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Means of Self-Realization It means, "'I prostrate ( to the pious sadguru ) for acquiring the qualities of being the leader of the path of mokșa, and also because he leads on the said path, and has crushed the mountain of karmas and is knower of all philosophy.”.
Whatever Śrīmad has said about a pious teacher in his correspondence, he has summed up in a few verses of his 'Ātma-siddhi.' In verse 10, he explains the characteristics of a piouis teacher by saying that such a one has acquired knowledge of the soul (ātmajñāna), i.e. he is not interested in any thing other than the soul. He is equitable towards all persons and in all situations. He does not do any act voluntarily; but he has to do some acts, which he is destined to do because of his past karmas. His preachings are unusual and unheard of and they are like scriptures. 90
In verse 11 Śrīmad explains the importance of a pious teacher. An aspirant has to realize that though the Jinas are benevolent for an aspirant, the benevolence of a pious teacher is much beneficial. Unless an aspirant is well aware of this fact, no good thoughts about soul will arise in his mind. 91
In verse 12. Śrīmad says that an aspirant cannot comprehend the importance and nature of a Jina without
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