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If one fails to perform the duties prescribed by the scriptures for the sake of his Guru, it will be considered as a virtue and not a sin. Sadhana yields fruit only depending on the sincerity and perseverance of the sadhak. When a disciple lacks sincerity, a Guru, by his grace corrects him and guides him. Hence, for those who have completely surrendered unto their Guru, lapse from scriptural duties will not be considered a sin.

Parãsara Bhattar, the son of Koorathãzhwar succeeded Sri Ramanuja as the Ãchãrya. He won over an ascetic in a debate and converted him to a Vaishnavite. The ascetic had great esteem for Bhattar. Bhattar too showered immense love on him and would always address him as 'Nam jeeyar' {'our jeeyar ' (sannyãsi)}. So he was known to all as Nanjeeyar.

Nanjeeyar was very devout and possessed great love for his Guru. He was very humble even though he was a great scholar. He firmly believed that his Guru's grace alone will enable him to sail across the ocean of samsãra. One day Bhattar was traveling on a palanquin. Nanjeeyar was one of the bearers of the palanquin. On seeing Nanjeeyar carrying the palanquin, Bhattar asked him to refrain from doing it as he was old and moreover, an ascetic. He further emphasized that his deed did not suit his attire. Hearing this, Nanjeeyar replied, "Desirous of solitude in order to attain liberation alone did I take up the life of an ascetic. But if this hinders the service that I do to my Guru, I don't mind giving up the Sannyãsa ãshrama and revert back to wearing a white dhoti." Knowing that nothing could change the firm conviction of his disciple Nanjeeyar, Bhattar laughed and let him do so. Giving up everything for the sake of the Ãcharya is deemed as true Gurubhakti.

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