[Chaturamnaya] Life and Teachings of His Holiness Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Vidyateertha Mahaswamigal - 10

[S Jayanarayanan]

 (Continued from previous post)

http://svbf.org/journal/vol4no2/teachings.pdf

Taking Full Responsibility

The Paramacharya wished to be absolved of the responsibilities and pontifical duties and decided
that the Acharya should shoulder them. The true disciple that he was, the Acharya did not squirm or
shirk, though his innate longing for penance was overwhelming, to say the least. The Parmacharya
soon handed over the performance of the Chandramoulisvara Puja completely to the Acharya and
contented himself with hearing the praises he heard of the Acharya's concentration and devout
performance of the Puja.

With the pontifical functions being handled by him, the Acharya need not have continuously sought
Paramacharya's permission regarding the same. However, his loyalty to his Guru forced him to do so.
He would approach the Pramacharya and say, "Will the Acharya be coming for the function?"
The Paramacharya would reply in the negative and the Acharya would ask, "If I can be of some help
to the Acharya in this regard, I am ready" and the Paramacharya would ask him to conduct the
function as usual.

On occasions when he agreed to participate in a function, Acharya would be ready far ahead of the
scheduled time, eagerly awaiting his Guru. Paramacharya even started asking the Acharya to go in
the palanquin to the Durgamba temple while he himself chose to walk.

Paramacharya had conveyed to the government that the Acharya's views may be taken as his own.
Though this meant that the Acharya could freely take decisions within the framework of government
control, he chose to always consult the Paramacharya in major matters even when the latter chose
to remain in seclusion.

When Acharya took a decision, he did it so well that not only was the Paramacharya saved from
problems, but was fully satisfied. The ideal disciple must not stand on formalities nor allow his
ego to obstruct his implicit obedience to the Guru. Acharya never felt even slightly dissatisfied
with any decision the Paramacharya took. He had perfect empathy with his master. Numerous were the
occasions that would have upset any disciple of lower mettle. However, Acharya's devotion to the
Guru was total and unflinching.

(To be continued)
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