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Räjgeetä
The characteristics of sectarians as given in the last chapter are meant to enable one to give up the sectarian approach. Now this chapter gives those of truth seekers by resorting to which one can pursue the objective of attaining the bliss. Truth seekers are those, who are interested in gaining self-realization. The term used in the text for such people is Ätmärthi, which literally means one who seeks the well being of his soul.
The worldly soul has been wandering, because it has never conceived of its true well being. It is, of course, interested in gaining happiness, but for that purpose it looks to the worldly sources, which are incapable to provide true happiness. When one realizes that happiness lies within and cannot be gained by looking out, he would turn inward. Such turning indicates that he is intent upon seeking the truth. In other words, he has now been oriented towards the true well being.
This chapter is expressly meant for specifying the characteristics of truth-seekers. But it also outlines the step by step order of attaining liberation. That order consists of recognizing a true Guru, carrying out his commands and resorting to the activities that lead to the ultimate objective. The factors relevant for the purpose are: calming down of passions, aspiring for liberation, disaffection for the cycle of birth and death and compassion for all living beings. These factors are the prerequisites for gaining the right perception. The right perception leads to the right thinking and that in turn leads to liberation.
આત્મજ્ઞાન ત્યાં મુનિપણું, તે સાચા ગુરુ હોય; બાકી કુળગુરુ કાના, આત્માર્થી નહિ જોય..
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Ätmajnän Työn Munipanun, Te Sächä Guru Hoy;
Bäki Kulguru Kalpanä, Atmärthi Nahin Joy.
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