Srila Prabhupada speaks – “Chain is broken when there are false spiritual masters. Otherwise it is not broken. “
Lokanātha: …five thousand years back, until now, there’s only thirty ācāryas…Prabhupāda: Chain is broken when there are false spiritual masters. Otherwise it is not broken. Chain is broken if a so-called spiritual master speaks something manufactured. Then the chain is broken. Otherwise, chain is not broken.Devotee: [indistinct]Prabhupāda: No, you could not. [break] Uktas tathā bhāvyata eva sadbhiḥ kintu prabhor yaḥ priya eva tasya: “The spiritual master is as good as God because he’s very dear to Kṛṣṇa.” He’s preaching Kṛṣṇa’s mission, and Kṛṣṇa is very, very pleased with him. Na ca tasmān manuṣyeṣu kaścin me priya-kṛttamaḥ [Bg. 18.69]. That is spiritual master’s qualification. He’s trying his best to deliver the soul from these clutches of māyā. That is a great service. Therefore he is very dear. One who is chanting or executing devotional service for his personal benefit and one who is trying to deliver others for others’ benefit, there is difference.Srila Prabhupada Walk Sept. 2, 1976Location: Delhi