{"id":11827,"date":"2013-08-13T09:32:30","date_gmt":"2013-08-13T08:32:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/?p=11827"},"modified":"2013-08-13T09:32:30","modified_gmt":"2013-08-13T08:32:30","slug":"what-does-automatically-revealed-mean","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/?p=11827","title":{"rendered":"What Does Automatically Revealed Mean?"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Kesava Krsna Dasa <\/strong><\/p>\n

Somehow, some of us might secretly feel the need to add (over-intelligent) to what Srila Prabhupada has already given us. Our thoughts could be, \u201cThis process requires too much patience\u2026 there must be a quicker way\u2026\u201d which subtracts from our Founder Acarya. How can we acknowledge the fullness of his teachings and what does it mean to have implicit faith in the spiritual master? <\/p>\n

\u201cThe spiritual master should be considered to be directly the Supreme Lord because he gives transcendental knowledge for enlightenment. Consequently, for one who maintains the material conception that the spiritual master is an ordinary human being, everything is frustrated. His enlightenment and his Vedic studies and knowledge are like the bathing of an elephant.\u201d (SB 7.15.26) <\/p>\n

This same problem seemed to have existed during Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur\u2019s time as well. If this is the case, then we can be extra thankful to Srila Prabhupada that he stuck with the \u2018basics\u2019 as it were, in order to safeguard our Krishna consciousness. Did he ever reveal his own spiritual identity? Did he ever suggest taking shelter of or hearing from \u2018rasika\u2019 sources? Think of the precedent it might have set if he had done so.<\/p>\n

We may think that Srila Prabhupada\u2019s teachings are staid, sober and restrained, and we have been following these teachings for years with \u2018little progress\u2019 to show for it, then there must be some extra \u2018higher\u2019 embellishment required to help supplement his methodology. Having already thought of or added to what he knows best for us, already indicates a shortfall of required faith. It also turns something simple into complicated diversions. Why is this problem so prevalent?<\/p>\n

We can cite many reasons for such problems, but we have to examine how complete Srila Prabhupada\u2019s process is for us \u2013 not by reading or hearing every single word he ever wrote or said, but by taking to heart the essence of his teachings. How so? By a proper service attitude. They are actually profound, esoteric and mystical, and we can feel a definite safety of shelter under his shelter. <\/p>\n

After a number of years of practice, devotees will naturally be drawn to matters such as the \u2018forbidden\u2019 writings of those pure souls who reveal their inner visions or sphurtis – they are attractive. Curiosity can also pique our interest. Some enlightened souls say that unless we have reached the level of bhava, we cannot really relish such high matter. Yet, these appear to add to an otherwise \u2018normal\u2019 routine of service and regulation.<\/p>\n

This could be where a major problem lies; not so much in esoteric subject matter, but in our irreverent mood of service for the mission of Srila Prabhupada. If our resolve for service is \u2018normal\u2019 or just simply \u2018necessary,\u2019 we could be attributing the same averageness to Srila Prabhupada as well, who is \u201cjust keeping me occupied and busy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Realistically, any service done for the mission of Srila Prabhupada is a mystical and esoteric event. Such service can award profound answers to profound questions, and yes, even reveal to us our ultimate in spiritual aspirations. It can be hard to find enchantment in \u2018routine\u2019 service, and once we lose our reverence for service, the corresponding irreverence spreads, so we need something to compensate \u2013 how about Gita-govinda and other similar writings.<\/p>\n

Whether one is a professor from Benares or a shaman from the Amazon, a simple engagement of service can and will provide the highest award. Such gifts are of a different nature to our borrowed acquisition or learning of higher information, for they are real and substantial. These gifts really do shape our perspective with siddhanta acuity.<\/p>\n

These descended gifts can be partial or fuller \u2013 ye yatha mam prapadyante \u2013 and can be revealed whenever the Lord wishes, by causeless mercy. They can be in the form of revealed knowledge or visions. Some devotees think these gifts only come when one is a perfect pure devotee. This is not always the case. Do we remember young Dhruva Maharaja who was unable to offer prayers to the Lord?<\/p>\n

\u201cDhruva Mah\u0101r\u0101ja never went to any school or academic teacher to learn the Vedic conclusion, but because of his devotional service to the Lord, as soon as the Lord appeared and touched his forehead with His conchshell, automatically the entire Vedic conclusion was revealed to him. That is the process of understanding Vedic literature. One cannot understand it simply by academic learning. The Vedas indicate that only to one who has unflinching faith in the Supreme Lord as well as in the spiritual master is the Vedic conclusion revealed.\u201d (SB 4.9.6 purport)<\/p>\n

We place a lot of needed emphasis on academic study of Srila Prabhupada\u2019s books for understanding and effective preaching, but these alone will not award perfection without a faithful, sincere service attitude. Will the example of the brahmana who could not read Bhagavad-gita be of assistance?<\/p>\n

\u201cSri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu told the brahmana, \u201cIndeed, you are an authority in the reading of the Bhagavad-gita. Whatever you know constitutes the real purport of the Bhagavad-gita.\u201d (CC Madhya 9.102)<\/p>\n

\u201cThe mind of the brahmana was purified by the revelation of Lord Krishna, and therefore he could understand the truth of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in all details. (CC Madhya 9.105) <\/p>\n

The brahmana was awarded with – Krishna-sphurtye\u2014by revelation of Lord Krishna, simply by faithfully serving his spiritual master. We may try to squeeze out higher meanings from Srila Prabhupada\u2019s words, and they are there – the esotericism is hidden behind the English language that he uses. We may also try to acquire \u2018forbidden\u2019 higher sphurti information without relish. If these attempts are accompanied by faithful service, we might benefit. <\/p>\n

Given the understanding that we should simply serve, we might think that it is unnecessary to learn further about devotion in the higher realms, and so should just remain unduly staunch and strict in vaidhi, and hope that one day some automatic revelation will come our way by service. It is not as simple as that, especially if we have a doer mentality, which equates with artificiality. It could also signify jnana-laden devotion that hardens the heart. Faith in the spiritual master outdoes this type of thinking:<\/p>\n

\u201cBy various practices, one may come to the point of controlling the senses, but simply controlling the senses does not bring one to a substantial conclusion. However, by staunch faith in the spiritual master and the Supreme Personality of Godhead, one not only controls the senses but also realizes the Supreme Lord.\u201d (SB 7.15.28 purport)<\/p>\n

Although we understand that we simply have to serve Srila Prabhupada\u2019s mission and that perfectional results might descend anytime, we still need to foster higher devotional aspirations. If we do not have such aspirations, our devotional staunchness and strictness can end up being laborious and artificial:<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is the aspiration of a devotee that while he chants the Hare Krishna maha-mantra his eyes will fill with tears, his voice falter and his heart throb.\u201d (CC Adi 7.81 purport)<\/p>\n

\u201cSimply by rendering service to the spiritual master, one crosses the ocean of nescience and returns home, back to Godhead. Thus he gradually sees the Supreme Lord face to face and enjoys life in association with the Lord. The ultimate goal of (Bhakti) yoga is to come in contact with the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Unless this point is achieved, one\u2019s so-called yoga practice is simply labour without any benefit.\u201d (SB 7.15.28 purport)<\/p>\n

What is the difference between doer and artificial devotion and having staunch faith in the spiritual master? Does not faith in the spiritual master mean to staunchly and strictly follow his every order in vaidi-bhakti? Yes, but there has to be quality and no extra endeavour \u2013 self-doer ship. This quality is shown by how we allow the Lord who has superior qualities, to help influence our devotion:<\/p>\n

\u201cOne should not artificially try to see the form of the Lord while chanting Hare Krishna, but when the chanting is performed offenselessly the Lord will automatically reveal Himself to the view of the chanter. The chanter, therefore, has to concentrate on hearing the vibration, and without extra endeavor on his part, the Lord will automatically appear.\u201d (SB 4.8.53 purport)<\/p>\n

To either add to (over-intelligent) or subtract (underestimation of Srila Prabhupada) from Srila Prabhupada\u2019s teachings indicate lapses of faith. When niggling doubts cloud our faith in the spiritual master, can we wonder why certain spiritual progress is curtailed, let alone expect \u201cautomatic revelations?\u201d If we go on with our doer assertiveness in spite of this, our service attitude to the spiritual master can get skewed:<\/p>\n

\u201cThe spiritual master is not actually happy if the disciple brings him money, but when he sees that a disciple is following the regulative principles and advancing in spiritual life, he is very glad and feels obliged to such an advanced disciple.\u201d (CC Adi 7.91 purport)<\/p>\n

The \u201cregulative principles\u201d are meant for \u201cadvancing in spiritual life,\u201d not fighting a doer losing battle. Of course, we cannot determine whom or how the Lord reveals Himself or His Cit-potency (knowledge) to anyone, but it is usually on the basis of implicit faith and service:<\/p>\n

Syamasundara: It seems only natural, gradually if you are all the time serving, serving, serving Krishna, eventually\u2026<\/p>\n

Prabhupada: Yes, this is the only way. Sevonmukhe hi jihvadau svayam eva sphuraty ada\u1e25. By your service, Krishna will automatically reveal Himself. He wants service; therefore He said, \u201cSurrender unto Me.\u201d \u201cSurrender unto Me,\u201d not stop all activities. (Room conversation, Sydney, April 2, 1972)<\/p>\n

These edicts seem to some, so simplistic and normal that we can lose sight of the bigger or unlimited picture. Although we are repeatedly reminded to serve and follow, this is where the actual enchantment and mystique of devotion lies, truly hidden behind such humble and faithful service. And in such service we are encouraged to go higher:<\/p>\n

\u201cSo our Krishna consciousness means we have to increase our attachment for Krishna to the perfectional stage, when there is no more order, but automatically. Automatic. That is required.\u201d (Lecture, Los Angeles, January 15, 1969)<\/p>\n

Since chanting Hare Krishna and preaching constitutes the highest forms of service, we can reflect on what we might have been told by our superiors while engaging in book distribution or preaching, that \u201cOne day, while preaching this way\u2026 you\u2019ll hear Krishna\u2019s ankle bells tinkling\u2026\u201d <\/p>\n

There is truth in this statement, though the magnitude of such revelation will be beyond normal comprehension. If our faith appears to be that of believing in something intangible, our resolute patience will hopefully unleash all the magic of being rightful heirs to eternal confidential service unto the Lord. \u201cWhen Krishna offers anything, it is beyond the expectation of the devotee.\u201d (SB 4.8.40 purport) <\/p>\n

Ys Kesava Krsna Dasa \u2013 GRS.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

By Kesava Krsna Dasa <\/strong><\/p>\n

Somehow, some of us might secretly feel the need to add (over-intelligent) to what Srila Prabhupada has already given us. Our thoughts could be, \u201cThis process requires too much patience\u2026 there must be a quicker way\u2026\u201d which subtracts from our Founder Acarya. How can we acknowledge the fullness of his teachings and what does it mean to have implicit faith in the spiritual master? <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,32],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11827","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-articles","category-kesava-krsna-dasa"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11827","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=11827"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11827\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=11827"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=11827"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=11827"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}