Answer
That depends on what we understand by the word "process."
If we understand the process as a two-way relationship, then the term is appropriate. In devotional service, we make our sincere effort, while simultaneously Srila Prabhupada, Krishna, and the Supersoul work upon our hearts. It is a reciprocal process.
However, in the material world, people usually think of a process as something that depends entirely upon visible human effort. For example, a factory produces a product through teamwork, machinery, and management. Everything involved is externally observable.
Devotional service is different.
It is a transcendental process consisting of two essential elements:
Our sincere endeavor.
The unseen mercy of Srila Prabhupada, Krishna, and the Lord within the heart.
We can easily perceive our own effort, but divine mercy is subtle. It cannot be seen with material eyes, although a sincere devotee gradually learns to recognize it.
Therefore, devotional service should always be understood as a transcendental cooperation between effort and mercy.
This principle is often expressed by the saying:
"God helps those who help themselves."
The devotee makes sincere effort, and Krishna responds with His mercy.
This understanding stands in contrast to impersonal philosophy, where liberation is considered entirely dependent upon one's own intellectual endeavor. According to that philosophy, one may accept a guru initially, but eventually the guru becomes unnecessary once sufficient realization has been attained.
In devotional service, the understanding is completely different.
The relationship with the spiritual master is eternal.
Even after returning to the spiritual world, the disciple continues serving under the guidance of the spiritual master. Here, the guru teaches us how to become purified and free from material existence. In the spiritual world, he teaches us the proper mood in which to serve Krishna eternally.
No one can independently approach Krishna and decide how to serve Him.
There is eternal spiritual guidance in the spiritual world, and the spiritual master remains our guide there as well.
For this reason, surrender to the spiritual master is an extremely serious matter. It is not a symbolic or temporary relationship.
The scriptures explain that the faith one has in Krishna should also be placed in the bona fide spiritual master because he faithfully represents Krishna.
A genuine spiritual master cannot simply declare himself qualified. He must be authorized through the disciplic succession.
Anyone may repeat Srila Prabhupada's teachings, give classes, and assist other devotees. In that sense, many devotees act as instructing gurus by helping others advance in Krishna consciousness.
For example, today I may speak on behalf of Srila Prabhupada, and tomorrow another devotee may do the same. That is the natural functioning of devotional service.
However, accepting the responsibility of becoming someone's initiating spiritual master is an entirely different matter.
A disciple offers complete surrender of his soul to the spiritual master. Therefore, the spiritual master must possess the spiritual qualification to transparently connect that surrendered soul with Krishna.
Such qualification can never be self-certified.
One cannot simply decide:
"I now feel qualified to become a spiritual master."
Srila Prabhupada repeatedly explained that he preached because he had been specifically ordered by his own spiritual master.
He often expressed deep humility, saying that he had no qualification, but by faithfully executing his spiritual master's instruction, he became engaged in a transcendental occupation that saved and liberated him.
When a sincere seeker receives the mercy of a saintly devotee who is fully engaged in transcendental service, that person's life becomes successful.
Additional Discussion
Following the answer, another devotee expressed appreciation for the explanation and emphasized the central importance of hearing transcendental sound vibration (sravanam). He observed that devotional service begins with hearing and, in one sense, also culminates in hearing because even a single limb of bhakti, when performed purely, can award complete perfection.
He further noted that devotional realization ultimately depends not merely upon scholarship or intellectual knowledge but upon the Lord's revelation through sincere devotional service.
The devotee then shared an incident from Srila Prabhupada's life.
After Srila Prabhupada's typewriter was stolen, one of his disciples unexpectedly discovered a Dictaphone in a nearby shop. Realizing how useful it could be for Prabhupada's translation work, he immediately purchased it with his salary.
When he enthusiastically demonstrated how the machine worked, Srila Prabhupada quickly understood its operation almost immediately and began using it with ease. Looking back, the devotee felt that what initially appeared to be an unfortunate theft had actually become Krishna's arrangement to increase Srila Prabhupada's capacity to produce books.
The discussion concluded by appreciating how modern technology—including audio recordings, digital media, translations, and the internet—can all be engaged in Krishna's service. These technologies enable Srila Prabhupada's lectures, books, and teachings to reach people throughout the world, helping fulfill Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu's prediction that the holy name of Krishna will one day be heard in every town and village.
