Is There Any Real Guru?

Back To Prabhupada, Issue 33, Autumn 2011, Interactive

"Just starting chanting, reading a lot of books. But after some research, I read about the ISKCON scandals and gurus. I'm feeling sad, so sad, because this makes me want to forget all about it. I've dropped out of Sant Mat because I understood the Krsna philosophy is personalism, and now we see that we are getting into a gang of bogus gurus. I have no words to express my feelings right now...Is there ANY spiritual organization without scandals, any real guru?????" \- Marcos Marcondes, Sao Paulo, Brazil

**Editor replies:**

It is unfortunate that the pure movement which Srila Prabhupada started has been hijacked today by deviants. But there is a real guru today, and this is Srila Prabhupada. His teachings are always pure, and, therefore, you should continue chanting, reading Srila Prabhupada's books and surrendering to him as your guru. The ISKCON Revival Movement (IRM) exists to promote the REAL guru, Srila Prabhupada, and bring about his original ISKCON. We are dedicated to Srila Prabhupada, and our organisation is based on following his truth, not on false gurus and scandals. Therefore, due to this "good news" that Srila Prabhupada lives, and that the pure process and teachings he gave us are still available and allow us to achieve perfection in Krishna consciousness, you do not need to be despondent in any way. Fortunately, the successful practice of Krishna consciousness does not depend on the current deviated ISKCON, and therefore we can still surrender to Srila Prabhupada and go back to Godhead!

Back To Prabhupada, Issue 45, Autumn 2014, Interactive

"It's sad that I will never be able to go to an ISKCON Temple and feel welcome. The false gurus will probably kick me out! I am sad that I can't be close to find a TRUE spiritual guide to help me. I only wish that someone would develop an online Guru type system through Skype methods, or such. Wouldn't that be awesome! I don't expect a response to this, but I just have to say something of my frustration. Thank you again for the wonderful information. Hare Krsna!" \- Dennis Gress, New Mexico, USA

Editor replies:

The true spiritual guide already exists in the form of Srila Prabhupada.

And today, Srila Prabhupada is more available to everyone since every word he ever spoke or wrote that was recorded is easily available online. Thus, Srila Prabhupada is actually more available today then he was for many of his disciples who never met him and never had such online, instant access to all his teachings. Hence, the "online" guru system also already exists in the form of Srila Prabhupada's transcendental and voluminous teachings.

The only "guru" guidance we need is to help and guide each other in following Srila Prabhupada as our diksa and siksa guru. But this is done by directing devotees to Srila Prabhupada (as the IRM does), rather than replacing him (as the guru hoax does)!

Back To Prabhupada, Issue 46, Winter 2014/15, Interactive

“I just have a general question/concern. I want to approach a spiritual master, but none having to do with ISKCON or the GBC. Is it that rare to find a legitimate, pure, spiritual example in the line of disciplic succession to take shelter of that isn’t a cheater? Thank you.” \- Stuart Wilson, California, USA

Editor replies:

We would advise you to simply stick with Srila Prabhupada as your spiritual master. There is no need to look for another spiritual master, when the perfect spiritual master already exists.

Back To Prabhupada, Issue 54, Winter 2016/17, Interactive

"Hello. I am new to Krsna Consciousness. I am trying to find a credible guru or _ritvik_. I don't want anything to do with ISKCON in Dublin, Ireland, as I find the whole setup with ISKCON since Prabhupada died very much like an infiltration by people who want to give Krsna Consciousness a bad name. Best regards," \- Michael Ruddy, Dublin, Ireland

Editor replies:

You are correct to be wary of organisations such as today's ISKCON which are not representing Srila Prabhupada correctly. However, you do not need to "find" a credible guru, since you already have found such a person. His name is Srila Prabhupada. Simply accept him as your guru, obey all his instructions very strictly, and he will take you back to Godhead:

"It is a basic principle that one must accept a bona fide spiritual master in order to achieve the highest perfection of life, love of God. I thank all of you very much for accepting me as your spiritual master, and I promise that I will take you back to home, back to Godhead. I ask you all to promise me to always chant at least 16 rounds, follow the regulative principles, read our books and try to preach this Krishna Consciousness Movement all over the world."
(Srila Prabhupada Letter, 12/11/71)

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