Rajgeeta English Translation and Comentry on Atmasiddhi Shastra

Author(s): Shrimad Rajchandra, Manu Doshi
Publisher: Shrimad Rajchandra Mission

Page 64

Räjgeetä
As such, they might be indulging in defilement as well. But a sectarian does not care for it. He goes by the outward signs and regards those as gurus, who wear monk's garb, perform various types of rituals, and observe external austerities.
The question may arise, 'Is external renouncement of no avail? The omniscient Lords have mainly stipulated the path of renouncement. If that is of no avail, why did Lord Tirthankars and other great personages give up family life and become monks?' The reply is that the external renouncement is useful, but it needs to be associated with inner detachment resulting from enlightenment. The inner detachment arises from the right understanding of the nature of soul. This can occur when a spiritual aspirant reverently surrenders to a truly enlightened Guru. The absolute and unconditional surrender to a true Guru must take place while renouncing the wrong beliefs. Then only it can lead to enlightenment. Mere external renouncement, without any inner implication, has little significance in spiritual realm.
The so-called gurus have no renouncement at heart nor are they enlightened. They might have renounced the family life in line with their tradition or on account of some other external considerations. They might adopt the garb of a monk, but they have no inclination for knowing the Self. A sectarian would, however, consider them as reliable gurus. He would have more regard for the traditional family guru or for one belonging to his own caste and creed. Such gurus are generally resorted to with ulterior motives, e.g. the desire to nurture ego and pride, earning respect from the community etc. Such gurus get their followers attached to the family traditions and make them non-receptive to true teaching
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