Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Vidyatheertha Mahaswamin
(35th Shankaracharya of Sringeri Sri Sharada Peetham)
(35th Shankaracharya of Sringeri Sri Sharada Peetham)
As the 35th Shankaracharya of the Sringeri Sri Sharada Peetham established by Sri Adishankara Bhagavatpada, and as a matchless Tapasvin and Jivanmukta, Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Vidyatheertha Mahaswamin shines resplendently as an exalted crest jewel among yogis.
As a young boy, He displayed deep devotion to God, fearlessness, universal compassion, same-sightedness in pleasure and pain and a strong desire to see God – the traits every spiritual seeker aspires and prays for.
“My Guru’s command is inviolable. As a disciple, it is my duty to carry it out” – this was the feeling His Holiness had when He received a difficult instruction from His Guru on the day He was initiated into sannyasa. He was not even 14 years of age at that time. His Holiness’s devotion and surrender to His Guru were natural, total and unconditional.
Anybody can practise Karma Yoga. By the practice of Karma Yoga, the mind becomes very pure. Devotion towards the Lord deepens. Realization of the Truth dawns only in a pure mind.
Only Dharma can save us in the other world and also in the next birth in this world. Never will he, who protects Dharma, be left helpless. That is why it is said, "Dharma protects one who protects Dharma."
Superficial or indirect knowledge of the Truth cannot bring about emancipation. Direct realization of the non-dual Supreme is what annihilates ignorance and results in liberation from transmigratory existence.
By God’s grace, we have obtained a human birth, the power of discrimination and someone to teach us about the Ultimate Truth. If we still remain lazy, we will be wasting a marvelous opportunity.
A person who loses some money feels unhappy. But he feels happy when he voluntarily gives the same amount to a poor student who is not in a position to pay examination fees. Charity can thus make not only the donee but also the donor happy.
A devotee with supreme love for God just cannot exist without God. Such a devotee attains God and transcends dotage and death.
