ISJS Transactions 2018 07 To 09 Vol 02 No 03

Author(s): International School for Jain Studies
Publisher: International School for Jain Studies

Page 33

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removal of mithyātva makes one worthy to trade the path of liberation. Now after removal of delusion, second is avirati. It takes 9000 (much lesser than mithyātva), then pramāda takes 900, Kaşaya takes 90 and yoga takes only 9.
Importance of Satsanga (Spiritual Gathering)
Up till now, we have discussed that first we strive for samyak-darśana. But how to correct our beliefs? Means how to get rid of our mithyātva. Enlightened being says that spiritual gathering (satsanga) is the mean to eradicate our false beliefs. In every religion, religious gathering (satsanga) by an enlightened being has been applauded. Satsanga works on our belief system, as it nourishes our divine instinct and helps us eradicate our old bad habits. Therefore, it is called divine instinct building process. Discourses given by an Enlightened Master has the power to remove our deluded state. Shrimad Rajchandra expounds in his magnum opus called Atmasiddhi Sāstra that there are two types of deluding karmas 1. Darsana Mohanīya: the action which clouds soul's faith in its nature and 2. Căritra Mohanīya: which hinder the Soul from renouncing the world and which disturb and obstruct the Soul's abidance in its true nature. For a right knowledge of the nature of the self, results from following the experienced advises of a true and enlightened teacher. When the disciple after a clear conviction of the true nature of the Self acts on the advice of his Master, his attachments to the world gets removed and he strongly makes efforts for abiding in his true nature. Once the first type of delusion (darśana-mohanīya) is removed, the seeker is assured to get rid of the second type (căritra-mohanīva). In every walk of faith, satsanga is highly applauded. Acārya Sankara writes that 'It is the satsanga by which we attain detachment from worldly things, freedom from deluded mind state, and ultimately "jīvanmukti" means liberation." Tulasi Dāsa also says that half a moment spent with Enlightened being has the power to shed your sins of one crore births." Kabīraji" also says the same thing
Importance of Sadguru (the enlightened master):
Shrimad Rajchandra, preaches that follow the religion propounded by self-realized beings (ātmajñānī or satpuruşa ) to attain samyak-darśana or salvation. Just to elaborate that while religion is eternal, what is most helpful for the seekers upliftment is the primary aim of an Enlightened Being. The Enlightened Master might modify the seekers rites and rituals of the religion depending on the seekers inclination/situation at the time. In short, the Enlightened Master may give the seeker personalized dharma for the seekers spiritual advancement. Additionally, Rajchandra says that the seekers should not be foolish and compare with any scriptures as the master's word is essence of the scriptures. Acārya Haribhadra Sūri says the same thing. Sadguru throws light on light means He shows right way to understand scriptures." He can give religion less religion, which is above cast and creed but have
26 ISJS-Transactions, Vol.2, No.3, Jul-Sep, 2018
potential to uplift seeker and guides towards liberation. ācārya Haribhadra Sūri preaches the same thing. 46
One also tends to advocate absolutism saying that one not require guru as truth is pathless land, and also potentially everyone is like liberated one. Their belief is, instead of taking refuge under a guru, good thing is to make efforts by one own self as all the scriptures are