Sadguru Ka Milna Ek Saubhagya

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Sadguru ka Milna Ek Saubhagya" by Mofatraj Munot, in English:

Book Title: Sadguru ka Milna Ek Saubhagya (Meeting a True Guru is a Blessing) Author: Mofatraj Munot Publisher: Z_Jinvani_Guru_Garima_evam_Shraman_Jivan_Visheshank_003844.pdf

This article, written by Mofatraj Munot and featured in "Jinavani," discusses the current scarcity of genuine spiritual guides and highlights the immense fortune of finding a true Sadguru (a true spiritual teacher).

Key Points:

• The Problem of False Gurus: The author begins by stating that in the current materialistic age, finding a true, guiding guru is extremely difficult. Many individuals pose as gurus and operate it as a business, enticing devotees with promises of fulfilling their material desires and deceiving them. These false gurus often focus on rituals, mantras, and tantras to achieve worldly goals, rather than guiding individuals towards true spiritual growth.
• Materialistic Devotion: Munot observes that people's devotional practices are often driven by their material desires. He uses examples of popular pilgrimage sites in India, where crowds gather not for pure devotion but to seek the fulfillment of their wishes from deities. This indicates that their devotion is more self-serving than selfless.
• Spirituality vs. Material Solutions: The article distinguishes between true religious or spiritual practice and seeking material solutions. A spiritual person can engage in devotion at home or in a local place of worship. However, those who are facing difficulties, plagued by problems, or driven by desires, and lack faith in their own efforts and destiny, often turn to pilgrimage and deities in the name of religion or devotion, seeking physical solutions to their worldly problems.
• The Business of Gurudom: The author further elaborates that beyond the religious sites, there are also gurus who have turned their spiritual guidance into a business. They exploit devotees' problems and desires, using them as a means to accumulate wealth. These gurus often use flattering speeches and sweet words, understand people's aspirations, and then promise fulfillment to both the devotee and themselves.
• The Blessing of a True Sadguru: Munot then contrasts this with his own experience of finding a true Sadguru, Acharya Shri Hastimal Ji Maharaj. He states that his guru remained untainted by these negative practices and never enticed anyone with the promise of material fulfillment. A true guru, according to Munot, is one who helps individuals overcome their flaws, guides them onto the right path, and awakens their spirituality.
• Personal Benefits from Acharya Shri Hastimal Ji Maharaj: Munot feels incredibly fortunate to have had Acharya Shri Hastimal Ji Maharaj as his guide. His guru inspired him to live a good life and pursue spirituality. Munot lists the benefits he received from his guru's guidance:
  1. Learned how to live a good life.
  2. Developed faith in truth.
  3. Cultivated a spirit of service to the community and compassion for fellow religious practitioners (swadharni-vatsalya).
  4. Quit smoking and became free from addiction.
  5. Gained a true understanding of the nature of Dharma (righteousness/religion).
  6. Developed a spirit of surrender and renunciation.
  7. Received loving association and connected with many dedicated lay followers (shravaks).
  8. Developed a genuine interest in asceticism and renunciation (tap-tyag).
• Self-Realization and Inner Strength: Through his Sadguru's guidance, Munot gained the opportunity to understand himself, identify his inner flaws, and develop the strength to overcome them.
• Gratitude and Continuity: He expresses profound gratitude to his guru for shaping his life and also acknowledges his equal respect for Acharya Shri Hirachandra Ji Maharaj, the disciple of Acharya Shri Hastimal Ji Maharaj, who continues to inspire him in his spiritual journey.

In essence, the article is a testament to the transformative power of a true spiritual guide, emphasizing that finding such a guru in today's materialistic world is a significant blessing that leads to self-understanding, moral development, and spiritual awakening.