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CHAPTER-VI
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not be believed to be a Guru who teaches us Shastras and gives discourses on them?"
Answer:The word Guru denotes a highly respected person. So, in whomsoever whatever type of greatness be possible he is respected as Guru in that sense. For example, from the family status point of view the parents are termed as Guru, similarly the teacher who imparts education is termed as Guru in that sense. But here the issue is that of religion, therefore, in the context of religion he who is great from the conduct (Dharma) point of view is to be treated as Guru. But Dharma is the name of Charitra (true passionless conduct). In the scripture it is stated that ( TIRTI ETISHT) true conduct only is religion (Dharma), therefore, the possessor of true conduct can only be termed as Guru. For example, the Bhutas (demons) etc. are also called devas (Gods), but here in the context of true belief of deva only Arihanta Deva (omniscient God) is accepted as Deva (God). Similarly, the term Guru though used in various contexts, yet here with reference to true belief the Nirgrantha Guru i.e., totally possessionless naked homeless ascetic monk only is to be believed as Guru. In Jaina religion the terms Arihanta Deva, Nirgrantha Guru are profusely used.
Here someone asks- “What is the reason that none else except that Nigrantha (naked possessionless monk) is believed to be the Guru?
Answer:Excepting the Nirgrantha, no other Jiva possesses the supremacy in all respects. For example, if a greedy person delivers lectures on Shastra then the listeners regard him superior because he delivers discourses whereas the discourser regards the listeners superior because they offer him wealth, cloths, etc. Although outwardly the discourser is superior yet being greedy internally he does not possess superiority in all respects.
Question : "The Nigranthas also take food."
Answer : The Nirgranthas do not take food with inferiority complex and greed passion by praising the donor; so, their supremacy is not affected. The greedy only suffers from complexes. 1. Pravachanasara verse 7.
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