Don't Become Guru Prematurely

Conversation -- May 30, 1976, Honolulu:

Prabhupada: The tendency for becoming guru is there. But after all, every one of you should become guru. But why immature attempt? That is my question. 

Everyone will become guru when he is expert disciple, but why this immature attempt? Guru is not a thing, imitation. When one is mature, he becomes guru automatically. What is the answer to this, their making some attempt to become guru? I am training you all to become guru in the future. 

Now the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement, the properties and everything, I will not take with me. They will remain where they are. It requires very mature treatment. But there has been some attempt to become guru immediately. Am I correct or not? Hm? 

We are also acting as guru. My other Godbrothers, they are also doing that. But we never attempted during the lifetime of our Guru Maharaja. That is not the etiquette. It is an immature. (pause) Amara ajnaya guru hana (CC Madhya 7.128): "Follow My order and become guru." Not that you become guru. amara ajnaya guru hana tara ei desa yare dekha, tare kaha "krsna"-upadesa." (CC Madhya 7.128)

Hmm? You have to follow the parampara system, order. That is guru. Not that I declare myself as guru. No. That is not guru. Guru is he who has strictly followed the order of the spiritual master. He can become guru. Otherwise it will be spoilt. Artificial attempt is not good.