Question 1: Why an aspirant is unable to approach Lord Krishna or his representative or a Sadhu or obtain a spiritual master even after they have spent time for the last 60 years of his life? This person is totally materially inclined, but occasionally turns to the Lord without any desires wholeheartedly.
Answer by Romapada Swami: It is said that the living entities are wandering in the universe in different species of life, and out of those only a fortunate soul can receive the seed of bhakti by the grace of Guru and Krishna. Especially so in this age of Kali, where people in general are unfortunate and easily misguided, and where pure representatives of the Lord are so few, it is very rare to come in contact with a genuine spiritual master! It requires a sincere desire and genuine endeavor on our part to find a bona fide guru, and along with our endeavor it also requires the mercy of the Lord.
Question 2: What sort of heart and qualification is required to completely surrender to a Spiritual master? What is the kind of regular training needed so that I can surrender to a spiritual master? Please answer for the benefit of me and for people who would like to surrender.
Answer by Romapada Swami: Krsna describes in Bhagavad Gita how one should approach a realized spiritual master (Bg 4.34). He indicates three components: submission, inquiry and service. We should approach the spiritual master with all humility, hear from him submissively and inquire from him to get a clear understanding about the spiritual science. Inquiring alone is not sufficient, but one must also render service to the spiritual master according to what one has heard and please him. One should be prepared to render menial service to the spiritual master and follow his instructions.
If one is very sincere to know Krishna, He will send His mercy in the form of a representative, to provide exactly the kind of spiritual upliftment the soul requires.
