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Chapter 3
Characteristics of Truth Seekers (Mumukshus)
The truth seekers are those who are primarily 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 nature and well being. Of course, it is interested in gaining happiness. For that purpose, however, it looks towards worldly sources, which are incapable to provide happiness. When it realizes that happiness lies within and cannot be gained by looking out, it turns inward. Such turning indicates that it is intent upon seeking the truth. In other words, it has now oriented itself towards its true well being, or Ätmärth.
This chapter is expressly meant for laying down the characteristics of such truth seekers. It also outlines the chronological order of attaining liberation. That consists of recognizing a true Guru, carrying out his commands, and resorting to the activities that lead to the ultimate objective. The factors relevant for this purpose are: calming down the passions, aspiring for liberation, disaffection for the cycle of birth and death, and compassion for all living beings. These factors are the prerequisites for gaining right perception. It leads to right thinking and that in turn leads to liberation.
આત્મજ્ઞાન ત્યાં મુનિપણું, તે સાચા ગુરુ હોય; બાકી કુળગુરુ કલ્પના, આત્માર્થી નહિ જોય.
Ätmasiddhi
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