# Other Instructions on Initiation *Additional important instructions concerning initiation.* ← Back to [[wiki/compile/spiritual-master-disciple|The Spiritual Master and the Disciple]] --- ## The Spiritual Master Does Not Accept a Disciple Based on Birth ### The spiritual master does not accept a disciple on the basis of birth ![[sb/2/4/18#purport|According to the cult of devotion, generally known as the Vaiṣṇava cult, there is no bar against anyone's advancing in the matter of God realization...The only qualification is that one take shelter of a pure devotee of the Lord who has thorough knowledge in the transcendental science of Kṛṣṇa (Bhagavad-gītā and Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam)]] —SB [[sb/2/4/18|2.4.18]] Purport --- ### A śūdra is not barred from spiritual initiation provided he is approved by the spiritual master > The sacred thread on the body of a *brāhmaṇa, kṣatriya* or *vaiśya* is a symbol of initiation by the spiritual master; it is worth nothing if worn merely to boast of high parentage. The duty of the spiritual master is to initiate a disciple with the sacred thread ceremony, and after this *saṁskāra,* or purificatory process, the spiritual master actually begins to teach the disciple about the *Vedas.* A person born a *śūdra* is not barred from such spiritual initiation, provided he is approved by the spiritual master, who is duly authorized to award a disciple the right to be a *brāhmaṇa* if he finds him perfectly qualified. —Cc. [[cc/adi/1/46|Ādi 1.46]] Purport --- ### Under the guidance of a bona fide spiritual master, even the most fallen person can be elevated to the supreme position ![[sb/2/9/36#purport|The lowest of human beings can be elevated to the highest stage of devotional life if they are trained by the bona fide spiritual master well versed in the transcendental loving service of the Lord...Therefore there is no need to seek properly qualified candidates for discharging devotional service to the Lord]] —SB [[sb/2/9/36|2.9.36]] Purport --- ## The Bhakti-vedāntas Initiate Everyone into Spiritual Life ### The bhakti-vedāntas impartially initiate everyone into spiritual life ![[sb/1/5/24#purport|The bhakti-vedāntas are impartial in distributing the transcendental knowledge of devotional service. To them no one is enemy or friend; no one is educated or uneducated...By such endeavor, even the most forgotten soul is roused up to the sense of spiritual life, and thus being initiated by the bhakti-vedāntas, the people in general gradually progress on the path of transcendental realization]] —SB [[sb/1/5/24|1.5.24]] Purport --- ## A Disciple Is One Who Has Voluntarily Agreed to Be Disciplined ### A disciple is one who has voluntarily agreed to be disciplined in austerity by the spiritual master > **Śrīla Prabhupāda:** ... You have no mind to follow austerities, but when you accept a spiritual master, you have to carry out his order. That is austerity. > > **Śyāmasundara:** Even if you don't want to practice austerity, you must. > > **Śrīla Prabhupāda:** Yes, you must. Because you have surrendered to your spiritual master, his order is final. So even if you don't like it, you have to do it. To please me. > > **Śyāmasundara:** Ah. > > **Śrīla Prabhupāda:** But you don't like... [He laughs.] Nobody likes to fast, but the spiritual master says, "Today, fasting," so what can be done? A disciple is one who has voluntarily agreed to be disciplined by the spiritual master. That is austerity. —Perfect Questions, Perfect Answers --- ### After initiation, the disciple should engage in tapasya in devotional service ![[sb/2/9/8#purport|After being initiated by the proper spiritual master in the chain of succession, one should engage himself in the discharge of tapasya in the execution of devotional service]] —SB [[sb/2/9/8|2.9.8]] Purport --- ## The Sign of Having Accepted a Bona Fide Guru ### The sign of having accepted a bona fide guru—one speaks intelligently > One who has accepted a *guru* speaks intelligently. He never speaks nonsense. That is the sign of having accepted a bona fide *guru.* —The Science of Self-Realization --- ## Both Guru and Disciple Must Be Self-Controlled ### Both the guru and the disciple must be self-controlled ![[sb/2/9/43#purport|One who is not self-controlled, specifically in sex life, can become neither a disciple nor a spiritual master. One must have disciplinary training in controlling speaking, anger, the tongue, the mind, the belly and the genitals. One who has controlled the particular senses mentioned above is called a gosvāmī. Without becoming a gosvāmī one can become neither a disciple nor a spiritual master]] —SB [[sb/2/9/43|2.9.43]] Purport --- ## The Disciple Becomes Beloved to the Guru Through Good Behavior ### The disciple becomes beloved to his spiritual master through good behavior, obedience, meekness and unhesitating service ![[sb/2/9/41#purport|Nārada is described here as the most beloved son of Brahmā because of good behavior, obedience, meekness and readiness to render service unto the father]] —SB [[sb/2/9/41|2.9.41-42]] Purport --- ### The disciple receives transcendental knowledge from the spiritual master in disciplic succession through surrender, inquiries and service ![[sb/2/5/1#purport|The inquisitive student must approach a qualified spiritual master to receive transcendental knowledge by surrender, submissive inquiries and service. Knowledge received by submissive inquiries and service is more effective than knowledge received in exchange for money]] —SB [[sb/2/5/1|2.5.1]] Purport