Enchanted by the Enchanter of Cupid

In this material world we are all enchanted by the lust-inciting arrows of Cupid. Thus we are forced to take unlimited births and deaths in the this world of misery. But those fortunate souls who become enchanted by Krishna, the enchanter of Cupid, become liberated from the clutches of Cupid and enter in the sublime spiritual world to become an integral participant in Krishna's unlimitedly blissful, divine pastimes.

Sankarshan Das Adhikari

The All-Enchanting Krishna Plays His All-Enchanting Flute

Answers by Citing the Vedic Version:

Question: Does Guru Have to Come in Disciple Succession?

Q1. Where in the Bhagavad-gita is the requirement mentioned that a spiritual master must be part of disciplic succession / parampara system?

Aspect 1a - While it's true that in BG4.1 and BG4.2 Lord Krishna does mention an initial succession on how He exposed this knowledge to the world at large. But therein its not stated as a requirement to be a bona fide guru.

Aspect 1b - Further, yes it does sound logical that if the gurus were part of a disciplic succession, there is much higher chance that they speak unadulterated what the topmost in the succession i.e. Lord Krishna himself spoke. But to my knowledge that logic is an interpretation of latter day gurus in the succession - not explicitly stated by Lord Krishna.

Q2. Even ISKCON guru parampara has gaps - what is the defense for that?

Regards
Vivek

Answer: Krishna Says that Guru Must Be in Disciplic Succession

Krishna clearly states in Bhagavad-gita 4.2 that the method for understanding this knowledge is through the system of disciplic succession, and the great acharyas who guided the Vedic civilization for thousands of years have confirmed that this is the correct understanding of Krishna's teachings. Because you are not following Krishna's instruction to accept the authority of these great acharyas (spiritual masters) who have come in disciplic succession, you are concocting an interpretation which is not at all correct.

If someone has not understood this science through the system of disciplic succession, his understanding will be imperfect and he thus cannot be a bona fide spiritual master. This principle is reconfirmed in the Padma Purana wherein it is stated:

sampradāya-vihīnā ye
mantrās te niṣphalā matāḥ

"Unless you are initiated by a bona fide spiritual master in the disciplic succession, the mantra that you might have received is without any effect."

If someone's mantra is not effective, he will not be awakened in Krishna consciousness and thus will not be qualified to be a bona fide spiritual master.

Our spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada, comes in an unbroken line of disciplic succession going all the way back to Lord Sri Krishna Himself. The only gap here is the gap in your understanding, which is coming from mental speculation, not from the perfect parampara system.

Sankarshan Das Adhikari