03.01.2023 Radha Govinda Prabhu
“What happens if devotees do not study the science of devotion and put their learning into practice?”
The regrettable but factual answer to this question is:
“Without properly understanding the truths of devotional service by daily study of the Shastras, devotees will remain polluted by anarthas.
Rather than developing attraction to Krsna, they will be confined to battling with the mind, senses, and bad habits.”
Knowledge and the association of Vaisnavas give rise to faith, and these three together qualify devotees for spiritual advancement.
Moreover, faithful devotional service - especially nama-sankirtana—quickly clears away bad habits and awakens attraction to both devotional activities and to Krsna.
While it is the duty of the spiritual master to instruct the disciple in knowledge of relationships, practice, and perfection, it is also the duty of the disciple to receive those instructions with faith.
A devotee must be qualified to receive instructions, otherwise the teachings of even the most qualified spiritual master are like an offering, of ghee on ashes.
- Sivarama Swami. Sankalpa Kaumudi.