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Aptavani-4
183
Dadashri: First, you must arrive at the Central Station (the Self), only then can you make such a statement. Every living being (jiva) has been around from time immemorial, but it is only when one meets the Gnani Purush that one arrives at the beginning of the end.
Questioner: So, is there a need for a guru on the path of moksha?
Dadashri: Yes, so many people say that there is no need! That would be like snuffing out a light. The guru is a light, but wouldn't you have to recognize the guru? When you believe that darkness is light, how can you attain anything?
All these acharyas-maharajs (religious teachers and heads) are considered gurus. Who is a sadguru? It is someone who has attained the Self (Sat). If he has attained such a state, he will not become irritated with you, if you do something wrong. And the Gnani Purush is one who has swa-purusharth (constant awareness and conduct as the Self). The Gnani Purush is considered the wonder of the world.
Questioner: How can we recognize a Gnani?
Dadashri: Say to the (so called) ‘gnani”, “Sir, help me solve my problem,” and if he says to you, “Go and do this much," then you should tell him, “Sir, I have been doing that for such a long time, but it has not got me anywhere.” If you try to get a small child to run errands for you, is he likely to do it? Only adults have to do that. In the same way, if you meet a Gnani Purush, ask him directly what you want. A real guru is the one who gives you liberation from the worldly life (sansar). There are many other kinds of gurus, but what are they good for? You would even need a guru who knows the directions, if you wanted to go from here to the station.
Worldly Gurus These worldly gurus may not be Gnanis, but do you
