Prabhupada’s Emphasis on Guru

Remembering the spiritual master is an important and frequent topic in Vedic literature.  Yasya deve para bhaktir . . . “Only to one who has implicit faith in guru and Krishna are the imports of the Vedic literature revealed.”  So we may remember the spiritual master in a philosophical way, in his tattva, or “category” — he is the representative of Visnu.  We also remember him in a personal way, recalling the activities and qualities of His Divine Grace.  When you read in the sastras of the liberated person, the bona fide spiritual master, it’s very reassuring because you have no doubt that your Srila Prabhupada is a bona fide acarya.  He fits the bill in all respects.

“The spiritual master is addressed as ‘Prabhupada’ because he is a completely self-realized soul.  The word ‘pada’ means ‘position,’ and ‘Prabhupada’ indicates that he is given the position of prabhu, or the Supreme Personality of Godhead, for he acts on behalf of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. (Bhag. 4.23.18)

Take a Vedic reference on the importance of the guru and savor it, giving thanks to Lord Krishna and Srila Prabhupada: “The spiritual master is honored as much as the Supreme Lord because he is the most confidential servitor of the Lord.”