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the world. As such, he cannot conceive of any worldly object worth offering to the Guru.
As the pupil reflects over the soul, he realizes that it is unique; nothing is comparable to it. Since he realized the existence of soul by virtue of Guru's teaching, he feels as good as the soul having been granted by the Guru. Of course, that can not be returned; but he makes out that the Guru would feel happy, if he follows his precepts. To attach all possible importance to the soul, to consider everything from the point of view of its well being, and thereby to reach an ever increasing purity, constitute the right way of following the Guru. The pupil therefore makes up his mind to pursue that mode.
all possible impelt being, and there the Guru. The pupil
In spiritual pursuit it is vital to act according to the guidance and instructions of the Guru. Achäräng Sutra therefore states, "Anäe Dhammo, Anäe Tavo" (Carrying out the instructions of the Guru and omniscient Lords is the true religion as well as penance). It is also said that the continual adoration of innate compassion of a Guru leads to realization. The scriptures even go to the extent of saying that even one word of a Guru, if properly resorted to, can lead to liberation. The pupil therefore decides to offer himself at the lotus feet of the Guru.
Ä Dehädi Ajathi, Varto Prabhu Adhin; Däs, Däs Hun Däs Chhun, Teh Prabhuno Deen.
From now onward, let this body, etc. behave as commanded by the Lord; and let me be a servant, very humble, the most humble servant of the Lord. (126)
Explanation & Discussion:
Thinking that he had nothing to offer to the Guru, the pupil was overtaken by his inability. He almost despised himself for not being able to do anything commensurate to teaching of the Guru. In view of the significance of carrying out the command, he at last decides to act in accordance with the commands of the Guru and to behave as his most humble servant. This shows his utmost modesty and the sense of subservience.
To Westerners such a sense of subservience may appear rather unbecoming, but Indian culture is rapt with that. There are several cases when kings have offered even their kingdoms to their Gurus. King Kumärpäl had offered the kingdom of Gujarät to his Guru Hemchandrächärya; and Shiväji had offered his kingdom to Guru Samarth Swami Rämdäs. In both these cases the kings had taken their offerings back under the stipulation that they would reign in the interest of religion.
