I have explained the literal meaning and the fundamental explanation of pañca-saṁskāra. At this point a question may arise as to why nowadays disciples do not see this sort of teaching from their gurus. The answer is that due to the defects found at this present time, people’s discernment regarding gurus has become extremely corrupted. Today people accept instructions from kula-gurus (family gurus) or other such persons, thus they are unable to take refuge in a worshipable Gurudeva. Śāstra states that inquisitive persons seeking the ultimate good of the ātmā should approach and surrender to a Gurudeva who is devoted to and has taken shelter of śabda-brahma (transcendental sound) and the Supreme.