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## The Third Stage
**With Hindi Commentary**
It is expected to walk behind the Guru. However, due to special circumstances, there may be exceptions to this path of following. For example, if the Guru does not know the path, or if a group of dogs or other animals are sitting ahead, or if any other reason arises, then there is no fault in walking ahead of the Ratnakar. Similarly, if the Guru is very tired, or has pain in his eyes, or is about to faint, then there is no shame in walking alongside him. And if animals are coming from behind, then there is no shame in touching his clothes, etc., to protect the Guru.
**65**
However, one should never touch the clothes, etc., of the Guru or other elders without reason, because doing so may cause the dust from the disciple's feet to touch the Guru, and there may also be a possibility of other impurities like mucus, etc. Therefore, it is appropriate to walk only according to the method mentioned above, only then can the disciple avoid shame. Like the act of walking, the acts of 'sitting' and 'standing' should also be performed in such a way as to avoid shame, otherwise many faults may arise.
If the Guru is very tired or suffering from pain like colic, etc., then there is no shame in sitting near the Guru and serving him with the consent of the physician and the Guru's command. But behaving inappropriately and rudely with him (the Guru) - while walking, standing, and sitting - will definitely lead to shame.
**I**
Every knowledgeable person should learn from this sutra that it is appropriate to always behave politely with those who are older than oneself. As we see every day, the result of rudeness is experienced in this world and in this life itself. Therefore, it is appropriate for a person who desires his own well-being to completely abandon rudeness and always remain humble.
Now the sutra-maker describes the subject of the 10th shame:
**"When going out to the field of contemplation with a Rayani, if one sits ahead of him, and then later becomes a Rayani, that is shame."**
**Sehass. 10.**
**De**