View source for If you want to learn something, you have to approach some expert in the matter, similarly, if you want to learn what is dharma, how to execute it, then you have to approach such gurus or their representative

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[[Category:If You Want To]]
[[Category:Learn]]
[[Category:Something]]
[[Category:You Have To]]
[[Category:Approach]]
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[[Category:Expert]]
[[Category:Matter]]
[[Category:Similarly]]
[[Category:Learn]]
[[Category:What Is]]
[[Category:Dharma]]
[[Category:How To]]
[[Category:Execute]]
[[Category:Approaching a Guru]]
[[Category:Such A Spiritual Master]]
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[[Category:Pages Needing Audio - SHARMISTHA]]
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<h2>Lectures</h2>
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<h3>General Lectures</h3>
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We have to learn how to execute dharma from these great personality. Prahlādo janako bhīṣmaḥ. King Janaka and Bhīṣma, the grandfather Bhīṣma, and Bali Mahārāja and Vaiyāsaki, Śukadeva Gosvāmī, like that. Just like if you want to learn something, you have to approach some expert in the matter, similarly, if you want to learn what is dharma, how to execute it, then you have to approach such gurus or their representative.
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[[Vanisource:730823 - Lecture - London|730823 - Lecture - London]]
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Kṛṣṇa says in the Bhagavad-gītā that sarva-dharmān parityajya mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja ([[Vanisource:BG 18.66 (1972)|BG 18.66]]). This is dharma. We have created so many dharmas or duties, so-called duties—social duty, political duty, humanitarian duty, so many. But we are violating God. So many humanitarians, philanthropist, they are thinking of good welfare for the human being, but they are not thinking any welfare for the poor animals. They are being sent to the slaughterhouse under some plea. So they are all punishable, because every living being is the son of the Supreme Person. Bhagavad-gītā says.

We also address the Supreme Being, God, as "Father." Father means every one of us, we are son. But we are disobedient son. One who is obedient son, he is perfect. One who is disobedient son, he is imperfect. Therefore we have to ask. Father is giving food even to the disobedient son. He is so kind. So God is always kind upon us. But we are suffering because we have forgotten God. This is our position. Therefore God comes, Kṛṣṇa comes, and teaches us Bhagavad-gītā, how to become God conscious, how to become obedient to God. And at last He says, sarva-dharmān parityajya mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja ([[Vanisource:BG 18.66 (1972)|BG 18.66]]).

Now this śaraṇāgati, how to surrender to God, you have to learn. Therefore, as you have to learn something from a superior person, therefore it is recommended that how to learn. It is said, svayambhūr nāradaḥ śambhuḥ kumāraḥ kapilo manuḥ ([[Vanisource:SB 6.3.20-21|SB 6.3.20]]). In the śāstra it is recommended that twelve great personalities, you have to learn from them what is actually dharma, how to become obedient to the principles laid down by God. So they are described in the śāstra as twelve principal authorities. Who are they? Svayambhū, Lord Brahmā. Nārada, Nārada Muni. Then Śaṁbhu, Lord Śiva. Kumāra, the four Kumāras, Sanat-kumārādi. Kapila, the great sage Kapila. Manu. Manu, the original Manu, is the emperor of the universe. That Manu.

Then Prahlāda Mahārāja, Hiraṇyakaśipu's son, he is also mahājana. We have to learn how to execute dharma from these great personality. Prahlādo janako bhīṣmaḥ. King Janaka and Bhīṣma, the grandfather Bhīṣma, and Bali Mahārāja and Vaiyāsaki, Śukadeva Gosvāmī, like that. Just like if you want to learn something, you have to approach some expert in the matter, similarly, if you want to learn what is dharma, how to execute it, then you have to approach such gurus or their representative. Tad-vijñānārthaṁ sa gurum eva abhigacchet samit-pāṇiḥ śrotriyaṁ brahma-niṣṭham (MU 1.2.12).

So you cannot approach anyone else. As they are recommended . . . just like government department. If you want to get some information, you have to go to a particular department and you have to learn it. Similarly, if you actually want to know what is dharma, then you have to accept the disciplic succession of either of these great twelve personalities. That is dharma.
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