Returning to the Eternal Religion 267

water. The solution comes when rain from the clouds falls on the forest
fire. Only then can the fire be extinguished. That ability is not in your
hands, but is in the mercy of God. So, human society is in a confused
state, and it cannot find a solution. The spiritual master is one who has
received the mercy of God, and he can deliver the solution to the con-
fused man. One who has received the mercy of God can become a spiri-
tual master and deliver that mercy to others.

Mr. O’Grady: The problem is to find this spiritual master.

Srila Prabhupada: That is not the problem. The problem is whether you
are sincere. You have problems, but God is within your heart. [svarah
sarva-bhitanam. God is not far away. If you are sincere, God sends you a
spiritual master. Therefore God is also called caitya-guru, the spiritual
master within the heart. God helps from within and from without. Every-
thing is thus described in the Bhagavad-gita. This material body is like a
machine, but within the heart is the soul, and with the soul is the Super-
soul, Krsna, who gives directions. The Lord says, ‘“You wanted to do
this; now here is the chance. Go and do it.”’ If you are sincere, you say,
‘*Now, God, I want You.’’ Then He will give you directions. ‘“Yes, now
you come and get Me like this.’’ This is His kindness. However, if we
want something else, that is all right. We can have it. God is very kind.
When I want something, He is in my heart directing me and telling me
how to have it. So why should He not give directions on how to have a
spiritual master? First of all we must again be eager to revive our God
consciousness. Then God will give us a spiritual master.

Mr. O’Grady: Thank you very much.

Srila Prabhupada: Thank you very much. My request to you is this. You
are a poet. Just describe God. You are expert in describing, and therefore
I ask you to kindly describe God in your occupation. Then your life will
be successful. And if one hears you, his life will also be successful. That is
the injunction:

idam hi pumsas tapasah Srutasya va
svistasya stiktasya ca buddhi-dattayoh
avicyuto ’rthah kavibhir nirtpito
yad uttamasloka-gundnuvarnanam
[Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.5.22]

There are many leaders in society who are poets, scientists, religionists,
philosophers, politicians, and so on. Those who are so expert are given
this injunction: your duty is to perfect your occupation by describing the
glories of the Supreme Being.
