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Characteristics of Truth Seekers
Monasticism abides in self-realization; they are the true Gurus; a truth seeker does not have any fancy about the family priests. (34)
Explanation & Discussion: Since truth needs to be sought from a true Guru, this chapter starts with the concept of Guru. The monk and nuns are usually treated as Gurus, but how can we identify a true one? We come across many monks, but every one cannot be admitted as the true Guru. Five attributes of a true Guru are specified in stanza 10.Of those five attributes self-realization is the first and foremost. It is therefore said here that true monasticism abides in self-realization. Ächäräng Sutra (1-5-3) also states: “Jam Sammanti Päsah Tam Monanti Päsah.”It means that monasticism abides where there is right perception. The right perception is thus an essential attribute for monasticism.
Only self-realized persons therefore need to be acknowledged as true Gurus. While specifying the characteristics of sectarian people it was pointed out in stanza 24 that there are people, who attach importance to family priests, even though such priests may not have any concept of self-realization. But the truth seekers have no fancy for them. They look for true Gurus. The truth seekers do not have any consideration for the family priests or for the sectarian ones.
પ્રત્યક્ષ સદ્ગુરુ પ્રાપ્તિનો, ગણે પરમ ઉપકાર;
real scuen, ad HIŞIENZ.
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Pratyaksha Sadguru Präptino, Gane Param Upakär;
Trane Yog Ekatvathi, Varte Äjnädhär.
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