Didactic Treatises

H.H. Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Vidyatheertha Mahaswamigal who adorned the Sringeri Sharada Peetham as its 35th Shankaracharya was a consummate yogin an unmatched authority on the sastras and a deeply revered jivanmukta. The greatly compassionate Jagadguru graced his innumerable disciplines in many a way. His expositions of even the most complex scriptural topics were unfailingly clear cut simple to understand delightful and impactful while being technically accurate. This book contains the translations of seven immensely beneficial treatises penned by his holiness in Kannada. The essays lay bare every aspect of bhakti spell out the necessity and role of the Vedanta sastra delineate the scriptural teaching about the truth allied reasoning the role of a Guru and the realization of the supreme and highlight the greatness of Bhagavatpada. Each essay is a treasure trove for seekers of spiritual knowledge and guidance.

This book contains the translations of seven of the twelve immensely beneficial treatises penned in Kannada by His Holiness Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Vidyatheertha Mahaswamigal the 35th Jagadguru Shankaracharya of the Sringeri Sharada Peetham. Though each edifying essay can be read separately it should be apparent to the discerning reader that the seven chapters of this book each of which contains a didactic article form a tightly knit group. The sanctified writings that constitute the contents of chapters 1,2,3.4 and 6 were written by His Holiness prior to his setting out on his first vijayayatra in March 1956 those that form chapters 5 and 7 were written a little later.

As is very characteristic of His Holiness he has not penned a single phrase that is superfluous inaccurate improvable or not pregnant with import. Each uplifting treatise is densely packed with information and the ratiocination that is found therein is trenchant and clinching. Yet the essays are so easy to understand that one may even forget that time and again complex scriptural topics are being presented and that too without dilution such is the amazing style of his holiness. If this is not fully reflected in the English translations or there are any other shortcomings in them the responsibility resets with the translator as for the originals they are impeccable.

we are truly thankful to the administrator and C.E.O of the Sringeri Sharada Peetham Gurusevadhreena Padmasri Awardee Dr. V.R. Gowrishankar for permitting Sri Vidyatheertha foundation to publish this book.