Guru Needed When the Knowledge is in Books?

Recently we have heard the argument that in this modern age when we have books it is not necessary to have a guru because we can get all of the self-realization knowledge we need simply by reading books. It is argued that when there were no books you would need to go to a guru to get the knowledge, but now that is no longer necessary because all the self-realization knowledge is written in books.

But we would ask those who argue this, "Can one become a lawyer simply by reading law books without attending law school?" Such a thing is not possible. Theoretical knowledge alone will not liberate one from this material existence. Practical, hands-on training is also required if one is going to master the art of bringing his senses completely under control. And furthermore, Lord Sri Krishna says in the Adi Purana that those who are only His devotees are not self-realized, that only those who are the devotees of His devotees are factually self-realized.

So who is a greater authority: modern day deluded opinionists or the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri Krishna, who is the source of all of existence? Krishna authoritatively declares that without having a guru there is no question of self-realization. So now let those who are intelligent decide whether a guru is necessary in the modern age as much as he was necessary in the previous times when there were no printed books.

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Question: How to Avoid Becoming an Atheist?

Dearest Gurudeva,
Accept my humble obeisance ,

I have some questions to clear my doubt. Personally I believe that there is only one single Supreme God for all His creation irrespective of nationality, race, religion , and faith. But in fact, some religions seem to be quite dogmatic, and each religion claims to be the only real truth and its holy book is the only the words of God, whereas the other religions are false. Non-believers of such dogmatic and blind faith religions shall be punished during the day of judgment. The bad persons shall be sent to hell eternally while the good ones go to eternal heaven. This means that those who are non-followers of such religions have no chance to be evaluated whether they are good or bad. It seems to me such a God is rather cruel and does not give justice to all mankind. It contradicts to the attributes of God, who is merciful and full of love. Since such religions do not believe in karma and reincarnation their followers who are sent to the hell have no chance to improve themselves through rebirth. If all religions claim that their teachings are the teaching given by God (the God who is said to be one and God is truth), which one is the real truth? I am really confused. And I am afraid that I may lose my interest in any religion and become an atheist. Please help me! Kindly give me advice. Thank you so much.

With great respect,
Nyoman

Answer: Understand Religion Scientifically

The key to avoiding atheism is to understand religion scientifically. In other words, there is only one religion, to fully surrender oneself unto the Supreme Person with love and devotion. All the great religious teachers throughout history have taught this same one religion according to time, place, and audience. Those who are impure and have not realized God are the ones who have divided the one true religion into many so-called religions.

The Krishna consciousness movement has been started to bring the people back to the one true religion that has been taught by all the great spiritual masters throughout history. When people throughout the world understand the teachings of the Bhagavad-gita as it is, there will be a new era of unparalleled peace and harmony all over the world. Everyone will feel that they all part of the one true religion.

Sankarshan Das Adhikari