125th Varshikotsava of Sringeri Pathashala
The Sabha in progress at Guru Nivas on the 125th Varshiktsava of the Sringeri Pathashala
The 125th Varshikotsava of the Sri Sadvidya Sanjeevini Samskrita Mahapathashala at Sringeri was celebrated on August 6, 2019. The Ubhaya Jagadgurus graced the event which began with a Sabha organised at Guru Nivas. The Sabha began with Guru Vandanam, Vedic chantings and a prayer. Vidwan Vinayaka Udupa, the Principal of the Pathashala, Veda Brahma Sri C. Krishna Bhat, the Superintendent of the Pathashala, along with teachers and students performed Phala-Pushpa-Samarpanam to the Ubhaya Jagadgurus. Sri V R Gowrishankar, CEO of the Sringeri Math was also present during the event. Pathashala Principal, Vidwan Vinayaka Udupa, presented the annual report of the Pathashala before the Jagadgurus.
Sri Mahasannidhanam releasing “Sadvidya” souvenir on the 125th Varshikotsava day of the Sringeri Pathashala
Sri Mahasannidhanam then released the 15th edition of “Sadvidya” the annual souvenir of the Pathashala containing articles in Sanskrit penned by scholars, students and alumni of the Pathashala.
The Chief Guest on the occasion, Dr. Ganesha Ishwara Bhat, HOD of Vedanta, in the Rajiv Gandhi Campus, Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan, Sringeri, distributed prizes to the students who took part in various competitions held by the Pathashala. Various endowments established by devotees were awarded to the senior faculty and students of the Pathashala.
In his speech, Dr. Bhat spoke about the importance of Veda Vidya and how the tradition of studying under a Guru eventually leads one to Adhyatma Marga – the spiritual path. He highlighted the importance of respecting and serving the Guru by remembering how the devout yet dull Giri, the disciple of Jagadguru Sri Adi Shankaracharya, was blessed by dint of his service and devotion and became the all-knowing Totakacharya.
Sri Sannidhanam in His Sanskrit Anugraha Bhashanam explained that the Vedic tradition of study commences with the Upanayana Samskara followed by study under the Guru. The Guru teaches the Vedas and also instructs on matters pertaining to Vaidika Dharma. Eventually the student becomes eligible to understand the import of Vedic education – that man must engage in action which are not driven by selfish desires. Such selfless action performed with a sense of duty purifies the Antahkarana (the inner organ comprising of functions such as intelligence, thinking, memory, ego etc.). When the mind is purified, one attains the necessary qualification for the pursuit of the highest Purushartha – Moksha or Nishreyasa.
Sri Sannidhanam then explained the difference between “अनुशासनम्” – ordained injunction and “उपदेश” – instruction. When a Guru instructs, we call it Upadesha. When followed, the Guru is pleased and and the disciple receives the Guru’s Blessings in abundance and prospers. If the Guru’s instructions are not followed, the disciple loses the opportunity to be benefitted. Jagadguru Sri Adi Shankara Bhagavatpada points out in His Bhashya that when the Vedas enjoin something, it is called “अनुशासनम्” and not Upadesha. Hence Vedic injunctions have to be adhered to. If a person violates them, he ends up suffering.
Sri Sannidhanam also pointed out that the purpose of Vedic study is not to become wealthy or earn one’s livelihood. Studying the Vedas itself constitute Punya (merit). When a person has complete faith in the Vedas and lives in accordance to Vedic injections, all his needs are taken care of. Trying situations in life resolve on their own – श्रुतिरात्मशरण्यानां व्यसनं नोच्छिनत्ति किम् ?
Sri Sannidhanam also highlighted the importance of due effort and diligence when studying the Vedas. In addition to knowledge of Vedic texts, Vedic education lays great emphasis on the acquisition of good tendencies or Samskara. Sri Sannidhanam also mentioned that students of the Pathashala will also be examined for the values that they acquire.
Sri Sannidhanam stated that even knowledge seeks something from the one who has attained it – It is the foremost duty of a knowledgeable person to find worthy disciples and pass on his knowledge to them. Sri Sannidhanam ended His discourse blessing the gathering.
In the evening, the students staged a cultural programme and staged a Kannada play depicting the life of the 35th Acharya of the Peetham, Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Vidyatirtha Mahaswamiji. “Natya Bharati”, a cultural organisation commenced by the alumni and current students of the Rajiv Gandhi Campus, talented in dramatics, staged their first play – a depiction of the Sanskrit drama of Mahakavi Bhaasa, “Abhisheka Natakam” in the divine presence of Sri Sannidhanam.