Koorathazhwan and Arulaala Perumal Emperumanar were both direct disciples of Ramanujacharya, and both of them were resolute in their commitment to the philosophy – the way of life enunciated by their teacher.
Today, on the occasion of Koorathazhwan’s tirunakshatram, Hastham, this is an offering of some of Arulaala’s hymns. They underscore that the worthy teacher is to be venerated as God in human form.[1]
To ignore the teacher who is near
And to long for another God – It is to
close your eyes, pour down the water in your pitcher
And then gaze at the sky awaiting a cloud. (Verse 33, Jnanasaram)
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To scorn the guru who embraces you
And to worship another as a Protector – Alas!
It’s like letting go of a thing you have and digging
In search of that very thing buried elsewhere by another. (Verse 34, Jnanasaram)
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Always, on all, He who showers His blessings – Even that Narayana
Will ignore the one who has no fondness for his guru – When it leaves
the water in which it stood, the lotus is dried up by the very sun
that gave it life. Just like that. (Verse 35, Jnanasaram)
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[1] Arulaala himself proclaims the defining quality of a worthy teacher: He who voluntarily and without expectation sets out to guide the pupil and the prodigal towards happiness, disregarding considerations such as their status and stature (palam ondru kANAmai/ kANum karuththAr – without any expectation of gain/ they look upon one and all with compassion. Verse 2, Prameyasaram).
On being a Hindu. Simply. 
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