Guru Gun Likhya Na Jay

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Guru Gun Likhya na Jay" by Devendranath Modi, focusing on the provided pages:

The article "Guru Gun Likhya na Jay" (The Virtues of a Guru Cannot Be Written Down) by Devendranath Modi, published in "Jinavani" on January 10, 2011, emphasizes the profound importance of a spiritual preceptor (Guru) in guiding individuals towards spiritual liberation (Moksha Marg).

The author begins by describing the human condition as one filled with ups and downs, caught between hope and despair, and often confused about what is right and wrong. In such a state, individuals seek a "Purna Purush" (a perfect or enlightened being) who can offer solace and show the right path. This perfect being is identified as the Guru, who helps to reduce the lower qualities (Tamoguna and Rajoguna) and foster the higher quality of Sattvaguna. The word "Guru" itself is broken down by Mahasati Shri Mudit Prabhaji M.Sa. into four components: Good Sense (offering good thoughts), Understanding (providing good understanding during times of joy and sorrow), Reborn (giving birth to new and good sanskars or imprints), and Union (inspiring strength to the Sangha or community).

The text highlights that while humanity has made significant scientific progress, it often lacks clarity about its ultimate life goal or purpose. In this confusion, a wise and experienced guide like a "Sadguru" is essential to show the correct path, true goal, and awaken true discernment.

The article stresses that it is through the "alok" (light) of a Sadguru that individuals realize their own shortcomings, errors, faults, and misconceptions. This knowledge then motivates them to purify themselves, and their life journey begins to move towards its true objective, leading to the understanding of "Sachidananda" (existence, consciousness, and bliss). The Guru's grace dispels illusions, deviations, and obstacles, illuminating life with truth.

According to Shraman (ascetic) culture, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and Sadhus/Sadhvis are considered Sadgurus. Their positions are highly revered, and they are implicitly honored multiple times in the "Namo Kar Mahamantra." The text quotes Sant Kabir's famous verse: "Guru Govind dono khade, kake lagun pay. Balihaari Guru aapne, Govind diyo bataay." (Both Guru and Govind are standing, to whom should I bow first? My salutations to you, O Guru, for you showed me Govind.) This illustrates that the Guru is the link connecting one to the divine.

The Guru is presented as the one who makes the adage "Matr devo bhav, pitr devo bhav, acharya devo bhav" (Consider the mother as God, the father as God, the preceptor as God) meaningful. The Guru facilitates a complete understanding of life's philosophy and awakens the curiosity to know God, subsequently providing the answers that fulfill life's journey.

The Guru acts as a specialist who controls and regulates the mind and soul, leading to continuous self-development. The Guru is the focal point and the completeness of life. To receive Guru's knowledge, one must purify their heart by cleansing it of desires like lust, anger, greed, attachment, and ego. True Guru knowledge is attained through the perfection of Karma (actions), Upasana (worship), and Jnana (knowledge).

Unwavering faith, devotion, and trust in the Guru are essential. A natural surrender to the Guru's virtues is necessary, as the magnitude of the Guru's qualities is boundless. The Guru provides knowledge that brings the mind, intellect, and consciousness to a state of equanimity and protects from ego. This immeasurable reverence is captured in the saying: "Let all the seven oceans be ink, let all the forests be paper; even if all the earth becomes paper, the virtues of the Guru cannot be written down."

The text concludes by reiterating that describing the Guru's virtues and benevolence is impossible. It is through the Guru's grace that pure and uncorrupted knowledge is obtained. Sant Tulsidas is quoted saying that the light emanating from the Guru's toenails is sufficient to dispel the darkness of the heart. In this transient world, one without a Sadguru is truly without a true well-wisher. Even with all worldly possessions, such a person is like an orphan in distress. The Guru's grace bestows peace and leads to perfection.

The author mentions his revered Guru, Acharya Bhagwant Shri Hastimal Ji M.Sa., whose immortal personality and work inspire all, provide inner strength, and develop self-power in people. Quoting from the text "Namo Purisavargandhathin," it is stated that a Guru's support is direct, whereas divine support is indirect. The text notes that it is rare for someone to have the same revered being as both God and Guru, a phenomenon likely only possible in the "Chaturth Arak" (the fourth era). Tirthankar Bhagwan Mahavir possessed both qualities. However, in the current era, our God and Guru are separate. Since God is not directly visible, but the Guru is, it is crucial for human welfare to worship a Sadguru.

The article further emphasizes that the Guru is the greatest physician of life, resolving inner problems and curing diseases of the mind. The Guru provides guidance to overcome afflictions like agitation, excitement, attachment, ego, greed, pride, and envy. Ultimately, it is through the Guru's grace that one achieves peace and completeness. The duty of a true disciple is to dedicate everything, including their body, to the Guru's service with pure intent to repay the Guru's debt.