Book Title: Gandhis Teachers Rajchandra Ravjibhai Mehta
Author(s): Satish Sharma
Publisher: Gujarat Vidyapith Ahmedabad

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Page 194
________________ 176 Gandhi's Teachers : Rajchandra Ravjibhai Mehta faculties of mind, body, and speech. He knows that wherever is soul knowledge, there is the true saint and teacher. He is also aware that it is delusional to follow one from own caste who is not a soul-seeker. Soul-seeker is opposite of non-seeker of soul, who has been described in detail in the earlier verses. Soul-seeker, accordingly, has been described here in lesser detail. The importance of finding and obeying a true teacher has been reemphasized. Qualities of a soul-seeker, as mentioned in Bhagavad-Gita, have been stated in the earlier section for comparison purposes. Liberation Path (Verses 36-41) These verses state that liberation path stays the same during the past, present, and future and acquirement of noble behaviors inspires this path. Thinking thus within inner mind, one should find association of the true teacher and sole goal should be self-realization and not satisfaction of other mental cravings. The abode of self-realization lies in the vanquishing of desires for the sole purpose of liberation, repentance for present mundane existence, and true compassion for all. Where these requirements exist, favorable soul conditions exist. Liberation is not found where inner cravings do not go away. Where favorable soul conditions exist, one pays rapt attention to the teachings of true teacher and thereby noble thoughts and pain-destroying bliss develop. Where noble thoughts exist, self-enlightenment occurs that vanquishes delusions and liberation is attained. The verses here provide seven-point advice for getting started on the path to liberation and attainment of soulliberation. First, one has to realize that living in the world full of pain and misery is a bad proposition and one has to get out of this bad deal. Second, one should repent for present mundane existence. Third, one should develop a desire for self-realization. Fourth, one has to develop aversion for worldly pleasures and give up all mental desires and cravings Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

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