Maharaj Pranati Mantra

Pranam_mantra.pdf

You first recite my praṇaṁ-mantra and then recite the praṇaṁ-mantras to Srila HH Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj ji and Śrīla Prabhupāda (at least his first praṇaṁ-mantra). Obeisances to the spiritual master are paid whenever there is occasion to offer obeisances (entering the temple, offering food, seeing me, etc., and before taking rest in the evening and upon waking in the morning).

Titles such as Gurudeva and Guru Maharaj, and Spiritual master are meant to be used only by disciples and aspiring disciples (and śikṣā disciples if they choose).The above mentioned forms of address are used when addressing me in person or in letters. Also, when referring to me in a conversation with others, the proper etiquette is to say, "My spiritual master ..." 

The GBC resolution in this regard is as follows:

“No one in ISKCON will be addressed published with honorific title “His Divine Grace”, nor be addressed either publicly or privately, the honorifics ending in “pada” or “deva” (for example gurupada, acaryadeva, etc.). Disciples may address their ISKCON dīkṣā- or śikṣā-gurus as “Gurudev” or “Guru Maharaj.”

If you are not certain about the finer details of etiquette between a disciple and a guru, you can ask some knowledgeable devotees about this and also observe how other disciples deal with their gurus. The relationship is very intimate and at the same time there are formalities. Your spiritual master is your friend and also your servant, but he also represents Krsna to you and is thus honored as God's representative.