Relationship Between Guru and Disciple
Srutakirti: After six months in India, Srila Prabhupada returned to the West by way of Hawaii. He remained in New Navadwipa for one week. It was a very eventful stay. There was a great deal of agitation at this center, because of the differences between the local authorities and that of Siddha Swarupa Ananda Goswami. The complaint was that Siddha did not follow ISKCON's authority. Objections were brought to the attention of Srila Prabhupada's secretary, Paramahamsa Swami. He went to Srila Prabhupada, and explained some of the difficulties that were taking place. "So, bring Siddha Swarupa and we will have a meeting," Srila Prabhupada instructed.
The meeting took place in Srila Prabhupada's quarters, and was attended by Srila Prabhupada, Siddha Swarupa Maharaja, Paramahamsa Maharaja, Nitai Prabhu, the temple president, and myself. A pleasant breeze came through the numerous open windows in Srila Prabhupada's cheerful sun-filled room. There was a skylight above his desk. Srila Prabhupada always enjoyed his visits to New Navadwipa. This visit was no exception.
Srila Prabhupada did not waste time with formalities. After everyone was seated on the floor he unemotionally looked at Siddha and objectively stated, "So, the devotees here have some complaints against you." 'What is that Srila Prabhupada?' Siddha said smiling.
"One thing. Why you do not shave your head?" Srila Prabhupada asked. 'If I shave my head then sometimes I get a cold,' Siddha replied. Srila Prabhupada began chuckling. "In Hawaii, you get a cold?" he asked. 'Sometimes, Srila Prabhupada,' Siddha said. "Then you can wear a hat," Srila Prabhupada suggested. "Then you will not catch cold. You are a sannyasi. Other people are watching. It is important that you set a good example. Also, you do not carry your danda?" Srila Prabhupada continued. 'Well, they don't usually let me carry it on airplanes, so it becomes difficult to travel around with it,' Siddha said. "We have so many sannyasis," Srila Prabhupada said. "Everyone is carrying their danda. Paramahamsa, he is carrying a danda. He brings it on the plane." 'Well, I have had many problems trying to get my danda on the plane,' Siddha replied. Srila Prabhupada calmly moved onto the next point of contention. Each issue became more serious. "They say that your followers, they do not come here to see me," Srila Prabhupada said. "That they only see you. They only hear from and deal with you. They won't come here?" 'If they want to come, they can come,' Siddha said.
Srila Prabhupada quickly replied in a more authoritative voice. "But, this is your business," Srila Prabhupada said. "It's all right; they may worship you if they like you very much. That's all right. But your business is to bring them to me. You are my disciple. The duty of the disciple is to bring the devotees to the spiritual master. This is your business. Your preaching should be like this. If your preaching does not bring them to this point, then it is useless." 'This is probably my defect, Siddha replied. My preaching is not so good. Therefore they are not coming. What can I do but try to preach to them.'
"Well if your preaching is insufficient, then better not to preach," Srila Prabhupada told him.
As things became quiet, a wave of courage washed over me. To keep the conversation moving I said, 'Srila Prabhupada, I have one observation.' "Yes, go on," he said nodding in approval. Maharaja was giving the class. He was sitting along side of your Vyasasana, and one of his people came up with a fresh flower garland and placed it on Siddha Swarupa.
As things became quiet, a wave of courage washed over me. To keep the conversation moving I said, 'Srila Prabhupada, I have one observation.' "Yes, go on," he said nodding in approval. Maharaja was giving the class. He was sitting along side of your Vyasasana, and one of his people came up with a fresh flower garland and placed it on Siddha Swarupa.
When I saw it happen, my mind became disturbed. In my opinion the garland should have been ------; 'For example,' I said. This morning in the temple room, Siddha Swarupa put on you as there was no garland on your picture on the Vyasasana. 'I would think that the garland should have been put on the Vyasasana first.' "He has a good point," Srila Prabhupada said, turning to Siddha. "That is correct. It is all right, they may have wanted to put it on you, but you should have directed them to put it on my picture."
Srila Prabhupada finished the discussion, and did not belabor any point. He straightforwardly addressed the issue of following the instructions of the spiritual master, and the relationship between Guru and disciple This final point wrapped up the meeting. We all offered obeisances, and left the room of our Divine guide and loving Gurudeva. The next day Siddha Swarupa Maharaja again visited Srila Prabhupada. Siddha Swarupa gave Srila Prabhupada a $10,000 donation that one of his followers had given to him. This demonstrated his understanding of Srila Prabhupada's instruction.
My dear Gurudeva, you are the perfect transparent via medium to your Guru Maharaja. You always accept service on his behalf. Because you were the perfect disciple, you are completely qualified as the perfect spiritual master. You pass on the devotion and adoration of your disciples to the lotus feet of your Guru Maharaja. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Maharaja passes the fruits of your devotion to the lotus feet of his Guru Maharaja.
My dear Gurudeva, you are the perfect transparent via medium to your Guru Maharaja. You always accept service on his behalf. Because you were the perfect disciple, you are completely qualified as the perfect spiritual master. You pass on the devotion and adoration of your disciples to the lotus feet of your Guru Maharaja. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Maharaja passes the fruits of your devotion to the lotus feet of his Guru Maharaja.
And so it goes from Guru to Guru within the paramapara up to the lotus feet of Lord Sri Krishna. I humbly pray to remain connected to your lotus feet, always remembering you are eternally my Lord and master. Except for your causeless mercy, my life has no value or qualification. I beg that you allow me to eternally spread your glories. I pray to swim in the ocean of bliss that is available by remembering your eternal lila.
Reference: Srila Prabhupada Uvacha by Srtuakirti Dasa
Recently Added
Trending Today