In the Śrī Vaiṣṇava tradition, the Śiṣya (disciple) is one who, recognising the importance of proper initiation and guidance, approaches a qualified Āchārya, receives the pañca-saṃskāra, and thereafter engages in the practices and orientation revealed by the Āchārya. The śiṣya's defining posture is one of ātma-samarppaṇam (self-surrender), wherein the disciple acknowledges that his very existence, efforts, and ultimate salvation belong to Bhagavān and are channelled through the Āchārya's grace.
The quality of the śiṣya's conduct is described in detail in the Śrīvacana Bhūṣaṇam by Piḷḷai Lōkācāryar: the ideal śiṣya is one who sees the Āchārya as inseparable from Bhagavān (ācārye bhagavad-bhāva), serves the Āchārya with body, speech, and mind, and does not seek independent means or paths outside of what the Āchārya reveals. The Śrīvacana Bhūṣaṇam also notes that Bhagavān Himself, in the Bhagavad Gītā, took the role of śiṣya to Arjuna's questioning so as to demonstrate the ideal of humility and teachability.
The relationship between Āchārya and śiṣya is understood in the Tenkalai tradition not merely as a pedagogical arrangement but as a soteriological bond: the Āchārya's grace, when accepted with genuine reliance (viśvāsa) and gratitude, is itself the vehicle by which the jīva is lifted toward Bhagavān. This is why the Mumukṣuppadi and Śrīvacana Bhūṣaṇam devote extensive attention to the proper disposition of the śiṣya.