“Jivan and Iswaran are the same but with a difference. An empty pot contains space, but not quite the same that prevails all around. You break the pot and they merge to become the same entity,” the audience listens spell bound to this simple explanation of a profound theory of Advaita as Sri Bharati Tirtha of Sringeri Sarada Pitam speaks high philosophy.
Both theory and the akasa and ghata-akasa analogy are Sri Adi Sankara’s and only a mind that has not completely understood the concept of Truth gets confused that leads to arguments. The make-shift hall of ‘Sudharma’ (124, Dr. Radhakrishnan Salai, Chennai), where the Acharya is camping to observe Chatur Masya Vrata is packed, as Swamiji’s lecture draws both the lay and the elite. Sri Bharati Tirtha, who is on Vijaya Yatra, is following in the footsteps of his predecessors, who believed in educating the uninitiated.
A scholar, the Acharya’s talk in fluent Tamil is interspersed with apt quotations from several sources. At 15 he became an understudy of Sri Abhinava Vidya Tirtha and ascended the throne as the 36th head in 1989 but not before acquiring a comprehensive knowledge of the Vedas, Upanishads, Mimamsa, Tarka and so on. The wisdom comes across in the simple style that he adopts. “Some of you may not understand the subtleties, but try and get the larger picture,” he says not without kindness.
Sri Bharati Tirtha is visiting Chennai after nearly 20 years. Does he find any change? “Well, from one place to another it took about 10 minutes but these days it takes 30,” laughs the Acharya referring to the heavy traffic, in a private interview.
Thousands throng temples and rituals are done with a never-before fervour and frequency. But negative forces seem to be gaining the upper hand? In other words, life has become a challenge for those who tread the path of honesty. “Good and bad have always co-existed,” observes the Acharya, gentle surprise lacing the tone. “Ravana lived at the same time as Rama. The latter went through immense sufferings because of the Lanka ruler. Rishis doing penance were disturbed and hurt by demons…”
But scriptures speak of divine intervention…
“Sure. One must wait. Do your duty with a clean mind and things will fall in place,” he says.
On youth and discipline
The dialogue turns to children and youth. With distractions at every turn and lifestyles having undergone a massive change, it is tough to instil discipline in them. The Acharya believes they have the potential to ring in positive changes.
“Earlier moral instruction was mandatory in schools. Now parents should assume that role and guide their offspring,” he says.
Easier said than done, considering the questioning spirit and the I-know-what-I-want attitude. Why, there is no scope for bed-time storytelling what with the heavy burden of home work, TV shows and Internet.
“Yes, television has played a significant role in all this. Young people are mesmerised by TV. I wonder if it has any beneficial effect on their minds,” observes the Acharya, who again underlines the duty of parents. “Sit with them. Talk about our country’s great heritage and culture. Make them understand that they may not get the answers for all their questions. They will understand as they grow up.”
Is bhakti necessary for a person to lead a clean life?
“Yes, prayer and rituals offer solace and strengthen the mind. Your faith in the path that you have chosen gets reaffirmed.”
The Acharya’s opinion on religious leaders and math heads entering politics…
“I can only speak for myself,” smiles Swamiji. “No. Politics is not my cup of tea. Sastras do not encourage a sanyasi to dabble in the affairs of state. My predecessors did not do it, nor will I.”
Message for The Hindu readers…
“Let every one do their duty with sincerity. Never try to hurt or harm others with word or deed. On the other hand try to be as helpful as possible. Don’t fail to pray or observe nityakarma.”
Dissemination of knowledge
Located on the picturesque banks of the Tungabhadra in Sringeri, Karnataka, Dakshinamnaya Sri Sarada Pitam, founded by Adi Sankara, runs many Veda patasalas. It is generally said that the Vedas have no takers and the number of learners is dwindling. “Wrong,” smiles the Acharya. “In fact the number of students, who receive the certificates at our patasala has been increasing,” he says.
“No compromises there,” informs a volunteer in an aside. “Even a slight error is enough to disqualify a person. The standard is high.” The Pitam conducts Veda Sammelans and sastra sabhas across the country.
The Veda Poshaka Sabha and Sastra Poshaka Sabha encourage young learners to excel in their studies. Elderly scholars are given monthly honorariums.
Under the scheme of Gita Gnana Yagna, individuals who recite all the 700 slokas of the Bhagavad Gita receive a certificate and a cash award of Rs. 21,000.
Sri Sankara Advaita Research Centre publishes literature in the subjects of Vedanta, Vyakarana and Nyaya. Knowledge is disseminated through journals such as Tattvaloka (English), Shankara Kripa (Kannada and Telugu), Amman Darisanam (Tamil).
Sringeri Vidya Bharati Foundation has units in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, the U.S., and Toronto, Canada.
Daily schedule
Devotees can have darshan of the Acharya in the mornings and evenings. He presents Anugraha Bhashanam on Wednesdays and Sundays (6.30-7 p.m). The lecture is telecast by Sankara TV.
Eminent artists render bhajans and concerts every evening (7 p.m.) Catch up with the Mambalam Sisters today. Tomorrow Sri Jayakrishna Dikshitar will present Namasankirtanam followed by the vocal recital of Lakshmi Rangarajan.
Updates are posted on www.sringeri.net and www.srisankaratv.net.
Golden words
The following are excerpts from the discourses Sri Bharati Tirtha delivered at various places:
Desire and anger are two great enemies of man. While desire is one’s longing for an object, anger results from non-availability or deprival of the object. What does one lose by uttering respectful words? But many speak harsh words and hurt the feelings of others. The three fetters that chain a human being to samsara – Loka vasana, Sastra vasana and Deha vasana. The life of a man who does not help others is worthless. Thus great importance is given to Paropakara, which scriptures refer to as compassion. “I do my duty and am happy with what I get.” – this should be the attitude. Be content with whatever comes to you of its own accord. Practise equanimity when experiencing the pairs of opposites, such as pleasure and pain. Shun envy.
(Culled out from ‘Golden Words of the Glorious Guru,’ published by Sri Sringeri Sarada Pitam – 577139, Karnataka ph: 08235250123 -- and distributed at a subsidised price of Rs. 35.)
