--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: One must execute devotional service under…" description: "\"One must execute devotional service under the guidance of a devotee or directly under the guidance of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. It is not pos..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/835/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhu_devotee_one-must-execute-devotional-service-unde_574514.jpg" --- # One must execute devotional service under the guidance of… ![“One must execute devotional service under the guidance of a devotee or directly under the guidance of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. It is not possible, however, to train oneself without guidance from the spiritual master.” quote by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/835/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhu_devotee_one-must-execute-devotional-service-unde_574514.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/835/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhu_devotee_one-must-execute-devotional-service-unde_574514.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/835/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhu_devotee_one-must-execute-devotional-service-unde_574514.jpg) > “One must execute devotional service under the guidance of a devotee or directly under the guidance of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. It is not possible, however, to train oneself without guidance from the spiritual master.” [A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Spiritual progress requires guidance from a qualified teacher; self‑study alone is insufficient. **In simple terms:** Guidance from a master is essential for true devotion. Key Takeaway Seek a qualified spiritual mentor. Themes spirituality guidance devotion Mood reverent inspirational Type scriptural instructional When to use this quote - temple study groups - personal meditation - online spiritual courses - self‑study attempts Key Concepts guru‑disciple relationship religious practice personal growth Questions to Reflect On - Who can you trust as a spiritual guide? - What qualities should a true teacher have? A Different Perspective Relying solely on self‑study can lead to misunderstanding. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Devotee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/devotee/) [Devotional](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/devotional/) [Guidance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/guidance/) [Mentorship](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mentorship/) [Personality](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/personality/) [Religion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/religion/) [Spiritual](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/spiritual/) [Spiritual masters](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/spiritual-masters/) [Train](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/train/) ## Related quotes > [One has to ascertain the right path for his activities by following in the footsteps of great saintly persons and books of knowledge under…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/one-has-to-ascertain-the-right-path-for-his-activities-by-following/) [A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/) > [In spiritual life, one must conduct one's whole life under the guidance of the guru. Only one who executes his spiritual life under the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/in-spiritual-life-one-must-conduct-one-s-whole-life-under-the/) [A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/) > [Out of many millions of wandering living entities, one who is very fortunate gets an opportunity to associate with a bonafide spiritual master by…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/out-of-many-millions-of-wandering-living-entities-one-who-is-very/) [A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/) > [The spiritual master and Krishna are two parallel lines. The train, on two tracks, moves forward. The spiritual Master and Krishna are like these…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/the-spiritual-master-and-krishna-are-two-parallel-lines-the-train-on/) [A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/) > [A spiritual master who is one hundred percent Krishna conscious is the bona fide spiritual master.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/a-spiritual-master-who-is-one-hundred-percent-krishna-conscious-is/) [A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/) > [Spiritual master is representative of God. Similarly, king is also representative of God. The father is also representative of God. These are the statements…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/spiritual-master-is-representative-of-god-similarly-king-is-also/) [A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/) > [It is imperative that one approaches a spiritual master, for by such association one proportionately develops his consciousness towards the Supreme Personality of Godhead.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/it-is-imperative-that-one-approaches-a-spiritual-master-for-by-such/) [A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/) > [By the grace of the spiritual master the cloud of the mercy of the Personality of Godhead is brought in, and then only, when…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/by-the-grace-of-the-spiritual-master-the-cloud-of-the-mercy-of-the/) [A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/) > [If after accepting the spiritual master and being initiated one does not follow the rules and regulations of devotional service, then he is again…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/if-after-accepting-the-spiritual-master-and-being-initiated-one-does/) [A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/) > [A disciple serves the spiritual master with the sole purpose of getting instructions from him.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/a-disciple-serves-the-spiritual-master-with-the-sole-purpose-of/) [A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/) > [In the last stage of the spiritual master's life, the devotees of the spiritual master should take preaching activities into their own hands. In…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/in-the-last-stage-of-the-spiritual-master-s-life-the-devotees-of-the/) [A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/) > [A bona fide spiritual master, under the guidance of authorities, can turn anyone to the Vaisnava cult so that naturally he may come to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/a-bona-fide-spiritual-master-under-the-guidance-of-authorities-can/) [A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/) > [Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master. Inquire from him submissively and render service unto him. The self-realized soul can…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/just-try-to-learn-the-truth-by-approaching-a-spiritual-master-inquire/) [A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/) > [A devotee should be fixed in the conclusion that, the spiritual master cannot be subject to criticism and should never be considered equal to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/a-devotee-should-be-fixed-in-the-conclusion-that-the-spiritual-master/) [A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/) > [Sincerity in sadhna and eagerness to serve is the basis of one's relationship with the spiritual master.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/radhanath-swami/sincerity-in-sadhna-and-eagerness-to-serve-is-the-basis-of-one-s/) [Radhanath Swami](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/radhanath-swami/) ## More by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada > [Be very humble when you plan so that Krishna is happy with you.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/be-very-humble-when-you-plan-so-that-krishna-is-happy-with-you/) [A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/) > [In spiritual life, one must conduct one's whole life under the guidance of the guru. Only one who executes his spiritual life under the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/in-spiritual-life-one-must-conduct-one-s-whole-life-under-the/) [A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/) > [A grain of devotion is more valuable thank tons of faithlessness.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/a-grain-of-devotion-is-more-valuable-thank-tons-of-faithlessness/) [A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/) > [There is a word Kristos in the Greek dictionary, and this word is supposed to be borrowed from the Sanskrit word "Krishna," and Christ…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/there-is-a-word-kristos-in-the-greek-dictionary-and-this-word-is/) [A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/) > [“The humble sage, by virtue of true knowledge, sees with equal vision a learned and gentle brāhmaṇa, a cow, an elephant, a dog, and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/the-humble-sage-by-virtue-of-true-knowledge-sees-with-equal-vision-a/) [A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/) > [To be nonviolent to human beings and to be a killer or enemy of the poor animals is Satan's philosophy. In this age there…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/to-be-nonviolent-to-human-beings-and-to-be-a-killer-or-enemy-of-the/) [A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/) > [One should not be happy or distressed over desirables and undesirables, knowing that such feelings are just created by the mind.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/one-should-not-be-happy-or-distressed-over-desirables-and/) [A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/) > [The highest summit of spiritual perfection is knowledge of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/the-highest-summit-of-spiritual-perfection-is-knowledge-of-the/) [A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/) > [Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master. Inquire from him submissively and render service unto him. The self-realized soul can…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/just-try-to-learn-the-truth-by-approaching-a-spiritual-master-inquire/) [A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/) > [Krishna was conceived in the womb of Devaki mysteriously as the sun setting in the West imparts his rays to the rising moon in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/krishna-was-conceived-in-the-womb-of-devaki-mysteriously-as-the-sun/) [A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/) > [A bona fide spiritual master, under the guidance of authorities, can turn anyone to the Vaisnava cult so that naturally he may come to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/a-bona-fide-spiritual-master-under-the-guidance-of-authorities-can/) [A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/) > [In the last stage of the spiritual master's life, the devotees of the spiritual master should take preaching activities into their own hands. In…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/in-the-last-stage-of-the-spiritual-master-s-life-the-devotees-of-the/) [A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/) > [Living entity is food for another living entity, it does not mean that I shall eat my children also. There is discretion.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/living-entity-is-food-for-another-living-entity-it-does-not-mean-that/) [A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/) > [If you sell diamonds, you cannot expect to have many customers. But a diamond is a diamond even if there are no customers.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/if-you-sell-diamonds-you-cannot-expect-to-have-many-customers-but-a/) [A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/) > [It is said about Lord Buddha sadaya-hrdaya darsita-pasu-ghatam. He saw the whole human race going to hell by this animal killing. So he appeared…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/it-is-said-about-lord-buddha-sadaya-hrdaya-darsita-pasu-ghatam-he-saw/) [A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/) [Explore all 53 A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/) ## More Devotee quotes > [The wonderful structure of the animal system will probably never permit us to look upon it as a merely physical apparatus, yet the demands…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-gorrie/the-wonderful-structure-of-the-animal-system-will-probably-never/) John Gorrie > [Indian spirituality, proclaimed that the true Godhead was beyond number and count; that it had many manifestations which did not exclude or repel each…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ram-swarup/indian-spirituality-proclaimed-that-the-true-godhead-was-beyond/) Ram Swarup > [Even virtue is an art; and even its devotees are divided into those who practise it and those who are merely amateurs.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marie-von-ebner-eschenbach/even-virtue-is-an-art-and-even-its-devotees-are-divided-into-those/) [Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marie-von-ebner-eschenbach/) > [The perfect mystic is not an ecstatic devotee lost in contemplation of Oneness, nor a saintly recluse shunning all commerce with mankind, but "the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abu-sa-id-abul-khayr/the-perfect-mystic-is-not-an-ecstatic-devotee-lost-in-contemplation/) Abu-Sa'id Abul-Khayr > [My doctrine means that I must identify myself with life, with everything that lives, that I must share the majesty of life in the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mahatma-gandhi/my-doctrine-means-that-i-must-identify-myself-with-life-with/) [Mahatma Gandhi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mahatma-gandhi/) > [Krishna is God, and by chanting His Holy Names, the devotee quickly develops God-consciousness.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-harrison/krishna-is-god-and-by-chanting-his-holy-names-the-devotee-quickly/) [George Harrison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-harrison/) > [The ability to handle stress increases with the practice of meditation. In a culture like ours in which inner, spiritual growth is totally neglected…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daniel-goleman/the-ability-to-handle-stress-increases-with-the-practice-of/) [Daniel Goleman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-goleman/) > [Devotees are not impressed by the poverty or wealth in material sense in any way; what impresses is devotion.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/radhanath-swami/devotees-are-not-impressed-by-the-poverty-or-wealth-in-material-sense/) [Radhanath Swami](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/radhanath-swami/) > [Ramanama can be used only for a good, never for an evil end, or else thieves and robbers would be the greatest devotees.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mahatma-gandhi/ramanama-can-be-used-only-for-a-good-never-for-an-evil-end-or-else/) [Mahatma Gandhi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mahatma-gandhi/) > [As for me, I consider myself as a speck of the dust of the devotee's feet.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ramakrishna/as-for-me-i-consider-myself-as-a-speck-of-the-dust-of-the-devotee-s/) [Ramakrishna](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ramakrishna/) > [I have come to light the lamp of Love in your hearts, to see that it shines day by day with added luster. I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sathya-sai-baba/i-have-come-to-light-the-lamp-of-love-in-your-hearts-to-see-that-it/) [Sathya Sai Baba](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sathya-sai-baba/) > [What good is a cow that neither gives milk nor conceives? Similarly, what is the value of the birth of a son if he…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chanakya/what-good-is-a-cow-that-neither-gives-milk-nor-conceives-similarly/) [Chanakya](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chanakya/) > [“उद्यत्भानुसहस्राभा चतुर्बाहुसमन्विता रागस्वरूपपाशाढ्या क्रोधाकाराङ्कुशोज्ज्वला ॥२ Udyath-bhaanu-sahara-aabhaa Chatu-r-baahu-sama-anwithaa Raga-swa-roopa-paasha-aadhya Kroedha-aakaara-angusha-o-ujjwalaa 2. Who enlightens and destroys evil of devotee, With four arms in all directions destroys…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/munindra-misra/udyath-bhaanu-sahara-aabhaa-chatu-r-baahu-sama-anwithaa-raga-swa/) [Munindra Misra](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/munindra-misra/) > [A devotee has no agenda of his own. For him, the object of devotion is everything.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jaggi-vasudev/a-devotee-has-no-agenda-of-his-own-for-him-the-object-of-devotion-is/) [Jaggi Vasudev](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jaggi-vasudev/) > [Devotion as an act is vulgar. Devotion as a way of life is wonderful. If you are a great devotee, it is ugly. If…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jaggi-vasudev/devotion-as-an-act-is-vulgar-devotion-as-a-way-of-life-is-wonderful/) [Jaggi Vasudev](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jaggi-vasudev/) [Browse all 123 Devotee quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/devotee/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "One must execute devotional service under the guidance of a devotee or directly under the guidance of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. It is not possible, however, to train oneself without guidance from the spiritual master.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "A. C. 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