Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura, who appeared in the middle of
the seventeenth century, is a great spiritual master in the Krsna
conscious chain of gurus and disciples. He says, "One who, with great
care and attention, loudly recites this beautiful prayer to the
spiritual master during the brahma-muhurta obtains direct
service to Krsna, the Lord of Vrndavana, at the time of his death."
samsara-davanala-lidha-loka-
tranaya karunya ghanaghanatvam
praptasya kalyana-gunarnavasya
vande guroh sri-caranaravindam
The spiritual master is receiving benediction
from the ocean of mercy. Just as a cloud pours water on
a forest fire to extinguish it, so the spiritual master
delivers the materially afflicted world by extinguishing the
blazing fire of material existence. I offer my respectful
obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master, who is an
ocean of auspicious qualities.
mahaprabhoh kirtana-nrtya-gita
vaditra-madyan-manaso rasena
romanca-kampasru-taranga-bhajo
vande guroh sri-caranaravindam
Chanting the holy name, dancing in ecstasy, singing, and playing
musical instruments, the spiritual master is always gladdened by the
sankirtana movement of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Because he is relishing
the mellows of pure devotion within his mind, sometimes his hair stands
on end, he feels quivering in his body, and tears flow from his eyes like
waves. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a
spiritual master.
sri-vigraharadhana-nitya-nana-
srngara-tan-mandira-marjanadau
yuktasya bhaktams ca niyunjato 'pi
vande guroh sri-caranaravindam
The spiritual master is always engaged in the temple worship of Sri
Sri Radha and Krsna. He also engages his disciples in such worship. They
dress the Deities in beautiful clothes and ornaments, clean Their
temple, and perform other similar worship of the Lord. I offer my
respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master.
catur-vidha-sri-bhagavat-prasada
svadv-anna-trptan hari-bhakta-sanghan
krtvaiva trptim bhajatah sadaiva
vande guroh sri-caranaravindam
The spiritual master is always offering Krsna four kinds of delicious
food [analyzed as that which is licked, chewed, drunk, and sucked].
When the spiritual master sees that the devottes are satisfied by
eating bhagavat-prasada, he is satisfied.
I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a
spiritual master.
sri-radhika-madhavayor apara-
madhurya-lila-guna-rupa-namnam
prati-ksanasvadana-lolupasya
vande guroh sri-caranaravindam
The spiritual master is always eager to hear and chant about the
unlimited conjugal pastimes of Radhika and Madhava, and Their
qualities, names, and forms. The spiritual master aspires to relish
these at every moment. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the
lotus feet of such a spiritual master.
nikunja-yuno rati-keli-siddhyai
ya yalibhir yuktir apeksaniya
tatrati-daksyad ati-vallabhasya
vande guroh sri-caranaravindam
The spiritual master is very dear, because he is expert in assisting
the gopis, who at different times make different tasteful
arrangements for the perfection of Radha and Krsna's conjugal loving
affairs within the groves of Vrndavana. I offer my most humble
obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master.
saksad-dharitvena samasta-sastrair
uktas tatha bhavyata eva sadbhih
kintu prabhor yah priya eva tasya
vande guroh sri-caranaravindam
The spiritual master is to be honored as much as the Supreme Lord,
because he is the most confidential servitor of the Lord. This is
acknowledged in all revealed scriptures and followed by all
authorities. Therefore I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus
feet of such a spiritual master, who is a bona fide representative of
Sri Hari (Krsna).
yasya prasadad bhagavat-prasado
yasyaprasadan na gatih kuto 'pi
dhyayan stuvams tasya yasas tri-sandhyam
vande guroh sri-caranaravindam
By the mercy of the spiritual master on receives the benediction of
Krsna. Without the grace of the spiritual master, one cannot make
any advancement. Therefore, I should always remember and praise
the spiritual master. At least three times a day I should offer my
respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of my spiritual master.
