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Pratyaksha Sadguru Yog Nahin, Tyan Adhär Supätra,
The scriptures dealing with the existence of soul, etc. can be the recourse for the deserving aspirants, where direct contact with true Guru is not available. (13)
Explanation & Discussion:
The importance of Guru has been explained in the preceding two stanzas. But the question is, 'How to come across the Guru, who satisfies the criteria specified in stanza 10?' There was shortage of true Gurus even in good times. It is therefore no wonder that they would be rarely available in the present declining period. If some of them exist, they are likely to stay away from the society. It would therefore be improbable to come across a true Guru. Under these circumstances 'Who to rely upon' would be a problem for spiritual aspirants.
This stanza points out the way for the aspirants in absence of a true Guru. That is meant only for the deserving aspirants. It states that the aspirants, who have gained adequate spiritual background, can depend on the right books when a true Guru is not available. The spiritual books, which deal with the existence of soul and other related matters, would be useful to such deserving aspirants.
It should be noted that such books cannot take the place of an enlightened Guru. A spiritual aspirant can, however, continue his progress by resorting to such books in absence of a true Guru. Then he will stay vigilant and be more qualified to receive the directions from a live Guru; and that can lead to self-realization.
A word of caution is needed here. There are a number of books that purport to deal with the soul and spiritual aspects. Many of them are not written with right perspective and therefore cannot be relied upon. Only those, which have been written by the reliable persons, can be depended upon. The persons, who can thus be relied upon, are called Apta. That term denotes the persons who have no interest other than the well being of soul. Such persons are self-realized. Only the books written by such authentic persons should be relied upon in the absence of a true Guru.
Athavä Sadgurue Kahyän, Je Avagähan Käj; Te Te Nitya Vichärvän, Kari Matäntar Tyäj.
Otherwise leaving aside different viewpoints, one should always study and contemplate over the books recommended by the true Guru for in-depth study. (14)
Explanation & Discussion:
This stanza provides the criterion for selecting the reliable books. If the aspirant has come across a true Guru, the latter might have suggested the right books. For instance, reverend Laghuräjswämi had repeatedly urged to contemplate over Letter of Six Fundamentals, Sadguru Bhakti Rahasya, Yam Niyam and Kshamäpanä. The spiritual aspirant should therefore regularly ponder over their contents. Moreover, if he happens to come in contact with another true Guru, the aspirant should follow his advice and undertake the study of the books that he recommends. He should seriously go through such literature and repeatedly ponder
