The Fifth Delight
Shri Raghavendra Gurusarvabhauma
49. Study and Teaching
At an auspicious moment, Shri Sudheendra Tirtha Swamiji began imparting the sacred and uninterrupted lineage of traditional teachings, starting from the revered Shri Madhvacharya himself, to Venkatanatha. Along with the core principles of Shri Madhvacharya’s philosophy, he also taught him the deeper interpretations of other significant scriptures, meticulously explaining them with commentaries and annotations.
The discourses of Shri Sudheendra Tirtha were unparalleled. He was a scholar of the highest renown in India, respected among erudite assemblies. His student, Venkatanatha, was a genius, an ocean of knowledge, well-versed in all branches of scriptures. One can only imagine the magnificence of their scholarly discourses! Those fortunate enough to hear these profound teachings were indeed blessed.
As Shri Sudheendra Swamiji expounded upon the scriptures, he cited supporting references from various other texts, posed multiple philosophical questions, and provided satisfying resolutions with rigorous logical proofs. His lectures were deeply insightful, full of wisdom, and intellectually stimulating.
Venkatanatha, in turn, would immediately translate and interpret the lessons, posing intelligent queries and doubts whenever necessary. His exceptional intellect, keen reasoning, and ability to analyze complex philosophical concepts greatly impressed his Guru. Shri Sudheendra, delighted with his disciple’s brilliance, would patiently clarify his doubts before continuing the teachings. Their discussions were so extraordinary that they left even the most learned scholars in awe, filling the entire academic circle with immense joy and admiration.
Under Shri Sudheendra’s tutelage, Venkatanatha studied advanced scriptures, including the Vyakarana Mahabhashya, Jayadeva’s commentary, Mimamsa texts, the renowned Bhamati treatise, Prabhakara’s Mimamsa, and Tattparya Chandrika by Shri Vyasaraja, among other profound texts.
Alongside his rigorous studies, Venkatanatha, as per the Guru’s instructions, began teaching hundreds of students at the Vidyapeetha. Each day, his disciplined routine began at Brahma Muhurta with ablutions, Sandhya Vandana, meditation, scriptural recitation, and worship. Then, he would attend Shri Sudheendra’s lessons in Sarvajna Shastra (the all-encompassing scriptural knowledge).
His structured teaching schedule was as follows:
Morning session: Brahma Sutra Bhashya and Upanishad Bhashyas of Shri Madhvacharya
Second session: Vyakarana Mahabhashya
Afternoon session: Tarka Shastra (Logic and Reasoning)
Evening session: Mimamsa Shastra
Thus, for several years, Venkatanatha devoted himself to both studying and teaching with great enthusiasm.
For three continuous years, Shri Sudheendra Tirtha taught Venkatanatha with unwavering dedication, ensuring that the entire corpus of Dwaita Vedanta, Nyaya (logic), Mimamsa, and Vyakarana (grammar) was firmly established in his disciple. Eventually, all the profound knowledge possessed by Shri Sudheendra flourished within Venkatanatha, making him a radiant beacon of wisdom and scholarship.