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Chapter 3: Characteristics of Truth Seekers
The characteristics of sectarian people as given in the last chapter are meant to enable one to give up the sectarian approach. Now this chapter gives those of truth seekers by resorting to which one can pursue the objective of attaining the bliss. Truth seekers are those, who are interested in gaining self-realization. The term used in the text for such people is Ätmärthi, which literally means one who seeks the well being of
his soul.
The worldly soul has been wandering, because it has never conceived of its true well being. It is, of course, interested in gaining happiness. For that purpose, however, it looks to the worldly sources, which are incapable to provide true happiness. When one realizes that happiness lies within and cannot be gained by looking out, he would turn inward. Such turning indicates that he is intent upon seeking the truth. In other words, he has now been oriented towards the true well being.
Ätmajnän Tyän Munipanun, Te Sächä Guru Hoy; Bäki Kulguru Kalpanä, Ätmärthi Nahin Joy.
Monasticism abides in self-realization; they are the true Gurus;
a truth seeker does not have any fancy about the family priests. (34)
Explanation & Discussion:
Since truth needs to be sought from a true Guru, this chapter starts with the concept of Guru. The monks and nuns are usually treated as Gurus, but how can we identify a true one? We come across many monks, but every one cannot be resorted to as a Guru. Five attributes of a true Guru were specified in stanza 10. Of those five, the attribute of self-realization is the first and foremost. It is therefore said here that true monasticism abides in self-realization. Ächäräng Sutra (1-5-3) also states: "Jam Sammanti Päsah Tam Monanti Päsah." It means that monasticism abides where there is right perception. The right perception is thus considered an essential attribute for monasticism.
Only self-realized persons therefore need to be acknowledged as true Gurus. While specifying the characteristics of sectarian people it was pointed out in stanza 24 that there are people, who attach importance to family priests, even though such priests may not have any concept of self-realization. But the truth seekers have no fancy for them. They look for true Gurus. The truth seekers do not have any consideration for the family priests or for the sectarian ones.
Pratyaksha Sadguru Präptino, Gane Param Upakär; Trane Yog Ekatvathi, Varte Äjnädhär.
Considering the direct access to a true Guru as supremely beneficial one would act on his precepts with the united energy of body, speech, and mind. (35)
Explanation & Discussion
