Mokshamala

Author(s): Manu Doshi
Publisher: Manu Doshi

Page 11

Lesson 11: True Guru, Part 2
Father: My son, there are three categories of Gurus, viz. wood-like, paper-like and stone-like. The topmost category consists of those like wood, because they cross over the worldly sea and carry across others. The paper-like Gurus belong to the medium category. They neither cross over, nor can help others in crossing over, but they can give guidance whereby one can earn wholesome Karma. The stone-like Gurus get drowned and also drown down others. Wood-like Gurus are found only in Jain Order. The rest (Paper-like and stone-like Gurus) lead to the increase in Karma.
We all like to have all topmost things; topmost can be acquired from the topmost. The topmost Guru is a sailor, who can give a seat in the boat of religion and can help in crossing over the worldly sea. Knowledge of different philosophies, of one's true nature, of cosmos and space, and of the nature of worldly life cannot be gained in absence of the best Guru. You may therefore like to know about the characteristics of such Gurus; let me describe the same.
They know the precepts of omniscient Lords; they scrupulously carry them out and instruct others to do so; they renounce wealth and women; they take only innocent food and water; they bear twenty two types of hardships; they are forgiving, restrained, uninvolved and self-controlled; they remain absorbed in studying the scriptural texts; they maintain body only for the sake of spiritual pursuit; they do not get tired of treading on the path of omniscient Lords; they do not pick up even a straw without being offered; they do not take food or water after sunset: they stay in equanimity; and they impartially teach what is true.
They are wood-like Gurus. The sacred books have said at length about the character and knowledge of Gurus. I will let you know further in the matter as you go ahead in pondering over what I have said.
Son: Revered dad, you have told me in brief what is helpful and beneficial. I will always ponder over the same.
Lesson 12: The ideal house-holder
A wise layman resorts to spiritual means even while staying as a house-holder; his family life is also therefore considered praiseworthy.
He performs Sämäyik (Practice of equanimity), undertakes atonement and observes the vow of avoiding food-drinks after sunset as well as such other restraints.
He treats others' wives as mothers or sisters.
He gives donations to the utmost possible extent.
He speaks in a quiet, sweet and pleasing manner.
He contemplates over the contents of right scriptures.
To the extent possible he does not resort to fraud, deception etc. even for the sake of livelihood.
He gives due respect to the parents, wife, sons, monks and Guru.
He extends essence of religion to the parents.