88 Raja-vidya: The King of Knowledge

There are many names for God throughout the world
and throughout the universe, but Krsna is the supreme
name according to Vedic knowledge. Therefore
Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu recommended the chant-
ing of Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna, Hare
Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare
Hare as the supreme means for realization in this age.
Caitanya Mahaprabhu did not make any distinctions
as to caste or social position. Indeed, most of His
foremost disciples were considered to be fallen in
society. Caitanya Mahaprabhu even appointed
Haridasa Thakura, a Mohammedan, as namacarya, or
preceptor of the holy names. Similarly, Rupa and
Sanatana Gosvamis, two of Lord Caitanya’s
principle disciples, were formerly known as Sakara
Mallik and Dabir Khas, and they were employed by
the Mohammedan government. In those days, the
Hindus were so strict that if a brahmana accepted
service from a non-Hindu, he was immediately ostra-
cized from Hindu society. Despite this, Rupa and
Sanatana Gosvamis were made principle authorities
in the science of Krsna by Caitanya Mahaprabhu. So
there is no bar against anyone; anyone can become a
spiritual master provided he knows the science of
Krsna. This is the only qualification, and this science
in essence is contained in Bhagavad-gita. At the pres-
ent moment, thousands of spiritual masters are
needed to spread this great science throughout the
world.

We should understand that when Krsna is speaking
to Arjuna in Bhagavad-gita, He is speaking not
simply to Arjuna alone but to the whole human race.
