Srimad Rajchandra On Necessity Of Direct Living Sadguru

This document, "Srimad Rajchandra on Necessity of Direct Living Sadguru" by N. M. Kansara, published by ZZ_Anusandhan, focuses on the crucial role of a living spiritual guide (Sadguru) in the path of self-realization, as articulated by the influential Jain mystic Srimad Rajchandra.

Key Arguments and Themes:

• Srimad Rajchandra's Vision: Srimad Rajchandra, a profoundly spiritual soul who achieved self-realization, emphasized the importance of a direct, living Sadguru in his masterpiece, "Atma-siddhi-sastra." His work aims to steer humanity away from empty ritualism and theoretical knowledge towards the true path of the soul.

• The Essential Role of a Living Guru: The text highlights Srimad Rajchandra's assertion that a living Guru is indispensable for spiritual progress. He argues that even the invisible influence of the revered Jina is less directly impactful than the guidance of a visible, living teacher. Without such guidance, true self-contemplation is hindered.

• Qualities of a True Teacher: The document outlines the admirable qualities of a Sadguru as described by Srimad Rajchandra. These include:

  • Knowledge of the Self.
  • Equanimity in the face of worldly dualities (pleasure/pain, praise/censure, gain/loss).
  • Understanding that worldly experiences are due to past karma, not present attachments.
  • Speech characterized by sweetness, truth, inner conviction, beauty, and authority.
  • Knowledge of supreme scriptures.

• Understanding the Jina and Scriptures: Srimad Rajchandra states that the true character of the Jina cannot be understood without the teachings of a True Teacher. Scriptures about the soul, non-soul, matter, time, space, motion, and rest serve as a support when a visible teacher is unavailable or when specifically instructed by the teacher to study them, while abandoning sectarian disputes.

• Overcoming Passions and Delusions: The text emphasizes that self-willed guidance and stubborn adherence to one's own theories are ineffective in conquering powerful negative passions (anger, pride, deceit, greed, attachment, hatred). Surrendering to a True Teacher, however, makes their removal effortless.

• The Nature of Sainthood and True Teachers: True sainthood is equated with Soul-Knowledge, and Saints are identified as the True Teachers. Reverencing family elders merely as gurus without soul-knowledge is deemed a delusion.

• The Path to Self-Realization: A seeker should consider the attachment to a living Guru a great blessing and act on their precepts with unified mind, speech, and body. The path to the highest ideal is constant and attained through proximity to a True Teacher, with the mind purified of other desires and solely focused on self-realization.

• Signs of Spiritual Advancement: When passions subside, the sole desire is for liberation, sorrow for rebirths is felt, and compassion for all beings arises, this indicates the abode of the Self-Ideal. In this state, the wise teachings of the True Teacher are palatable and lead to bliss-giving right thinking.

• The Efficacy of a Guru's Guidance: By abandoning bias for particular schools of thought and following the Sadguru, a seeker attains pure Right Belief, free from partisanship. The Guru's teaching illuminates the disciple, imparts self-knowledge, dispels ignorance, and reveals the pure, conscious, immortal, and independent nature of the soul.

• The Guru as a Divine Physician: Srimad concludes by stating that soul-delusion is the worst disease, and the True Teacher is the most skilled doctor. The Teacher's commands are the best prescription, and contemplating the soul's true nature is the most effective medicine.

• Universality of the Guru Concept: The document then broadens the discussion to show that the necessity of a living Guru is not unique to Jainism. It cites similar views from other spiritual traditions, including:

  • Saint Ranga Avadhūta: Who credited his awakening to the Guru's word.
  • Sikhism: Julian Johnson's analysis of Sikhism highlights the necessity of a living Guru for initiation and guidance through the audible life stream.
  • Radha Soami Satsang Beas: Emphasizes the role of a physical Master for spiritual progress.
  • Christianity: Jesus Christ is presented as the light of the world, guiding followers.

• Critique of Reliance on Scriptures Alone: The text critiques the tendency to consider religious scriptures as the final revelation, leading to spiritual stagnation and the crystallization of thought, which often results in moral decay and the establishment of corrupt priesthoods.

• The Power of Shabd-dhun and Satguru: It asserts that spiritual freedom is attained through "Shabd-dhun" (divine sound current), which can only be accessed through a Satguru. The Satguru connects the disciple to this current, ensuring liberation.

• Swaminarayan Tradition: The example of Bhagavān Svāminārāyana and his lineage of gurus is presented, highlighting the belief that contact with the manifestation of Akshara (the spiritual ideal) on earth, in the form of a living Guru, is essential to reach Purushottama (God).

In essence, the document underscores Srimad Rajchandra's unwavering conviction that a direct, living, and qualified spiritual guide is paramount for anyone seeking true spiritual liberation. This principle, while rooted in Jain philosophy, is shown to have resonance across various spiritual traditions.