Re: Why do we need Guru?

Nityaananda! Gauraanga! Hare Krishna! Dear Mihir, I have still not been able to find a verse in the scriptures which states that the Guru takes the material sins of the disciple. At the time of initiation, Guru imparts Naama to the disciple. Chanting of one Naama is capable of washing away sins of unlimited past lives. So that is already taken care of. What the Guru has to accept is the reaction for the ten offenses against the Holy Names committed by his disciples...naama peye shishya kare naama aparaadha, gurura haya bhakti rasa baadha. But if both the Disciple and Guru are regularly chanting Nityaananda Gauraanga Naama along with Hari Naama, then the 10 offenses are also removed by Nityaananda Gauraanga Naama. That is why I personally humbly do not accept disciples who are unwilling to chant Nityaananda Gauraanga Naama along with the Hare Krishna Mahaamantra.  The disciple should specifically try to avoid criticizing Vaishnavas, not eat grains on Ekadashi and endeavor to follow the other four regulative principles.

I hope this helps. Please let me know if you have any further questions.

Daaso'smi, Swami Gaurangapada.

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