How can the Guru help his disciples advance in spiritual life if they are unwilling to hear regularly? It is not initiation that brings a disciple back to Godhead. The connection between Guru and disciple is based upon how well the disciple hears and acts upon the spiritual master's orders. When hearing is submissive and regular, the connection between Guru and disciple will be strong. Initiation is an automatic by-product of the hearing process; it should follow after a connection has been established through hearing.
Lectures from a disciple Volume 1 "Spiritual Lives of Grhasthas", Pg 365-366