Acarya, real or apparent.

[theist 1]

How does one recognize an acarya?

 

What does acarya mean?

 

Does acarya refer to any guru or is it just for the head of a particular order?

 

Does acarya refer to an especially potent guru?

 

help here please.

[Pritesh01 0]

Definition: In Hinduism, an acarya is a spiritual teacher or a learned scholar of traditional religious beliefs

 

 

[ethos 0]

A real acarya refers to one who can deliver a conditioned soul; one who can quote authoritative scripture and follow enunciated precepts (or live by example).

 

An real acarya has an established relationship with the Supreme and he is thus a conduit for Krsna's mercy–a transparent medium. He is not attracted by this world nor does he unnecessarily contemplate it.

 

He is perfection in the sense that he is properly situated. He knows samadhi and spiritual refuge. He knows the goal because he has attained it.

 

And he is unfathomable.

 

An apparent acarya in my estimation refers to one who knows and cultivates religious philosophy and practice, yet lacks the perfection above. He is still trying to achieve perfection.

 

He is still qualified and authoritative as long as there is no deviation.

 

Real acaryas have already reached the goal of direct communion. Apparent acaryas hope to achieve perfection in the next life.

 

Real acaryas are the very rare exception Krsna refers to in the Bhagavad Gita as knowing Him in truth. Apparent acaryas are those still endeavoring for perfection with perhaps more success than most.

 

Such is my reaction to your title. I don't know if that's what you had in mind.

[Guest guest]

 

i think Sridhar Maharaj gave the following description.

 

A guru is one who understands the essence of bhakti vedanta,

an acharya is one who is proficient in the shastra.

 

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