Follow the teachings of preceptors

THIS IS A COLLECTED LIST OF INTERVIEWS AND TALKS BY THE SRINGERI ACHARYALS ON VARIOUS RELIGIOUS TOPICS DURING THE 1990’S. THEY WERE PUBLISHED IN “THE HINDU” NEWSPAPER.

Some of the literary compositions of saints not only contain their sincere prayers to the Lord but also advice to humanity, besides being replete with anecdotes testifying their excellence in several fields. Reciting one of the verses by a great religious reformer, we can clearly comprehend, "This is how we should conduct ourselves." The import of this verse is, "Let me possess humility; let me not have arrogance. My mind wanders all over. So let it remain firmly fixed on you. I desire to possess whatever I see but let me not wallow in the mire of wants; make me compassionate and bless me with liberation."

The way in which a man should behave is revealed in this verse by Adi Sankara. A person should be humble, control his senses and should desire nothing. This prayer indirectly describes the important attributes of an ideal human being. "Instead of wasting our time, if we recite at least a single verse of Sankara's hymns daily, great merit will accrue to us," said Sri Bharathi Theertha Mahaswamigal of Sringeri on the occasion of Sankara Jayanti. In his commentary, Adi Sankara had established that liberation can be attained only through knowledge of the Self. Authentic information about his life is available in `Sankara Digvijaya' authored by Madhava Vidyaranya.

Some of the verses in this book praising Sankara state, "Only in men with a background of great meritorious deeds will the tree of spiritual life take real roots. Control of mind is the sprouting leaf-bud of that tree; control of senses, its tender foliage; contentment, its blossoms; forbearance, its nectar; and faith, its fruit. Your teachings are like a necklace of splendorous pearls, strung on the golden thread of sound reasoning which scatter the darkness of ignorance by their brilliance."

Adi Sankara was a `knower of Truth'. At the same time, he was an expert in managing worldly affairs. His patience, fortitude and ability to get along amicably with one and all, set him apart as a brilliant leader. He admirably removed a misunderstanding that had cropped up among his disciples. He had full authority over them but was not a dictator. The admirable manner in which he promoted national integration is apparent in the manner in which he established the pontifical seats.

Sankara Bhagavadpada wanted the propagation of the law of righteousness to go on forever. His vision was that good deeds should continue to be performed for centuries to come. He possessed such a nonpareil intellect and farsightedness that within a short span of 32 years he accomplished unbelievable tasks. Adi Sankara was a great adept in yoga and instances clearly show that he had acquired astounding powers.