Approaching a guru
Question:
Srila Prabhupada said: “You don’t need to change anything. Simply add Krsna to your life. “But he also said: “Spiritual life is like walking on the razor’s edge, therefore you have to be very careful.”
You said once “This mercy of Srila Prabhupada is available for everyone, but it is better to be a small star that shines constantly than a big star that falls down with crash.”
I often repeat these words to myself. But life shows that Maya is very strong and overcomes even our authorities. For me this is the same information – warning: “Watch out! It’s not so simple! Danger is every step!”
I have a question with reference to this: A man who most of his time is engaged in maintaining his family, running business, who acts in the atmosphere of material life and cooperates with people for whom spiritual life makes almost no sense - can such a man consider approaching a guru?
I mean, such a man because of his material entanglement may be a burden for his spiritual master. On the other hand, life’s experience teaches that there is no happiness in material life and even though one is engaged in executing material duties, Krsna consciousness brings more satisfaction. But one can’t also ignore his conditions, contaminations and material engagements. Therefore I ask whether such a man should take a “risk” and responsibility in the same time? It’s about honesty. Is it better to be honest materialist than not honest bhakta? I’ll be glad for your answer and opinion.
Answer:
Dear Bh Artur,
Hare Krsna! Thank you for your questions. Actually spiritual life is one of internal intentions. If you “really” want to serve Krsna then Krsna will give you such intelligence that will you will be able to make spiritual progress from whatever position you happen to find yourself in. So we should try to cultivate this kind of sincere determination, that so long I have been serving Maya… this one life time I want to serve Krsna. If we have this mentality then Krsna will help us in every way including sending us to a bona-fide guru.
Your sincerely,
Trivikrama Swami
