Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 6.15.16
Mukti· LiberationApproach a Guru for Spiritual Knowledge
“Because you are great personalities, you can give me real knowledge. I am as foolish as a village animal like a pig or dog because I am merged in the darkness of ignorance. Therefore, please ignite the torch of knowledge to save me.”
What the purport teaches
- To receive transcendental knowledge, one must humbly approach a bona fide spiritual master. Genuine eagerness to remove ignorance is the qualification.
- A guru should not be approached for material benefits, cures or displays of magic. The purpose is to understand the science of spiritual life.
- A true guru opens the disciple's eyes with the torch of knowledge. He saves the disciple from the darkness of ignorance.
Try this today
Write down one sincere question about spiritual life, rather than a request for material gain.
Ask yourself
Am I seeking spiritual guidance for understanding, or mainly for material benefits?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
The study points, practice and question are short summaries drawn from Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport. Read the full purport to go deeper.