Guru And Disciple

This Jain text, "The Guru and The Disciple" by Dada Bhagwan (as expounded by Gnani Purush Dadashri), published by Mahavideh Foundation, explores the profound relationship between a spiritual teacher and a student. The book clarifies the distinct roles of a guru and a Gnani Purush (an awakened one), emphasizing the paramount importance of a true, living guru for spiritual progress.

Key Themes and Concepts:

• The Nature of a Guru: The book defines a guru as a "Guide," an experienced person who knows the way, much like a second eye or a map. It stresses that one needs a guru for worldly knowledge and spiritual liberation, and this need extends until one attains Self-realization. The guru is essential at every stage of life, from education to spiritual seeking.
• The Difference Between a Guru and a Gnani: A worldly guru is described as a guide who helps in worldly interactions and teaches moral conduct. A Gnani Purush, however, is beyond worldly concerns and provides knowledge of the Self, leading to liberation (moksha). While a guru can take one up to the gate of spiritual knowledge, only a Gnani can open that gate.
• Qualities of an Ideal Guru: The text highlights crucial qualities for a guru, such as purity of conduct, lack of inner inclinations (aasakti), patience, and a noble, generous nature. A true guru should not have anger, pride, deceit, or greed (kashayas). The ideal guru is one whose presence brings peace and whose conduct is beyond reproach. A "Satguru" is defined as one who has attained Self-knowledge and is liberated.
• The Importance of a Living Guru: The book strongly advocates for the necessity of a living guru. A living guru can guide, show faults, and provide support. Idols or photographs of departed gurus are considered ineffective for direct spiritual guidance and liberation, although they can offer some worldly benefits or serve as steps in the spiritual journey.
• The Disciple's Role: The ideal disciple demonstrates humility (vinay), sincerity, and unwavering faith, even if the guru makes mistakes or exhibits flaws. Criticizing the guru is considered a grave spiritual error. The disciple's primary role is to follow the guru's instructions and surrender fully. However, the text also cautions against blindly following and encourages testing a guru discreetly.
• Akram Vignan: The book presents "Akram Vignan" as a direct, step-less path to Self-realization, imparted through a scientific process. This path emphasizes receiving knowledge from a Gnani Purush, rather than arduous spiritual practices.
• Critique of Modern Gurus: Dadashri critically analyzes the state of gurus in the current era (Kaliyug), highlighting their business-mindedness, self-interest, lack of true knowledge, and exploitation of disciples. He warns against gurus who solicit money, fame, or disciples, and those who lack purity of conduct or self-control.
• The Role of Faith: Faith in the guru is crucial, but it should arise naturally from the guru's conduct, speech, and humility. Forced faith is considered temporary and ineffective. The Gnani Purush is described as an "idol of faith" because faith naturally blossoms in His presence.
• Ego and Beggary: The book emphasizes that ego and "beggary" (desire for respect, fame, money, or disciples) are major obstacles to spiritual progress and finding a true guru. A true Gnani is free from all desires and is "laghutam" (lower than the lowest), which paradoxically leads to being "gurutam" (higher than the highest) in the spiritual realm.
• The Ultimate Goal: The ultimate goal is Self-realization and liberation. This can only be attained by a Gnani Purush who has experienced the Self and can guide others to the same state.

In essence, "The Guru and The Disciple" guides seekers in understanding the spiritual teacher-disciple dynamic, discerning genuine spiritual guides from those who exploit the system, and ultimately pointing towards the path of Self-realization as expounded by Dada Bhagwan. The book advocates for humility, sincere seeking, and recognizing the true nature of the Self as the ultimate guru.