Jivan Ke Kalakar Sadguru

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jivan ke Kalakar Sadguru" by Upadhyay Shri Pushkar Muni Ji, based on the provided pages:

The text, titled "Jivan ke Kalakar Sadguru" (The Artists of Life: The True Guru), written by Upadhyay Shri Pushkar Muni Ji, emphasizes the profound importance and role of a Sadguru (a true spiritual guide) in a person's life. The author uses various metaphors and examples to illustrate how a Sadguru guides individuals through the darkness of ignorance towards spiritual enlightenment and liberation.

The core message of the text is that a Sadguru is an indispensable guide, akin to a beacon of light and a skilled navigator. They have the power to illuminate and purify even the lives of sinners. Meeting a Sadguru is considered a sign of great fortune.

The text begins by drawing a powerful analogy of a traveler lost in a dark, dense forest at night. This traveler, unable to see the path, stumbles, falls into pits, gets pricked by thorns, and is filled with fear from unknown sounds. This scenario represents the human condition in the cycle of worldly existence (samsara). We are likened to this traveler, navigating the "terrible jungle of samsara" for an eternity, blinded by the "deep darkness of ignorance." We encounter obstacles like hitting "rocks of heaven" or falling into "great chasms of hell," being pricked by the "thorns of the Tiryanch (animal realm)," or experiencing the "touch of flowers in human life." We are troubled by internal "animals of anger, pride, deceit, and greed."

In this state of disorientation and fear, the Sadguru arrives like a person with a searchlight, illuminating the path with the "pure light of knowledge." They offer reassurance, telling the disciple not to be afraid and guiding them towards their ultimate destination. The text suggests that this guidance brings immense joy and liberation to the seeker, who can then sing: "Who can show the way without a Guru?"

The Sadguru is described as a true guide (path-pradarshak) who shows the way to those who are lost and misguided. They instill inspiration like electricity in the disheartened and discouraged, pulling them from the wrong path to the righteous one. They rescue individuals from the "darkness of attachment, worldly illusion, and false beliefs." The text quotes a saying: "Without the refuge of a Sadguru, the darkness of ignorance cannot be dispelled." The very meaning of the word "Guru" is explained etymologically as one who destroys ignorance.

The Sadguru provides the spark of knowledge, similar to how a person without a matchbox borrows a spark from a neighbor's hearth to cook. Similarly, the disciple must take this "shining spark of knowledge" from the Sadguru and rebuild their life.

Furthermore, the Sadguru is portrayed as a powerhouse of knowledge. However, just as a faulty bulb or broken wires prevent light from a powerhouse, a disciple's life with "distortions of false beliefs" or broken "wires of humility and discretion" cannot be illuminated, even by the greatest Guru. The text cites examples from Lord Mahavir's time, where even emperors, kings, princes, wealthy merchants, and common people, regardless of their social standing, could only be enlightened if their "life-bulb" was not corrupted by false beliefs and their "wires of humility and discretion" were intact. Those with a flawed inner disposition remained in darkness, even in the presence of omniscient beings. Examples like Jamali (Lord Mahavir's son-in-law) and Mankhaliputra Goshalak, who were close to Mahavir but remained in ignorance due to their inner flaws, are given.

The Sadguru is also recognized as a master artist (kalakar). Just as an artist transforms a rough stone into a beautiful sculpture that enchants onlookers, a Sadguru transforms an uncultured soul into a cultured one where "life begins to speak." The examples of Arjuna Malakara (a former murderer who became a disciple of Mahavir and endured hardships with equanimity) and Angulimala (a fearsome bandit transformed into a non-violent person by Lord Buddha) are presented to showcase this transformative power. Emperor Pradesi, known for his cruelty, was transformed by Mahashraman Keshi Maharaj, remaining peaceful even when his queen tried to poison him.

The Sadguru is likened to a station for the train of life. At a station, a train is safe and can be repaired if it develops any malfunctions. It also receives fuel and rest. Similarly, the Sadguru is the station where life's "train" can be mended from any "malfunctions." The story of Megh Muni, who contemplated leaving the monastic life due to minor discomforts but was guided by Lord Mahavir to overcome his wavering thoughts, illustrates how the Sadguru helps in correcting inner disturbances.

The Sadguru is a skilled navigator of the ship of life, guiding disciples safely through the "ocean of samsara" and the "storms of anger, pride, deceit, and greed." The text quotes a Vedic mantra: "Guru is Brahma, Guru is Vishnu, Guru is Lord Shiva; Guru is truly the Supreme Brahman, salutations to that Sadguru."

The importance of the Sadguru is considered greater than God. A Vedic saying states that if God is displeased, the Sadguru can save you, but if the Sadguru is displeased, even God cannot help. Therefore, one should strive to please the Guru.

The text then questions the rarity of a true Guru. While there are numerous self-proclaimed gurus with luxurious lifestyles and followers, the author questions their authenticity. The philosophical observations of a traveler encountering wealthy "ascetics" with elephants, "ascetics" with children, and "saints" with wives highlight the perversion of true spiritual guidance. These "nominal gurus" have diminished the true significance of a Sadguru.

A true Sadguru is defined as one who has conquered the five senses, adheres to the ninefold vows of celibacy, is free from the four passions (anger, pride, deceit, greed), possesses the five great vows (ahimsa, satya, asteya, brahmacharya, aparigraha), is endowed with knowledge, perception, conduct, penance, and valor, and practices various ethical disciplines of conduct. Such an individual, who passes the "touchstone of these virtues," is considered a true Sadguru by the ancient Indian sages.

In conclusion, the text asserts that just as oil is needed for a lamp, a key for a clock, and food for the body, a Sadguru is essential for the progress of life. They are the true creators of one's life. The text is a tribute from the book "Dharm ka Kalpavriksh: Jivan ke Aangan mein" (The Kalpavriksha of Dharma: In the Courtyard of Life).