Yati Pranava Kalpa 

नत्वा नारायणं वन्दे पूर्णं ब्रह्महरार्चितम् ।

यतेराचरणं वक्ष्ये पूर्णशास्त्रानुसारतः ।।

Yatipranava Kalpa is a short work of 28 verses in metrical form composed by Jagadguru Sriman Madhwacharya. This is a unique and rare text clearly bringing out the duties of a saint in a concise manner.

Preparation for Sainthood

Sainthood is that renounced state in which the practitioner frees himself from all material attachment and wanders freely in the world always at all places contemplating upon the Supremacy and the Independence of the Almighty. In this world, there is no Dharma which is higher than Sainthood. As is necessary for any other form of practice, the aspirant should prepare himself both physically and mentally before he accepts sainthood. The foremost of the eligibilities is impeccable knowledge, highest regard, unflinching devotion and complete surrender at the feet of the Supreme Lord leading to a complete sense of detachment towards worldly pleasures. It is almost entering into a new life leaving behind all belongings.

Mantropadesha

After duly listening to the Srimad Bhagavata text, the aspirant should approach a qualified Acharya who would then perform the Mantropadesha in the right ear of the disciple. The Guru begins by instructing about the Rishi, Chandas and Devatas of the Mantra. He then instructs the format for Meditation citing the Dhyana Shloka containing the form of the Supreme Lord that needs to be meditated.

Taking the Oath

Later the Guru makes the disciple take an oath in front of God

» I shall not, at any time, leave Lord Sri Vishnu or his devotees

» I shall not, at any time, contemplate the equality or identity of the Lord with other devas

» I shall not, at any time, associate in any way with the propounders of such identity or equality

» I shall not, at any time, associate in any way with the haters of Lord Sri Hari or his devotees

Blessings of the Guru

Once the disciple takes the oath, the Guru should place his hand on the head of the disciple and bless him as follows

» You rise up from the Samsara and attain bliss being a devotee of Lord Sri Hari

» You get freed from all sorrows and become ever happy

» You reach the abode of Lord Sri Hari and be devoted as ever to Him and also other devas

» You worship everyone as per their gradation

» You always remember Lord Sri Vishnu as the Supreme Being

» You do not contemplate the equality or identity of Lord Sri Vishnu with even the liberated souls

» You do not contemplate equality among the liberated souls

» You have to perform without fail daily worship of the Lord, Pranava Mantra Japa and Meditation

» Performing Japa more than 3000 times is considered to be superior

» Performing Japa exactly 3000 times is considered to be moderate

» Performing Japa 1000 times is considered to be inferior

» Also perform Japa of other Vaishnava Mantras with devotion

» Always listen to Vaishnava Shastra and always contemplate upon and listen to the Vedic Meanings.

» Thoroughly study the Mahabharata, the Puranas, the Pancharatra and other holy texts and propound their correct meanings as per the recommendations of Brahma Sutras.

» Always establishing the Supremacy of Lord Sri Vishnu will be your primary duty.

Conclusion

Sainthood is thus a complete surrender at the feet of the Lord. It is the best of all Dharmas on this earth. It is a sure path to utmost grace of the Lord and unending bliss. Very few are eligible to adorn such a high status. They continue to shower their grace upon the mankind and uplift them from the shambles of pain and ignorance. We can consider ourselves blessed if we even get a chance to have a glimpse of such noble souls.

ध्येयो नारायणो नित्यं सृष्टिस्थित्यन्तकारकः ।

भक्तानां मुक्तिदो नित्यमधमाज्ञानिनां तमः।।