In Jain Dharma, choosing a guru should be done with vivek, vinay, and deep inner honesty. If you have already shortlisted two based on aachaar, then the next choice should be made not only by बाह्य आचरण, but by who helps you move closer to moksha.

Choose the guru who has these qualities:

1. True samyak aachaar

- Firm in ahimsa, satya, asteya, brahmacharya, and aparigraha. - Steady in restraint, simplicity, and discipline. - Not only respected outwardly, but also stable inwardly.

1. Deep knowledge with right understanding

- Clear knowledge of Jain siddhanta. - Able to explain dharma without ego, confusion, or rigidity. - Speaks in a way that strengthens faith, not just admiration.

1. Compassion and equanimity

- Does not show anger, pride, deceit, or greed. - Treats all beings with sama-bhav. - His presence should reduce your kashayas, not increase them.

1. Supports your spiritual progress

- Inspires you toward vairagya, self-discipline, and self-purification. - Makes you more careful in conduct, speech, and thoughts. - After hearing him, you should feel more humble, शांत, and committed to dharma.

1. Authenticity of lineage and discipline

- Properly connected to a recognized Jain tradition and proper practice. - His sangh or path should reflect genuine Jain maryada. - No attraction to praise, display, or worldly influence.

How to decide between the two

Ask yourself these questions:

• Which guru makes me more detached from worldly attachment?
• Which one increases my faith in Jain principles?
• Which one helps me feel more disciplined and pure?
• Which one is more stable in conduct under all conditions?
• Which one do I naturally feel more surrendered to with respect, not emotion?

A very important Jain principle

Do not choose only by:

• popularity,
• eloquence,
• softness of speech,
• impressive scholarship,
• or personal liking.

In Jain Dharma, the right guru is the one who helps you destroy inner passions, not just one who appears impressive.

Simple final rule

If two are equal in aachaar, choose the one who:

• has greater purity of conduct,
• gives clearer spiritual direction,
• and in whose presence your ego, attachment, and restlessness decrease.

Best inner test

The right guru should help you say:

• “I want to become better in ahimsa.”
• “I want to reduce pride and attachment.”
• “I want to live more for dharma than for comfort.”

If one guru naturally awakens this feeling more strongly, that is usually the better choice.

Most importantly, choose with shuddha bhav, not haste. In Jain Dharma, surrender should be thoughtful, humble, and sincere.