Jagadguru Shankaracharya of Sringeri

In a world that changes all the time, one thing remains the same — our pursuit of happiness and desire to avoid suffering. The sages of Sanatana Dharma (or Hinduism as it is called today) have always taught us that the philosophy of the Upanishads and other texts like the Bhagavad Gita are our path to lasting happiness.

Foremost among our sages is Sri Adi Shankaracharya, who lived 1200 years ago and is credited with reviving Sanatana Dharma. He established four centers of learning in the four corners of India, of which the Sri Sharada Peetham at Sringeri is the first and most important. This Peetham is blessed with an unbroken lineage of eminent Jagadgurus that stretches directly back to Sri Adi Shankaracharya Himself.

Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji is the current and 36th Acharya of this ancient lineage and exemplifies the God-realization of the Upanishadic sages. He is both a direct link to Sanatana Dharma's glorious past and the torch bearer to ensure that the Upanishadic teachings are vibrant even today. This film will take you on a journey into the life and teachings of this great sage. Where was He born and what was His childhood like? How did His divinity express itself? How did He meet His Guru? What made His Guru anoint Him as his successor? Why is His life relevant to us and what can we learn from it?

Through interviews with ordinary devotees, scholars and sannyasis, we discover how the Mahaswamiji practices the essential virtues of humility, compassion, unconditional giving and kindness. While scholars extol His great knowledge, spiritual seekers of all kinds (young and old alike) are carefully guided by Him on the path of Sanatana Dharma. By His personal example and His teachings, the Mahaswamiji demonstrates how the core tenets of Sanatana Dharma can help us lead a balanced, meaningful and happy life even in today's busy world.

An added feature of this film is the simple and penetrating Sanskrit discourse by the Mahaswamiji in which He teaches us about the path prescribed by Sanatana Dharma to avoid suffering and embark on the path to lasting happiness.

This film released on April 9, 2011 to honour the Shashtiabdapoorthi (61st Vardhanti Celebrations) of the Mahaswamiji, is being made available on the Internet on the occasion of Vyasa Puja (July 3, 2012).