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Guru {Preceptor}
The next highest person in the spiritual hierarchy for the seeker is the preceptor. Each one who has attained enlightenment makes a vow to himself.
Only the true ascetic, who walks in the footsteps of the Jina shall be my master.
The Aavashyaka Suutra has listed the 36 qualities of a true preceptor.
"Panchamindiyasamvarano tava navaviha bambhecharam guttidharo. Chauvvihakasaayamukko ia atthaarasagunehim sanjutto. Panchamahavvayajutto panchavihaayaara paalanasamattho. Panchasamia tigutto chhattiisa guno guru majjha.” ~ Jain Tatva Prakaash; Verse 3 (chapter) (Page 90, Author: Aachaarya Amulakhrushi, Publisher: Laxmi Pustak Bhandaar, (Gandhimarg) Ahemdabad, (Gujarat), year unknown)
One who has 18 qualities -(has conquered the 5 senses, practices celibacy in all 9 possible ways and is free from the 4 types of passions). In addition he follows the 5 major vows, is capable of following the 5 types of conduct, practices the 5 carefulness and 3 self-controls is my guru.
"Mahaavratadharaa dhiiraa bhaikshamaatropajiivinah.
Saamaayikasthaa dharmopadeshakaa guravo mataah." ~ Yogashastra, Verse 2.8 (Page 22, Author: Aachaarya Hemacandra, Publisher: Mahaveer Jain Vidhyalaya, (Govaliatank rd) Mumbai, year 1949)
The learned ones who observe the five great vows, who live only on alms, who are immersed in equanimity and who preach the Jain religion are true preceptors.
The true monk follows the rules of asceticism very strictly. He does not keep any possessions with him, apart from what is deemed and unavoidable by his ascetic tradition. He does not eat after sunset or before sunrise. He always travels on foot. He eats only what is offered to him. He does not involve himself in any monetary matters. He follows the rules of his ascetic lineage with regards to speech, food intake, movement, placing of things and disposal of bodily waste.
Only the ascetic who follows the above code of conduct may be called the true preceptor. Such an ascetic follows the rules himself before expecting others to follow those rules. For the impact of one who practices what he preaches is far greater than one who does not follow his own teachings.
