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PREFACE
The worldly life is of father-son, mother-son or daughter, wife-husband, etc., relationships. Also to be found in the worldly life is the delicate guru-disciple relationship. It is a relationship in which, after surrendering to the guru, the disciple remains sincere to him for the rest of his life, and increasing his param vinay (absolute humility) for his guru, he abides by his instructions and attains the ultimate special spiritual siddhi (energy; power). This book puts forth a beautiful description of what constitutes an ideal guru as well as an ideal disciple.
Currently many different beliefs about a guru are prevalent and hence people become very confused about how to find the right guru. Perplexing questions on this matter have been asked to the Gnani Purush Dadashri, and He has given answers to the point of total satisfaction of the questioner.
Gnani Purush means a 'worldly observatory as well as an observatory of absolute internal science. In these proceeding pages you will find answers to questions such as, 'What does the status of a guru mean?' 'Is there a need for a guru in spirituality? And if so, to what extent?' 'What qualities must a guru have? Should he be superior or humble?' 'Is the guru qualified? Does he have the master keys necessary for a guru?" 'Is the guru trapped in greed, desires and illusion?' 'Does he have sexual desires or desires to have a following of disciples? How do you choose a guru? Whom should you make your guru? How many gurus should one make? If one already has a guru, can he have another one? What should one do if the guru tums out to be unworthy? What are the dangerous pitfalls inherent in the relationship of a guru and the disciple? What should a disciple be like?
This book gives information on various topics conceming gurus and disciples; information related to what the subtle awareness of the disciple should be. How should a guru behave towards the disciples so that it benefits him as well as the disciples in their spiritual progress? How should the disciple conduct himself with the guru? When should a disciple make a guru so that he may attain knowledge and experience? What kind of weaknesses must a guru not have so that he is strong enough to help his disciple progress? How is one to find the kind of devotion Eklavya had for his guru in this day and age? Through Gnani Purush Dadashri, we get answers to questions asked to him regarding whether as a Gnani he had a guru, whether he had disciples, what kind of a state does he move around in, etc.
According to common knowledge, people consider a guru, a sarguru and a Gnani as one and same, whereas here in this book, Dadashri gives us a clear distinction between the three.
How can one walk the spiritual path without the one who is already familiar with that path? To be familiar means to be a
guide
Here, in this book, you gain knowledge and understanding of what the leader of the path of moksha - the ultimate guru - should be like.
With the aim and the vision that both guru and his disciple can go forth on the path of liberation, Dadashri, who while moving around in the supreme spiritual state as the Gnani, gives various visions and understanding regarding the gurudisciple relationship. There was no one more humble than He was. The understanding given to us by way of the Gnani's speech is presented here, which will become a guide to all traveling the path of liberation.
- Dr. Niruben Amin
