SRISHTI TALES

In the olden days, an Acharya would expect his aspiring student to be highly enduring and enthusiastic in learning. Only after many assessments he would choose his students. In order for us to learn the values from both the Acharya and his student, Penpillai recounts an incident from Thirukkoshtiyur Nambi's story, where his student gave a transition to the conventional way of teaching.

An Acharyan's blessings act like a light that directs us with the right knowledge at the right time. PeNpiLLai comes with the story of ThirumAlaiANdAn who in his sishya's interpretations felt the presence of his AchAryA. He followed the light of kindness emanated from his AchAryA.

Acting as per the words of Azhwars and Acharyans will strengthen our confidence and trust in what we read and talk, thereby taking our bhakti to the next level. The stories of so many bhAgavathAs from PeNpiLLai guide us to lead our life on the path of redemption.

'KaLvan' refers to someone who steals from the people without their knowledge. It can also refer to someone with a dark complexion. We can understand that PeNpiLLai is still oblivious of the wisdom and the opportunity blessed to her by VaithamAnidhi PerumAL to converse with the great Acharya SwAmi RAmAnujA.

Malyavaan, the minister of Ravana who was aware of the wrong path chosen, shares the positive traits of Lord Sri Rama and advises Ravana on a proper course of action. While, accepting another's advice is a choice, Penpillai regrets for not spreading even one word of virtue about Vaithamaanidhi Perumal to others.

One anthology that lists all the glories of Swami Ramanujar is Ramanuja Nootrandhaadhi. Despite facing numerous challenges, the author, Thiruvarangathu Amudanaar was determined in creating such a masterpiece. Did you know Amudanaar's sincere rendition was considered equal to the service to Lord?

Hearken to Veda paati.

We witness different forms of acharya bhakti in Sri Vaishnava Sampradaya, demonstrated through their acts, words and thoughts. There was once a disciple who always yearned to be in the shadow of his acharya. But did his acharya accept this idea?

Let's listen to his story.

Perumal choses different mediums to communicate with all of us. A devotee who always keeps the Lord in his thoughts can discern his message. Penpillai tells a story with her concern of not being an ardent devotee to identify the Lord's expressions. Do you know which devotee caught the point of the Supreme God? Listen on!

We all have a responsibility to act with humanity, but we must also be wary of assisting those who commit wrongdoing.  Because we meet so many strangers everyday, it is impossible to distinguish who is good and who is bad. This should not prevent us from being compassionate. This story about Nallan takes a good look at how to properly establish humanity.

In this media dominated world, we are exposed to plenty of concepts, ideas and facts. Understanding the truth and identifying an appropriate one is a challenge. Emperumanar's ideology aids us in living a spiritual life devoid of ambiguity. Penpillai helps us realize Swami Ramanujar's glory.