Acharya Hasti Me Guru Tattva

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Acharya Hasti me Guru Tattva" by Manjula Bamb, focusing on the essence of Acharya Hastimalji as a guru:

The article "Acharya Hasti me Guru Tattva" by Dr. Manjula Bamb eloquently portrays Acharya Hastimalji Maharaj as a profound embodiment of the 'Guru Tattva' (principle of the Guru). He is described as a highly accomplished spiritual practitioner and a guiding light and well-wisher for people from all walks of life.

The Significance of the Guru in Jainism: The text emphasizes the paramount importance of the Guru in Jainism, second only to the Dev (divine) principle. In the absence of Arihants or Tirthankaras, it is the Guru who represents them and guides individuals towards the divine. The article quotes a verse highlighting the Guru's role in opening the eyes of those blinded by the darkness of ignorance with the collyrium of knowledge. It draws parallels to Kabir's saying that the Guru is even greater than God because the Guru is the medium through which God is realized. A true Guru is one who has renounced worldly attachments, is devoted to the divine, has renounced anger, pride, deceit, and greed, and is filled with forgiveness.

The Guiding Role of a Guru: The article elaborates on the Guru's function as a guide, leading individuals lost in ignorance towards their ultimate goal. Gurus explain the true nature of Dharma, inspire righteous conduct, and provide solutions for obstacles encountered on the spiritual path. They offer solace and encouragement to those facing hardship, loss, or despair, instilling courage and enthusiasm.

Acharya Hastimalji as a Guru: Acharya Hastimalji Maharaj is presented as a Guru who provided spiritual and ethical guidance, resolving the doubts of those curious about religion, society, culture, and ethics. He actively worked for the welfare of himself and others, fulfilling his responsibilities with benevolence. His teachings were always imbued with the principles of pure Dharma, such as non-violence and truthfulness.

The article lists numerous qualities that embodied Acharya Hastimalji's guru nature:

• Intellect and Scholarship: He was gifted, knowledgeable in scriptures, and understood worldly affairs.
• Inner Qualities: He was devoid of greed, possessed a calm disposition, had foresight, was free from criticizing others, and was a treasure trove of virtues.
• Communication: He spoke with sweet words, his conduct was pure, he was an inspiring preacher, and a propagator of Dharma. He was admired by scholars and understood worldly customs.
• Character: He was gentle in nature, detached from desires, and possessed all the qualities of great ascetics. He lived a life of heightened awareness, focusing on self-purification and inspiring others to do the same. He was free from attachments, ego, and was a conqueror of passions, having mastered his senses. His life radiated peace.
• Discipline: He was a proponent of discipline, having himself undergone rigorous training. He lived a disciplined life like a soldier and inspired others to follow suit. His actions spoke louder than his words, making his life a living testament to discipline.
• Wisdom and Eloquence: He embodied the classical ideal of 'Viddya Vinay Sampanne' (possessing knowledge and humility), coupled with discernment and eloquence. His brilliance was remarkable, and he would have been described by Lord Mahavir as possessing immediate and profound wisdom. His life's motto was "Keep moving towards your goal."

The Meaning of "Guru": The article delves into the etymology of the word "Guru," explaining that 'Gu' signifies darkness, and 'Ru' signifies the remover. Thus, a Guru is one who dispels the darkness of ignorance. A true Guru is illuminated by true knowledge and can, therefore, guide others out of their ignorance, just as a lamp illuminates itself and then others.

Illustrative Anecdotes: The article shares anecdotes illustrating Acharya Hastimalji's wisdom and his ability to derive profound lessons from simple observations:

• The Lion's Roar: While passing through a zoo, he interpreted the roaring of a caged lion not as a display of power, but as an expression of its helplessness due to confinement. He likened this to the soul trapped in the body, experiencing its true potential but being limited by its physical form.
• The Stone Carver: Observing a stone carver sprinkling water on stone, he explained that the water softened the stone, making it amenable to being carved. He emphasized that life, like stone, needs to be softened through spiritual practice and guidance to be shaped into something beautiful and purposeful.

The Guru-Disciple Relationship: The text highlights that a Guru is not merely a procreator but a builder, more significant than parents, teaching the art of living. The Guru is a great artist who sculpts the rough, unrefined disciple into a beautiful, cultured, and trained individual, just as a sculptor transforms a block of stone into an idol. The article quotes a verse comparing various artisans (tailor, carpenter, goldsmith, potter, farmer, blacksmith, stonemason) to a Guru, all of whom refine and shape raw materials into useful or beautiful forms. Similarly, the Guru, with a fatherly heart, molds the disciple through discipline and training, correcting mistakes with love and care.

The Importance of Education and Discipline: Acharya Hastimalji stressed the indispensability of education for spiritual practice. He believed education was as vital as the soul and mind to the body, enhancing one's life, progress, behavior, and thoughts. He emphasized that education is mandatory with initiation, resulting in disciples receiving the invaluable treasure of scriptural study and spiritual practice.

Respect from Peers and Dedication: The article notes the universal respect Acharya Hastimalji commanded from his fellow spiritual leaders, including Acharya Shri Atmaramji, Acharya Shri Anandrishi Ji, Acharya Shri Devendra Muni Ji, Pravartak Shri Pannalal Ji, and Acharya Shri Jawaharlal Ji. He was a keen observer and appreciator of virtues, always abstaining from criticizing others and inspiring the same in his disciples. While he advocated for propagation of Dharma, he never compromised on principles or practice.

Selfless Service and Principles: Acharya Hastimalji was always ready to serve, experiencing joy in doing so, and extending his service impartially to monks and nuns of other traditions as well. His exceptional service during the Santhara of a senior monk from another lineage, and his efforts to foster inter-sectarian relationships, are highlighted. He remained steadfast in his principles, like the Himalayas, never compromising on his beliefs. The article suggests that one could see the reflection of Arihants and Siddhas in Acharya Hastimalji. He was not confined to a single lineage or community but belonged to everyone.

Nurturing Disciples: He provided spiritual strength to his disciples like a parent or guardian, guiding them from the basics of spiritual knowledge to understanding and practicing advanced texts. He instructed his disciples to remain vigilant and mindful in their practices. He corrected their mistakes with affection, took care of their well-being, and trained them to control their senses, passions, desires, habits, body, and mind, making discipline feel effortless. The chastisement or admonishment from a Guru was like medicine, beneficial and palatable to the disciple.

In conclusion, the article states that it is impossible to fully capture the virtues of Acharya Hastimalji in writing, just as it is impossible to hold the vast ocean in a small cupped hand. He remained vigilant in nurturing the lives of the four-fold Jain community (monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen), living a life of victory over death, and leaving the community blessed.