Adhyatmagyan Praveshika

Author(s): Atmanandji Maharaj
Publisher: Shrimad Rajchandra Sadhna Kendra Koba

Page 23

17
Ans.
Even the
(3) They observe vows of restraining from
sinful activities. (4) They inspire others on the path of
salvation. (5) They have a truthful and masterly
knowledge of scriptures. Que. 4 : Can we say that the preceptor and the saint
are alike? : Even though they have some similarity, the status of a preceptor is much higher. By acquiring self-knowledge alone, one can become a saint, but for becoming a true preceptor the above- mentioned qualities
are required. Que. 5 : In absence of all the above virtues, can a
person be called 'Guru' ? Ans. : The qualities mentioned above represent a
great, enlightened master and a trendsetter whom we regard as the supreme Guru. If some of the above mentioned qualities are lacking, he may be regarded as a less
enlightened Guru. Que. 6: Is it possible to attain self-knowledge
without having precepts from a Guru ? Ans. : Self-knowledege cannot be attained without
obtaining precepts from a Guru. A special person with previous births' samsakars (impressions) may attain self-knowledge on his own but he also had acquired direct preachings from enlightened preceptors in his previous births.