Guidelines To Be Followed by An Acharya And A Sishya
Dear Fellow-Bhagavathas,
It is well known that Swami Desika’s masterpiece ‘Srimath Rahasya-thraya Saaram’ optimally covers all the salient features of the Visishtaadvaitha philosophy. The treatise consists of four parts — Arththaanusaasana (import of important tenets), Sthireekarana (sorting things out), Padha-Vaakya Yojana (syntax, semantics and etymology) and Sampradaya Prakriya (adherence to tradition).
The last-named section comprises three chapters —obligations of the mentor, obligations of the disciple and the conclusion. We shall take a brief look at the first two.
The mentor-disciple relationship is the cornerstone of Srivaishnava Sampradaya. The Saasthras have prescribed the ideal qualities of the Acharya and disciplines to be followed by the Sishya.
Obligations of a mentor
- The primary obligation of an Acharya is to master the philosophy.
- The logical end to the above is imparting the wisdom so attained to eligible and deserving students.
- Passing of such knowledge must be discrete and direct, as provided in the Saasthras. It should not be heard by those to whom it is not intended.
- He must ensure that the wisdom is shared only with disciples of impeccable character.
- He must remember that he is in possession of a unique treasure (knowledge) and strive to keeping it in tact.
Duties of a disciple
- He should strictly uphold and follow the principles and values of our tradition.
- He should look to gain knowledge out of passion and dedication.
- He should not share his knowledge with anyone for the sake of money or rewards.
- He should not share the benefits of his learnings to detractors.
- He must all the time keep his Acharya’s thoughts in his mind and recall with gratitude his benediction when he teaches his students.
- He should never try to learn through self-study and approach an Achaya for the same.
Following the above guidelines whether one is a mentor or a disciple is of paramount importance and it will not only enhance the value of our Sampradaya but also individually benefit us in our spiritual pursuit.
Into the ninth year
The eve of Vaikunta Ekadasi brings to the mind that www.svdd.com has completed eight years, for, it is on this day in 2006 that the website was launched. It has been a great experience for us throughout and hope that you too had a rewarding time by participating in our quizzes and other features. Thank you very much for the same and looking forward to continued participation.
Meet you in the next Note.
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