I do not want any devotee taking the renounced order to fall down. I want that, until their death, they should be very strong and preach our mission—even after I leave. They should never be weak. They should think, “Our Gurudeva is present in our hearts. Our Gurudeva has never left us.” You must do this. Guru never dies. You can see this in Nityānanda Prabhu—that guru never dies. I want that after I leave, our mission should go on; our preaching should be continued.
I therefore want to give the renounced order to very qualified persons who will not fall down. I will not give it to all of them at the same time. I will give it gradually, and at present one, two, or three, if the devotees will allow. I have selected two for this year, and if you select more, I will consider them as well. If one is not humble and has insufficient guru-niṣṭhā, he is not qualified. He should be steady—not weak.
Srila Gurudeva - March 14, 2003 Navadvīpa