49. निष्कलङ्कसुचारित्रः Niṣkalaṅka-sucāritraḥ

One of spotless conduct and blemishless reputation

The word cāritra means conduct as well as reputation. The reputation of an individual is the opinion that others hold about him, which builds over time and is based on his conduct. ‘Su-cāritraḥ’ means ‘one of good conduct’ as also ‘one of good reputation’. A person whose conduct is good most of the time but not necessarily always, is generally also considered a sucāritra. The good reputation of a person built over time due to his good conduct is seen to acquire a blemish because of just one bad act of his. The explicit addition of the term ‘niṣkalaṅka’ in this nāma conveys that His Holiness’s conduct was absolutely spotless, and His reputation, ever blemishless.

It would not be surprising if those devoted to His Holiness or associated with Him had a high opinion about His conduct and reputation. What is significant, however, is that the same opinion was held even by those who did not see eye-to-eye with Him.

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His Holiness’s sense of justice was well-known. A particular saṁnyāsin was asked to take charge of the branch Maṭha at Rajahmundry in Andhra Pradesh. He regularly rendered accounts to Sringeri. Before he passed away, he requested a person, Nageshwara Rao, to attend to the branch Maṭha. With the passage of time, Nageshwara Rao claimed that the property belonged to him. The matter went to court.

One day, Nageshwara Rao met His Holiness. His Holiness asked him, “Why should we unnecessarily take such matters to a court of law? Will not an out-of-court settlement be better?” “Yes, indeed,” responded Nageshwara Rao. His Holiness then proposed, “Why not we present the facts to a common arbitrator? You may choose any judge or lawyer. We will submit all our papers. You too submit your documents. Let the arbitrator examine the case. If the decision is in our favour, you may relinquish your claim. Otherwise, we will hand over the property to you.”

The proposal was of course fair and in fact, advantageous to Nageshwara Rao since the choice of the arbitrator was to be his. Surprisingly, he replied, “This will not be of any benefit to me. Your Holiness is a Jagadguru and is held in high esteem by the Hindus. As such, any Hindu arbitrator will decide in your favour.”

“You may select a Christian or Muslim as the arbitrator. There is no reason why such a person should be biased in my favour,” reasoned His Holiness. Nageshwara Rao was not agreeable to even this. He said, “It will make no difference even if I select a non-Hindu. Your Holiness’s fairness and sense of justice are very well-known. Whomsoever I select will decide only in Your Holiness’s favour.” The case continued. The court decided in the Maṭha’s favour.

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(The following episode was narrated by Sri A. Ramaswamy.) When His Holiness was touring in North India for the first time, a highly influential and scholarly monk decided to test His sense-control. So, he arranged for a belle to try to tempt His Holiness. She entered the room where His Holiness was giving darśana just as the last of the devotees was leaving and remained till she alone was left. However, when she observed His Holiness, she was so overwhelmed by His patent purity that she became disconcerted. His Holiness compassionately asked her, “Mother, what is it?” At this, the girl simply broke down. She was about to confess and seek His Holiness’s pardon when the monk who had sent her himself entered.

The monk told His Holiness, “I knew that Your Holiness is a scholar par excellence. However, I wanted to ascertain whether Your Holiness is also a master of the organ of taste and are free from fondness for valuables. So, some time back, I sent you tasty dishes and jewels through people. However, Your Holiness turned down the offers. I finally wished to examine Your Holiness’s brahmacarya and, hence, sent this beauty to try to tempt Your Holiness. I now realise that Your Holiness is so pure, self-controlled and beyond temptation. I truly acknowledge Your Holiness’s greatness and pay my obeisance.”

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138 50. Nīti-tattva-subodhakaḥ