Essence of sastra

Expressions researched:
"essence of the sastra" |"essence of sastra" |"Essence. Sarva-sastra-marma" |"essence of all sastra"

Sri Caitanya-caritamrta

CC Madhya-lila

A spiritual master simply must be conversant in the essence of the śāstra.

CC Madhya 4.111, Purport: Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu indicated that it does not matter whether the spiritual master is a gṛhastha (householder), a sannyāsī or even a śūdra. A spiritual master simply must be conversant in the essence of the śāstra; he must understand the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Only then can one become a spiritual master. Dīkṣā actually means initiating a disciple with transcendental knowledge by which he becomes freed from all material contamination.