Q. I am coming to realize that a ship without a captain can have no direction and could get lost; in the same way I’m constantly thinking of choosing a Guru to help me understand and lead my life in the proper guided direction. How to make this difficult choice with so many great learned spiritual teachers (Gurus) out there?
Answer by Romapada Swami: It is essential for a prospective disciple to gain a clear, scripturally-based understanding of the qualifications and duties of a guru, as well as that of a disciple. We have briefly discussed the characteristics by which one can ascertain a bona fide spiritual master in Digest 10A and 10B. “The Spiritual Master and The Disciple”, a BBT publication, gives a detailed compilation from Prabhupada’s writings on this subject – you may find this book beneficial. It is also available in electronic form on Vedabase.
Before making the decision of accepting a particular spiritual master, it is the duty of the aspiring disciple to carefully examine and ascertain whether one can actually surrender to such a spiritual master and follow him. Thus, in addition to preparing yourself by seeking a basic scriptural understanding on this subject, one should also seek opportunities to regularly associate with an advanced devotee or, if possible, one who is an authorized spiritual master — hear from them, and simultaneously observe their nature and qualities in the light of the scriptural indications mentioned in the scriptures. This builds confidence and trust in how the devotee is purely and faithfully representing the disciplic succession.
When presenting ones concerns or doubts before a prospective spiritual master, one should examine whether one’s doubts can in fact be dispelled. See SB 11.3.21. Also Tad-vijnanartham sa gurum evabhigacchet samit-pani srotriyam brahma-nistham [MU 1.2.12].
Likewise, it is also the duty of the spiritual master to test the disciple in turn to ensure they are sincere and eligible to receive confidential spiritual knowledge.. Establishing a relationship based on service and inquiry (as indicated in BG 4.34) before initiation is important for this mutual confidence to grow and strengthen. Thus, generally, in most cases, choosing or accepting a spiritual master is not an instantaneous affair, but a carefully deliberated decision.
Choosing a spiritual master is quite different from a mundane exercise of ‘choosing’ some physical article or a relationship in this material world based on the mind’s likes and dislikes. Going by personal appeal or by some superficial criteria such as popular acclaim or some other external traits, or making comparisons — these are likely to be misleading. Rather, one must look for the symptoms of a self-realized soul manifesting in the person of such a spiritual master, in the light of scriptural directions as stated above. In the course of this process, the most important criterion on the part of the aspiring disciple is to nurture and strengthen their own internal convictions, sincerity and commitment for spiritual life.
If the disciple harbors ulterior motives for some temporary, material benefits, then one is likely to be misled in the search for a guru. Therefore one should progressively cultivate one’s own sincerity of purpose in seeking a bona fide spiritual master competent to guide one to ultimate spiritual perfection. (jijnasuh shreya uttamam SB 11.3.21).
When the disciple’s heart is ready and prepared in this way, Lord Krishna reciprocates with such sincerity and prayers by sending the bona fide spiritual master into the devotee’s life. It will become amply clear who one’s spiritual master is at that time and the earnest disciple will be able to readily recognize and thus proceed to solidify that relationship as described above.
