Indian spiritual culture has been spread throughout the world. What the Muslims could do only by the tremendous sword, and the Christians could do only with great financial resources and state power, has been done by one solitary man, without any ill effects.
Professor A. L. Basham, one of the world’s most highly respected authorities on ancient Indian civilization, has written extensively on the Hindu and Buddhist religious traditions.
I do not know how much nectar the two syllables ‘Krs-na’ have produced. When the holy name of Krsna, is chanted, it appears to dance within the mouth. We then desire many, many mouths. When that name enters the holes of the ears, we desire many millions of ears.
We’d rather be in the position of teacher than that of student. Submission to a teacher implies an admission that I need instruction and guidance. And this is humbling. Most of us will submit to another person for guidance only as a last resort, when all our own wisdom has failed.
You’ve been speaking at some length about the notion of the guru. According to your tradition, what is the role of the disciple? How does he deal with the guru?
I had been present at the passing of my beloved spiritual master, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, and my mind was now exhausted from the mixture of appalling sadness and transcendental exultation surrounding that event.