Page 21 - SBV (English)

Preface

From my initial days in devotional life I was fascinated by the personality
of Çréla Bhaktisiddhänta Sarasvaté Öhäkura. I often reflected on the painting of
him in the ISKCON temple at Bury Place, London, his serious gaze as if descending
directly from Goloka Våndävana. He was known as a lionlike guru for his power
in combating nondevotional theories. Who would not be impressed by his
erudition, strictness, austerity, fearless dedication to truth, unflinching devotion
to the lotus feet of Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu and Çré Çré Rädhä-Kåñëa, and
unveering preaching of Their glories?
Our own spiritual master, His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
Prabhupäda, another empowered äcärya, through his unbreakable bond of
devotion to his gurudeva Çréla Sarasvaté Öhäkura, has linked us eternally to him
and the entire paramparä.
There is no intrinsic difference between the teachings of Çréla
Bhaktisiddhänta Sarasvaté Öhäkura and those of His Divine Grace A. C.
Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupäda. Considering this, and that bhaktivedänta-
väëé is perfect and complete, one may question the necessity of studying
bhaktisiddhänta-väëé. In reply, we should understand the principle that the guru
is one yet manifests in multiple forms, each a distinct individual with a specific
and unique contribution. All äcäryas deliver the same message, but with differing
style and emphasis. No guru is self-made, but is dependent on and to be understood
in terms of the paramparä he represents. Without clear understanding of these
subtle points of guru-tattva, no one can be a genuine çiñya; hence, for spiritual
progress it is essential to learn in depth and from an authorized source about the
character, activities, and teachings of previous äcäryas.
Typical of a bona fide guru, His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
Prabhupäda never took credit for his achievements, but attributed them to the
blessings of his own guru-mahäräja. Devotees who worship those achievements
will naturally be eager to know of the extraordinarily empowered sadhu who gave
rise to another äcärya as significant as His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta
Swami Prabhupäda, who repeatedly pointed out that it is not sufficient simply to
believe that God is great—one must know how He is great. Similarly, a sincere
disciple should not merely accept as axiomatic that his guru is exalted, but should
strive to comprehend how he is so, by reverently studying his instructions and
behavior.

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