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ATTRIBUTES OF A GENUINE GURU
Dt. 06-08-1982
Reaching the Ultimate Reality is a difficult task. No doubt there are several scriptural texts and some of the statements therein may appear to be mutually contradictory. It is in this context that a person who desires to experience divinity, seeks the guidance of a preceptor. But merely because a person calls himself a Guru donning the robes of a monk, he cannot be accepted as a qualified guide. Many innocent persons are misguided by some selfstyled religious leaders.
The Shastras describe 'Achara' (purity) as the first religion. 'Achara means doing what is right, not merely discussing philosophy. It may be easy to talk about detachment and forbearance but if one fails of put these principles into practice, he is not a Guru. The determination of a true spiritual guide is not merely dependent on his intellectual superiority or his eloquent speeches or his power to impress others or to convince the atheist but on his simplicity, humility and compassion for all living beings. His chief traits are devotion and meditation as against reading or writing.
The highest knowledge cannot be obtained until one discards all desires. Acharya Vikramsurishwarji said in a discourse on 'Bhagawati
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Sutra' one of the sacred texts of Jainsim. The omniscient teachers who may belong to any caste or country will practise what they have learnt. Before propagating the gospel, the Gurus will practice the principles themselves. It is not their sermonising that generates faith in the disciples but adherence to the code of righteous conduct that makes pupils submit themselves before such eminent men. The Jain Shastras hold the view that salvation may never be achieved by mere knowledge.
Decision is the work of Intelligence; execution is the work of wisdom.
Hardships are part of Life. Tolerance is the real art of Living.
There are many who claim God as 'Mine', but there are few who surrender to Him.
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