Teacher, Mediator, Lord: The Ācārya in Piḷḷai Lokācārya’s Śrīvacana Bhūṣaṇam

Abstract

The article Teacher, Mediator, Lord by Erin McCann explores the multifaceted concept of the ācārya in the Śrīvaiṣṇava tradition, focusing on Piḷḷai Lokācārya’s Śrīvacana Bhūṣaṇam. McCann shows that the ācārya transcends the role of a mere teacher; he mediates grace and is viewed as divine in function and authority. The piece elucidates the theological nuance and devotional intensity behind Śrīvaiṣṇava guru theology, offering insights into soteriological dependence and spiritual hierarchy. Lokācārya’s aphoristic text is shown to frame the ācārya not just as a transmitter of doctrine but as an embodiment of divine will.