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Chapter 1: Background
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spiritualism. If one resorts to those texts on his own, he is likely to misinterpret their contents, go astray and become a bare knowledgeable person as outlined in stanza 5. The remote Lords are not going to come down in person and tell that he has incorrectly understood the scriptures. Nor will they be able to guide the disciple about obstacles on the path of liberation. The scriptural books only describe the Path. The essence of the Path is in the heart of a true Guru who has already walked on the Path. The knowledgeable and enlightened Guru would surely point out the aspirant's mistakes and try to bring him back to the right Path. It is therefore said that the secret of the soul lies in the heart of a live Guru. Unless one is convinced of that, he will not conceive of the true nature of the soul.
સદ્ગુરુના ઉપદેશ વણ, સમજાય ન જિનરૂપ; સમજયા વણ ઉપકાર શો ? સમજયે જિનસ્વરૂપ.
Sadgurunä Upadesh Van, Samajäy Na Jin Roop; Samajyä Van Upakär Sho, Samajye Jin Swaroop.
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The omniscient state cannot be understood unless explained by the true Guru. Without understanding, there is no benefit; and understanding leads to omniscience.
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