[image: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/48/Adi_Shankara_Statue.jpg]
*SRI ADI SHANKARACHARYA* The dilemma of jagatguru Adishankaracharya I would like to cite an episode from the life/teachings of Sri Adi Shankara - the spiritual progenitor of most of our acharyas. I believe he himself had documented this episode as a landmark in his spiritual awakening. We must try and convince them [orthodoxy] through the teachings of the orthodoxy. Failing which we must carry on our work, regardless, with malice to none. It is this context that I'm citing this episode. I, for one, find it inspiring. Sri Adi Shankara was on his way to the river for his ablutions. He found his way blocked by a candala, his wife and four dogs. The acharya's disciples shouted to him to move aside for the saint. The candala responded, "O teacher of the scriptures. You have said that the human body regardless of caste is merely an outward sheath made of the food we eat. You have said furthermore that the same Parabrahman dwells in everyone. Is there a difference between sunlight reflected in a river and that reflected in a well? Should one body made of food give precedence to the other or one Parabrahman give precedence to the other?" At this point the spiritual enlightenment of Sri Adi Shankara is said to have reached full fructition. Some believe that Lord Shiva Himself took this form to open his eyes. The Bhaja Govindam also teaches that the distinction of man and woman is nothing more than a modification of the flesh. The word used is mamsa (meat). Even taking all our teachings as read there are no grounds whatever for spiritual discrimination. If I am meat and thou art meat how may we discriminate against one another? If I am soul and thou art of the self same soul is it meet that we look down on one another? This argument applies to race, religion or nationality as well. This is the true essence of Hindu Dharma *cnu.pne*
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