Jinamanjari 2001 04 No 23

Author(s): Jinamanjari
Publisher: Canada Bramhi Jain Society Publication

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progress. The un-self-realised aspirant is ignorant so cannot fully benefit from religious practise without the direction of a true guru. Śrīmad distinguishes between 'true' and 'false' gurus. A true guru has experienced samyak darśana, which, as discussed, is the root of religious authority according to his criteria. Only a true guru has the necessary knowledge and experience to effectively guide an aspirant towards samyak darśana. Śrīmad also warns that 'false' gurus, those who have not experienced samyak darśana, will devastate an aspirant's religious progression. If a true guru is not available to the aspirant, scriptural study, especially that pertaing to the nature of the soul, is recommened. This will help to prepare the aspirant for a future encounter with a guru.
The interpretation of Śrīmad's religious instruction of guru bhakti has fundamentally influenced the social organisation of the Śrīmad Rajacandra movement. When Śrīmad was alive, he was the guru around whom his followers were consolidated. Since his death followers have divided into two distinct groups: those who worship Śrīmad only and do not follow a living guru, and those who devote themselves to a living guru as well as to Śrīmad. The division occurs according to the followers' belief in the availability of a living guru. Some do not believe in the current existence of a true guru according to Śrīmad's criteria. Some followers do, and devote themselves to a living guru. They believe wholeheartedly that their guru has achieved samyak darśana and will assist them in their attempt to reach the same goal. A living guru is described as 'pratyakṣa', meaning 'perceptible' in the sense of something or someone being present.
Followers who cannot accept the idea of a pratyakṣa (present, living) guru follow Śrīmad only as a parokṣa guru. 'Parokṣa' means indirect or not living. Śrīmad makes these distinctions in the Atmasiddhi verse eleven, where he describes the present true guru as 'pratyakṣa' and the non-present Jina as 'parokṣa'. Since his death, Śrīmad has become a parokṣa guru to his followers. Some state that, although he is no longer alive, Śrīmad is accessible to them through his image and writings. His writings are regarded as scripture, so by studying them followers
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