________________
not perform even minor tasks. How can he then accomplish such a great task as that of sublimation of his nature. When the power of Tejas, bio-electricity, is awakened or activated, utmost care must be exercised in its utilization. As long as electricity is conducted through insulated wires, it provides coolness in summer, warmth in winter, light in darkness and it can run great engines. But when the insulation of wires is not adequate, it can cause unimaginable harm. Similarly, the power of bio-electricity when used in the right direction, proves to be a great boon, but wrongly used it can turn into a curse. In view of this it is necessary to awaken the Centre of Knowledge along with the Centre of Energy. Without the awakening of the upper centres, the activation of the lower centres can pose a great danger. Therefore, in this whole process, it is necessary to obtain guidance from a guru. In the absence of proper guidance, difficulties are bound to arise.
Q. From the point of view of sadhana, what kind of — guru must one find? What is the criterion? The guru's scholarship? His experience? Or his sadhana?
Ans. In this matter, the qualification of the guru cannot
- be measured on the basis of book-knowledge. Only an accomplished and experienced person can efficiently discharge the important functions of the guru. Just as treatment done under the supervision of an experienced doctor proves successful, similarly, sadhana practised under the care of an experienced guru produces the right results. A doctor prescribes some medicine, and in the case of it producing a reacion, a worsening of the disease, he also knows its antidote. The unfavourable reaction produced by one drug he can neutralize by administering another drug. Experienced gurus, too, keep assessing regularly a sadhak's physical, mental and emotional condition. Their watchfulness is most valuable since it prevents a sadhak from coming to harm in the case of an experiment having gone wrong.
186
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org