Principles of Leadership in the Teachings and Life of Shri Madhvacharya

 

Principles of Leadership in the Teachings and Life of Shri Madhvacharya

अमंत्रम् अक्षरं नास्ति नास्ति मूलम्अनौषधं|

अयोग्यः पुरुषो नास्ति योजकः तत्र दुर्लभः ||

This Sanskrit subhāṣita says that there is no syllable that cannot be transformed into a mantra, no plant that has no medicinal value, and no person who is completely incapable. What is rare is a person who can identify these hidden qualities, discover them, and employ them appropriately in the right situation.

So how can this problem be addressed? Is there a solution? Can we find such guidance in the life and works of Madhwacharya? The answer is yes.

A good leader knows how to assign the right work to the right person. Therefore, leadership qualities must be cultivated in an individual to address this challenge. The important questions then are: What are those leadership qualities? How can one become a true leader? Madhwacharya answers these questions through his life and teachings.

Leading from the Front

A leader must always lead from the front and take responsibility regardless of the outcome. One who takes credit during success but avoids responsibility during failure cannot be called a true leader. Acharya demonstrated this principle through his actions.

Madhwacharya is praised as Adhyatmajnananeta— (अध्यात्मज्ञाननेता) a spiritual leader—but he also showed how to be an effective leader in the worldly sphere. One such incident is described in the tenth canto of Sri Madhwavijaya.

Once, while travelling to Badrinatha, Acharya crossed many villages and rivers and eventually reached the banks of the River Ganga. The sea route was closed by a Turushka king due to fear of enemy attacks. Acharya did not wish to delay his journey. He decided to cross the river along with his disciples.

 इमान् स्वस्वपूर्वाश्रयानात्मवाक्यात् 

 सलीलं दयालुः स मूलाश्रयात्मा ।

 निषेद्धृननादृत्य चानन्यलङ्घयां

 तदाऽत्याययत् तां नदीं संसृतिं वा ||

Acharya led from the front. He could have ordered his disciples to go ahead, but that is not the nature of true leadership. Instead, he instructed them to follow him. Ignoring the warnings of critics, he enabled his disciples to cross the river—something considered impossible without boats—by calmly guiding them and advising mutual support. Though the decision was risky, Acharya had complete faith in it and executed it effortlessly.

In a leader’s life, situations often arise where risky decisions must be taken. At such times, a leader should not hesitate, provided the decision is well thought out and grounded in confidence. However, unnecessary risks should always be avoided.

While crossing the river, Acharya encountered the king’s soldiers, who attempted to jump into the river to attack him. Although subduing them would have been easy for Acharya, he chose not to fight. Instead, he addressed them calmly, saying that since they were many and his group was small, there was no cause for fear—especially when he was on his way to meet their king. Through wisdom and words, he avoided conflict altogether.

This incident shows that a leader must possess foresight and discernment, knowing when to take risks and when to avoid confrontation.

Devotion and Fear

In his commentary on the Taittiriya Shruti, Acharya explains the mantra

 “भीषास्मात् वातः पवतॆ भीषोदेति सूर्य:".

 तस्मात् वाय्वादयो देवाः विद्वांसोपि विशेषतः|

 भीताः स्वकर्म कुर्वंति विष्णोः प्रीत्यर्थमंजसा||

He clarifies that Vayu, Surya, and other deities perform their duties out of both fear of God and deep devotion to Him.

From this, we learn an important leadership principle: a leader must inspire both respect (fear) and devotion in followers. If followers only fear the leader, they will work only in his presence and neglect duties in his absence. If they only feel devotion, accountability may weaken. Both qualities must coexist.

A leader can earn these qualities only by working harder than his followers. As explained by Madhwacharya, the Lord continuously sustains the universe without fail and tirelessly protects it every moment. Likewise, a leader should care deeply for the problems of his followers and strive to resolve them. Madhwacharya teaches that the Lord removes the sorrows of His devotees, and a leader too must be compassionate and concerned.

By embodying hard work, responsibility, and care, a leader naturally earns both devotion and respect.

Rigid and Free

A leader must be firm, yet flexible when circumstances demand it. Madhwacharya’s disciples were extremely devoted and performed guru seva with great dedication. One day, as Acharya rose before dawn to bathe, the disciple responsible for carrying his belongings did not wake up on time.

Acharya did not wake him or reprimand him. He quietly went to the river alone. When the disciple later woke up, filled with fear and guilt, he rushed to the riverbank, expecting to be scolded. However, Acharya said nothing. He understood that the lapse was not due to laziness or negligence.

विहितमविहितं प्रागेव कस्माद्विनिदै

-रिति गुरुपरिवादाशङ्कया नम्रगात्राः । 

चिरमनवतरन्तः श्रावका मुक्तमार्गा 

गुरुषु जलसकाशस्थेषु तूष्णीमतिष्ठन् ||

This incident illustrates that a true guru—and a true leader—must bel disciplined and strict, yet compassionate and forgiving when required.

Dr. Shrinidhi Pyati

PPSM, Bengaluru .