupāda establishes that true comprehension of Bhagavad-gītā and the Absolute Truth comes only by hearing directly from him or his trained disciples. By strictly following these instructions without alteration, one remains eternally associated with him and achieves spiritual perfection.
The Authority of the Spiritual Master
To understand the science of Kṛṣṇa consciousness, one must receive knowledge through the authorized paramparā system. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that one cannot independently realize the teachings without guidance from the current ācārya.
- If you want to know about me, then you must know from me. That is authentic. That is authentic. Or from a confidential person who is confidence of me. Similarly, if you want to know Krsna, then here is Bhagavad-gita, spoken by Krsna.
- You cannot imagine what my spiritual master said. Or even if you read some books, you cannot understand unless you understand it from me. This is called parampara system. You cannot jump over to the superior guru, neglecting the next acarya.
Agents of the Paramparā
The disciples of Śrīla Prabhupāda act as his direct representatives in distributing transcendental knowledge. By hearing from these trained and sincere agents, one is effectively hearing from Śrīla Prabhupāda himself.
- My disciples are my agents, my representatives, so by hearing it from them, you are receiving it from me.
- I am sure they can learn from me only the true teachings of the Bhagavad-gita; from me and from my students who are already trained up in this connection.
- Whatever you are hearing from me, whatever you are learning from me, you have to distribute the same in toto without any addition or alteration. Then all of you become the spiritual master.
Association Through Instructions
Physical separation from the spiritual master does not break the bond of spiritual association. By continually remembering and practically applying the instructions given by Śrīla Prabhupāda, a disciple remains eternally connected to him in vijñāna.
- Please remember always the humble teachings that you have received from me, and that will make you always associated with me, and with your other God-brothers.
- I am always thinking of you and your service. So there is no question of you being separated from me at any time.
- One knowledge you get from me, and then you practically apply your consciousness that "Yes, what Prabhupada has said, it is right." That is called vijnana.
Strict Following and Success
Success in spiritual life is guaranteed for those who faithfully follow the vows taken at initiation. Śrīla Prabhupāda assures his followers that by sticking to these principles, Kṛṣṇa will provide all necessary facilities and ultimate perfection.
- Take it from me that I am always praying to Lord Krishna for your success in Krishna Consciousness movement. You're very sincere devotee and if you simply stick to the principles, success is sure for your life.
- 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.
- You simply desire to serve Krishna best and there will be no scarcity of anything. Know it certain from me.
Conclusion
Śrīla Prabhupāda leaves no ambiguity regarding the process of spiritual realization: it must come through the authorized paramparā by hearing directly from him or his faithful representatives. By strictly abiding by his teachings and distributing them without alteration, followers transcend physical separation and experience deep, eternal association with him. This faithful execution of instructions is the guaranteed path to success in Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
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 From Me (Prabhupada). We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.