Lord Caitanya recommended . . . just like in India, generally, the brāhmiṇs are expected to be the spiritual master. Because brāhmiṇ means who have sufficient knowledge in the transcendental science. That is brāhmiṇ. Brahma jānātīti brāhmaṇaḥ. Now, due to this modern age, Kali-yuga, it is very difficult to find out a qualified brāhmiṇ. So therefore it is very difficult also to find out a qualified spiritual master. So Caitanya Mahāprabhu, He has recommended that:
- kibā śūdra, kibā vipra, nyāsī kene naya
- yei kṛṣṇa-tattva-vettā sei 'guru' haya
- (CC Madhya 8.128)
"Never mind whether he's a brāhmiṇ or a śūdra or a sannyāsī or a householder. Never mind what he is. That doesn't matter. If he knows the science of Kṛṣṇa, then he is the bona fide spiritual master." He is the bona fide spiritual master.
So here this Bhagavad-gītā is the science of Kṛṣṇa. Every one of you, if you study Bhagavad-gītā very scrutinizingly, with all your arguments, with all your sense, with all your philosophical knowledge . . . because it is said here, tad viddhi praṇipātena paripraśnena (BG 4.34).
Not that you have to submit yourself blindly. Although your spiritual master may be self-realized and experienced in the Absolute Truth, still, you have to question. You have to understand from him all critical points by your intelligent questions. That is allowed.
So it doesn't matter. If anyone is able to answer about the science of Kṛṣṇa, he is spiritual master. He is spiritual master. It doesn't matter where he's born or what he is, whether he's a brāhmaṇa, or a śūdra, or an American or an Indian or whatever he is. Never mind.
Just like . . . it is practical. When you go to a doctor, medical practitioner, you do not ask, "Well, Doctor, are you American or Indian? Are you brāhmiṇ? Are you Jew? Are you Christian?" No. Oh, he has got the qualification of a medical man, so you surrender: "Doctor, treat me. I am suffering." So there is no question. So Caitanya Mahāprabhu has given liberal, that "Anyone who knows the spiritual science, or the Kṛṣṇa science . . . Kṛṣṇa science is spiritual science. Because Kṛṣṇa is the ultimate goal of spiritual science. When I speak of Kṛṣṇa, you must remember that I am speaking of God. There are millions of name of God in different parts of the world, but Kṛṣṇa is the supreme name according to Vedic knowledge.
So therefore Lord Caitanya has recommended, and His recommendation is accepted by the authorities even at the present moment:
- kibā śūdra, kibā vipra, nyāsī kene naya
- yei kṛṣṇa-tattva-vettā sei 'guru' haya
- (CC Madhya 8.128)