{"id":3495,"date":"2003-06-24T05:53:04","date_gmt":"2003-06-24T05:53:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rupanugabhajanashram.com\/?p=3495"},"modified":"2023-04-21T19:33:25","modified_gmt":"2023-04-21T14:03:25","slug":"the-vision-of-guru","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rupanugabhajanashram.com\/writings\/krishna-talk-articles\/srila-bhakti-gaurava-narasingha-maharaja\/the-vision-of-guru\/","title":{"rendered":"The Vision of Guru"},"content":{"rendered":"

Devotee: <\/strong>It has been said that the disciple should see his guru as a direct manifestation of \u015ar\u012bmat\u012b R\u0101dh\u0101r\u0101\u1e47\u012b. Is such actually appropriate?<\/p>\n

Narasi\u1e45gha Mah\u0101r\u0101ja:<\/strong> It is a fact that the higher devotees may have such a vision of guru, but such big words do not look good in the mouth of the neophyte.<\/p>\n

In Gau\u1e0d\u012bya Vai\u1e63\u1e47ava siddh\u0101nta<\/em> \u015ar\u012bmat\u012b R\u0101dh\u0101r\u0101\u1e47\u012b is the highest conception of guru-tattva<\/em> but many things are required before we are to come to that stage. If a neophyte devotee speaks such high things, \u2018My guru is R\u0101dh\u0101r\u0101\u1e47\u012b,\u2019 but such a devotee is lacking in the qualifications of a pure devotee, then the higher conception from his mouth becomes a mockery.<\/p>\n

First one should understand that our guru is all in all, he has given us everything for our spiritual advancement. Therefore, we are fully indebted to \u015ar\u012b Gurudeva. We must feel eternal gratitude toward \u015ar\u012b Gurudeva. Our Gurudeva has given us the Holy Name of K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a (the highest form of Reality), and the proper conception of chanting the Holy Name.<\/p>\n

The Holy Name of K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a is not simply an external sound vibration, internal conception is required, proper conception. The name of K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a chanted by the m\u0101y\u0101v\u0101d\u012b<\/em> and the Name of K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a chanted by the Vai\u1e63\u1e47ava are not the same thing. The former is n\u0101ma-apar\u0101dha<\/em>, like the milk touched by the lips of a serpent and the latter is as pure as am\u1e5bta<\/em>, eternal nectar.<\/p>\n

The m\u0101y\u0101v\u0101da<\/em> conception is that K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a is formless, no features, no activities, no senses etc. and such a conception puts one in the category of a p\u0101\u1e63a\u1e47\u1e0d\u012b<\/em> or an offender to the Supreme Lord.<\/p>\n

\u015ar\u012b Gurudeva has given us the conception that K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a is the supreme proprietor, the supreme enjoyer, and the dearmost friend of all living beings. \u015ar\u012b Gurudeva imparts to us the conception that we are the eternal servants of K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a and that service to K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a must be performed with full surrender of kaya<\/em>, mano<\/em>, v\u0101kya<\/em> or body, mind, and words. Such a conception places us on the threshold of pure devotional service.<\/p>\n

Next \u015ar\u012b Gurudeva gives us the Vai\u1e63\u1e47ava mantras<\/em> (d\u012bk\u1e63\u0101-mantras<\/em>) that assist us conceptually in the chanting of the Holy Name and aid us in our internal development, rasa<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Hari-bhakti-vil\u0101sa <\/em>states that one who is initiated into the Vai\u1e63\u1e47ava mantra<\/em> and who is devoted to worshipping the Supreme Lord is a Vai\u1e63\u1e47ava. To be accepted as a Vai\u1e63\u1e47ava is indeed no small affair and to discard or neglect the d\u012bk\u1e63\u0101<\/em>\u2013mantras<\/em> that \u015ar\u012b Gurudeva has given us is paramount to spiritual suicide.<\/p>\n

It is stated in Gop\u0101la Bha\u1e6d\u1e6da Gosv\u0101m\u012b\u2019s introduction to Sat-Kriy\u0101-S\u0101ra-D\u012bpik\u0101<\/em> that one who has given up his d\u012bk\u1e63\u0101<\/em>\u2013mantras<\/em> will have to be reinstated (re-initiated) into the status of a Vai\u1e63\u1e47ava:<\/p>\n

kevala\u1e41 \u015br\u012b-guru-govinda tastad bh\u0101ve tat patny\u0101s tad bh\u0101ve tat putr\u0101t, tad bh\u0101ve sat\u012brtha guru-bhr\u0101tus tad bh\u0101ve saj\u0101t\u012by\u0101nanya \u015bara\u1e47a s\u0101dhuta\u1e25 puna\u1e25 pa\u00f1ca-sa\u1e41sk\u0101ra-p\u016brvakat \u015br\u012b bhagav\u0101n-n\u0101ma-mantra graha\u1e47a\u1e41 puna\u1e25 sa\u1e41sk\u0101r\u0101ti\u015baya \u015buddhasya tasya \u015br\u012b-vi\u1e63\u1e47u-p\u016bjana\u1e41 tann\u0101m\u0101di \u015brava\u1e47a-k\u012brtana-smara\u1e47a-vandan\u0101di p\u016brvaka\u1e41 mahotsav\u0101dika\u1e41 kar\u1e47\u012byam <\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cOne should again accept Name and mantra<\/em> from one\u2019s own spiritual master. If the guru is not present (left his body), one should accept from the guru\u2019s wife, son or respected godbrother or from any other pure s\u0101dhu<\/em> having similar qualities. Thus, becoming exceedingly pure by having accepted the pa\u00f1ca-sa\u1e41sk\u0101ras <\/em>again, he should offer obeisance to and worship Lord Vi\u1e63\u1e47u, by fully engaging in hearing, chanting and remembering the Name, form, qualities and pastimes of Lord Vi\u1e63\u1e47u.\u201d<\/p>\n

Therefore, we should be most attentive to the Holy Name of K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a and to our d\u012bk\u1e63\u0101<\/em>\u2013mantras<\/em>, as if they were our very life and soul.<\/p>\n

If we think that we have the higher realisation but we do not chant purely and we neglect our d\u012bk\u1e63\u0101<\/em>\u2013mantras<\/em>, then we are sure to fall down. Actually if that is our position, we are already fallen.<\/p>\n

Next, we should understand how \u015ar\u012b Gurudeva has placed us in connection with the service of \u015ar\u012b Caitanya Mah\u0101prabhu and his foremost eternal servants. To enter k\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a-l\u012bl\u0101<\/em> is very, very difficult. But one who has achieved the service of \u015ar\u012b Caitanya Mah\u0101prabhu is automatically accepted in k\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a-l\u012bl\u0101<\/em>. The foremost service to Mah\u0101prabhu is to spread His sa\u1e45k\u012brtana<\/em> movement (this includes book distribution and all other aspects of the Hare K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a Movement). Not only is such a devotee accepted in k\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a-l\u012bl\u0101<\/em> but also such a devotee will find that he has been automatically transferred to the service of the lotus feet of \u015ar\u012bmat\u012b R\u0101dh\u0101r\u0101\u1e47\u012b in V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana.<\/p>\n

yath\u0101 yath\u0101 gaura-pad\u0101ravinde vindeta bhakti\u1e41 k\u1e5bta-pu\u1e47ya-r\u0101\u015bi\u1e25
\ntath\u0101 tathotsarpati h\u1e5bdy akasm\u0101d r\u0101dh\u0101-pad\u0101mbhoja-sudh\u0101mbu-r\u0101\u015bi\u1e25<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cOne who is extremely fortunate may get the mercy of \u015ar\u012b Gaur\u0101\u1e45ga. As much as we devote ourselves to the lotus feet of \u015ar\u012b Gaur\u0101\u1e45ga, to that extent we will automatically be able to taste the nectarine service of the lotus feet of \u015ar\u012bmat\u012b R\u0101dh\u0101r\u0101\u1e47\u012b in V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana. The more one engages in the service of Lord Gaur\u0101\u1e45ga, the more one finds oneself in V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana, tasting the nectar of the service of \u015ar\u012b R\u0101dh\u0101.\u201d (Caitanya-candr\u0101m\u1e5bta<\/em> 88)<\/p>\n

Then we must understand and appreciate how \u015ar\u012b Gurudeva has brought us in connection of the Lord\u2019s associates such as Svar\u016bpa D\u0101modara, R\u016bpa Gosv\u0101m\u012b, San\u0101tana Gosv\u0101m\u012b, and so forth.<\/p>\n

The most intimate associate of \u015ar\u012b Gaur\u0101\u1e45ga in his vipralambha-l\u012bl\u0101<\/em> (pastimes of separation) in Jagann\u0101tha Pur\u012b is Svar\u016bpa D\u0101modara. Svar\u016bpa D\u0101modara is Lalit\u0101 in k\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a-l\u012bl\u0101<\/em>, the most favourite friend of R\u0101dh\u0101r\u0101\u1e47\u012b. Other than Svar\u016bpa D\u0101modara, very few devotees could understand the mind and heart of \u015ar\u012b Gaur\u0101\u1e45ga, especially when the Lord entered deep within the feelings of separation.<\/p>\n

\u015ar\u012b R\u016bpa Gosv\u0101m\u012b is the ma\u00f1jar\u012b-gop\u012b<\/em> in k\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a-l\u012bl\u0101<\/em> named R\u016bpa Ma\u00f1jar\u012b and in gaura-l\u012bl\u0101<\/em> \u015ar\u012b R\u016bpa is connected with the innermost feelings of the Lord\u2019s heart through a vicarious relationship. \u015ar\u012b R\u016bpa did not live personally with the Lord nor was he present for many of the Lord\u2019s pastimes at Gambh\u012bra, where the Lord manifested extreme feelings of separation for K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a. But R\u016bpa Gosv\u0101m\u012b was connected to the Lord through the Lord\u2019s instructions and through His service. Thus \u015ar\u012b R\u016bpa was able to understand the Lord\u2019s heart when He danced and chanted in front of Lord Jagann\u0101tha in a most unusual way. For such, \u015ar\u012b R\u016bpa Gosv\u0101m\u012b was appointed as the head of the Gau\u1e0d\u012bya samprad\u0101ya<\/em> and authorised to distribute r\u0101g\u0101nuga-bhakti<\/em>, spontaneous love in the mellows of sweet devotion.<\/p>\n

Not only are we to understand that \u015ar\u012b R\u016bpa is the head of our Gau\u1e0d\u012bya samprad\u0101ya<\/em> but also we are to understand that entrance into the Lord\u2019s intimate domain is possible for the j\u012bva<\/em> only by the same method as shown by \u015ar\u012b R\u016bpa, humble submission and strict obedience to the Lord\u2019s instruction while serving in separation. This is our method of r\u0101g\u0101nuga<\/em>\u2013s\u0101dhana<\/em>.<\/p>\n

It is an important point to understand that the indirect method of approach is a superior means to the end (d\u0101sa, d\u0101sa, d\u0101sa, d\u0101s\u0101nud\u0101sa<\/em>) and \u015ar\u012b Gaur\u0101\u1e45ga has recommended such a path for all j\u012bvas<\/em>.<\/p>\n

The direct approach to K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a is flawed from the outset because it clashes with the very nature or constitutional position of a j\u012bva<\/em>. By nature and constitutional position, the j\u012bva<\/em> requires shelter, \u0101\u015braya<\/em>. And this is particularly true when it comes to rasa<\/em> with K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a. A j\u012bva<\/em> does not have the capacity to directly associate with K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a in any given rasa<\/em> and again, particularly in m\u0101dhurya-rasa<\/em>. The j\u012bva<\/em> requires the shelter and recommendation of the Lord\u2019s p\u0101r\u1e63adas<\/em>, eternal associates. So Mah\u0101prabhu has recommended this method.<\/p>\n

gop\u012b bhartu\u1e25 pada-kamalayor d\u0101sa-d\u0101s\u0101nudasa\u1e25<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cOur position is that of the servant, of the servant, of the servant, of the followers of the Vai\u1e63\u1e47avas (gop\u012bs<\/em>).\u201d<\/p>\n

\u015ar\u012b San\u0101tana Gosv\u0101m\u012b was the older brother of \u015ar\u012b R\u016bpa and he has given us the vaidhi<\/em>, rules and regulations, in adjustment to the path of r\u0101g\u0101nuga-bhakti<\/em>.<\/p>\n

So, \u015ar\u012b Gurudeva has brought us in connection with these three important personalities in gaura-l\u012bl\u0101<\/em> and by doing so he has increased our good fortune many millions of times. We must gain such appreciation for \u015ar\u012b Gurudeva before we can understand his highest status.<\/p>\n

If we have not understood all these matters concerning \u015ar\u012b Gurudeva then we have not actually understood what he is or what he represents. Simply shouting \u201cJaya Gurudeva\u201d with no proper understanding is only giving lip-deep service.<\/p>\n

Then we are to appreciate that \u015ar\u012b Gurudeva has brought us in connection with the most holy of holy places, \u015ar\u012b Mathur\u0101-ma\u1e47\u1e0dala, the residents of the dh\u0101ma<\/em>, \u015ar\u012b R\u0101dh\u0101-ku\u1e47\u1e0da, \u015ar\u012b Giri-Govardhana and lastly \u015ar\u012b Gurudeva has placed within us the great hope that one day we will get the divine service of \u015ar\u012b \u015ar\u012b R\u0101dhik\u0101-M\u0101dhava-sundara in Their eternal abode.<\/p>\n

Raghun\u0101tha D\u0101sa Gosv\u0101m\u012b has said in his prayer that he has received all these things from \u015ar\u012b Gurudeva and so he bows his head with all respect at the lotus feet of \u015ar\u012b Guru.<\/p>\n

n\u0101ma-\u015bre\u1e63\u1e6dha\u1e41 manum api \u015bac\u012b-putram atra svar\u016bpa\u1e41
\nr\u016bpa\u1e41 tasy\u0101grajam uru-pur\u012b\u1e41 m\u0101thur\u012b\u1e41 go\u1e63\u1e6dha-v\u0101\u1e6d\u012bm
\nr\u0101dha-ku\u1e47\u1e0da\u1e41 giri-varam aho r\u0101dhik\u0101-m\u0101dhav\u0101\u015b\u0101\u1e41
\npr\u0101pto yasya prathita-k\u1e5bpay\u0101 \u015br\u012b-guru\u1e41 ta\u1e41 nato \u2019smi<\/em><\/p>\n

Later on, in the absence of \u015ar\u012b Gurudeva, D\u0101sa Gosv\u0101m\u012b has said that the world is empty and vacant, he says that without the presence of \u015ar\u012b Gurudeva the great Govardhana Hill seems like a big python coming to devour him. And R\u0101dh\u0101-ku\u1e47\u1e0da, the holiest place on Earth, seems like the gaping mouth of a ferocious tiger.<\/p>\n

\u015b\u016bny\u0101yate mah\u0101-go\u1e63\u1e6dha\u1e41 gir\u012bndro \u2018jagar\u0101yate
\n<\/em>vy\u0101ghra-tu\u1e47\u1e0d\u0101yate ku\u1e47\u1e0da\u1e41 j\u012bv\u0101tu-rahitasya me<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cNow that I do not have the association of the sustainer of my life (\u015ar\u012b R\u016bpa), Vraja seems completely empty and desolate, Govardhana Hill seems like a huge python and even \u015ar\u012b R\u0101dh\u0101-ku\u1e47\u1e0da seems to be like the gaping mouth of a ferocious tiger.\u201d (\u015ar\u012b Pr\u0101rthan\u0101\u015braya Caturda\u015bakam<\/em>, Verse 11)<\/p>\n

\u015ar\u012bla B. R. \u015ar\u012bdhara Mah\u0101r\u0101ja has commented that such a feeling of separation as felt by Raghun\u0101tha D\u0101sa Gosv\u0101m\u012b will naturally come into the heart of a sincere disciple who experiences separation from \u015ar\u012b Gurudeva.<\/p>\n

So before we make much of boasting and declare that our Gurudeva is \u015ar\u012bmat\u012b R\u0101dh\u0101r\u0101\u1e47\u012b we should first try to follow in the footsteps of Raghun\u0101tha D\u0101sa Gosv\u0101m\u012b, our prayojana-\u0101c\u0101rya<\/em>, and appreciate the proper conception of \u015ar\u012b Gurudeva beginning from the first step and gradually, with proper qualification, come to the ultimate realisation.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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