Disciplic Succession
BY: MAHESH RAJA
Mar 8, UK (SUN) — Disciplic Succession does not always mean that one has to be initiated officially.
In reply to Mahavidya Prabhu, who wrote in his article "How Are We to Know?:
"If the argument is raised that one can receive post-samadhi diksa from AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Why should one not apply the same reasoning and logic to any of Srila Prabhupada's predecessors? When did they state that they would no longer be giving diksa?
Consequently…
Why can I not take diksa from ... Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur... or Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Maharaja, or anyone I want. The other point that I raise is why do we so quickly assume that the Diksa Guru accepts us? Is the Guru obliged to accept us as disciples? If the Guru does or does not, how are we to know?"
To get diksa from Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura constitutes as jumping over the PROMINENT Acarya, Srila Prabhupada I have already covered this point in my article, "When I Order.
How does the bonafide Diksa Guru Srila Prabhupada accepts us:
Madhya 24.330 - The Sixty-One Explanations of the Atmarama Verse:
"In our Krsna consciousness movement, the requirement is that one must be prepared to give up the four pillars of sinful life-illicit sex, meat-eating, intoxication and gambling. In Western countries especially, we first observe whether a potential disciple is prepared to follow the regulative principles. Then he is given the name of a Vaisnava servant and initiated to chant the Hare Krsna maha-mantra, at least sixteen rounds daily. In this way the disciple renders devotional service under the guidance of the spiritual master OR HIS REPRESENTATIVE for at least six months to a year. He is then recommended for a second initiation, during which a sacred thread is offered and the disciple is accepted as a bona fide brahmana."
Srila Prabhupada indicated his desire to remain as Initiating Spiritual Master and the formalities were to be conducted by His Grace's representatives as per his order of July 9th 1977. Please see my article, "Rtvik - **Representative**.
But just because the envious deviants -- fake GBC manufactured self-made conditioned soul opportunist "gurus" have chosen NOT to be Srila Prabhupada's REPRESENTATIVES, this does not mean Srila Prabhupada does not know how to guide a sincere soul who surrenders to him. He makes it very clear "the acarya is a perfect brahmana and has unlimited intelligence in guiding the activities of his disciple."
Srimad-Bhagavatam 6.7.15 Purport - Indra Offends His Spiritual Master, Brhaspati:
"By the mercy of the spiritual master one is benedicted by the mercy of Krsna. Without the grace of the spiritual master, one cannot make any advancement." A disciple should never be a hypocrite or be unfaithful to his spiritual master. In Srimad-Bhagavatam (11.17.27), THE SPIRITUAL MASTER IS ALSO CALLED ACARYA. Acaryam mam vijaniyan: the Supreme Personality of Godhead says that one should respect the spiritual master, accepting him as the Lord Himself. Navamanyeta karhicit: one should not disrespect the acarya at any time. Na martya-buddhyasuyeta: one should never think the acarya an ordinary person. Familiarity sometimes breeds contempt, but one should be very careful in one's dealings with the acarya. Agadha-dhisanam dvijam: the acarya is a perfect brahmana and has unlimited intelligence in guiding the activities of his disciple."
On July 7th, when setting up the Ritvik system, Srila Prabhupada states that the Ritvik Representatives could accept devotees as his disciples without consulting him. Thus, Srila Prabhupada was not involved in the process of screening, or approving new disciples. The Ritvik Representatives had full authority and discretion. Srila Prabhupada's physical involvement was NOT required.
Srila Prabhupada Room Conversation, July 7, 1977, Vrindavan:
Srila Prabhupada: So without waiting for me, wherever you consider it is right. That will depend on discretion.
Tamal Krsna Goswami: On discretion.
Srila Prabhupada: Yes.
Just because one has not been able to accept official initiation does not mean he is not Srila Prabhupada's disciple. One can be Srila Prabhupada's disciple even if he is not initiated officially:
Srila Prabhupada Letter to Dinesh, 31/10/69:
"...disciplic succession does not always mean that one has to be initiated officially. Disciplic succession means to accept the disciplic conclusion. "
Srila Prabhupada Interview, 16/10/76, Chandigarh:
"Well, initiation or no initiation, first thing is knowledge..... Initiation is formality. Just like you go to a school for knowledge, and admission is formality. That is not very important thing."
How does one become a disciple?
Madhya 24.256 - The Sixty-One Explanations of the Atmarama Verse:
The disciple must admit that he will no longer commit sinful activity-namely illicit sex, meat-eating, gambling and intoxication. He promises to execute the order of the spiritual master. Then the spiritual master takes care of him and elevates him to spiritual emancipation.
Srila Prabhupada's Lecture on Srimad-Bhagavatam, 02-22-73:
Devotee (2): How important is formal initiation?
Prabhupada: Formal initiation means to accept, officially, to abide by the orders of Krsna and His representative. That is formal initiation. Officially accept, "Yes, sir, I shall accept. I shall do whatever you say." This is initiation, official acceptance of the job. That's all. Now, you formally accept, and if you do not do the duties, then where is the question of other function? There is no question. Initiation means this is the beginning of accepting the orders of Krsna and His representative to carry out. This is the beginning. That is initiation. Just like if you enter in an office establishment, so you accept the terms of service. That is initiation. Then you go on serving, you become promoted, you get salary increase. You become recognized. You become officer. You become big officer, like that.
Srila Prabhupada Morning Walk, June 13, 1976, Detroit:
Srila Prabhupada: Who is my disciple? First of all let him follow strictly the disciplined rules. Disciple: As long as one is following, then he is... Srila Prabhupada: Then he is all right.
Srila Prabhupada Morning Walk, August 3, 1976, Mayapur:
"...unless there is discipline, there is no question of disciple. Disciple means one who follows the discipline. "
Further readings on how the Diksa Guru Srila Prabhupada accepts us:
Srila Prabhupada's Disciples
http://harekrsna.com/sun/editorials/12-07/editorials2265.htm
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