You Need to Be Trained How to Be a Disciple

For anyone who is serious to attain the ultimate goal of going back to home, back to Godhead it is must to master the art of discipleship. In other words, one must learn the art of how to a be perfect disciple of his spiritual master. This a Vedic injunction coming from the Supreme Lord Himself. Krishna says that unless you are the devotee of His devotee you are not His devotee. There is a golden opportunity for all initiated disciples and those who would to become initiated disciples to take an expertly managed online course on how to be disciple. The course is being administered by Bhaktivedanta College and is being conducted from 5 January through 23 February 2014. Here's where you can learn more and sign up for the course:

http://bhaktivedantacollege.com/events/disciples-course/

I am requesting all of my readers who would to become my initiated disciples now or in the future that this course is a must.

If this course is offered at your local ISKCON temple, I recommend that you take it there instead.




Sankarshan Das Adhikari


Srila Prabhupada Initiates a Disciple in Los Angeles
Srila Prabhupada Initiates a Disciple in Los Angeles

Answers by Citing the Vedic Version:


Question: How to Continually Connect With Sri Guru's Mercy?


Dear Guru-Maharaja,

Please accept my most humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!

This morning's lecture on S.B. 3.5.42, here in Melbourne, has allowed for profound meditation. The importance of sincerity and association with those devotees who have no propensity to fault-find in others (so as to eradicate the tendency to offend) was brought up. Could you please elaborate on this?

This verse, in particular, has brought my meditation upon your presence. You have been so kind to allow us to hear of Prabhupada's instructions & pastimes, and the Lord's transcendental name, form, qualities and pastimes from your mouth. I feel a great urge ​​to take full advantage of the mercy you've imparted.

Dear Guru Maharaja, how can I continuously take full advantage of such mercy, so as to sincerely advance in Krishna consciousness and be a more reformed & fine-tuned instrument?

Your eternal servant,
B.D.



Answer: Always Remember this Beautiful Devotional Song

Devotees who always appreciate the good in others in spite of whatever faults they may possess are true saints. By hearing from and serving such advanced devotees we are empowered to overcome the defects in our hearts, which inhibit our advancement on the path of Krishna bhakti. Therefore whenever we get the opportunity to associate with such great transcendentalists, we should full advantage of it by hearing from them, inquiring from them, and serving them as much as possible.

I have personally instructed you to become a pure devotee and to dedicate your life fully to giving Krishna consciousness to others. By embracing this instruction within your heart and always worshipping it as your dearmost treasure you will always feel how the spiritual master is with you, blessing you, and guiding you how to expertly engage in the service of Lord Sri Krishna. To continuously connect with your spiritual master and become his perfect instrument through which he can powerfully spread the Krishna consciousness movement sing or recite daily this beautiful devotional song by Bhaktivinoda Thakur and remember it often throughout the day:

gurudev!
kṛpā-bindu diyā, koro' ei dāse,
tṛṇāpekhā ati hīna
sakala sahane, bala diyā koro',
nija-māne spṛhā-hīna

"Gurudeva, give to this servant just one drop of mercy. I am lower than a blade of grass. Give me all help. Give me strength. Let me be as you are, without desires or aspirations."

sakale sammāna korite śakati,
deho' nātha! jathājatha
tabe to' gāibo, hari-nāma-sukhe,
aparādha ha 'be hata

"I offer you all respects, for thus I may have the energy to know you correctly. Then, by chanting the holy name in great ecstasy, all my offenses will cease."

kabe heno kṛpā, labhiyā e jana,
kṛtārtha hoibe, nātha!
śakti-buddhi-hīna, āmi ati dīna,
koro' more ātma-sātha

"O Lord and Master! When will such mercy fall to this one who is weak and devoid of intelligence? Allow me to be with you."

jogyatā-vicāre, kichu nāhi pāi,
tomāra karuṇā-sāra
karuṇā nā hoile, kāndiyā kāndiyā,
prāṇa nā rākhibo āra

"If you examine me, you will find no qualities. Your mercy is all that I am made of. If you are not merciful unto me, I can only weep, and I will not be able to maintain my life."

Sankarshan Das Adhikari


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