Golden Steps To Salvation

Author(s): Padmasagarsuri
Publisher: Arunoday Foundation

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Some people, knowing the answer to their questions put them to the preceptor either to show that the preceptor is inferior to them or to examine the preceptor himself. It is evident that at the root of such questions there is pride, not thirst for knowledge. Even if they get proper answers to their questions from the Gurudev they do not show their satisfaction in their faces. On the contrary their faces lose their lustre because they have failed to show that the preceptor is inferior to them. In fact, they feel sad at it and such arrogant people are really pitiable.
Just as in order to recover your health you describe your disease to your doctor, in order to achieve mental and spiritual purity you must describe to the Gurudev (preceptor) your sins, your griefs and your misfortunes. It is said in the Pratikramana Sutra:
" निन्दिय गहिय गुरूसगासे...
""
Nindiya garahiya gurusagāse.
You must give an account of your sins to Gurudev.
your
If you go to the doctor and tell him, "I feel hungry at the right time. I am not suffering from indigestion. I take nutritious food such as fruits and milk. In the mornings, I go on a walk in the fresh air. I have energy in my body and enthusiasm in my mind", what will the doctor say? He will say, "Oh, you might have come here by mistake. This is a place meant for sick people. You are perfectly healthy. You may go away from here." In the same manner if you approach the Gurudev (preceptor) and tell him, "I perform pratikramaṇa (an austerity) in the mornings and evenings. I perform sāmāyika (an austerity) several times. I perform such austerities as Vandan (salutation) Darshan, (seeing the Paramātmā) Pujan (worship). I go on pilgrimages to holy places two or three times every year. I give charity according to my ability. I study the scriptures. I keep my senses under control and I keep away all passions". The Gurudev will say, "Then what necessity is there for your coming here?