If a devotee is doing a great deal of chanting, reading and glorifying Sri Krsna, but he is not following his gurudeva, what will be the result? It will be zero. This has been described in many places in sastra. Krsna
Himself has said in the Srimad-Bhagavatam (11.19.21): “madbhakta-pujabhyadhika – the worship of My devotees is better than worship of Me.” He also says, “That person who says he is My devotee but who is not devoted to My devotee, is not My devotee at all.” Krsna rejects that person.
Comments
Does it mean chanting Hare Krishna just by yourself but not with other devotee, would not serve Krishna or Gurudeva but chanting with other devotees, would bring Krishna? Well, it is true because chanting alone serve no meaning of worship even to yourself but chanting with others bring meaning of chanting but when we do bids rounds by ourselves, it is practice and devotion towards our pray because we could not just chant with other devotee at all time.
When meditating Harinam, we have to chant alone if we do not have others devotee with us but if we could find who willing to join and chant at the same time, it is better but if we do not have others with us, what shall we do? Well chant alone.
Hare Krishna
I would like to ask here who was the Guru of Gajendra when he called the unknown Almighty who could save him from Graah (because he did not know Lord Krishna to be the highest almighty)
What I understand from this thought is that following Gurudev is essential. Definitely, due to grace of Krishna, you will be brought to the right path, but it may take longer time as Krishna himself says "the worship of My devotees is better than worship of Me". Sorry, if this thought scared you.
Take care.