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“Shruti Smriti Pura:na:m A:layam Karuna:layam Nama:mi Bhagavadpadam Shankaram Loka Shankaram” I salute the compassionate abode of the Vedas, Smritis, and Puranas known as Shankara Bhagavatpada, who makes the world auspicious.
As a Manushya, Human residing on Earth, one often contemplates the purpose of existence and seeks ways to transcend the cycles of birth and death. In the era of Kali Yuga, characterized by pervasive evil and ignorance, attaining realization and dissociating oneself from the materialistic world can indeed be a formidable task. However, the esteemed Jagadgurus have outlined steps to attain moksha, the ultimate liberation, in a manner accessible even to ordinary individuals. 
“Atman is an ever-present reality, Yet, because of ignorance it is not realized, on the destruction of ignorance, Atman is realized.” 
The immortal words of Shri Adi Shankaracharya, the eternal Guru who dedicated his life to upholding and preserving Sanatana Dharma, remind one that Atman, the true self, is an ever-present reality. However, due to ignorance, this reality often remains unrealized. By dispelling ignorance and gaining self-knowledge, one can realize the true nature of Atman. Adi Shankaracharya’s teachings, particularly his philosophy of Advaita Vedanta, offer profound insights into the non-dualistic nature of reality, guiding seekers on the path to liberation.
Sanatana Dharma, often referred to as a way of life rather than a religion, provides principles and guidelines for righteous living and the attainment of moksha. It emphasizes the maintenance of eternal order and the promotion of happiness, health, and peace in the world. The profound sentiment expressed in the shloka “Loka Samastha: Sukhino Bhavanthu Sarve Jana: Sukhino Bhavanthu” encapsulates the quest for peacefulness and harmony among all beings. By adhering to the teachings of Shankaracharya, especially the principles of Advaita, one can experience liberation from the cycle of samsara even while living, fostering harmony among the Mahabhutas, the great elements of existence. Such is taught by the matham and nature is protected through environmental actions and the spreading of awareness in protecting Boomi Matha, Mother Earth.
“Gurave Sarava Loka:na:m Bhishaje Bhava Rojina:m Nidhaye Sarva Vidhya:na:m Shri Dhakshina Moortai Namaha” Salutations to Sri Dakshinamurti, the reservoir of knowledge (the abode of all learning), the healer of all those who suffers from the disease of samsāra, and the teacher of the whole world.
As a follower of Sanatana Dharma, one must strive to protect the planet, extend selfless help to others, and refrain from pursuing power, wealth, and other transient desires. By diligently following the teachings of Adi Shankaracharya and the Jagadgurus, one can achieve a state of peacefulness and ultimately transcend the cycle of birth and death, leading to moksha.
The life and work of Shri Adi Shankaracharya exemplify the role of a Vedic scholar, teacher, and reformer who dedicated himself to the liberation of human consciousness. Synthesizing the teachings of Advaita Vedanta, he revitalized and preserved the essence of Sanatana Dharma. 
Born in Kalady, Kerala, to Sri Sivaguru and Aryamba, Adi Shankaracharya’s quest for liberation began at the tender age of 8 when he left his home in pursuit of a Guru. After a rigorous journey of approximately 1200 kilometers, he reached the banks of the Narmada River, where he found his Guru, Guru Govindapada. Completing his studies by the age of 12, he commenced writing commentaries on major scriptural texts and embarked on a journey across Bharat (India) to revive and reform Sanatana Dharma.
Beginning at such a young age, Adi Shankaracharya’s extraordinary achievements included uniting people across social and political divisions without resorting to violence or wielding military power. Through the power of Ahimsa, non-violence, he restored forgotten scriptures, revived lost ideologies, and fostered unity and strength within Bharat. Sri Adi Shankaracharya’s commitment to sustaining Sanatana Dharma led him to establish four Peetams, known as Mathas, strategically placed in the four corners of Bharat (India). These Mathas were instrumental in disseminating and preserving the profound wisdom of Sanatana Dharma. The Sharada Peetham in Sringeri, located in Karnataka, the Kalika Peetham in Dwaraka, situated in Gujarat, the Jyothi Peetham in Badarik Ashrama, nestled in Uttarakhand/Uttaranchal, and the Govardhana Peetham in Jagannath, Puri, found in Orissa were established with the primary objective of ensuring the everlasting continuity of Sanatana Dharma across Bharat. Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Maha Sannidhanam, at the age of 15 left high school and went in search of his Guru, soon attaining sannyasam. Within eight years he finished the study of Krishna Yajur Veda, Purva and Uttara Mimamsa, Nyaya Sastra, and many other treatises and commentaries. Jagadguru Sri Vidhushekhara Bharati Sannidhanam is the succeeding guru after Maha Sannidhanam. 
It is incumbent upon individuals to uphold Adi Shankaracharya’s noble mission and extend it to the farthest reaches of the Earth. Today, Bharat is home to nearly three million Hindus, who contribute to the preservation and propagation of Sanatana Dharma. And such a population has been growing in the United States specifically in Houston, Texas, home to one of the largest Hindu communities. Recognizing the importance of fostering Dharma among the followers of Sanatana Dharma, our present Shankaracharya, His Holiness Shri Shri Bharathi Tirtha Maha Sannidhanam, has approved the establishment of four mathams in the United States by SVBF (Sringeri Vidya Bharathi Foundation). These mathams have been set up in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, in the East; Farmington Hills, Michigan, in the North; Houston, Texas, in the South; and San Diego, California, in the West, which is the last center and the final connection and establishment of such a wonderful and rich community. 
Sri Sankaracharya’s teachings transcend the distinctions between Devas (celestial beings), Asuras (demons), and Manushyas (humans). He asserts that among humans themselves, those possessing virtuous qualities such as compassion and selflessness, known as Sattva Guna, embody the qualities of Devas. It is ideal for every human to aspire to such noble attributes. On the other hand, those with a cruel nature, influenced by Tamasik Guna, manifest the traits of Asuras, while those driven by greed and material desires, under the sway of Rajasik Guna, exhibit the qualities of Manushyas. It is important to note that every individual possesses all of these qualities, but the predominant guna has the most significant influence on their personality and behavior.
These emotional states are influenced not only by external factors and past karma but also by dietary habits. Consumption of excessive meat, for instance, can exacerbate Tamasik Guna, leading to laziness and anger-driven desires associated with Rajasik Guna. Therefore, adhering to a Sattvic diet, as provided at the Mathas, becomes imperative for individuals seeking to cultivate higher virtues.
The righteous path outlined by Shankaracharya, known as Sanmarga, provides a roadmap for attaining liberation. It consists of four essential goals: Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha. Dharma encompasses the pursuit of one’s duty on Earth, performed with righteousness and integrity. Artha represents the acquisition of wealth and material resources, which bestows meaning and happiness in life. Kama, the enjoyment of life’s pleasures, can be attained through devotion and the cultivation of harmonious relationships. Finally, Moksha, the ultimate goal, involves attaining union with the divine, reaching the lotus feet of the Supreme Lord.
To ensure the continuity of Sanatana Dharma and the preservation of Shankaracharya’s efforts, it is imperative to continually teach and propagate these concepts. The Mathas play a crucial role in disseminating the teachings, while the responsibility of upholding and sustaining the noble teachings is up to the devotees and bhaktas, helping and supporting the matham. Individuals should never forget where they come from and continue to spread teachings for generations to come. It is the duty of every Sanatana Dharma follower to uphold the teaching of the culture and maintain it without a second thought, it is part of daily life and is a vital part of one’s Athman. As the world modernizes, individuals should never lose where they come from, and it is that much more important to spread, and sustain the Dharmic culture. 
Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitah (Sanskrit: धर्मो रक्षति रक्षित) This Sanskrit phrase mentioned in the Mahabharata and Manusmriti Verse 8.15 meaning “The Dharma protects those who protect it.”

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