[Chaturamnaya] Jagadguru Speaks: Shankara, the World Teacher

[S Jayanarayanan]

http://svbf.org/journal/vol1no3/jagadguru.pdf
 

There are many kinds of people in the world. Their life style is
formed in accordance with their own samskaras. Only the one who
can show all of them the way to lead a righteous life can be called a
Jagadguru. There is no doubt that Adi Sankara was such a
Jagadguru.

  vedonityamadhiiyataaM taduditaM
  karmasvanushhThiiyataaM

Sankara gave upadesa in jnana to those who wished to tread the
path of knowledge. In his works, he has given extensive advice on
jnana. For those people who could not go along the jnana marga,
he taught karma yoga.

His valuable advice to chant the Vedas daily and do the prescribed
karmas was meant for those following the path of duty. For those
who were unable to follow this advice, he prescribed the way of
bhakti.

  geyaM giitaa naamasahasraM
  dhyeyaM shriipatiruupamajasram.h .

As he said, such people will find it useful to recite the Gita and
Vishnusahasranama and think of Hari at all times.

The paths of karma, bhakti and jnana are thus conducive to man’s
welfare. Adi Sankara who prescribed these various yogas for all
people is indeed worshipful. The very remembrance of him is
bound to bestow good to all.

  shishhyachatushhTaya yuktaM shivamiva
  sanakaadi saMyutaM satatam.h .
  sha~Nkara bhagavatpaadaM
  sha~Nkaarahitena chetasaa vande ..

With absolutely no doubt in my mind, I bow to Sankara
Bhagavatpada who, like Lord Siva, was always surrounded by four
disciples.