Only One Type of Guru

Back To Prabhupada, Issue 78, 2023, Interactive

"Hare Krsna, _Prabhu_, Please send me quotes, lectures, references, etc., regarding initiation from a non-living guru Thanks. Warm Regards." \- Sanjay Prajapati, Mumbai, India

Editor replies:

1) Your question assumes that there is a difference between a physically present and a physically absent ("non-living") guru. Because, without such an assumption, your question makes no sense, nor would you even ask such a question. Just as if you had asked for quotes and references for initiation from a "non-Indian" guru, it would mean you had first assumed that there is a difference between an Indian-bodied and white-bodied guru. But you would need to first prove that your assumption, that such a difference exists, is correct.

2) But if no such differences existed, then you would only need references for getting initiated by a bona fide guru, because this would then automatically cover gurus of all races as well as physically present and physically absent gurus. One would not need to search separately for evidence to take initiation from each type of guru.

And there is no difference between a physically present and physically absent guru in terms of being able to accept disciples. Please see the articles on pages 5 and 6 which address this point.

And the evidence that one must accept a bona fide guru is not disputed and is abundant – for example please see Bhagavad-gita 4.34.

Rejecting bogus gurus

"Dear Krishnakant _Prabhu_, Please accept my humble obeisances. All Glories to Srila Prabhupada! Question: For initiated devotees who came across [_The Final Order_](/docs/pdf/tfo.pdf) after having taken _diksa_ initiation in the current Multi _Acarya_ system, what would be the proper etiquette to approach Guru and reject him on the strength of Srila Prabhupada's final instruction? Has IRM set a protocol to be followed regarding this situation? Best regards," \- Nestor Gonzalez, Eindhoven, The Netherlands

**Editor replies:**

We do not have a protocol as such, but I can tell you what people who have done this have told us they did:

Having realised their ‘guru' is not an authorised bona fide guru at all, they have simply stopped following and worshipping such an unauthorised person, focusing only on Srila Prabhupada instead, and some have written them a letter explaining what they have done and why.

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"Hello, I hope this message finds you well. I practise a few rounds daily as well as attempt to read original teachings and practices. I found your page and am glad I did ([iskconirm.com](/)). Is it okay to continue to practise alone until such a time as ISKCON is fixed or updated? I am not an initiated member but try to live my life according to the teachings laid out by the founder. Many thanks, " \- Joseph Williams, Bradford, UK

Editor replies:

This is a question we get a lot, especially since many people are understandably cautious and wary about trusting ISKCON. We have therefore provided a dedicated webpage which answers this question in considerable detail here.

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