________________
ASPIRANT'S GUIDE
thoroughly only through the preaching of an enlightened preceptor. He attains to the experience of bliss in this life as also in the life hereafter, and in the end, attains to the state of absolute emancipation or liberation.
Glory of the Principle of Relativity 1. It is just the precise discrimination that is propounded and eulogized in all schools of philosophy; it is also known as Syadvada, its masterly elucidation which easily explains the truth, is the principle of relativity. 2. The vision of relativity is actually one that sets at rest the logical contradiction that is apparently seen between the absolute and the relative. This unique vision of "having many facets" (multidimensional vision) (Anekanta) brings all controversy to an end, and so judicious persons resort to it. 3. The vision of relativity is the real vision; vision of the absolute alone is not valid. Only this vision of relativity leads to the success of all worldly dealings. 4. Our salutations to the noble sages, who have provided the doctrine of Syadvada indicating that no doctrine is nullified. Let one who desires to resort to the path of the wise, become detached in the matter of various viewpoints, let him not be insistent that any doctrine alone is absolute truth. Let him not offend any living being by such insistence, let him not even desire to do so.
LIVING EXAMPLES OF THE PRINCIPLE OF RELATIVITY (1) An aspirant (Sadhaka) once sought guidance from a sage (Acharya). The following was the conversation between them :
Sadhak said, "Well Sir ! Which is the best spiritual activity (Sadhana) for me ?"
Acharya said, "Some religious books be stud ied regularly." Sadhak said, "Should I also recite the Mantra of my God?"
Acharya said, "Do that also, but your mind should concentrate on the virtues of God not on the God."
Sadhak said, "On whom should I meditate ?"
Acharya said, "Meditate on any person of a good character who has knowledge of Soul (Atma)."
Sadhak said, "Are not religious activities and practices 152
SADHAK-SATHI Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
