Sadguru Ke Prati Samarpan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Sadguru ke Prati Samarpan" by Hirachandra Acharya, based on the provided pages:

The discourse emphasizes the profound importance of surrender to the Sadguru (True Guru) for spiritual progress and liberation. The author argues that true surrender allows disciples to receive all-encompassing knowledge and guidance for their spiritual practice.

Key Themes and Concepts:

• The Nature of Bondage: The text identifies three primary causes of worldly bondage:

  • Attachment to the body (Tan ki Asakti): Clinging to the physical form.
  • Miserliness towards wealth (Dhan ki Mamata): Attachment and greed for possessions.
  • Affection for family (Parivar ka Moh): Emotional entanglement with loved ones. These attachments keep the ignorant, deluded, and attached soul trapped in the cycle of rebirth.

• The Three Elements of Liberation: Conversely, the text presents three elements that lead to liberation:

  • Dev (The Divine/Tirthankaras): The perfected beings who have eradicated attachment, possessiveness, and delusion, and have attained a state of non-attachment (Vitraag Avastha). They serve as the primary aids for liberation, and their teachings can transform even the most sinful individuals.
  • Guru (The Spiritual Guide): Gurus embody the Vitraag (non-attached) teachings, practice Mahavratas (great vows), Samitis (careful conduct), and Guptis (restraint). They guide themselves and inspire others on the path to liberation. They possess the power to transform atheists into theists and lead those who have fallen into spiritual practices.
  • Dharma (Righteousness/The Teachings): Dharma is the third element essential for liberation. While the Divine offers direct perception, and Gurus guide by living example, it is through surrender to their guidance that true progress is made.

• The Power of Surrender and Faith: The text highlights the transformative power of surrender and faith.

  • Historical Examples: It mentions how great seekers had to undertake arduous journeys to find a Sadguru, and how even when rejected by a Guru, a disciple like Ekalavya, through sheer dedication and by creating an effigy of his Guru, mastered skills surpassing others. This emphasizes that dedication and faith are paramount.
  • Analogy to a Doctor: The text draws an analogy to visiting a doctor. When seeking treatment, one readily accepts the doctor's prescription and advice without questioning, demonstrating faith. It then poses the question: "Do we have the same level of faith in our Sadguru?"
  • Overcoming Doubt: It addresses the tendency to question spiritual practices like Samayik (equanimity) – its purpose, method, and benefits. While Gurus patiently answer these questions, true progress comes from unwavering faith and surrender, which bypasses unnecessary argumentation.

• The Role of the Guru:

  • Shaping the Disciple: A Guru actively shapes a person's life and instills a sense of upliftment in the disciple. They possess a benevolent intention towards their students.
  • Connecting to Dharma: A true Guru does not bind the disciple to themselves but connects them to Dharma. This ensures the disciple's welfare even in the Guru's absence.
  • Guidance and Transformation: Gurus provide spiritual direction, helping individuals understand their actions through the light of knowledge and guiding them onto the righteous path. They inspire others by living a life free from sin.

• The Importance of Knowledge in Practice:

  • "Padhamam Naanam Taho Daya" (First Knowledge, then Compassion): The text stresses the primacy of knowledge in any spiritual practice. Without knowledge, actions are blind, like a bull in an oil mill that moves but makes no progress.
  • Understanding Practices: It questions individuals who perform practices like Samayik or Ayambil (a type of fasting) without understanding their meaning or methodology. Simply uttering "Michchhami Dukaddam" (a form of apology) does not equate to true Pratikraman (repentance).
  • Applying Knowledge: The text urges acquiring knowledge before engaging in any practice, comparing it to how one wouldn't engage in business without understanding it. Many perform practices at the behest of their Guru or spouse, but understanding the "how" is crucial.

• The Power of Brahmacharya (Celibacy):

  • Holistic Development: The discourse strongly advocates for Brahmacharya, stating it enhances vitality, leads to miracles, and can even make fire cool or a painful instrument a seat of comfort. It is considered the "mine of all virtues."
  • Examples of Virtuous Women: The text cites examples of virtuous women like Sita, Draupadi, and Chandanbala who upheld their chastity, and highlights mothers like Sachchiyay Mata and Bhuval Mata who, through their chastity, protected their lineage.
  • The Foundation of Dharma: Chastity is presented as the primary foundation of Jainism, enhancing intellect and invigorating strength.

• Guru as a Sculptor of Consciousness:

  • Beyond Physical Creation: The text differentiates the Guru from ordinary artisans (carpenters, goldsmiths, tailors, potters) who shape inanimate objects. Gurus shape conscious beings, which is a far more challenging task.
  • Removing Flaws: Gurus work with consciousness, removing its imperfections and eradicating its fickleness. This difficult task is achieved through dedicated guidance, even from a young age, leading children onto the path of spirituality.
  • The Example of Acharya Hasti: The life of Acharya Hasti is cited as an example of how a Guru can nurture a disciple from childhood, leading them to a life of vows and spiritual practice. The text extols the virtues of several revered Acharyas who were lifelong celibates, emphasizing their peaceful influence.

• The Path to Lasting Happiness: The discourse concludes by reiterating that true and lasting happiness can be achieved by cultivating faith in the Vitraag teachings and the words of the Guru, and by actively engaging in spiritual practice.

In essence, "Sadguru ke Prati Samarpan" is a powerful call to embrace complete surrender to a true spiritual guide, underpinned by unwavering faith and a commitment to understanding and practicing the teachings of Dharma, with Brahmacharya being a key element for spiritual strength and progress.