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Gandhi's Teachers : Rajchandra Ravjibhai Mehta
available is of the examples of tirthankars and liberated souls" and the blessings and guidance of a true teacher. 12
Most central theme is of six Padas (spiritual steps), as also mentioned and commented upon in the previous chapter.1.3 These Padas are: 1) soul exists, 2) soul is ever-present, 3) soul is doer, 4) soul is enjoyer, 5) liberation is there, and 6) there is a way for liberation. In this work, the Padas are presented in the form of questions asked by the disciple and answers provided by the true teacher. Obstacles to soul-liberation, necessity of a true teacher, characteristics of non-seekers of soul and soul-seekers, liberation path, and relationships among right belief, right knowledge, and liberation are the other presented themes. Crucial point is that soul or self does exist, which in embodied or conditioned state is the doer of karmus and enjoys/suffers the fruits of karmas until liberated. Soul-liberation is possible and there is a way for liberation. The way is delineated in Jain path and principles.
The Text Salutation to True Teacher
(Verse 1) It is a time-honored tradition in India to offer obeisance to gods, goddesses, gurus, and even holy rivers, mountains, and forests before starting a religious or pious work. The author here follows this age-old tradition and offers obeisance to the true teacher, who according to the Indian tradition is like a god or goddess. Not only humans are teachers in the social, educational, and religious realms, but even non-humans like rivers, plants, and other embodiments of nature can serve as teachers if one learns a lesson from them to elevate life.!4 In this verse, the author says that I bow to the feet of my noble teacher who provided me soul knowledge and without such knowledge I suffered infinite misery
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