Kuru bhuṅkṣva ca karma nijaṁ niyataṁ
Haripāda vinamradhiyā satataṁ |
Harirēva parō Harirēva guruḥ
Harirēva jagat pitr̥mātr̥gatiḥ ||
The first stanza of the III canto of the dwAdasha stOtra composed by Acharya Madhwa underlines the importance of duty and devotion. There is an imperative need to perform or discharge one’s duties and never to shirk responsibility. The stanza reiterates the symbiotic relationship between one another.
Acharya Madhwa implores us to be absorbed in all humility at the Lord’s feet and discharge our duties appropriate to the status or position in life. This duty should be performed uninterruptedly and the fruits arising therefrom ought to be enjoyed according to each’s respective capacity.
Hari alone is supreme. Hari alone is the preceptor. Hari alone is the father, mother and refuge of the entire universe.
The message of our Acharya is to perform our duty with devotion and offer it to the Lord. Duty and devotion are not mutually exclusive but are complementary.
Ever engaged in the sadhana of Srimadvaishnava Siddhanta of our Guru, Acharya Madhwa and all the Yatis and Dasas who have blazed this noble path. May HVG bless us all