Ācārya

Ācārya is a teacher who not only teaches but embodies the teaching in their own life — teaching both through words and example (ācāra). In the Vedānta tradition, the ācārya belongs to a paramparā (lineage) tracing back to the ṛṣis. Śrī Ādi Śaṅkarācārya is the most important ācārya of the Advaita tradition. The title implies authority, authenticity, and pedagogical responsibility.