Necessity of A Spiritual Master

TEXT 2.7

karpanya-dosopahata-svabhavah

prcchami tvam dharma-sammudha-cetah

yac chreyah syan niscitam bruhi tan me

shishyas te ’ham sadhi mam tvam prapannam

Now I am confused about my duty and have lost all composure because of miserly weakness. In this condition I am asking You to tell me for certain what is best for me. Now I am Your disciple, and a soul surrendered unto You. Please instruct me.

   

In this verse, Arjuna is accepting Krishna as his Spiritual Master. In the last few verses, Arjuna and Krishna discussed Arjuna’s dilemma like friends. Because of this friendly relationship, Arjuna is unable to understand what Krishna is trying to teach Arjuna. However, now that Arjuna has accepted Krishna as his Spiritual Master, the whole Bhagavad Gita is taking a new perspective.

Arjuna accepting Krishna as his Spiritual Master can be used to teach many people. This teaches others to find a Spiritual Master. Accepting a guru as your Spiritual Master will not only teach you more about Krishna Consciousness, but will also strengthen your connection with Krishna. Ones acceptance of a Spiritual Master is very important in order to reach Krishna at the end of your life.

   

This verse has really motivated me. Before reading this verse, I always thought that I was not going to get a Spiritual Master because I thought it was too much work and it was unnecessary. However, reading this verse really changed my feeling towards choosing a Spiritual Master. I know feel that it is EXTREMELY necessary to find a Spiritual Master. I now understand why finding a Spiritual Master is necessary in order to continue in my spiritual life. Arjuna’s acceptance of Krishna as his Spiritual Master is not only a turning point in the Bhagavad Gita, but also in MY life.

Reflections written by Toshan Vyasyaraju