# The spiritual master *The spiritual master (guru) is essential for spiritual progress. Without accepting guidance from a bona fide spiritual master in disciplic succession, one cannot understand the Absolute Truth. The guru is the transparent medium through whom Krishna's mercy flows to the disciple. He is not an ordinary human being but the external manifestation of the Supersoul, who guides the sincere seeker to perfection. The disciple must approach the spiritual master with humility, inquire submissively, and render service, for by such behavior the self-realized master becomes pleased to impart transcendental knowledge.* ## Approaching a Spiritual Master ![[bg/4/34]] ![[sb/3/22/7]] ## Initiates the Disciple ![[sb/4/24/32]] ![[sb/4/31/10]] ## In Disciplic Succession ![[bg/4/2]] ![[sb/2/9/42]] ## The Disciple Must Serve ![[sb/4/22/19]] ![[sb/3/32/42]] ## Teaches by Example ![[sb/3/25/35]] ![[sb/4/8/55]] ## Related Articles - [[wiki/articles/The importance of guru|The importance of guru]] — Why we need guidance - [[wiki/articles/The disciplic succession|The disciplic succession]] — Parampara - [[wiki/articles/The Great Acharyas|The Great Acharyas]] — Historic teachers - [[wiki/articles/The Six Gosvamis of Vrindavana|The Six Gosvamis]] — Lord Caitanya's followers - [[wiki/articles/Surrender to the Lord|Surrender to the Lord]] — The disciple's mood ## From the Index - [[index/entries/spiritual-master|Spiritual Master]] — The guide to perfection - [[index/entries/disciplic-succession|Disciplic Succession]] — Parampara - [[index/entries/initiation|Initiation]] — From the spiritual master