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EDITORIAL April 14, 1999 VNN3591 The Desire To Be With Srila Prabhupada BY MAHALAKSMI DASI EDITORIAL, Apr 14 (VNN) — When I joined the Boston temple, back in 1972, I remember learning of the difference between 'vani', the transcendental, unembodied, presence of the spiritual master, and of vapu, which is the physical presence of the guru. The explanation was given that vani, knowing and feeling the presence of one's gurudeva by one's side always, was higher than the other, vapu. Also, it was said (perhaps there are scriptural quotes, but I don't know them) that vapu was for fools. Somehow, it stuck in my heart that I did not want to stay on the level of a fool (even though I certainly was and am one); those who where attached merely to the physical presence of the guru were foolish. My desire to advance beyond the stage of a foolish neophyte is in proportion to my realization of my debt to Srila Prabhupada; how can I fulfill my debt to him if I remain constantly immersed in ignorance, unable to assist him in his desire to spread Krsna Consciousness throughout the world? Well, back then in Boston, everyone felt the inspiration to one day become a pure devotee. The reason that we knew we had to work unceasingly to purify our hearts of all material desires and learn to love Krsna, even if it was painful at times, was because there was a debt to pay. That debt was owed to Srila A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, because he had given us something totally incomparable, something which we had sought for for many many lifetimes. That wonderful gift, that matchless gift, is the opportunity to love Krsna, and to experience the bliss, the wonderful state of ananda, which is open to anyone who gives his heart and soul to service of the spiritual master and Krsna. Back then, no one felt that it was proud, conceited, or unmentionable to want to be a pure devotee; it was a natural sequence of understanding the philosophy which Srila Prabhupada has given us. My realization was that only if we worked harder, harder, and harder to have a service mood, to want unendingly to serve other devotees, thereby pleasing Krsna, only then would we eventually approach that coveted destination, the realm of the pure devotee. After Srila Prabhupada's departure, it became apparent that the desire to enjoy was still strongly present in the hearts of many senior disciples; their fall down from high positions left persons feeling that the state of "being a pure devotee" was perhaps something unreal. Certainly, those individuals who presented themselves in no uncertain terms as being worthy to be worshipped as pure devotees did a great disservice to Srila Prabhupada. I say this because it has become fashionable now to feel that there is no hope of any of us becoming a pure devotee, no one can rise to the level of guru, there is no one but Srila Prabhupada who can give divine guidance. It is my humble attempt, in writing this essay, to convey to the reader the mood which I believe Srila Prabhupada wanted for all of us in this movement, now and for ever more. I believe that he expected his direct disciples in particular to come to the level of remembering him at every moment; to feel that their service to The International Society for Krsna Consciousness was based entirely on his mercy, and that without remembering, praying for, and crying for his help, at every moment, there would be danger of fall down. This is the mood which every disciple should have for his guru, it is not limited to the relationship between Srila Prabhupada and his disciples. It is also my humble observation, after years of studying the conclusions of the rittvik camp, that the desire for a close relationship with Srila Prabhupada is a major driving force in their campaign. This is a wonderful hankering, the desire to be in close spiritual contact with Srila A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami. When one comes together with other persons who also desire this, there is a strong energy created, which definitely enhances one's feelings of spiritual well-being. But, THIS IS A DISCIPLE'S DUTY ANYWAY! To be constantly absorbed in thinking, every moment, how can I please my spiritual master. How can I come to a level of purity so that I will feel his presence in my heart? So I will SEE the transcendental realm, where Radha and Krsna are served by my spiritual master, ETERNALLY manifested in my heart? It appears to my observations that none of these aspirations are accommodated by, or even hankered for, by those who suggest the rittvik system. I humbly beg all my godbrothers and godsisters to consider that the underlying theme of the rittvik philosophy (that no one aside from Srila Prabhupada can be guru) destroys the inspiration to repay that debt which I spoke of earlier in this essay? I believe it is a convenient way to be lazy; to say: "I can never be pure, never come to level of an uttama adhikari, simply let Srila Prabhupad be everyone's guru." Also, after studying different sections of Srila Prabhupada's writings, we find continual reference to the fact that siksa and diksa guru are one. C. C. (Adi.1.34, p.37); Translation: I offer my respectful obeisances unto the spiritual masters, the devotees of the Lord, the Lord's incarnations, His plenary portions, His energies, and the primeval Lord Himself, Sri Krsna Caitanya. Purport: Gurun is plural in number because anyone who gives spiritual instructions based on the revealed scriptures is accepted as a spiritual master. Although others give help in showing the way to beginners, the guru who first initiates one with the maha-mantra is to be known as the initiator, and the saints who give instructions for progressive advancement in Krsna consciousness are called instructing spiritual masters. The initiating and instructing spiritual masters are equal and identical manifestations of Krsna, although they have different dealings. Their function is to guide the conditioned souls back home, back to Godhead. So why is there not more emphasis on Srila Prabhupada being siksa guru for those who never met him personally? TO BE CONTINUED About the Author | Other Stories by this Author Comment on this Story | Contact VNN regarding this Story
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