Shraddha Aur Samarpan Se Milta Hai Guru Ka Ashirwad

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shraddha aur Samarpan se Milta Hai Guru ka Ashirwad" (Blessings of the Guru are Received Through Faith and Dedication) by Acharya Shri Devendramuni Ji M.S.A., translated into English:

This article emphasizes the profound importance of faith (shraddha) and dedication (samarpan) in receiving the blessings and profound knowledge from a Guru (spiritual preceptor). It argues that a disciple who is fully dedicated and faithful towards their Guru becomes worthy of receiving even the most esoteric knowledge.

The Guru as an Essential Guide:

• The text begins by highlighting the indispensable role of a Guru, quoting Yogavashishtha to state that self-knowledge cannot be attained without a Guru's guidance.
• The Guru is compared to a key that unlocks the immense, latent potential (infinite knowledge and power) within the soul. Without the knowledge of how to use the key, the door to spiritual realization remains shut.
• In the context of life's spiritual journey, the Guru is described as a supportive pillar (like the 'medhi' in a field or the pillar of a multi-story building), providing the strength and direction for the disciple to ascend the "tree of spiritual practice."
• The Guru offers divine vision, enabling the disciple to navigate the path of life without getting lost or stuck.
• The Guru is also likened to a leak-proof boat that safely ferries the disciple across the ocean of life, preventing them from drowning.

The Guru's Purpose and Analogy to Other Professions:

• Just as a doctor aims to heal a patient, a teacher to educate a student, and a driver to safely transport passengers, the Guru's ultimate aim is the disciple's welfare and betterment.
• The Guru strives to purify the disciple's conduct and thoughts, transforming them into ideal human beings.
• The article draws parallels with practical life, where we often need the guidance and experience of others to overcome our limitations and flaws (e.g., seeking a doctor for self-treatment, a teacher for academic learning). Just as a mirror is needed to see one's face, a Guru is needed to recognize and rectify one's own faults and weaknesses.
• A Guru is defined as someone who has purified their own soul, awakened their inner strengths through rigorous practice and knowledge, and overcome spiritual obstacles. Such an experienced individual is capable of guiding others.
• Quoting an Upanishad, the text states that true spiritual knowledge is learned through a Guru's instruction, not merely by studying countless scriptures.

The Guru as a Gardener and Potter:

• The Guru acts like a skilled gardener, pruning away the "weeds" of negative thoughts, desires, and vices that hinder the growth of positive qualities (good thoughts and virtues) in the "garden of the mind." They nurture the good seeds with encouragement and support.
• The Guru is also compared to a potter, transforming the raw, shapeless clay of a human being into a refined vessel capable of holding divine qualities and virtues. Just as water-absorbing earth becomes capable of holding water after being fired, the disciple, through the Guru's tutelage, becomes capable of embracing spiritual excellence.

The Nature of the Guru-Disciple Relationship:

• A Guru's duty is performed with selfless devotion, without any expectation of personal gain from the disciple. A teacher who expects something in return is merely a paid instructor, not a true Guru.
• The Guru's aspiration is to make the disciple equal to, or even greater than, themselves. The analogy of a sculptor carving a divine idol from stone is used, where the sculptor remains the same, but the idol gains immense reverence. The Guru is such a great artisan, who finds fulfillment in helping the disciple achieve divine status.

The Importance of the Disciple's Qualities:

• While the Guru is great, the disciple must also possess humility (vinaya), faith (shraddha), and gratitude (kritagnyata) towards the Guru to receive their blessings.
• Even if the disciple attains omniscience, they should always remain humble and devoted to their Gurus who imparted the knowledge.
• The disciple's devotion, dedication, and faith are what motivate the Guru to impart knowledge. The Guru is like a cow capable of giving milk (knowledge), but the disciple is the milkman who needs to draw it out through their respectful attitude.
• Worthiness (patrata) is crucial for receiving a Guru's blessings. Without it, the blessings cannot be attained.

The Power of Humility and Faith (Mahabharata Example):

• The text recounts the Mahabharata episode of Yudhishthira approaching his elders and preceptors (Bhishma, Dronacharya, Kripacharya, Shalya) before the war.
• Despite the impending conflict, Yudhishthira, disarmed, went to the enemy lines and humbly bowed to Bhishma and Dronacharya, seeking their permission to fight and their blessings.
• His humility and adherence to dharma deeply impressed Bhishma and Dronacharya. They were moved by his respect and, despite their allegiance to the Kauravas, revealed the secrets of their demise, thereby bestowing their blessings upon him.
• This act of humility allowed Yudhishthira to gain crucial insights that contributed to half the victory in the Mahabharata war.
• The example illustrates that a disciple's humility and faith can compel a Guru to reveal profound secrets, even the secrets of their own death, fostering an unparalleled bond of surrender and affection.

Conclusion:

• The relationship between Guru and disciple is like a connection between a large lake and a small pond, or a powerhouse and a household, where continuous supply of energy and resources is maintained.
• The Guru, like a great lake or powerhouse, shares their knowledge, spiritual energy, and the secrets of their practices with the disciple once the soul connection is established.
• The article concludes by stressing that attainment comes through dedication, and knowledge through humility. Therefore, the Guru-disciple relationship must always be characterized by humility, faith, dedication, and good intentions, enabling the Guru to bestow all their knowledge and strength to make the disciple even greater.

In essence, the article powerfully advocates that a sincere and humble disciple, through unwavering faith and complete surrender, opens the door to receiving the most profound spiritual guidance and blessings from their Guru, leading to ultimate spiritual growth and well-being.