It is not enough to be in physical proximity with the spiritual master because we are all prone to make mistakes. Unfortunately the fact of our physical proximity with the spiritual master does not deprive us of this tendency. This tendency of making mistakes, or being bewildered still remains unless we are enlightened by the real knowledge, which is coming from the spiritual master.

We all have faith in Krisna, but faith in itself is not a guarantee of any spiritual achievement. If our faith is not based on a proper foundation, there will be no advancement in Krisna consciousness. There are two types of faith: 1) laukika-sraddha or conventional faith. In such a society all kinds of superstitions spread very rapidly. It’s better than no faith at all, but there will be no transformation in the heart; 2) sastriya-sraddha means a very rational understanding of the essence of sastra. When someone has the proper sastriya-sraddha: 1) he is fearless, he believes in Krisna’s protection; 2) he is convinced that whatever necessary is already given to him by God, and if something is not given to him, it means that it is not necessary. We have to examine our heart, because we have some sort of mixture of proper and improper faith; 3) he is satisfied with the material situation he is in, but he is never satisfied with his spiritual advancement and he will always look for more; 4) he doesn’t offend other people, especially great devotees; 5) when he sees the people of other believes, he knows the essence. He understands that they have a proper foundation for their belief.

From our spiritual master we have to get the worldview, which is rational and logical. We have to become expert in the sastra-yukti, logic of the sastra.