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knowledge may be obtained from none but a sadguru only. However, a person does not give up the company of an ignorant master out of shame or disrespect etc., this is the cause of error-feeding passions (anantānu bandhi kaṣāya). (4) According to all scriptures, whosoever seeks spiritual knowledge or wisdom must obey a competent or sagacious master. A self-willed or wanton soul wanders in the cycle of transmigration since beginningless time. (5) As long as one does not follow a jñānī master there is no possibility of the destruction of one's ignorance. (6) He who, after having renounced the attachment to his body, mind and wealth, dedicates himself to his master alone can follow his commands. (7) The master does not desire any devotion from the disciple, but for an aspirant without devotion to the master neither his preaching becomes effective nor does the disciple become able to ponder over and meditate upon it. So say the Venerable. (8) All scriptures unanimously promulgate this fact. (9) In the past, Rṣabha preached the same truth to his 99 sons for attaining liberation shortly. (10) Even if a soul attempts to gain knowledge or experience of the self or infinity on its own accord, it will not succeed. But by following its master it will attain omniscience within a very short span of time, called antara muhūrta. (11) The injunctions included in the scriptures enjoining on an aspirant to exert himself for liberation are indirect. (12) This is the path of knowledge (jñāna märga) leading [directly?] to liberation. There is no alternative to it. (13) He who follows this secret doctrine, will actually become fearless by obtaining immortality."
(2) In the passage quoted above, Śrīmad brings forth the importance of following a jñānī master for attaining self-realization in unequivocal terms. Just as the path of knowledge means following the commands of a sadguru, the
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