# The Spiritual Master and the Disciple A systematic compilation of Śrīla Prabhupāda's instructions on the spiritual master, the disciple, disciplic succession, and initiation. Originally compiled and edited by Śubhānanda Dāsa. --- ## Introductory - [[wiki/compile/spiritual-master-disciple/preface|Preface]] - [[wiki/compile/spiritual-master-disciple/guru-prayers|Prayers in Honor of the Spiritual Master]] - [[wiki/compile/spiritual-master-disciple/guru-key-verses|Key Verses from Vedic and Vaiṣṇava Literature]] --- ## Part I: The Necessity of Accepting a Spiritual Master ### [[wiki/compile/spiritual-master-disciple/necessity-overview|The Absolute Necessity]] The fundamental requirement of accepting a bona fide spiritual master for spiritual advancement. ### [[wiki/compile/spiritual-master-disciple/guru-lords-example|Even the Lord Accepts a Guru]] Kṛṣṇa, Caitanya Mahāprabhu, and all incarnations set the example by accepting spiritual masters. ### [[wiki/compile/spiritual-master-disciple/guru-via-medium|The Transparent Via Medium]] One approaches the Lord through His representative, the spiritual master. ### [[wiki/compile/spiritual-master-disciple/guru-understanding-lord|Understanding the Lord Through Guru]] One can understand the Supreme Lord only through the mercy of the spiritual master. ### [[wiki/compile/spiritual-master-disciple/guru-source-of-knowledge|The Source of Perfect Knowledge]] Perfect knowledge, Vedic knowledge, and transcendental perception come through the guru. ### [[wiki/compile/spiritual-master-disciple/guru-liberation|Liberation Through the Spiritual Master]] One can achieve liberation from material existence only by approaching a spiritual master. ### [[wiki/compile/spiritual-master-disciple/guru-spiritual-success|Success in Spiritual Life]] The spiritual master solves problems and enables success in devotional service and Kṛṣṇa consciousness. ### [[wiki/compile/spiritual-master-disciple/necessity-other|Other Reasons for Accepting a Guru]] Additional important instructions on why a spiritual master is essential. --- ## Part II: The Spiritual Master ### [[wiki/compile/spiritual-master-disciple/guru-definition|Definition of Guru and Ācārya]] What the words *guru* and *ācārya* mean according to scripture. ### [[wiki/compile/spiritual-master-disciple/guru-identity|The Identity of the Spiritual Master]] The guru as representative and manifestation of Kṛṣṇa. ### [[wiki/compile/spiritual-master-disciple/guru-qualifications|Qualifications of the Spiritual Master]] How to recognize a bona fide guru—his characteristics and qualities. ### [[wiki/compile/spiritual-master-disciple/guru-duties|Duties of the Spiritual Master]] The responsibilities and proper behavior of the guru toward his disciples. ### [[wiki/compile/spiritual-master-disciple/guru-other|Other Instructions on the Guru]] Additional important teachings about the spiritual master. --- ## Part III: Disciplic Succession (Paramparā) ### [[wiki/compile/spiritual-master-disciple/parampara-importance|The Importance of Paramparā]] Why knowledge must be received through the unbroken chain of spiritual masters. ### [[wiki/compile/spiritual-master-disciple/parampara-transmission|Transmission of Knowledge]] How perfect knowledge flows through the disciplic succession. ### [[wiki/compile/spiritual-master-disciple/initiation-mantras|Mantras and Literature Through Paramparā]] Mantras must be received and literature written according to disciplic succession. ### [[wiki/compile/spiritual-master-disciple/parampara-sampradayas|The Sampradāyas]] The Brahma-Madhva-Gauḍīya lineage and unauthorized lines. ### [[wiki/compile/spiritual-master-disciple/parampara-other|Other Instructions on Paramparā]] Additional teachings on disciplic succession. --- ## Part IV: The Disciple—Core Duties ### [[wiki/compile/spiritual-master-disciple/disciple-inquiry|Inquiring from the Spiritual Master]] The primary duty: to submissively inquire from the spiritual master. ### [[wiki/compile/spiritual-master-disciple/disciple-hearing|Hearing from the Spiritual Master]] The disciple must hear and receive knowledge from the guru. ### [[wiki/compile/spiritual-master-disciple/disciple-following|Following the Guru's Instructions]] The disciple must strictly execute the orders of the spiritual master. ### [[wiki/compile/spiritual-master-disciple/disciple-faith|Faith in the Spiritual Master]] The necessity of firm faith in the guru and his instructions. ### [[wiki/compile/spiritual-master-disciple/disciple-surrender|Surrender to the Spiritual Master]] Surrender, service, and pleasing the guru. ### [[wiki/compile/spiritual-master-disciple/disciple-qualifications|Qualifications of a Disciple]] The qualities and qualifications required of a sincere disciple. ### [[wiki/compile/spiritual-master-disciple/disciple-other|Other Instructions for Disciples]] Additional important teachings for disciples. --- ## Part V: Mercy and Offenses ### [[wiki/compile/spiritual-master-disciple/guru-mercy|The Guru's Mercy]] Advancement comes through the mercy and blessings of the spiritual master. ### [[wiki/compile/spiritual-master-disciple/guru-offenses|Offenses Against the Spiritual Master]] What destroys the guru-disciple relationship and must be avoided. ### [[wiki/compile/spiritual-master-disciple/guru-sinful-reactions|Accepting the Disciple's Sinful Reactions]] The spiritual master accepts the burden of the disciple's sinful reactions. --- ## Part VI: Spiritual Initiation (Dīkṣā) ### [[wiki/compile/spiritual-master-disciple/initiation-definition|The Definition of Dīkṣā]] What initiation means according to scripture and ācāryas. ### [[wiki/compile/spiritual-master-disciple/initiation-qualifications|Qualifications for Initiation]] Prerequisites for initiation and who is qualified to receive it. ### [[wiki/compile/spiritual-master-disciple/initiation-testing|Mutual Testing of Guru and Disciple]] The guru and disciple carefully study each other before establishing a relationship. ### [[wiki/compile/spiritual-master-disciple/initiation-surrender|The Process of Initiation]] Initiation through surrender, inquiry, and hearing from the spiritual master. ### [[wiki/compile/spiritual-master-disciple/initiation-mantra|Initiation into the Holy Name]] The mahā-mantra, gāyatrī mantra, and elevation to brahminical status. ### [[wiki/compile/spiritual-master-disciple/initiation-other|Other Instructions on Initiation]] Additional important teachings on dīkṣā. --- *See also: [[wiki/compile/siksamrita|Śikṣāmṛta]] · [[wiki/compile/namamrita|Śrī Nāmāmṛta]]* --- *Original compilation: Śubhānanda Dāsa. Digital edition organized by topic with embedded verses.*