The
characteristics of a spiritual master
The following is a summary of the
characteristics of the spiritual master
which are listed in Hari Bhakti Vilasa.
He should be knowledgeable of the Vedas
and know the conclusions of the scriptures.
He should be absorbed in worship of the
Lord by chanting of the Lord's name.
He should be peaceful, fully satisfied
in activities of devotional service.
He should have deep faith in the Lord.
He should exhibit all good qualities.
He should be intelligent, stead,
austere, and truthful.
He should be sweet in speech, pleasant
to look at, clean, youthful-looking, wearing clean cloth.
He should be expert in conducting
himself as a saintly person, sad-acara.
He should be expert at arguing with and
defeating those opposed to devotional service.
He should be an expert judge.
He should be feel gratitude for services
rendered to him.
He should be capable of both showing
favour to and reprimanding another person.
He should feel affection for his
disciples.
He should always be anxious for the
welfare of all living beings.
He should be completely free from envy,
malice, violence, anger, laziness, sinful activity.
The spiritual master should not possess
the following characteristics.
He should not desire wealth, fame or
service from his disciples.
He should not have a desire for
accumulating material objects.
He should not be attached to receiving
things or hesitant to give things.
He should not delay in making decisions
which must be made.
He should not eat too much.
He should not be prone to lying.
He should not be critical of the good
qualities of others.
He should not absorb himself in talking
about the sinful activities of others.
He should not associate with low
characters (people who take intoxication
and indulge in illicit sex or criminal
activities).
He should not involve himself in useless
philosophies and material logic.