3:30 A.M. Before beginning japa, I heard a tape of Dravida reading _Bhagavad-gita As It Is_. He read the verse, “One should approach a spiritual master and inquire from him submissively. The self-realized soul can impart knowledge unto you because he has seen the truth.” (BG 4.34) Prabhupada says one has to pass the test of the spiritual master. One cannot just ask absurd inquiries, but must accompany his questions with submissive service. The spiritual master has to come in disciplic succession and not manufacture teachings. This is a good verse to begin chanting japa because the third offense is to disobey the order of the spiritual master.
(_Japa Transformations_)
Before beginning my japa . . .
I heard Dravida read
Bhagavad-gita As It Is,
(Chapter 4, Verse 34)
“Just approach a
spiritual master . . .”
This is good to hear
before beginning chanting
because the third
offense is disobeying
the order
of the spiritual master.