Hare Krsna and all glories to Prabhupada! I was wondering - see I live far away from a temple and devotees and I can't surrender to a incarnated spiritual master. Can I just use Prabhupada as my spiritual master instead of an incarnated one? Thanks! Hare Krsna!
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Hare KRsna Damien prabhu,
PAMHO.
Firslty, apologies for delay in replying.
Secondly, your feelings or what you are trying to convey, maybe I can understand. The problem is the choice of words - a living guru and an incarnated guru are 2 different things. We all start like this - we all think its ok to surrender to Srila Prabhupada, but to a living guru - we have doubts. What if..... Gradually we reach the point where we can trust the guru (based on past contribution by the guru,how much he is following and living Srila Prabhupada's teachings, present services being rendered, how much the guru inspires us and whether he gives us the confidence that he can take us back to Godhead).
Having said that, it is also a fact that as long as we are following 4 regulative principles, chanting 16 rounds, associating with Srila Prabhupada via his books and lectures and his devotees, Srila Prabhupada will ensure our journey back.
Prabhu, maybe you could join some online classes and associate online. Who knows, maybe some temple or preaching program may come up very close to your house soon or hyou may shift house closer to a temple in the future. When we endeavour on the spiritual path - we take 1 step towards Krsna, He takes 10 steps towards us. So all we need to do is endeavour and persevere.
Haribol,
Your servant,
Radha Rasamayi DD
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and the devotees
Hare Krishna
Dear Damen James,
Yes, Srila Prabhupada is the primary siksa-guru in ISKCON.
You are invited to read his books and listen to his lectures.
But at the same time it would be good if you could establish a relationship with a living spiritual master.
There is no need to be phisically near to the spiritual master. Srila Prabhupada imparted his instructions, guidance and orders by letters to many of his disciples.
Therefore you should scrutinizingly search for a bona fide living spiritual master and establish a correspondence with him.
I hope this may help you. If you have any further inquiry I will be glad to help you.
Your servant,
Luca Bertoni
https://bhaktaluca.wordpress.com/
Hare Krsna
Can I just use Prabhupada as my spiritual master ?
Nobody can use Srila Prabhupada as spiritual master. Spiritual master is not for anyone's usage.
I can't surrender to a incarnated spiritual master.
Who is incarnated Spiritual master ?
Hare Krsna
Hare Krsna! Why isn't Prabhupada for everyone? Even dog eaters can learn from Prabhupada. Prabhupada said everyone can chant Gods holy names. It's our constitutional position. Also - everyone re-incarnates. Hare Krsna!
Hare Krsna
Teachings of Krsna Consciousness given by Srila Prabhupada is applicable to everyone.
Anyone and everyone can learn, follow those teachings and develop Krsna Consciousness. But that doesn't mean anyone can "use" Srila Prabhupada.
Hare Krsna