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Source: The Hindu (http://www.the-hindu.com)

 

Preceptor redeems humanity from bondage

 

CHENNAI, MAY 2. Whenever there is decline of righteousness and

evils increase, the scriptures state that just as the Lord

incarnated to re-establish Dharma, preceptors (Acharyas) and

saints also are born from time to time to redeem humanity. Whom

does one acknowledge as an Acharya? A preceptor is one who guides

his disciple to realise the truth proclaimed by the Vedas. They

do not propound new philosophies but only re-interpret the

scriptural teachings to suit the needs of the age. The spirit of

universal love and compassion in the practice of religion had

declined at the time when Adi Sankara and later Ramanuja appeared

on the scene and their contribution thus was crucial in the

history of Sanatana dharma (Hinduism).

 

Though removed from one another by centuries, as though by

providential coincidence, both these Acharyas were born under the

same constellation in the same month and hence their birth

anniversaries are celebrated together. Their contribution towards

consolidating the philosophies they advocated - Advaita and

Visishtadvaita respectively - and also in the practice of

religion in day-to-day life was monumental.

 

In his discourse, Swami Nishtatmananda said that the classical

systems of philosophy based on the authority of the Vedas, which

were prevalent during Sankara's time, had a metaphysical slant

and hence there was confusion among the laity about the import of

the Vedas. So there were clear tasks before Sankara which he

fulfilled with great elan. He spiritualised the ritualistic

portion of the Vedas as rituals are prescribed with the objective

of purifying the mind and are not an end in themselves. Though

Sankara's philosophy of Advaita posits one underlying Absolute

Reality (Brahman), he advocated a personal God who is all-

merciful to satisfy the religious instinct in man. As long as

plurality is only evident and not the unity underlying the

diversity, God becomes necessary.

 

Buddhism which was popular then laid great emphasis on monastic

life with which Sankara differed. Renunciation according to him

was more a matter of personal conviction and choice and hence

must not be forced on an individual. He regulated the worship of

the six main deities of Hinduism - Vishnu, Siva, Sakti, Surya,

Ganapati and Kumara - and established Maths. To consolidate the

tenets of Advaita he wrote original works and commentaries on the

Brahmasutras, Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita. Thus he brought

about a re-orientation to Vedic Dharma. His enduring philosophy

is based on scriptural authority, reasoning and experience.

 

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