Hare Krishna!
I'm reading Srila Prabhupada's books, and listening to lectures, and when it comes to the topic of initiation, I notice significant differences between what Prabhupada said and what's actually going on. For example, Nectat of Instruction 7, purport:
"If one is sincere, he is initiated, and this stage is called bhajana-kriyā. One then actually engages in the service of the Lord by regularly chanting the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra, sixteen rounds daily, and refraining from illicit sex, intoxicants, meat-eating and gambling."
So if one is sincere, he can be initiated. And THEN he actually engages in service and 16/4.
But today all ISKCON gurus require the person to be on 16/4 for half a year, for PRAMANA. And for diksha, it's one year of 16/4 plus regular service somewhere.
So basically, the candidate should already be on nishtha, which is steadiness.
I don't mean to offend anyone, it's just the confusion I always get when I read about these topic. And it makes me sad everytime. Thinking why would I need such a guru if I already come to this stage without him. That the fact I'm not on this stage yet, but sicnerely want to be, is the actual reason why I need guru, not when everything is fine already.
So maybe someone can correct me or explain how to look at it in a way it won't demoralize...
Hare Krishna 🙏
Replies
Hare Krsna
So basically, the candidate should already be on nishtha, which is steadiness.
The health of all initiating spiritual masters would probably be a lot better if this was the case.
Thinking why would I need such a guru if I already come to this stage without him.
I don't think anyone can go to any stage of bhakti without help of guru. It is not just initiating spiritual master who is guru. Anyone who gives teachings of Krsna consciousness is also a shiksha guru. Guru is one who is capable of taking us up to the stage of Prema. If you have received any guidance and made any progress, then it means you are sincere and you have received mercy of guru, even though you may not be officially initiated. Only one needs to continue the practice and in time one will definitely get shelter of guru. It is like a test.
There is no instance of a person being sincere and not getting a guru. Best example is Narada muni who is at the right place at right time for his disciples Prahlad, Dhruva, Valmiki, Mrigari, Chitraketu etc
Hare Krsna
Hare Krishna.
Yes, I've used this exact formulation thoughtfully, "whithout him", but not without any guru at all. I've associated with many good devotees which left deep samskaras in me. And first of all, Srila Prabhupada's books and lectures, without which I don't even want to imagine where I would be. 🙏
Hare Krsna
That is excellent. Please continue. I am sure by Sri Krsna's grace your spiritual desire will be fulfilled soon.
Hare Krsna