Atmasiddhi

SR No.: 007524
Original Sutra Author: Shrimad Rajchandra
Author: Manu Doshi
Publisher: Manu Doshi
Total Pages: 147
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Spiritual, & Rajchandra
File Size: 1 MB

Page 22

After stressing the importance of surrendering at the feet of a true Guru this stanza specifies five characteristics of such a Guru. Self-realization, equanimity, life style as ordained, unparalleled speech, and authentic scriptural knowledge are the main characteristics by which one can identify a true Guru. By stating that he should be selfrealized, the emphasis is laid on the distinguished knowledge. By saying that he should be imbibed with equanimity, the emphasis is laid on the distinguished perception. By stating that he should behave as ordained, the emphasis is laid on the blissful mode of life. Thus the importance of the right knowledge, right perception, and right behavior is specified in the first line.
The second line specifies the characteristics of speech and scriptural knowledge. The Guru should have a distinguished way of expression. He should have the capability to use the words, which can help in removing the wrong beliefs. Only such words can penetrate the hearts of listeners. Such words do not easily come forth. They are therefore termed here as unparalleled. Only those, who are highly knowledgeable and enlightened, can utter such words. It is therefore said here that the Guru should be wellversed and should have mastery over the scriptures.
The explanatory note under this stanza (Vachanamrut # 718) provides another version. It uses the terms Swarupsthit and Ichchhärahit in place of Atmajnän and Samadarshitä. Swarupsthit denotes staying tuned to the true nature of soul. One, who has knowledge of Self, either abides in that state or strives to reach that state. Ichchhärahit denotes the desireless state of mind. That state is implicit in equanimity. That term makes the principal attribute of equanimity more explicit.
Spiritual pursuit rests on surrendering to the true Guru. This stanza, however, makes it clear that the aspirant should not surrender to any ordinary person. He should keep the above-mentioned characteristics in mind while looking for a true Guru and surrender to the one, who fulfills those criteria. Thereby the aspirant can get on the right path.
Pratyaksha Sadguru Sam Nahin, Paroksha Jin Upakär; Evo Laksha Thayä Vinä, Uge Na Ätmavichär.
Contemplation of Self cannot arise without realizing that the benefits flowing from a live Guru are incomparably superior to those from the remote omniscient Lords. (11)
Explanation & Discussion:
This stanza points out the importance of learning from a live Guru. It states that the instructions of such a Guru are more helpful than the teachings from the omniscient Lords, who are not now accessible to us. This is not meant to belittle the importance of Lords' teachings. The omniscient Lords were perfectly enlightened, while the present Guru might be at the stage of self-realization striving for the perfection. As such, there is no scope for comparing the two in absolute terms.
What the Lords have said is available to us in the form of scriptures. But the scriptural texts have deep underlying meanings, which will not be clear to a person, who has not dwelt deep into spiritualism. If one tries to resort to those texts on his own,