Answer
Let us not go to that point immediately. First, let us analyze the material world and understand why spiritual realization is difficult.
In the Second Canto of the Srimad Bhagavatam, it is said:
“Dharmaḥ projjhita-kaitavo ’tra paramo nirmatsarāṇāṁ satāṁ… vedyam vāstavam atra vastu śivaṁ tāpa-trayonmūlanam… īśvaraḥ sadyo hṛdy avarudhyate.”
This verse promises that the Supreme Lord is established in the heart very quickly. The word sadyaḥ means “immediately.” The Lord (Īśvara) manifests in the heart without delay — but there is a condition: one must be śuśrūṣu.
As explained by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, śuśrūṣu means eagerness to hear, eagerness to understand the truth.
However, most people in this world are not eager for truth. Their eagerness is directed elsewhere — toward earning money, gaining fame, acquiring power, or enjoying material comforts. Because of this, Krishna reciprocates accordingly. As He says in the Bhagavad-gita:
“Yathā māṁ prapadyante tāṁs tathaiva bhajāmy aham” —
“As one surrenders unto Me, I reciprocate accordingly.”
So everything depends on our eagerness and willingness.
People often question, “Why speak so much about Krishna, Vishnu, or Narayana?” This question itself reflects a lack of eagerness to know Him. In contrast, Arjuna was fully receptive. In the 10th chapter of the Bhagavad-gita, he says:
“Sarvam etad ṛtaṁ manye yan māṁ vadasi Keśava” —
“O Keshava, everything You have said, I accept as truth.”
That is why the Bhagavad-gita is so perfect: there is a perfect teacher, Krishna, and a perfect student, Arjuna. We are meant to follow in Arjuna’s footsteps.
Arjuna further declares:
“Paraṁ brahma paraṁ dhāma pavitraṁ paramaṁ bhavān…” —
“You are the Supreme Brahman, the Supreme Abode, the purest, the eternal divine person, the original Godhead.”
He accepts Krishna’s words fully and with conviction. This is essential — to accept truth as it is, with eagerness.
We must develop that inner desire:
“I want to know Krishna. I want to attain Him. I want to please Him.”
When such eagerness is absent — when there is confusion about who is Supreme, or when one is absorbed in many material desires — then one is naturally not inclined toward Krishna. Krishna then allows such a person to pursue their chosen path.
Still, Krishna is compassionate. He has arranged a gradual process. Life after life, a person can progress step by step, eventually coming to proper understanding.
On Srila Prabhupada and the Initiation System
It is unfortunate that even among followers of A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, there can be difficulty in fully appreciating his own instructions.
From around 1970 onward, Srila Prabhupada began delegating certain aspects of the initiation process. Due to the growing number of disciples, he authorized senior devotees such as Revatinandana and Kirtanananda to chant on beads and perform certain formalities. However, he clearly maintained that those initiated would remain his disciples.
He emphasized that performing a ceremony or chanting on beads does not make one the guru — the initiating spiritual master remained himself.
Over time, more responsibilities were delegated. By 1977, most aspects of initiation had been systematized. In his July 9th letter, he appointed eleven ṛtviks (officiating acharyas) who would perform initiations on his behalf. This instruction was communicated broadly to the leadership and temples, indicating an institutional arrangement.
For some time, the system was clear. Later developments, however, led to different interpretations and practices.
To properly understand such matters, one must carefully hear and follow the instructions of Krishna and His representative without personal bias or ambition. This requires sincerity and humility.
Therefore, it is best to sincerely pray to Srila Prabhupada for clarity and guidance — and at the very least, to follow what has been clearly instructed with honesty and seriousness.
