Another Chapter in Your Eternal Existence Book

There is no reason at all to be depressed or elated over your present situation in this material world because your present life is simply another chapter in your eternal existence book. You had many previous chapters and now you in are in this chapter. After this chapter you will go on to a new chapter, which will be determined by what was your consciousness at the time of your leaving your present material body. It you are smart, you will fully absorb yourself in Krishna consciousness in this chapter so that your next chapter will be unlimitedly glorious in that astonishing spiritual sky.

Inconceivably Sublime Pastime of Krishna with the Gopis

Inconceivably Sublime Pastime of Krishna with the Gopis

Answers by Citing the Vedic Version

Question: In What Ways Does One Serve the Spiritual Master?

Dear Gurudeva,

In what ways does a person render service to a spiritual master (both when the spiritual master is physically present and when he is not)?.

R.T.

Answer: Personally and Through His Instructions and Mission

I am very happy that you are inquiring about how to serve the spiritual master. Srila Prabhupada has very much emphasized how absolutely important this is for our spiritual advancement . In his purport to Srimad Bhagavatam 3.32.42 he states:

"One should give personal service and all kinds of comforts to the spiritual master. A devotee who does so is also a bona fide candidate for taking this instruction." 

This means taking care of his physical needs such as his laundry, his meals, his travel expenses, his living facilities, etc.

Serving the spiritual master is the secret of success in spiritual perfection. This his now Narada Muni got his perfection. He served the sages in the forest and took the remnants of their food. Srila Prabhupada further explains in his purport to Srimad Bhagavatam 4.28.34:

"A disciple should always remember that by serving the spiritual master he can easily advance in Krishna consciousness. All the scriptures recommend that it is by pleasing the spiritual master and serving him directly that one can attain the highest perfectional stage of devotional service."

In addition to personal service serving the spiritual master means to follow the instructions of the spiritual master and to serve the mission of the spiritual master by getting him speaking engagements, distributing his books, and assisting him in every way possible in making the entire world Krishna conscious.

If one does not very much chance to personally serve the spiritual master, he or she is not at a loss as pointed out by Srila Prabhupada in his purport to Caitanya Caritamrita, Adi 1.35: 

"If there is no chance to serve the spiritual master directly, a devotee should serve him by remembering his instructions. There is no difference between the spiritual master's instructions and the spiritual master himself. In his absence, therefore, his words of direction should be the pride of the disciple."

Sankarshan Das Adhikari

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