The Call of the Divine Deivathin Kural (The Voice Divine) தெய்வத்தின் குரல் Written in Tamil by Shri Ra Ganapati
September 1, 1935---February 20,
2012 (aged 76) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shri._Ra_Ganapati First publication 1977 The
Mahaswami's words of distilled wisdom, as compiled
by his ardent devotee Sri Ra. Ganapati run into six volumes covering more
than 6,500 pages. Sri Ra. Ganapati and Sri A. Tirunavukkarasu
of Vanadi Padippakam, the
publisher, deserve our eternal gratitude for their invaluable efforts to
preserve for posterity the Sage of Kanchi's words
of wisdom. Advaita based on Deivaththin Kural by Periava. A book report Sri Chandrasekharendra
Saraswati Swamy சந்திரசேகரேந்திர சரஸ்வதி சுவாமிகள்
(May 20, 1894 – January 8, 1994) installed as the 68th head of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam on February 13, 1907, the second day of the Tamil month of Masi, Prabhava year. On May 9, 1907 his "Pattabishekam"
as the 68th Peetathipathi of Kanchi
Kamakoti Peetam was performed at the Kumbakonam
Math. Translation from Tamil and presentation by
Veeraswamy Krishnaraj The translation
tries to stay true to words in the original text. Biography http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chandrashekarendra_Saraswati http://www.bhagavadgitausa.com/DeivaththinKural.htm The
Voice of God (The Call of the Divine) File
for web publishing Dharma is
a word that occurs in this treatise very often, carrying contextual meanings.
It is a Sanskrit word. தருமம் tarumam , n. < dharma. 1. Virtuous deed; நற்செயல். (பிங்.) 2. Statute, ordinance, law,
sacred law; விதி. (உரி. நி.) 3. See தருமநூல். (உரி. நி.) 4. Usage, practice,
customary observance or
prescribed conduct; ஒழுக்கம். (உரி. நி.) 5.
Duty; கடமை. Colloq.
6. Justice, righteousness; நீதி. பொருது மென்கை தருமமோ (பாரத. சூதுபோர். 186). 7. Charity, benevolence; தானமுதலிய அறம். தருமமுந் தக்கார்க்கே செய்யா (நாலடி, 250). 8. Nature; inherent qualities; characteristics; instinct; இயற்கை. (உரி. நி.) தரும மிஃதெனப் பன்னா மரபெனின் (ஞானா. 11, 23). http://dsalsrv02.uchicago.edu धर्म = [
dhár-ma ] m. established order, usage, institution,
custom, prescription; rule; duty; virtue, moral merit, good works; right; jus
tice; law (concerning, g. or --°ree;); often
personified, esp. as Yama, judge of the dead, and as a Pragâpati; nature, character, essential quality,
characteristic attribute, property: in. dhármena, in
accordance with law, custom, or duty, as is or was right;
--°ree;, after the manner of, in accordance
with; dharme sthita, observing
the law, true to one's duty. http://dsalsrv02.uchicago.edu Invocation
of Vinayakar Pillaiyar (பிள்ளையார் = Ganesa) Temples are ubiquitous all over Tamil Nadu. There
are Pillaiyar temples with walls, roofs, and domes
(Turrets). There are Pillaiyar idols even at the
feet of trees, open to the sky and the elements. Pillaiyar is found on street after street, by the rivers... All over
Tamil Nadu, our ubiquitous Pillaiyar confers his
blessings to us all. Only in Tamil Nadu, he has the distinction to be
addressed Pillaiyar (honorific way of addressing a
son) in a loving manner. He is the first son of Siva and Parvati, the Father
and Mother of the universe. Kumaran (குமரன்) is son
(பிள்ளை). All
over India, Kumaran refers only to the second son
of the divine couple Siva and Parvati. He is Kumara-k-Kadavul
(குமரக்கடவுள்). We do
not address him Kumaranar (குமரனார்), an
honorific title. We gave the honorific title only to the elder son of Siva
and Parvati. Pillaiyar is of
the form of AUM, from which the universe and beings take origin. His
elephantine face and the trunk resemble Pranava (பிரணவம்), OM. Though he
has the appearance of a child, he is in the forefront in making us raise our
hands high in adoration of him. Avvaiyar (ஔவையார்) is the great worshiper of Ganapati. She meditated on Vinayaka in Bhru-Madya (புருவமத்தியம்) and
composed Vinayagar Akaval (விநாயகர் அகவல்), Avvaiyar's all-embracing Yoga Sastra. If you were to
commit it to memory, you will obtain supreme spiritual knowledge (paramajńāna = பரமஞானம்). There is
a story about Avvaiyar. Sundaramurthy
Swamy and Seraman Perumal
Nayanar left for Kailasam.
They wanted to take Avvaiyar along with them. At
that moment, she was worshipping Viksesuvarar (விக்சேசுவரர்) and the duo, pressing her to join them, asked her to
finish the worship expeditiously. Avvaiyar: You go
the way you chose to go. For your sake, I will not hasten the worship. Vinayaka worship is my Kailasam.
The duo
left for Kailasam. Avvaiyar
completed the worship observing all the details. At the end, Pillaiyar made his gracious presence visible (பிரசன்னம்) to Avvaiyar, picked her up by
the trunk and in one sweep took her to Kailas. Swamy Vignesvar
shows that kind of favor to his devotees. What is
the reason for breaking a coconut before Vinayaka Murthi? Vignesvarar asked his father to sacrifice his head to
him. Love of Ganesa comes to the forefront, only when a devotee sacrifices
what he regards above all else as precious. Siva created a hard-shelled three-eyed
coconut seed in the form of his head, so the devotee can sacrifice it to
Ganesa; such a sacrifice is pure Thyakam
(giving). Tamil
Nadu is the only place where the coconut is broken this way. The broken
coconut is an entitlement for the children. This truth, I learnt from a
child. In 1941, I was in Nagapattinam, observing a
vow. In the temple, it was customary to break coconuts by hundreds. The
children milled around the coconut breaking area and left no space for
breaking the coconuts. The elders admonished the children to stay away from
the place, so they could break the coconuts. One child came forward and said,
“You break the coconuts for Pillaiyar. What right
you have to tell us not to come to where you break the coconuts. The
broken coconut reminds us of the presence of Amirta
Rasa (Ambrosial essence) of coconut water, only when the egocentric skull of
the head represented by the coconut is broken. There is
no deity more corpulent than Pillaiyar; the head is
that of an elephant; the stomach is humongous; the body is huge; he is known
as Sthūla Kāyar
(ஸ்தூல காயர் = Gross body is huge); he is like
a mountain. He is a little child; at this stage, he has to eat a lot relative
to his age and size, so he can grow. The body of a child should not waste. A sannyasi should not have a big body; there is no beauty
and grace, if a Sannyasi were to eat a lot, and look big. As a person becomes
older and aged, he or she fasts in the night. A child does not do it. The
beauty in a child is to be corpulent (chubby) with a paunch. This child-deity
shows that a child should be a ‘‘butterball.’ Pillaiyar holds a
rice ball in his hand. He looks like an elephant. His mount is a small mouse.
Other deities have a bull, a horse, a bird…as the mounts. Though Pillaiyar’s size is inversely proportional to the size of
his mount, the greatness and honor of a deity do not proceed from the size of
the mount. Because of the greatness of the deity, there is greatness to the
mount. Pillaiyar, though huge, remains light in the
hearts of his devotees. Every
living thing has a great honor in one of its own organs. Kavari-māṉ (கவரிமான் = Bos grunniens) has its
honor in its tail, the peacock in its long, erectile, greenish, iridescent
tail. The peacock grooms and protects its tail. The organ of honor for Pillaiyar is his tusk. He sacrificed it in the name of
writing Mahabharata with it as a writing instrument for the sake of justice,
Dharma, learning… Swamy does not need any instrument as a special need. He
can use anything as an instrument, at the command of his thought. His tusk
was the weapon, when he killed an Asura; the same
tusk served as a pen for writing Mahabharata. The objects, which never stops fascinating us, are the moon,
the ocean, the elephant… We never get a feeling of surfeit looking at them
and enjoy their presence. As we look at his elephantine form, we are immersed in joy; that is bliss; that is Bliss
Principle (ஆனந்த தத்துவம்); it is the principle of Insatiable Delight. He was born in
bliss. Pantāsuran was a
demon. Parvati attempted to destroy him. Pantasuran
deployed obstructive forces, so Parvati could not approach him. At that time,
Siva looked at Parvati with ecstatic amorousness. Parvati instantly gave
birth to the joyful child, Pillaiyar, who smashed
all the obstructive weapons and helped her in destroying the demon. He is the son of Parvati and Paramesvara.
He manifested (ஆவிர்ப்பவித்தல்) himself from the original source (மூலம்); that is why we call him Pillaiyar.
When you worship any deity, you
have to obtain favor from Vinayaka, so that the
endeavor would not face any obstruction or impediment. Ganapathiyam
is the sect that regards Ganesa as the primary god of worship. Mahavishnu was
the teacher, advising us to do the tōppi-k-karaṇam (தோப்பிக்கரணம் = Punishment
or exercise requiring a person to take hold of his ears with his hands and
sit and stand alternately). There is a story behind this. Pillaiyar, the son-in-law of Vishnu, in an act of play, took away
the discus of Vishnu and put it in his mouth. It is impossible to wrest
anything from his hands. His strength is immense. Threat of punishment does
not work with him. Vishnu thought he could get it back, if it fell from his
mouth. Vishnu devised a stratagem. He held his ears with his four hands and danced.
Vinayaka rolled over the floor laughing. The discus
fell, and Vishnu took possession of it. Any
endeavor would come to a fruitful conclusion, only when Vignesvara
manifests a favorable disposition. Let us worship him, offer Puja and live
happily without any impediments. தெய்வத்தின் குரல். முதல் பாகம். Divine voice (The call of the
Divine). Chapter 1 Advaitam
= Monism. Are we
the Swamy? If not…? Adhi Sankara
says, “Jiva and Brahmam are one. We are that Swamy. “ Jiva =
individual embodied soul. Brahmam = God. When Hiranyakasipu asserted, ‘I am God,’ he said it in a
dismissive egocentric vein that there is no God other than him. When Jiva eradicates the ego completely, the devotee dissolves
in Brahmam and becomes Brahmam. We are like the
power held by a spoonful of water (உத்தரணி ஜலம்). Swamy holds an immense power like the wide ocean. From
that ocean only, this water in the spoon came. That water in the spoon should
dissolve its individual ego as a separate entity, merge with the ocean and
become itself the ocean. If we
were not Swamy, we should be something other than Swamy. If that paradigm
holds well, it means there are entities other than Swamy. God becomes one
among many objects. It means that the objects came into existence without any
connection to Swamy. If it were so, being Swamy and Paramatma (Supreme Soul)
is not applicable to him. He is all
and the whole Sakti and thus Swamy. If that is so, how could we be separate
from him? The Advaitins
do not diminish his greatness, when they declare, 'Swamy, we are.' The
contrarian's declaration of intrinsic difference between men, 'Jiva is not Swamy; he is mean; he is a great man; he is
different; the other is different.' diminishes Swamy's
greatness and unknowingly makes Swamy one among the many objects. That he
is all (சகலம்) must make us, him. The
ocean, that he is, is also the water in the river, lake, well, a big vessel,
a small vessel… He became the water in the spoon, and his Sakti assumed many
life forms like Jivas and Jivajantus.
When (soul) a life form becomes
man, he made it possible for him to experience the fruits of his merits and
demerits, and on equable resolution of and going beyond merit and sin, he has
laid the path to emancipation. He gives the mind to the man to experience the
fruits of sin and merit. When the mind is in turmoil, we cannot instantly
attain the state of purity devoid of sin and merit and feel I am He. Though
he is us, that feeling for realization in our experience demands worship for
his grace. In the beginning, we exercise devotion with the thought, he is a great Swamy, we are trivial Jivas, he is
a great ocean, and we are water in a small spoon. The mind that he gave us,
makes us separate and different from him. That mind would not leave us in an
instant. In this state with the same mind, we should cling on to him. He made
the mind a monkey, which holds the body obstinately. He made this body doomed
for destruction. The mind-monkey should give up the
decomposed fruit. If the monkey comes across a wholesome fruit, it will give
up the spoiled fruit. That nourishing sweet fruit is Paramatma. We should
practice giving up the body-consciousness (சரீரப் பிரக்ஞை), and hold on to Paramatma. Bhakti, Puja, and Sheththiratanam (பக்தி, பூஜை, க்ஷேத்திராடனம் = devotion, worship, visiting sacred places and dipping
in holy waters) are put in place for our benefit. On
attaining maturity, and abolishing body consciousness and ego, we would lose
the sense of difference between Jivatma and Paramatma. Him becoming we, we would become Advaitam. Page
10. Advaitam: The servitors at the feet of Adhi
Sankara established the Sidhantam, Advaitam, which
means non-existence of two entities or
monism. Swamy exists; we (Jivas) exist: This is the usual thinking. There are
no two existences. There is nothing outside of Brahmam or Swamy. There is no
second substance. That One (unmani), on account of Maya Sakti, appear as Sakalam or many. All this is appearance or disguise. An
actor comes in many disguises, but inside them, there is only one person. Though there are many life
forms, the indwelling entity is one Swamy. Though the divisions into Jivatma and Paramatma are
spoken of, in reality, there is only Soul. Once we obtain this kind of wisdom
by experience, we would not be Jivas with many faults. Advaita Tattva says we will become Truth in
full measure, according to the teaching of the Acharyas. When we attain this experience, we will never have
difficulties, fear, lust, hatred... (கஷ்டம், பயம், காமம், துவெஷம்...)
controlling us. When you consider that something exists outside of us, that
said entity and its derivatives such as difficulty, fear, lust, anger etc.
bind us: That is Samsara Bandam. If no entity other
than us exists, what will bind
us? Where is the bond? Extrication
from bond is Mukti or Moksa.
We do not have to go the Vaikuntam
or Kailasm to enjoy this state of liberation; we
can experience it now and here. In
truth, we do not attain this Moksa as some new acquisition. Brahmam, the
unlimited Satyam remains forever an unbound Moksa. In this
world, Ether exists as an unbound entity. That Ether exist in the pot and outside the pots. We may distinguish the Ether in the pots
from that outside the pots; in fact they are one. When the pots breaks the
forms, the Ether in two forms appears as one to our
eyes. We appear as separate pots in Brahmam by the power of Maya. Yet we are all Brahmam. Because of the
bondage of Maya, we do not appreciate the nature of Brahmam. Once broken, we
will gain the experience that we are pervasive Brahmam. Acharyas have devised some means to attain this
oneness: Karmam, worship... When you observe these
means, we gain the realization that all that we see are one. Adhi Sankara servitors at his feet (பகவத்பாதர்) said we should see oneness in all. How could we
see all the disparate animals as one? That is a confusion. There are three Avasthas or states:
Jagrat, Svapna, and Susupti (Wakefulness, dream sleep and deep sleep). In all
these states, there is only one entity. Likewise, there is only one entity in
many animals with different qualities. He is us. Page 12-13 One moment we are peaceful; at another moment we
are angry; in these two states remain only one person. Time morphs the body
from infancy to old age; yet there in only one person. There is one person
subject to many moods. We do contrary things when the mood and the mind
change. This world is a dream. In dream sleep, the mind
creates many persons. Likewise, we realize that the thoughts of the Biggest
Mind of all created this many life forms. There is one indwelling entity in
all these life forms. If someone hits you, it is wrong to think that someone
else beat you; the truth is you beat yourself. If it is declared that it is not Satyam then there
must be some entity outside Brahmam. If so, where did it come from? Who is
responsible for the act? There are two entities: one with intelligence and
sentience; the second with inertness (ஜடம்). We did not create the inert entity and vice versa. How could the
non-intelligent perform any action spontaneously? How could a non-intelligent inert substance create the intelligent Jiva? If the inert
substance existed for a long time and plodding along, a Great Intelligence must have created and activated it. Page 14. That Great Intellect appears as inert substance.
Did the Jivas come into being on their own initiative? The life forms belonging to one genus have
one set of qualities, one kind of body... Having said that, that particular
life form would not have come into being separately and individually on its
own volition. Thus, all living forms were created by the Great Intellect. Jiva's intellect
and mind did not originate
from somewhere, but are the wok of the Great Intellect. The Jivas obtain sustenance, food, clothing from
the inert world, which has smell, taste, heat, cold... experienced by the
organs in the Jiva. Thus Jadaprapanjam (inert
kingdom) and Jivaprapanjam
(life
forms) have close connection, which was
established by the Great Intellect (PeraRivu = பேரறிவு). Jadam (Inert
substance) and Caitanyam
(Intelligence) proceed from the causal Agent,
the Great Intellect, which appears as many. Page 15. This facility of the Great Intellect is Mayai (மாயை). One
Brahmam appears as many by the power of his maya (மாயா). That is Advaitam (Oneness
or Monism). We should have the mental makeup to view the whole
world as one. If all are one, you and that (he, she, it) could not be different. The hand, the body, the
leg...appear to belong to you.
Likewise you must make the world as you. With that knowledge, even a Chandala is a Pandit. A
carpenter designed and built a wooden elephant. Another carpenter examined
the elephant. He took his child with him. As the carpenter approached the
wooden elephant, the child shouted at the father saying, “Father,
do not go near the elephant. It will knock you down.” Father:
"This is only a wooden elephant. It will not knock me." Page16. So
saying, the father took the child near the elephant. For the
child, the wooden structure looked like real elephant and the knowledge that
it is all wood did not occur to the child. Though
the wooden structure looked like a real elephant, the carpenter was not
afraid of it. The reason why the carpenter did not fear the real-looking
wooden elephant, is receding of the nature of an
elephant in his mind and intellectual cognition of the fact it was wood. மரத்தை மறைத்தது மாமத யானை Wood, the
great rogue elephant hid. (The form of an elephant hid the wood.) In the
wood, the rogue elephant was hiding. Yogisvarar
explained these two states. These two great Tattvas, he tells with utmost
ease. It is in Tirumantiram,
these two Tattvas are mentioned. Why did Tirumular narrate this story? If you look over the next
two lines of his poetry, you will find out. பரத்தை மறைத்தது பார்முதல் பூதம் The Divine, the five elements hid. In the Divine, the five elements hid. The elephant is different; the wood is different: It is not
so. Likewise, the Supreme Soul and the world are not different. This
illustration explains that the SuperSoul and the
world are one. The wood of a SuperSoul makes the wooden doll. As the child does not
comprehend the wood in the doll, we do not perceive the wood of a world. From
our sight, the world of five elements hides the SuperSoul.
For the Jńānis (the learned), all appear as Brahmamayam
(fullness or pervasion of the Divine); the five elements of the world hide in
the wood. You may say: what is the relevance to this story? What we need in
the world is comfortable living: for that, we need money. We may ask what worry we have with regards to the
world and the SuperSoul. Page17. Let us
assume, all become very rich. Would it guarantee tranquility,
peace, and security without fear? Look
at the countries with rich citizens. There are so many disputes and so much
lack of tranquility. It is the nature of man to compete to become richer than
the rest. The competitor wants to be the first to own something (new). In this mutt, everybody knows, I leave the stage
only after I give the sacred water (தீர்த்தம்) to the
last person. Knowing it, do people line up in the queue in peace and
quiet, to take their turn? For them,
It is not enough to get it. But
to get it
first, the people jostle each
other, fall one over the other, hit the floor and pick up fights. As long as
this kind of competition exists, there is no mental peace. This competition will not diminish, though there
is enough and more to go around. To remove competition, wisdom, that there is no
another object to compete for, should come.
Where is the need for wisdom? What is needed as a constant practice is
to inquire into the self. If you were not to buy the troubles of the world,
you should realize, this world is not what we think of it; this world is Sivamayam (சிவமயம் = pervasion of and by Siva); This and that are non-different; wood is elephant; there should be a constant thinking that the Supreme Soul is the
group of five elements. If that perceptive wisdom does not exist, its purport
is the world will be enveloped in darkness in spite of advances in material
prosperity. If we were to attempt to acquire the light of wisdom (ஞானப்பிரகாசம்) that
dispels darkness, we should not retreat in languor. There is no harm,
if the sun disappears. We should not let go of the light of wisdom (ஞான ஒளி) from us.
Page 18. The Theists are of the belief that there must be a
God who created and runs this world of elements in an orderly manner. An
action begets a result. The theists tell that God as the Ruler is the
dispenser of fruits of our actions. We may say, "Let it be. why should
we entertain any devotion towards him? Did he create us seeking our
permission? Why should we extend
devotion to him, when his
creation of us causes all
these troubles?” That is
one objection. The theists tell, "He can remove our
difficulties; therefore, extend your devotion to him." Others may
counter that argument. Their stand is, "If he were to remove the
difficulties only on supplication to him, it means your Swamy (God) is not an ocean of mercy as you claim." You say, 'He dispenses fruits according to
the nature of the act. If he dispenses punishment for our sin, must we
supplicate to him to change the outcome?’ Mahan Nilakanta Dhikshathar gives the answer in his Ananda
Sagara Stava. Page 19. He replies, 'Mother Meenakshi,
don't tell us anything. You are omniscient. If I were not to tell you my
difficulties, my mind sustains a wound. Since I mouth these difficulties to
you, I get a temporary relief, consolation and strength. Though you know all
my difficulties, I still mention to you my problems.' No one can
forego telling his problems. If revealed to others, that itself begets mental
peace. Without telling them to all and sundry, you may narrate your
difficulties to God. It brings tranquility to supplicate to him, whether he
removes our difficulties on his own accord as the ocean of mercy; whether he
dispenses punishment for the sins of ours; or whether he gives us strength to
bear the travails. Isvara Bakthi, in truth,
is not supplication of God for relief of our difficulties. I am not saying that we should extend our
gratitude to him for giving us a happy life. If I were to tell such
things, someone can contradict me by
saying, ‘The planter of the seedling should water the plant. It is his duty.
Where is the need for gratitude?' I am not talking about Bakthi.
There are, as said by me, unhappiness and happiness. These two perturb the
mind. True happiness is having an unafflicted or unperturbed mind. Happiness
is not permanent. When we sleep in an inert state, there is no
unhappiness or happiness. During that period, we do not know whether we have Anandam or Santam (joy and
tranquility). Page 20. There should not be any waves in the mind. During
that moment, we should have the perfect knowledge that we are tranquil. When that state is attained,
we have no problems. Because thoughts bubble up in the mind, we believe that Jivatma is different from Paramatma. If the mind is ablated, Bheda-Buddhi (the intellect that creates differences )
will dissipate. We will be staunch in our stand that non-difference in
Paramatman is advaitam. In that state, we remain
without perturbation. Tranquility and peace, we seek from ablation of mind.
Its fruit is Advaitam of indivisible
form of the omniscient Absolute or Reality (பரம்பொருள்). If we
were to meditate on a thought or object in our mind, that we become. The exemplary ideal is
Swami, in terms of science behind the tranquility and bliss. Swamy, so involved in the conduct of the affairs of
the world, safeguarding, and dispensing fruits, remains unperturbed and tranquil, though carrying
those responsibilities. Isvara
is called Stanu, the one in fixed position. Its
meaning is tree, wood and the like. The tree is living, but it appears inert (without feeling). Ambal is
the vine that entwines around the tree. That vine is Aparna
by another name, meaning the
tree without leaves. The vine of a Sakti ( = பராசக்தி = Parasakti)
with life, not bubbling with feeling, entwines around the living Absolute, who is apparently
without feelings. When we think of Swamy, an innate disposition (bhāva) of wisdom and tranquility arise in our mind. If we
were to continue our concentration on Swamy, the tranquility and peace become
siddhi or perfect attainment. Constant remembrance of him in devotion is
essential. PAGE 21. Our mind will release itself from such thoughts as personal difficulty or wellness, if we get stronger and
persistent in the habitual thought of God, whom we may approach for relief
from difficulties or to show our gratitude for our wellness. We will develop
a mental disposition of rest and relaxation (விச்சிராந்தி = višrānti
= viccirānti) to transfer all our burdens on God and let him puppeteer us the way he wants. Joy and serenity (ஆனந்தம், சாந்தம்) will pervade our mind. This will take us to a
spiritual state. This lays the path
for a changeless fullness of spirit in us, subject to many faults. That Self-enquiry (Atma Vicharam = ஆத்ம விசாரம் =
Self-enquiry), Dhyanam (meditation), and Yogam help us
become dead wood and remain in a state of fullness and perfection, is the Truth. You may say why I recommend Bhakti
ahead of Sadhana (means). Sankaracharya's
servitors at his feet (பகவத்பாதாள் = Bakavatpāthāḷ) say Moksa is absence of
doer-ship, ablation of thoughts and even absence of
Bhakti. It may dawn on you that I mention Bhakti. Acharya stresses Bhakti as
the leader in the path to Moksa. In the next line, to appraise whether Bhakti
is practicable, he gives a new definition to Bhakti. To inquire, know and
immerse in the true state of the Self is Bhakti. His definition of Bhakti is Atma Vicharam, Dhyanam and Yogam.
The supposition, that Swamy is outside of us and that the love we show for
him is Bhakti, is false; that is not true Bhakti. Though Acharya's Bhakti is defined as such, he in
his mutt, performs Chandramaulisvara Puja in an
expansive and elaborate manner (விஸிதாரம் = vistāra = vittāram = வித்தாரம்). Page 22. Though he talks about formlessness of Atma Tattva
as the final goal, he
himself regularized and established the worship of deities with form, thus
earning the accolade as the Shanmatha Sthāpakar
(
= ஷண்மத ஸ்தாபகர் = founder of six religions or philosophies). He went from Ksetra to Ksetra (temple, field, place) and sang the glory of the deities. When we
elucidate these things, it appears that Bhakti in the worldly sense
finds resonance with what the Acharyas expounded and recommended. Jńāna is the highest; Atma vicharam,
Dhyanam and Yoga are higher; Bhakti Puja, Ksetra
are lower than that; apart from bhakti, many kinds of Asram,
Anushtanam, Vaidika
Karmas are superstition; matters
regarding Bhakti are sentimental; Dhyanam (meditation), Yogam, and Atma Vicharam
(Self-enquiry) are the spiritual pursuits--these opinions prevail now to a
great extent. Acharya established Advaitam dissolving in Atma Svarupam (ஆத்ம ஸ்வரூபம்) with ablation of mind and thought and abolition
of
actions. Though he taught Jnana Marga (ஞான மார்கம் = the path
of wisdom = Intellectual path to spiritual realization), he gives credence to Bhakti based on thought and
Vaidika observances in the form of deeds. Why did
he do what apparently looks like a shift between advocacy and practice? We are caught in this world of
happenings. The mind does not stop for
a moment. Though you resolve to abolish thoughts and actions, the mind runs
amok in all directions. Our bonds, hatred, sorrow, fear, and happiness crash
on the shores of our mind. On account of this ceaseless assault of thoughts,
we keep designing plans to do this or that.
That one should ablate the thoughts, and dissolve in Atma is easier
said than practiced. Page 23. What is the reason for our inability to stop the
mind? It is our past-life Karma. We
have committed many kinds of wrongs, sins... birth after birth. Until those
sins are resolved equably, we will not have the experience of the soul as the
Bliss of soul ( peranantham). Only after the omnipotent Isvara finished
dispensing the punishment for all the sins, we will obtain the eternal Bliss
(Perinpam). We can extirpate sin by doing
meritorious acts. Isvara in his great compassion gives us another birth, so
we could extirpate the sins. But, what do we do? We do not engage in doing
new meritorious acts to counterbalance the past-birth sins, but commit more
and more sins and increase the size of the bag of sin. To dissolve these
sins, Acharyas appended meritoroius deeds and
Bhakti to the Spiritual-intellectual path (Jnana Yoga). Sins are twofold: One done with body; another done
with the mind. To drive away Papa Karma, one should should
do Punya Karma. To remove sinful thoughts, one
should engage in and augment meritoriuos thoughts. What is Punya Karma? Page 24. Everyone follows the script written in the Vedas.
The worldly life should be above reproach. Intellectual activities,
governmental activities, mercantile activities, and activities of
physical laborers happening in coordination for
the welfare of the society are the ideal according to Vedadharmam.
This ideal is the basis for the separation of the labor
into four kinds. Each division has
its order and recommended observances.
If members of each division do their deeds without even a little bit
of negligence, they become the meritorious acts. How does a deed become a
sin? We become reckless and commit mistakes (self-aggrandizement) at all costs to realize a goal outside of the asrama (established order). We harbor hate, unhappiness, fear and such
impurities in our minds. If we do not aspire for an artificial goal and do
deeds according to the dictates of Vedas, we are faultless. There is no
competition. There are no consequential enmity, sorrow... Besides that, Vedas
have made these fourfold divisions for the optimal functioning of the world.
Understanding this, not considering one's own gain as irreconcilable,
thinking of the common weal and doing the deeds accordingly, amount to meritorious deeds and do good to our
inner self. They do good to the community and the world and also wash off the
sins. We remain dedicated in actions done without envy and
deceit. Since Cittam (சித்தம் = mind or will)
is dedicated to the actions, there is no place or less chance for it to contemplate sinful deeds. Punya
Karmas (meritorious
deeds) step by step help in purifying
the Cittam. Actions and thoughts are interrelated. If you were
to remain without any action, evil thoughts will arise. The Cittam without work is devil's anvil, according to an
English proverb. If Advaita Jńānam were to be accomplished, the Cittam
should be pure. Acharya established Veda Karmas to accomplish Citta-Suddhi
(Purification of the mind). Page 25. Paropakaram, Seva,
positive mental attitude, and Tyagam generally
known as love are the Punniya Cintanai
driving away Papa Cintanai. Bhakti is redirecting
these auspicious qualities to Paramatma, the hypostasis of all the sentient
and insentient entities of the world. Paropakaram
= பரோபகாரம் = Philanthropy Seva = சேவை = service Tyagam = தியாகம் = giving Punniya Cittanai = புண்ணிய சிந்தனை = benevolent thought Papa Cintanai = பாபசிந்தனை = sinful thought. Thoughts
clinging fast on Bhagavan dissolve the sins and Vasanas (past-life
impressions). The mind, going in
millions of paths (directions),
ultimately clings on to Bhagavan, dissolves in him, and attains eternal bliss
(பேரின்பம்), which alone stands. The servitors established
Karma, Bhakti...Yogas as the pathways and ascending
steps to the world of Dhyana, wherein the mind stands steady. Recitation, Puja, and pilgrimage, the basis for
Bhakti, bring the mind to oneness with Bhagavan, and we begin to experience
his true form, which is Supreme tranquility. Overcoming sleepiness
(darkness), confusion and perplexity, we
will harbor thoughts of the divine and entertain Bhakti to Bhagavan with a
steady mind, joyous bliss, and proximity to Bhagavan. Empty words on
Advaitam serve no purpose. Page 26. Isvara, full of greatness and tranquility, is the
ideal and exemplary goal; thoughts of him will take us to that state at least
for a moment. Instead of talking about Advaita state, difficult
to understand and adopt with willingness, perception of Nirguna Isvara
(unqualified Brahman) in
Saguna state (qualified Brahman) will help us take hold of it and make us lofty. He
is essential to us, just to make us lofty. Bhakti to him is essential to us.
We need Isvara Bhakti not only because we need relief from the daily problems of worldly life but also because we need to know ourselves and remain fulfilled in
Atma Sarira (ஆத்ம சரீரம் = Embodied
soul). தெய்வத்தின் குரல்
( முதல் பாகம்) அத்வைதம் அத்வைதமும் அணு விஞ்ஞானமும் Advaita
(Non-dualism) Advaita and
the Atom. Desire, misery
and fear endure as long as humanity. Freedom from these is Moksa or
liberation. Living and experiencing Advaitam will help us live and enjoy
liberation by obtaining release from bondage of the soul, subordination,
unhappiness, fear and hatred. What is external to us is the cause of
unhappiness, desire, fear or hatred. There is nothing other than Paramatma.
All that are seen are Paramatma: If you were to
experience that oneness, there is no cause to suffer the maladies as said
above. Scorpion and snake are the bane of humanity. If we were the scorpion
and the snake, there is no unhappiness. If we were
to realize that all are us, our nature will be one
of happiness. That is the state of liberation. The notion that we will go to
a house of liberation after the death of the body is not valid. If Advaita Jnana
of all in one is realized, we will be in Moksa here
and now. How could,
all are one, be practicable (or logical)?
It may appear to us that all these disparate multiplicity of objects impacting our
senses and sight cannot embrace the premise that all are one. The first
premise is what we see before us must be the Truth. Or
what Vedanta says and Jnanis' experience of Advaita
must be the Truth. Truth must
confer constancy of tranquility, happiness and perfection. In the phenomenal
life, there is no such thing. Only in the Advaita of Vedanta, such
fulfillment is seen. Jnanis
experience contentment, happiness, tranquility and fulfillement
sans unhappiness and agitation afflicting other people. This paradigm points
to Advaita as the Truth. We see and experience so many events in dream sleep.
When we wake up, What happened to the objects and events in the dream? Only the dreamer stands as the remainder of
the dream sleep. Likewise, the phenomenal world is a dream. As MAya dissipates and we awaken, we can experience that One
Paramatma alone is the only Remainder. Though the
world has many appearances, only One became all these. The modern science
attests to and establishes this fact. In the old world
there were only 72 identified elements, according to science. They held the
old view that elements were different from one anothjer.
it is habeen established
now that all these diverse elements are not different from each other but one Sakthi
became all tghese many different elements. Modern science tells that matter and energy
are not different. That is Advaita as demonstrated by the modern science.
Einstein and Sir James Jones have come close to the view of the Upanishads
and the siddhanta taught by Sankaracharya.
The world as Mayai as said by Advaita is that the -phenomenal world is
not the be-all-end-all Final Truth. It is a phenomenal truth. Its existence
is dependent on Brahmam. This is what
the scientists say. Brahmam is para- mārthica
Satyam (Supreme Truth). That the world is a phenomenal truth, as depicted by
Advaita is rephrased by scientists, "The world 's
motion is relative and not an absolute Truth. It is a sad
note that the atomic scientists, having discovered the great truth that Sakthi and matter are one, went ahead and used that
knowledge to fabricate the atom bomb. The establishment by science as to the
unitary nature of
elements in line with Advaita stopped short at the level of
intellectual pursuit to cause evil (in producing the atomic bomb). Science's
Advaita should not stop with intellectual pursuits and study of the external
(phenomenal) world but should immerse itself in the study of the truth of the
Inner World as the cause of the outer world, go beyond the intellectual
pursuits and become part of the solution in solving the afflictions of man.
If the science helps establish the knowledge that all mankind is
one, the new science that invented the atom bomb can transform Atma HAni to Atma Kshemam (Soul's
harm to soul's welfare). -- The Call of the Divine. Part One Advaitam. Advaitam and the Atom. Desire is part and parcel of human existence.
Difficulties abound. Fear exists. Obtaining liberation from these sentiments
is Moksa. Obtaining relief from bondage, humiliation, difficulties, fear and
hatred by Advaita experience, we can experience Bliss of Moksa here and now.
When a foreign entity exists inside of us, it creates difficulty such as
hatred towards it. If you were to develop and experience Advaita wisdom that
all manifestations are from One Paramatma, where is the possibility of having
desire, fear, anger, unhappiness...? Page 27 Scorpion and snake now cause us trouble. If we were
the scorpion and snake ourselves, these problems will not exist. Is it not
so? If we were to develop the attitude of ''All are us'' we will have the
natural state of Bliss, which is the state of Moksa. There is no such thing
that we have to go to some place, after our body is destroyed and dead. Upon
acquisition of Advaita Jnana that ‘All are One’, we are in Moksa now and here. How could one and many be equal? Many disparate objects we see before our eyes are
obvious. Firstly, all that we see before our eyes must meet the criterion of
Truth. Or Vedanta's sayings and Jnani's experiential Advaitam must be Truth. Truth (Satyam) should give immutable tranquility,
Bliss and fulfillment. There is no tranquility and joy in our phenomenal
life. It is present in Advaitam, mentioned in Vedanta. The experiencing Jńānīs,
devoid of the difficulties and vacillations, remain always tranquil, joyous
and contented. From this alone, does it not infer that Advaitam, ‘All are One’, is Truth? We see many objects in dream sleep. What happened
to them on awakening? What remains standing is the person who was
dreaming. Likewise, the whole world is one big dream.
With the disappearance of Māyā, and awakening in the
state of Jńāna,
we can experience that Paramatma alone remains standing. Phenomenal world may appear as many; the modern
science accepts unconditionally the oneness of all. Monday,
June 02, 2013 Page 28.
Fifty years ago (1927), science said,
the worldly objects subside in seventy-two elements. The past concept
was these elements (மூலப்பொருள் = original substance) were disparate. Now with the advances in knowledge
of the atom, it is established by the scientists that these elements are not
disparate but that one sakti became many. Matter and Energy are not different,
so says the modern science. Advaitam is the Truth, according
to science. Einstein, Sir James Jones...and other scientists have come close
to Upanishads and Advaita Siddhanta taught by Bhagavad servitors (பகவத் பாதாள் = devotees serving at the feet of God). The
reason, that the world is māyā (மாயை) according to Advaitam, is this
world is not the Ultimate Truth. It is a
phenomenal truth. Its existence is dependent on Brahmam. The scientists have
advanced the same opinion. Brahmam is the Supreme Truth or Ultimate Reality (பரமார்த்திக சத்தியம்). World is
a phenomenal truth, so say Advaitam and the scientists, who add that the worldly movement (or happenings)
is relative and not absolute. That Sakti and matter are one is the greatest
truth; with that great knowledge,
what they discovered, the production
of the Atom Bomb, is the sad fact. Advaitam,
established by science for the matter, faced arrested development because of
the intellectual effeteness resulting in the development of the bomb.
Science's Advaitam should not stop with Faustian knowledge of the external
world, but should explore the internal world, the causal agent of the
external world and not stopping at intellectual pursuit, proceed with
people's condition and needs. If the awakening knowledge that family of man
is one arises through science, new science of making the Atomic bomb, instead
of creating Atma Hāni (Killer of soul), could
have established Atma Kshemam (Wellbeing of the
soul, Rescue of the soul or Soul savior). māyā (மாயை) definition. மாயை = Māyā = false
appearance, illusion மாயாலட்சணம் māyā-laṭcaṇam = attributes of Māyā , n. < id. +. (Advaita.) Properties of Māyā,
numbering five, viz., acattu, caṭam,
anittam, tukkam, kaṇṭam; மாயையின் கூறாகிய
அசத்து சடம் அநித்தம்
துக்கம் கண்டம்
என்னும் மாயையின்
ஐவகை இயல் புகள். (W.) acattu = Illusion as opposed to Reality or Sat. caṭam
= Inanimate anittam = a-nitya. That which is transient or unstable. tukkam = duḥkha. Sorrow, distress, affliction. kaṇṭam = part (not whole). Monday,
June 03, 2013 Page 29. If we were to
observe
all with Jńāna, we would
look at them with joy. Joy knows no end. All is joy. Joy knows no boundary.
There is no place devoid of joy. There cannot be two entities pervading
completely in one space. Therefore, Bliss and Jńāna are one.
We see with our eyes the Jīva with Jńāna
and Bliss (ஞானம்-ஆனந்தம்). We call one, Rose flower. Another one, we call Datura blossom. If we were to look at it from the
perspective of Jńāna it is not Rose flower. It appears as joy. Datura blossom appears likewise, Since we do not have Jńāna,
we call one Rose and the other Datura
(Thorn-apple). In fact, all are joy. The reason why we do not
apprehend the Truth is because we have impurities in our mind and
thoughts (சித்த அழுக்கு) , and we lack
a sense of unity (ஒருமைப்பாடு). If the looking glass is shaking, the
reflection is not Truth (யதார்த்தம்) but a distorted form (விரூபம்). If the mirror is dirty, the reflection has no
trace of Yathārtha Bhāvam (யதார்த்த பாவம் = Truth in
its natural state).
Because our mind-mirror (Mana-k-kannādi = மனக்கண்ணாடி) is shaking and laden with dirt, it does not
reflect objects such as joy-substance
(ānantha Vastu = ஆனந்த வஸ்து) as they are. A person with mental handicap
(movement disorder) cannot
hold a staff for fifteen minutes. We can hold it for fifteen minutes. But we
cannot hold a thought in our mind for 15 minutes. Mind, in the next instance,
runs wild with thoughts. Page 30. Therefore, the Mahans
(great men) consider us afflicted with mental handicap. Until we bring the mind under control, we have a variety
of mental handicaps. Analogous to the shaky mirror, we remain handicapped
with Citta Dosham, Ajakrathai
(சித்த தோஷம் – அஜாக்ரதை = faulty mind and inattention) and lack of oneness
of thought. How do we remove the mental handicap? When the fault leaves,
attention takes its place. Attention begets understanding of Truth. How do we remove the Dhosham
(= deficit, defect,
fault, handicap)? For us, the dirt comes in the form of a body. What is the
cause of the body? Sin is the origin
of the body. What implement did we use
to incur sin? We used organs like hands, feet, and mind to incur sin. When we
have to untie the knot in a rope, we have to reverse the movements that made
the knot. We have to use Sat-kāryam
(= good
deeds) to remove Asat-kāryam (= bad
deeds), and meritorious deeds to
remove deeds of sin. The sins committed by the said organs should be removed by the same organs. Satkāryas
are charity, duty, Karma
Anushtānam,
Isvara namoccharanam and Ālaya Dharisanam. These
are the means for eradication of sin. By getting rid of sin, and then taking the Jnana
margam, we must become one with limitless wisdom
and bliss. Karma
Anushtanam =
கர்ம அனுஷ்டானம் = performance of religious austerities and duties. Isvara namocchāraṇam
= ஈசுவர நாமோச்சாரணம் = Recitation of holy names of God. Ālaya Dharisanam = ஆலய தரிசனம் = offering
homage to God in the temple. Page 31. தெய்வத்தின் குரல் (முதல் பாகம்) = The call of the Divine. அத்வைதம் கண்டமும் அகண்டமும் = The Divisible and the Indivisible. Only one sun exists. Every droplet reflects the
sun. Though the reflections are many, there is only one sun. There is one sun
and many reflections. Likewise, in all living things, there are many shining
Lights of Wisdom (aṛivoḷi = அறிவொளி), which are all one Brahmam's
reflections. Sri Adhi Sankaracharya
has explained in Brahma Sūtra Bhāsya. The hypostasis of all, the Indivisible One, the
Supreme Intellect, and the Sakti beyond the beyond appear in us as the
limited and the divided. It is TAT (THAT) as mentioned in Vedas. The meaning of THAT (Tat)
is THAT which is beyond the beyond. Though it appears far away, it is far and
yet near to us. TAT is you, so says the Veda. It appears, we understood all this in the blink of
an eye. If we were to remain (enlightened) thus
forever as of this moment, we will never have any sorrow. But, in the next
moment, we lose sight of the Truth. Many lies throw us in a pile of
difficulties. The joys that the lies offer us, become lies very soon. To be truly joyous is to hold fast the one
who is truly blessed. The truly Joyous and Blessed is Swamy (God). We the people should
hold him fast. They, which
existed as many divided ones, at the
end become one with the Indivisible, and themselves literally
becoming the Indivisible and the
eternal Bliss (nirandara anantham = நிரந்தர ஆனந்தம்). Page 32. The Akandam (the
Indivisible) exists (forever). To remain Kandam
(the divisible) is merely a thought. It is dream sleep, not having
eternal truth. There will be no war or dispute, if we were to begin
to meditate on Saguna Brahman with form and attributes and later on Niguna Brahman. There
will not be unhappiness and fear. There will be supreme peace. That is the
fruit picked, and
given to
us by Sankaracharya
from the tree of Upanishad. Before we attain this ripe and perfected state, we
should ripen from sprig, bud, tender and unripe fruit. We should be patient
until we attain ripeness. As we remain the unripe fruit and show impatience
to become the fruit in a hurry, falling prematurely from shriveling is of no
use. Ramalinga Swamigal says, "Would it
wither, shrivel and fall prematurely?" We should have that kind of worry. Until the stage
of the ripest fruit, we should perform Pujai, Japam
and Tapam. Our endeavor would come to fruition, and
would not fall off as a shriveled unripe fruit (Vempi vizuthal), if we attain the Tattva of Truth as depicted
in Vedanta. Where is that Tattva, the
causal foundation? It is within us. Whichever intellect explores that Tattva,
within that exploring intellect remains that Tattva; we can perceive this in
our experience. Page 33. Deivaththin kural Advaitam nhiRainhtha aanantham நிறைந்த ஆனந்தம் In Krutha Yuga, Bhrgu Muni went to his father Varuna and asked, how he
could comprehend whatever was the most blissful pervasive entity (Brahman). A pervasive substance
at all times should remain all-pervasive and omnipresent
(omniscient and omnipotent). It
should not have any defect or deficiency. Varuna said to Bhrgu to
go and do Tapas. As he did
Tapas, he discovered sequentially the cause of joy as first the body which is
perishable, the breath, the mind, and the intellect which leave, and the experience of Bliss. These five gave him
each a little joy. All these joys accumulated and he realized, the greatest joy comes from the basis of all: the
Soul
or the Supreme Bliss. That is
the story from Upanishad. Page 34. We get to experience a drop (thivalai = திவலை) from the Ocean of Bliss. There is sunless shade
under a tree, dense with branches and leaves. When the wind blows and the
branches and leaves move, the sun's rays fall under the tree piercing through
the shifting gaps. When the wind subsides, the gaps disappear and there is no
light. Bliss is an unconditional entity with fullness and perfection, (not subject to limitation). Because of our bad Karma, mind and Buddhi, the
Bliss does not fall on us and remains in hiding. As the crown canopy of bad
karma shifts its position due to the wind of good Karma, the all-pervasive Oceanic Bliss of
sunlight falls on us as a drop. If the drops abound, it becomes Bliss (Perānantham = பேரானந்தம்). If a small particle (லவலேசம் lava-lēcam = small
particle) from the Ocean of Bliss reaches us, we say we enjoy bliss. If we were
to do Tapas continually with enquiry, we could merge into the Ocean of Bliss
and become it. Page 34 contd We get to experience a drop (திவலை = thivalai) from the Ocean of Bliss. There is sunless shade
under a tree, dense with branches and leaves. When the wind blows and the
branches and leaves move, the sun's rays fall under the tree piercing through
the shifting gaps. When the wind subsides, the gaps disappear and there is no
light. Bliss is an unconditional entity with fullness and perfection, not subject
to limitation. Because of our bad Karma, mind and Buddhi, the Bliss does
not fall on us and remains in hiding. As the crown canopy of bad karma shifts
its position due to the wind of good Karma, the all-pervasive Oceanic Bliss of
sunlight falls on us as a drop. If the drops abound, it becomes Supreme Bliss. If a small particle (லவலேசம் lava-lēcam =
small particle) from the Ocean of Bliss reaches us, we say we enjoy Bliss. If we were to do Tapas continually with enquiry,
we could merge into the Ocean of Bliss and become it. Page 35. The Call of the Divine. (Part
One) Advaitam Kannan said, Kamban said. Atma is the hypostasis of
all that exists. That it goes beyond that which exists, is a position causing
me confusion. Sri Krishna Paramatma causes this kind of
confusion and then explicates them all clearly. Krishna: I am in matter (all
objects). Matter is in Me. If all matter exists in Him,
then it implies that matter is the support for Him. There is confusion as to
what is correct. Swamy of Atma is the
support of all--the correct premise. Krishna explains this as follows. The
indwelling Isvara activizes all from inside: all life forms are his
puppets. (Bhagavadgita verse 18.61) Krishna, causing such confusion
and rectifying it later, causes confusion again. Krishna: I am in all things. All
things are in Me. Bhagavadgita verse 6:30 below. Now He says, "I have no
objects: I am in no objects." Here Tattva speaks,
"Atma is beyond the beyond." Upon being told that he is
causing confusion, Krishna says, "I am not understandable to
all. That is My Yogamāyā.
" (BG7.25) What kind of doctrinal
instruction this is? Does it all appear as incomprehensible?
Page 36. If you analyze his statement, you will find
clarity. If Bhagavan were to tell that if there were one thousand persons, He
will not explain it to all
1000 persons. That he cannot explain this to one thousand
persons,
means it will not be comprehensible
to all one thousand listeners. If he were to say, I will not explain to all,
it means that 999 may not understand him but one may do so. Bhagavan said he
would not be understood by all but did not say that he was not understood,
not even by one. That means he is understood by some. Who are that few? They are the Jńānī's
not afflicted by yoga māyā.
Bhagavan's apparently contradictory statement,
"I am in everything and nothing is in me," is explained by Jńānīs. There is a garland on the street. In the dusk,
someone steps on it and in fear, yells, "snake, snake." Being garland and
being snake are one. He discovers it
is garland. He understands it is not a snake. The basis for the snake was the
garland. The oneness of garland is
like the oneness of Brahmam. Ajńānīs are
deluded into thinking of the
multiplicity of Brahmam. The hypostasis for the Prapancham
or world is Brahmam. (In a different perspective, the rope-snake theory
is advanced. Rope is Real; the perception of a snake in the rope is unreal
and a superimposition. Thus, Brahmam is superimposed by many unreals. The phenomenal world in its multiplicity is
superimposed on Brahmam. Krishnaraj) Krishna Bhagavan says, "In this world, I am
present. The world is in me." What is the meaning? The snake is in the
garland. Non-existence is the presence of garland in the snake and vice
versa. (In this world, I am present. =
I am all-pervasive.) For the panicked, the garland disappears inside the
non-existant snake. In his sight, the real is the
snake. The person, freed
of Ajńānam, realizes it is a garland, into which the (non-existent) snake disappears. The
Real is Garland. Though the afflicted, suffering from Māyai, sees the phenomenal world as real; in truth Isvara is the hypostasis of
the world. Thursday,
June 06, 2013 Page 37. For the one who explains the phenomenal world by
means of Jnanam, Isvara appears as all and Himself. In Jnani's
Nirvikalpa samadhi, the
phenomenal world as mere appearance, other than Isvara, will not project.
When the phenomenal world does not exist, its existence in Isvara or Isvara's existence in it is false. In the state of Ajnanam, body, breath, mind and intellect are all
appearances. On the arrival of Jnana, and perception of Atmanandam,
that state arrives going past all others. Sri Krishna Bhagavan, standing in
the perfect state of Jnana, declares He has no matter or objects. Just
because an Ajnani thought (mistook) the garland as
a snake, we cannot declare that in truth, the snake existed in the garland or
vice versa. Kambar says this in Sundara Kandam. Page 38. What makes the appearance in the garland is the
false snake. Likewise, the five
elements joined together and deludes us as solidity of the phenomenal world. Ramachandra murthy as the
Paramatma is that garland devoid of any falsity. Advaitam Where is Bliss? We entertain innumerable desires. It is a certainty that the desired objects leave
us, or we leave the said objects. If we were to separate from our desires
even before our death, we can be blissful to that extent. We bind ourselves with as many roots in
unhappiness as there are desires. As we reduce the number of desires, the
state of unhappiness will proportionately diminish. Before the pesent birth comes to an end, if we were to give up
desires, we do not have to take rebirth again and suffer. We could merge with
Paramatma and become a mass of Bliss. We pride ourselves that we have special Jnanam more
than what animals have. Page 39. How is man different from animals? Dogs, wolves,
and insects eat, give birth, and die.
It does not appear that man does anything more than this. In that case, what
is there in his special Jnanam to be proud of? The biggest and the most
perfect Jnanam of all Jnanams is to find a path to
eternal bliss. Upon reflection, this Jnanam is the supreme object. When we
realize who we are in truth, that is bliss with fullness of Jnanam. Bliss does not come from external objects. Bliss
originates from inside us. We hide our true
form of bliss with the shroud of Ajnanam.
Even in that state, an intense sense of possession and connection help us
obtain bliss. If that connection leaves, bliss also leaves. Let me give you
an analogy. Let us assume that a person has a small piece of land. His mind
exults, when he knows he owns
the land, and every time, there is an increase in farm output. Later, the
farm output goes down. He sells the land to someone else. Next year, there is
a greater farm output. His mind is unhappy. He thinks, "Oh my, Last year the land in my
possession was a barren land (தரிசு). Now, someone hit jackpot in farm production."
Won't he have a heartburn?
As long as he had the connection to the land, he was happy with his farm
output. Later in the same output (with a new owner), his exuberant feeling
went vapid. Friday,
June 07, 2013 Page 40. Let me give you another example. parents bring to
me many children saying that are possessed with citta-p-piramai (சித்தப்பிரமை = mental stupor or insanity), wanting a cure. One parent
presented himself in a contrary manner. He married a second wife, who did not
get along with the son of the first wife.
The family broke up after fights and feuds. The husband favored the
younger wife and gave up on the child from the first wife. The father came to
me saying that his dejected son inflicted sorcery (பில்லிசூனியம்) on his
second wife, and it backfired on him.
Fathers, by and large, are worried about Cittappiramai in their children; this father was exultant
over it. Why is it so? The father lost
his parental connection with his son and was happy about it. He had this
sense of alienation with his son. He retained the sense of belonging to the second
wife. That the sorcery did not cause any harm (hani = ஹனி) to his second wife made the husband happy. If Mayai (மாயை) induced
so much of happiness, consider the happiness of being a perfect Jnani, who has given up his connection to everything. We
taste a small amount of sweetness of jaggery cooked
with bitter gourd. As there
is sweetness in association with a small amount of jaggery,
there is no doubt about the sweetness of jaggery by
itself. When the sense of I, Me and Mine as Maya Kiranam
(மாய கிரணம் = delusive rays)
gives sweet happiness in this bitter unhappy world, consider the sweetness
and bliss derived at being the perfect and pure (ஸ்வச்சம்) “I” standing
alone. If the lamp were to be covered by a pot with many holes, slender rays
of light emerge. Atma Deepam (ஆத்ம தீபம் = Soul Light) covered
by Mayai, rays of light in the form of joy emerge
through the portals of organs (Indriya dvaras = eyes,
ears, nose, mouth, genitals, anus).
If the Maya Pot were to break, we can become the Bliss Supreme in its
fullness (Ananda mayam = ஆனந்த மயம்). The amount of light emitted by the pot depends
upon the size and number of holes, considering the fact that the source of light is a Unique or incomparable effulgence (ஏகஜோதி = EkaJyothi = God) . If we break the Maya pot, all the
differences in this world disappear and all appear as Bliss Form (Ananda rupam = ஆனந்தரூபம்). Page 41. How do we break Mayai? The
path is to restrain desires. Mind is the fountainhead of desires; desires last as long as the mind lasts. We should not think that ablation of
mind is death or inertness. On the contrary, this state is the basis for all Saktis. Ordinarily, a person deficient in one body part will have a
compensatory increase in acuteness (Thīkshanyam = தீக்ஷண்யம்) of
another organ. It is like blocking one
channel and seeing an increased flow in another channel.
Atma Sakti (ஆத்ம சக்தி = soul power) is
dissipated in many ways through many organs, control of which helps all saktis stand united in one place with tranquility and
bliss. We can do good to the world with much sakti. Rishis with
Atma Jnanam are the examples (திருஷ்டாந்தம் = eye-view = example). They had the unique ability to travel in time and
learn many things. They gave us the Veda Mantras, the sounds unheard of by us
and received by them from ether. It is sufficient for the seekers to follow
the sayings in Vedas as to how to restrain desires, how to stand the mind
still, and how to obtain eternal bliss. In the end, we can attain Supreme
Bliss (பேரானந்தம்). May Paramesvaran
do Anugraha (favor). Page 42. Deivaththin Kural Part one தெய்வத்தின் குரல் Advaitam. Bhagavan will receive us ceremoniously. When the wind hits the surface of the still ocean,
the water appears as small elevations or bubbly
waves. The next wind gust breaks
them. Paramatma is like the still ocean. The wind of Māyā causes the Jivatmas to appear on the surface as bubbles, slight
bumps or small waves. If we were to receive kaṭāṭcam ( கடாக்ஷம் = side glance, grace), we merge with Paramatma as the bubble or
bumps merge into the ocean. The ocean waters remain undiminished. From the
ocean, the water evaporates, becomes clouds, rain, river, streams, lakes,
wells... The ocean does not go dry. The rivers and lakes may go dry. Or they
may be flooded. In the height of summer, there is no water in the pipes. We
say there is no water in "Red Hills Reservoir." Rainy season brings floods in Godavari. Kaveri River
breaks the bunds and the banks. From the day of creation to this day, there
is no loss of water even to a milliliter. There is no addition either. Some rich
people sell their lands, bank the cash, buy shares... The total asset does
not change. Their forms changed in so many ways. When all the assets are
calculated, there is no gain or loss. Likewise, the water in the world exists
either in the ocean, or in the clouds, rivers, lakes, ponds... Page 43. Paramatma appears as many. He appears like the
ocean, even,
and neither larger nor smaller (in
size). It appears to us that increase
and decrease (in its size) happen.
If you were to receive the Jnanam that what exists is One, there is no
increase or decrease anywhere. When we talk about the connection between Paramatma and Jivatma, we have
to lay
the stress on the nature of
the river. The Water
Cycle: Ocean water becomes the rain,
the rain becomes the lake, the lake becomes pond,
puddle, well... These entities do not
merge into the ocean. But, all the rivers go in search of the ocean and merge
into it. Son River being of red water runs in the red mud; Krishna River
being of black water, runs in black mud.
Ganga River of white water has its appropriate name because it courses
through such regions. Red is Raja Guna; White is Sattva Guna and Black is
Tama Guna. As the mind choses to take and run in whatever path, that it is
and the Jivatma's Subhava (Natural Disposition)
pertains to it. Ultimately, the Jivatma must merge
into the ocean of Paramatma. Jivatma =
embodied soul = We the people. Water finds its level. Rain falls on the mountain
peak,
the source of the river. That river falls down
the mountain with great speed and sound. On the level ground, there is not
much of a sound. At the end, when it merges into the ocean at its
mouth or estuary, there is no sound. At that
instance, the river has come to its natural level. That is, as it attains the
level, it attains supreme tranquility. In all affairs, finding a level of Manobhava (மனோபாவம் = Mental disposition) leads to tranquility. All actions beyond the pale
of normality (levelled Manobhava) might cause
amazement in others. But, by that, our
tranquility (suffers) comes to
destruction. Raucous behavior (உருட்டல், புருட்டல், மிரட்டல், இரைச்சல்) should
be abandoned. The ocean welcomes the tranquil river, backs up a little and
receives it. That is why the river has the taste of saltwater a little
distance from the mouth or estuary.
If we do not transgress our
"level," the
ocean of a Paramatma welcomes us and takes us into his fold. Raucous
behavior: உருட்டல், புருட்டல், மிரட்டல், இரைச்சல் = uruttal, puruttal, mirattal, iraicchal = Roll
something or someone; roll something like a carpet; threatening someone; make
a lot of sound. These words rhyme nicely. Page 44-45 Deivaththin krual = தெய்வத்தின் குரல் Advaitam = அத்வைதம் Mayai = மாயை உண்மை = uṇmai = Truth,
existence, Reality, opposite of இண்மை- iṇmai = non-existence. Buddhism: All are Mayai.
There is nothing that is endowed
with Truth or
Reality. This is not what Advaitam says. The phenomenal
world is Mayai or illusory. Advaitam says that Brahmam or the Supreme Truth or Reality is the
hypostasis or the base of all these illusory things. How could you say that the world is Mayai or illusory? So many things happen that we bear
witness to, by our eyes. These people pose the question, thinking that Mayai means fundamentally non-existent substance. But, Mayai is not fundamentally non-existent substance. When
someone talks about Rabbit's horn or the son of a barren woman, we dismiss
them as Asat. Mayai is
not such an entity. It appears existent to the extent it is thought of as
existent. It is not like the rabbit's horn. It appears like the mirage. But
there is no water in it. We cannot drink water from it and quench our thirst.
Water from mirage does make an appearance.
Likewise, even to the Jnanis knowing the
world as
Mayam, the world does make an appearance. We think wrongly that a straw-rope (பழுதை) is a snake. That there is no snake in the
straw-rope is the truth. Though it is so, as long as the snake was thought
of, the truly absent snake creates all the fear and rashness in exit. Our reactions
are true to our feelings. Though the world is not the eternal Satyam or Truth
(Reality) and as long as we think of it as Truth, all these many acts come
into play. As soon as
the straw-rope is discovered as such, fear leaves us instantly. Likewise,
this world is one appearance of Brahmam. When you learn that the hypostatic
Brahman is One Eternal Truth (Reality), all activities come to a standstill. World is not a baseless entity. Appearance it is,
until Jnana dawns on you. For the duration of dream sleep, it appears real;
upon awakening, it dissipates and disappears. Likewise, the world, remaining
true (as real), as long as we sleep in Ajnanam
(ignorance), disappears as we awaken to Jnana Nilai
(ஞான நிலை). Thus, the world is not a brazen lie; it is a
transitional and temporal truth, appearing and disappearing, does not deserve
to be called Atyanta Asat (அத்யந்த அஸத்), but meets the criterion for the term Pirathi Pasika
Satyam (பிராதி
பாஸிக சத்தியம்). The shell in sunlight glitters like silver; likewise,
the world glitters in the light of Bramam's Māyai.
சித்த நிலை = citta nilai = Mind State. சித்தம்
= Determinative
faculty. நிலை = State,
Stability, Nature. ஞானநிலை ńāṉa-nilai. = ஞானமார்க்கம் = Certitude in self-knowledge. Atyanta Asat (அத்யந்த அஸத்) = Absolute
Non-being or non-existence (eg. the
son of a barren woman, rabbit’s horn.) Pirathi Pasika Satyam (பிராதி
பாஸிக சத்தியம்) = Subjective
Reality. Eg: Seeing water in mirage. Mind State
(Citta Nilai) does not go beyond the mind and body and is controlled by
Māyā. Jnana Nilai or ńāṉa-nilai is defined as lofty
Cittam without ego that has gone beyond the confines of body, mind, and Māyā and merged with the
Universal Consciousness. It is a state of purity, supreme knowledge,
Realization and oneness with the Supreme.--Krishnaraj Mayai is, to the Jnani, a Zero; Jivan without
Jnanam thinks himself as a number and adds the zero to its side. The zero
joining a number makes a ten, a twenty, a one hundred, a one thousand..; likewise, for these Ajnanis, Māyai multiplies as many and makes the world appear
as Real Objects. Page 46. Jnani sees Reality as it exists. As the sugar
becomes so many dolls (think of chocolate bunnies), one Brahma becomes this many. A child looking at a sugar mold of a bitter
gourd, will run away from it for fear it will taste bitter. The bitter-looking
mold is, in reality, sweet sugar. A Jnani knows Blisful Brahmam is one. What
is bitter to us is sweetness to him; our black is white to him. What is a day
is his night, so said Krishna Bhagavan. The Light of Brahmam appears dark to
us. The dark Mayai appears as light to us. How is it so? Mayai in its
proximity with Brahmam gets its reflected light. This dim light is what is
reachable to us. This insignificant light of Mayai makes the worldly objects
and happenings knowable. In Jnani's Atma Parakasam (the light of the soul),
they disappear. This is what is meant that Jnani's day is a night for us. page 47 Deivththin kural Firest part = தெய்வத்தின் குரல் Advaitam = அத்துவைதம் Akamum Puramum = அகமும் புறமும் Why is man incessantly running hither and
thither? To fulfil his desires. He is
desirous of external objects. To acquire them, he runs around. If one (gain) is obtained, it is not enough. Satisfaction,
received from it, is transient. He
desires for another one. He runs searching for it. He does not enjoy peace. There is happiness only when an external object
comes into his possession. If you were chasing bliss, where are peace and
tranquility? External objects are not
in our control or possession. It may come or go. It is an impossible proposition
to obtain eternal bliss from external objects. It is an attempt to damage
your tranquility. Man is of the form of Bliss inside. Because of
Mayai, he forgets the Bliss-Form inside him. He has thoughts of attaining the
Bliss. Instead of knowing the existence of Bliss-Body inside him and enjoying
the Internal Bliss, he is looking for Bliss outside of him. If a person
performs Atma Vicharam (self-enquiry) and Dhyanam (contemplation,
meditation) seeking Ambal's
Grace, he will find out that he is himself the Bliss-Body, perfect, pure and
complete. His nature of his
Internal Bliss is like a great ocean; all the joy he gets from external
objects is like a straw. Saturday,
June 08, 2013 Page 48. If one realizes it, he will not seek any joy outside of him. He
will experience his own Bliss and become the ocean of Bliss. The ocean does not move outside of its borders and
yet the rivers fall into
it. Likewise, in the blissful person, the desires come pouring in and
disappear as in the case of ocean (wherein the rivers fall and disappear). Acharya
quotes the following verse from the Bhagavadgita (2:70). आपूर्यमाणमचलप्रतिष्ठं समुद्रमापः प्रविशन्ति यद्वत् । तद्वत्कामा यं प्रविशन्ति सर्वे स शान्तिमाप्नोति न कामकामी ॥२- ७०॥ āpūryamāṇam acalapratiṣṭhaṁ
samudram āpaḥ praviśanti yadvat āpūryamāṇam1
acala-pratiṣṭham2 samudram3 āpaḥ4 praviśanti5 yadvat6 yadvat6 = as;āpaḥ4
= water; praviśanti5
= flowing into; samudram3 = the ocean; āpūryamāṇam1
= brimming with water from all sides; acala-pratiṣṭham2 = remains steady
without change; tadvat7
= likewise; saḥ12
= that man; yam9 =
into whom; sarve11 =
all; kāmāḥ8
= desires; praviśanti10
= flow into; āpnoti14
= attains; śāntim13
= peace; [it is] na15
+ kāmakāmī16
= not so for the epicure (= kāma-kāmī, the person who
seeks desires).-- 2.70 2.70: As the waters enter the ocean from all sides, it
remains steady and unperturbed. So also, the desires enter a person of
steadiness, tranquility, and peace (without causing any perturbation). It
is not so in (an epicure) a person who seeks desires. āpūryamāṇam
acalapratiṣṭhaṁ samudram --so says Gita 2:70. The man of
Bliss remains the ocean of Bliss with supreme tranquility. The servitors at
the feet of Bhagavan say that Devendra's bliss is only a drop in this
Atmananda (Soul-Bliss) ocean. Position,
money, womenfolk, honor, publicity... are thought of as the providers of
Bliss. We work towards that goal incessantly. We, unknowing of being the Ocean of Bliss that we
are, languish and thirst for one drop of water. The unobtained external
objects, being that drop of water, give us the feeling of deficiency and
sadness; that is a big mistake. We do
not have any deficiency. The externally-derived joy is already within us. Let
the external joys come pouring in. Let us contain all those joys as the ocean
takes in the incoming rivers and stay calm. If there is no flow of external
joy, there is no harm; there is no deficiency. The external joys are only a
particle compared to the in-dwelling Bliss; let us try to be clear about it. Page 49. Deivaththin
Kural = Advaitam
= The path
to reduce the burden of sorrow. We should
attempt to receive the real Jnana about the Supreme God (பரம்பொருள்). What
is meant by this jnana? What is meant is that there is nothing other than
Paramporul. That one Entity appears as many. If your were to apply your mind
to all these appearances, timorousness, attention to the high and the low (ஏற்றத்தாழ்வு) and
consequent difficulties will haunt you. Turning your mind from all these
appearances and beginning to know the Causal One, will harness your thoughts
and make you immune to tremulousness. Where is the place for tremulousness
and disparity in social status and other parameters among people, when there
is only one Spiritual Entity? In this state, we can obtain eternal happiness.
This is what we call Jnanam. In this
worldly living, happiness (sukam = சுகம்) appears
to come to us. However, it will not stay with us forever. How can we make the
external happiness permanent? The external happiness is not amenable to right
of possession (சுவாதீனம் = Svādhīnam) and so leaves us. One minute there
is happiness; next minute, it is gone. It is like the sunlight peaking
through a heavy canopy of leaves when
the wind moves the leaves. In the next minute, the shade envelopes. Likewise, happiness rears its (beautiful)
head and then disappears. Eternal Bliss is to know the One and the only Cause
of this world. There
will be immeasurable difficulties in this worldly life for all persons.
Others might think that the rich and the highly-placed live without any
difficulties. Thinking likewise, people may strive hard to gain wealth and position.
His difficulties become apparent, if
you only probe him. If we fall off Tinnai (திண்ணை = platform about 3 feet high), you get scratches and
sprains. The Rich and the powerful live on the higher floors; if he falls,
the bones break. Page 50. That fall
is dangerous to life and limb. The rich and the powerful have some happiness
and disproportionate amount of anxiety and worry about safegurading their
position. There is no one fully satisfied with his happiness. As a person
tends to think high of himself in intelligence, honesty and beauty, the
unhappy, likewise, is inclined to think he is the chosen for misery. Tukkam (துக்கம் = sorrow) and birth are concomitant. We have sown seeds
previously for these miseries. There is no escape from them. There is
a way to prevent Karma and enjoy tranquility,
while one tolerates the karma-induced miseries. It is the Path of Jnana. If you
were to suffer delirium (சித்தப்பிரமை = CITTA-P-PIRAMAI) and become inert (ஜடம் = jatam), you will not perceive sorrow. In delirium, there
is no permanent happiness. In sleep, there is no sorrow. In deep sleep, we
have no awareness of happiness. Jnani is awake all the time and remains the
eternally happy (சுகி = suki).
Not that he does not have sufferings, but he does not have sorrow (கிலேசம் = kilesam). The sufferings caused by external entities, do
not affect him. The pail
of water does not feel heavy, when it remains under water; once out of the
water, it feels heavy. It is customary to move big logs of wood easily in floods
and rivers. Likewise, we should float our miseries in the waters of Jnanam.
There will always be cause for misery. But Jnana will make the misery
lighter. Page 51. Deivaththin
Kural (Part one) Yogi is
one who is untouched by sorrow. Impurity of mind is the cause of sin and
sorrow, removal of which makes the mind turn towards Paramatma. Good Conduct
and discipline are necessary for removal of impurities. Before Atma (soul)
separates from this body (viyōkam
= வியோகம் = Separation = death), we should live and
conduct ourselves by the tenets of religious studies and by practice, and
remove all the impurities. If we pursue this path, in the end separation from
the body (viyōkam) becomes Yoga of
non-disjunction with Paramatma. What are
the signs of Yogi? The mind that merged with Paramatma, does not think of
merging with anything else. The mind
comes to a standstill, which helps remove all the difficulties arising in the
mind. What do we have to pursue to gain that status? We have to merge with
what gave rise to mind. That mind will dissolve in IT. The mind will not run
after objects. That is the state of liberation. Page 52. What is
the source of the river? It is the
ocean. Water from the ocean evaporates, forming clouds; the latter becomes
rain, falling away from its source and taking the form of a river. There is
no place that the river did not flow. Thus flowing, cascading, rambling,
rumbling and running, the river falls into its source, the ocean. Does the
river now have its own form? Does it still run and rumble? There is nothing
of that now. Does the
mind have a similar fate? In a tranquil Yogic state, the Jnanis
dissolve their minds in Paramatman without consciousness of external objects
(External Consciousness). [That is absorption or lysis (Laya = ल्य) of the individual soul
with the Universal Soul.] Though they may appear to us they are out of the
Yogic state after Samadhi, it is an irrevocable union with the Universal
Soul. Inside, the Jnanis continue to have that Yogic experience even after they
exit Samadhi. Though he appears to us to have external consciousness
(Veli-p-piraknjai = வெளிப்பிரக்ஞை), he does
not have even the desire to stay in the Yogic state. If someone were to have
thoughts of acquiring something, he is no more a Yogi. We can
identify the unique quality of a Yogi in another way. If his mind were to
abide in Paramatma permanently, he must not suffer from any sorrow even a
bit. If his Cittam (mind) is afflicted "a drop," it means that the
so-called Yogi did not attain Paramatma. Yogi
will face many sorrows. That is they will appear as sorrows to the rest of
the world. He will not feel the sorrow even to a minute extent. He would
remain a dead wood of a person. No, dead wood may not be an appropriate
euphemism. Dead wood is totally
deprived of feelings. Yogi is chock-full of consciousness (of a different
kind). He is in perpetual happiness or bliss (catānantam = சதாநந்தம்). Yogam
is to remain in catānantam without a thought of “I want this, that...” Page 53. A true
Yogi is brimming with compassion. He has no anger or hatred towards anyone.
He harbors a feeling of benignity and not an iota of harm to anyone. Though
he is doing many good deeds in the eyes of others, he does not have the
egoistic ownership of his deeds. Devoid of self-love, his actions are nothing
other than those of compassion. Mahayogi Paramesvara conducts his
Samhāra like this. It may have the appearance of cruelty (Kodumai). Samhāra சம்ஹாரம்= periodic destruction of the
universe at the end of a Kalpa. The Lord does Samhara to give
freedom from Karma Gathi (State of man bound by Karma) at least for some time
to each one of the Jivas, however much sin they carry, and let them attain
Laya (Lysis, merger, absorption) with
him. As the
Lord gives us sleep, so that we get relief from the daily grind of happiness
and sorrow, he gives respite from weariness (Cirama parikāram = சிரம பரிகாரம்) after
the body falls (dies). We get up from sleep in the morning and plunge into
the routine of doing good and bad deeds. Likewise, with the present body
gone, and after Cirama Parikaram, we awaken in another body. This endless
cycle of birth and death- punarapi jananam and punarapi maranam = புனரபி ஜன்னம்/புனரபி மரணம்- must
stop. When the present body is gone, there must not be a birth in another
body. We should ensure that. For that
eventuality only, we have the utility of discipline, good conduct, supreme
compassion, Tapas, Puja, Yanjam, and charity. We have to practice this from
childhood, so millions upon millions of people rise up stepwise, so
somewhere, someone will rise to become a perfect Yogi or Jnani. For a person
of this nature to rise from among us is of help to humanity. Page 54. Deivaththin
Kural Advaitam Respite
from Sorrow When a
person suffers from a disease, many give many causes. Ayurvedic Vaidyar
attributes his sickness to the variations in pulse. Allopathic doctor gives a
different reason. Psychiatrist may offer another diagnosis. Mantra Sastra
expert attributes disease to divine cause. Jyothishar attributes the disease
to planetary malalignments. Exponents of Dharma Sastras attribute it to Karma
from previous life. Apart
from diseases, many causes are attributed for our happiness and sorrow. All
these causes for one disease create confusion. Are the Planets the cause of
sorrow? Should we do pacification of
planets? Are the Village deities
causing the disease? Should we do
pacification ceremony for these deities? If the cause is karma, should we let
the disease take its course? All
appear to be true. That the cause is Karma is certain. Karma is the cause of
many effects (fruits, products or afflictions). Rain is one entity. Its products or effects
are many. The earth is soaking wet. Insects abound; frogs make the mating
calls; some plants go green; some go rotten. All these are the external signs
of one rain. The cause as identified by all these modalities is Karma, if we
were to get a cure. In this life apart from diseases, there are many other
problems, in connection with money, job, bodily strength, intellectual
stamina...The cause for these entities is Karma, one Karma and many effects. P55.
According to science, if there is an effect, there must be a cause. In the
whole world, there are cause, effect, action and counteraction or reaction
according to physics. Bauda sastra
explains this Truth. The inert earth comes from two sources. This applies to
people also. All our actions have reactions. The cause for our today's
happiness and sorrow are because of good and bad Karma from past life. It is
said that good and bad fruits of karma of others come to us. If the
child were to suffer a disease, it is said it is the result of parental Papa-Punya Palan (பாப-புண்ணிய பலன் = the fruits of sin and merit of parents). The care of the sick child by the parents
and the sufferings they go through are justice rendered to resolve their
Karma. I see another truth. If bad things happen to us, we can say it is the
enemy's Punniya palan-- the fruit of merit of the enemy. The cause
of all the world's happenings is one Parasakti. The happenings of the world
are according to the Will of Isvara, who connects and brings many events
together (in a person or a place). Nothing happens in this world without
cause and effect. Sarvesvara connects
all events and acts as a witness of what appears to us as disconnected
events. The first
cause of happiness and sorrow of humanity is Karma. The instrumental cause
(ThunaikkaraNam = துணைக்காரணம்)
consists of: Kirakasaram (கிரகசாரம் or movements of the planets), offence to deities, ill
health... We can
seek relief according to the recommendations of horoscopic, medical and
ceremonial modalities. They will yield results when our karma is resolved. If
we live with devotion according to whatever path God chooses for us, dedicate
our life to Isvara, and exercise this kind of maturity, this is
praise-worthy. That itself is a
relief, true respite. It is
important not to accumulate any new Karma, leaving aside the Pūrva Karma
(past-life Karma). Instead of looking for relief for the past-life karma, it
is better or more important not to accumulate new Karma, and seek the help of
Isvara now. Isvara
Dhyanam (ஈசுவர தியானம் = meditation on Isvara) is the True Remedy (பரிகாரம் = Parikāram) and the path not to sow the Seeds of
Sorrow. If you get to the state of remedy for sorrow from Advaita Anubhava
Siddhi (Perfection in Monistic experience), there is no cause for sorrow. In
that Siddhi or perfected state, there is neither sorrow nor happiness.
Reality exists there as self-effulgence. Page 56. Deivaththin
Kural Advaitam Dvaitam %
Baudam = Advaitam Brahmam
is pūrṇam (பூரணம் = completeness, perfection); The world is pūrṇam.
In the perfect Brahmam, the perfect world dawned. If one were to subtract the
world as perfection from Brahmam the perfection, Brahmam will remain a
perfection, so says a Upanishadic Mantra. Perfection or completeness means
"All." How could two substances be perfect and complete? When you
subtract completeness from Completeness, how could completeness will be the
leftover? What is
the core (Tatpariyam = தாத்பரியம் pith of the matter) of this Mantra? This world is not something that separated
from Brahmam. It is the Brahmam only that appeared as the world. Brahmam did
not create the world from some extraneous matter. Brahmam did not transform into the world.
Brahma appears like the world. There is nothing more or nothing less. Page 57. In darkness, we think a garland a
snake. Now the garland gives the appearance of a snake. Garland did not morph
into a snake. If you were to apprehend the garland as garland, it is garland
in perfection. In the perfection of garland, the perfection of the snake
appears; likewise, in the perfection of Brahman, the world perfection
appears. In one state, the garland is completeness; in another state, the
snake is completeness. Kambar says that the world is like the Maya snake
originating from the garland. If you were to remove the snake from the
garland, it remains a complete and perfect garland. Upanishad says if you
subtract perfection from perfection, what remains is perfection. Why did
the garland look like a snake? Because of darkness. Brahmam appears as the
world because of the darkness of Māyā (Māyai = மாயை).
Māyā is that which is not. Non-existent Māyai projects
existent (one and only) Brahmam into many worlds. You may ask whether a
non-existent entity can do this. Let me explain it in terms of mathematics. In terms
of Brahmam, addition, subtraction and other parameters were discussed before.
In this instance, addition does not increase the end-product. Subtraction
does not cause any change in its perfection and completeness: that is its
wonder. Now let me discuss the math. Page 58. We divide
a number with another number. When the divisor becomes smaller and smaller,
the quotient becomes greater and greater. If you divide sixteen by sixteen,
the quotient is 1. When the divisor is 8, the quotient is 2; four, 4; one,
16. If the divisor is zero, the quotient is the biggest infinite. If any
dividend or numerator is divided by a divisor or denominator zero, the
quotient is infinite. 1/0 =
Infinite; 2/0 = Infinite; 3/0 = Infinite. The same holds good, if you divide
a Kodi (10 million) by zero. If you
multiply the divisor by the quotient, the number will be the dividend. 8X2 = 16. Infinite
X 0 = 1 Infinite
X 0 = 2 Infinite
X 0 = 3 Thus it
goes on endless. One
Anantham (Infinity) multiplied by zero becomes 1, 2, 3, 10 million, 100
million...and infinite. This
infinity is Brahmam. The non-existent entity is the zero. What is not is zero.
Māyai is that, which is not existent. The Infinite multiplied by zero
shows up as many; likewise, Brahmam by virtue of Maya Sakti multiplies and
shows up into infinite entities of this world. The dividend of the world can be assigned any number. The Numerator
(Dividend) will be the quotient, if the Denominator is Māyai or zero. Page 59. Infinite
Brahmam is the quotient. The world as the infinite denominator becomes
infinite. There are many variety of creations. Our mind runs in many ways.
There is no end for them. It is infinity. According to declaration in
Upanishadic Mantras, Brahmam is Pūraṇam (பூரணம் = complete and perfect) and immutable; the world is
Pūraṇam, mutable and thus cab be assumed as Anantham (அனந்தம் = infinity). A mutable
entity cannot be Truth (Satyam). Though we give value to 1, 2, 3, 10 million,
100 million...in reality is Asatyam (untruth); that is, it is zero. Any
number multiplied with zero is zero. Though Anantham (Brahman) X Māyai (0) = 1,2,3, it is
only out of politeness, in truth, Anantham multiplied by Māyai yields a
resultant world, a Māyāmaya மாயாமய = illusory through and through ) zero. Brahmam
(that remains) as Infinity is the only Satyam or Reality, so says Advaitam.
The world having the appearance of infinity is Satyam, according to Dvaitam.
Baudam (Buddhism) says, Brahmam and the world are non-different and thus,
Sunyam, Pujyam and Mayai (சூனியம், பூஜ்யம், மாயை = Sunya
or Zilch, Pujyam or Zero, Māyai or illusory). Advaitam says, Brahmam is
Satyam; Buddhism stops short by saying they are all MAyai; Dvaitam asserts
that the world is Satyam. Brahmam X
Mayai = Pirapanjam or the World, is the equation found above. Advaitam
X Baudham = Dvaitam. Or Dvaitam %
Baudham = Advaitam. Page 60. Deivaththin
Kural = The Call of the Divine. Advaitam Acharyas'
command. We have
come in the tradition of Sankaracharya, whose most important mandate was we
should always perform Isvara Dhyanam, and we should make others do the same.
What is Isvara Dhyanam for? Isvara has come in the form of you and I. That is
for us to discover that our real form is He. If it is not realized, it is
enough to meditate on Isvara with many auspicious qualities. Since He and we
are one, He will confer His true form to us. When we and He merge as one, all
attributes become attributeless (Nirguna).
Isvara Dhyanam = meditation of Isvara or God. We send
children to school. We say the teacher is useless, if the children do not
behave themselves. If you were to misbehave, it means, I, being your Guru is
useless. When the
other assumes the responsibility for the good behavior of a person, the
misbehavior of the latter will be the fault and failure of the preceptor. The
demerits of the subjects go to the ruler. The faults of the wife go to or
fall on the laps of the husband. That is the saying of the Nithi Sastra (=
Sacred texts on justice, ethics and good conduct). An
ordinary Guru has a few pupils or Sisyas, whose sins go to the Guru. If the
Guru is JagathGuru (world-Guru), think of the mother lode of sin accrued by
him. For the
removal of sins, Bhagavad Dhyanam is the only one path. For that reason only,
Bhagavadpathal (பகவத்பாதாள் =
servitors of God, Sankara…) mandates the Jagathguru to inculcate the practice
of Dhyanam in the people. If people do not do Dhyanam, he mandated that I
should do more dhyanam on your behalf. Page 61. I
am trying my best to perform that duty. On your behalf, I meditate. If more
people were to meditate, my burden will be that much lighter. Meditation
helps bear the past-life karmic effects, cleanse the mind, and prevent you
from doing new Karma. If you have the will, you will find time. If you were
to curtail your time spent on unnecessary troubles and Newspaper
deliberations or discussions, you will find time for Dhyanam that
offers the best to you. Doing Dhyanam is life's first duty. One
must do Dhyanam to an extent possible, whether he becomes
prosperous, penurious, struggling, happy, healthy... We
must encourage our near and dear to do the same. We should not become angry
with non-compliance. We must impress on them its value. Telling with love
will melt any soul. I am carrying out the mandate I received
from Bhagavadpathal by bringing this to your attention. That
blessing of bringing this to your attention is my calling. You received the
blessing of hearing their mandate from me. Your duteous observation is my
gain. You now know the path of salvation. We gained mutual benefit. Page 62. Friday, June 14, 2013 Take this
advice into your mind and enjoy the fruits well. When this life comes to an
end, let us feel a sense of fulfillment in having lived well and obtaining
its fruits. Now we go without fear to our destination, whence there is no
return to earth. Let Paramesvara confer a favor to us all, so we, with
assurance and satisfaction, seek that virtuous path. We
committed much sin by making bad choices. If we performed Isvara Dhyanam from
childhood, we would have expunged quite a lot of sins in these wasted days.
We would enjoy the fruits of our birth to the extent, we do the Isvara
Dhyanam with surrender. We have done very little of Isvara Dhyanam, though we
were engaged in so many other activities. If our activities, involved in
wrangling and wastage, were spent in Isvara Dhyanam, the Karmic baggage would
not have grown larger. Our time in
this phenomenal world is limited, whoever we are (however powerful we are).
This world has been a bin of dirty laundry. Let us make it a place, where we
wash and clean up our grimy laundry. Page 63. Deivaththin
Kural (தெய்வத்தின் குரல்) Religion (மதம்) Dharma
will save your head. (தர்மமே தலைக்காக்கும்) As the
impending sign of the New Year, Mother Nature from chose among the Flora the
Royal children Neem and Peepal to shed the leaves. It is an
age-old tradition to conduct marriage of Neem and Peepal trees with the
installation of idols of Vinayakar and Nagarajar at the base. These deciduous
trees shed all the leaves by the end of winter. The deities at the base
without the canopy of leaves shine in the radiant sun. They see the sky and
enjoy the clement sunshine with spring in the air. Umbrella is necessary in
the rain and scorching sun. In severe winter, the night sky without the sun
is inclement. It is said that in the autumn, the chill will vanish with the
nights of Siva (சிவராத்திரி). Page 64. When
the sun is warm and mild, we can spend our days and nights sitting under the
sky. As if to impress us with that sentiment, Mother Nature makes the Neem
and Peepal trees shed their leaves, so sun worship of Vignesvara and Nagaraja
takes place in this seasonable weather. Nagarajar can be equated to
Subramania Swamy. The Telugus say that Subramaniyar and Nagarajar are
together known as Subarayadu. In Sashti, it is customary to perform Nagaraja
Pujai, prevalent from antiquity (pirācīṉam
= பிராசீனம்). What is Mother Nature's love
for the Primordial couple's children, Pillaiyar and Kumaraswamy, is a sign of
love towards all of us, the children of Parvati and Paramesvara. It is
love in full measure. When the sun becomes hotter as the spring dawns, Mother
Nature shows tenderness (karicaṉam = (கரிசனம் = affection, tenderness) by
providing a green canopy of sprigs and leaves and sheltering the idols from
the sun. Autumn leaves and sprigs are Mother Nature at work. The World
Order. It (Changing seasons) has been around unchanged for Yugas. In this
world, every entity is ordained to behave in a particular order (way). This order makes life on earth possible; otherwise,
everything will be in chaos. Isvara has established an order, dharma... so
that all living beings live well and in cooperation, according to the loving
intent of the Lord. Isvara wants to protect his children from the sun and
rain. When we need mild sun, he gives
it and embraces (aravaṇai = அரவணை) us by
showing love to us, directing Mother Nature and establishing an order and
Dharma for the trees. Page 65. Should we
not have deserving personality to receive God's love? Yes, we do. The order, subjecting the trees
and the Palmira leaves, applies to us too. Only when we observe the order and
work for the welfare of the world, we can claim to receive love of Isvara.
This order specially meant for humankind is called Dharma. Swamy amuses
himself by giving him the brain and choice to transgress Dharma. Man having
this brain wanders thinking of things that could offer wellness to him. In this endeavor, he transgresses the
Dharma particularly meant for him. The only thing that offers happiness is
Dharma. Some
force keeps directing all the people in the direction of Dharma. Because of
this, in many parts of the world, man not only fulfills his worldly needs but
also does some strange things. One
holds on to the cross and reads the Bible. The next does Namas. The next smears ashes on his forehead. The
next applies Namam on his forehead. Humanity, though ritual-related worldly
gains are not obvious, follows these established practices. Why is it so? For the
worldly life, man accumulates wealth and property. He saved for the future.
How long is the future? He finds out it is not in thousands of years. He sought and accumulated wealth for his
progeny. Page 66. When life
of a human comes to an end, the question as to what happens to him came up.
When the body leaves, Manushyam does not leave according to the Great Men
(sages) of different countries. Money and property accumulated for the upkeep
of the body, were of no us to the Manushya. The sages discovered the means to
and nature of a good path or refuge after death. These sages in different
countries discovered different paths. Cross, Namas, Vibhuti, Tirumani...came
about in this manner. Seeing
and knowing the whole world is the property of Bhagavan, Dharma is to conduct
oneself accordingly. Selfish actions take him to Adharma. Therefore, man
should diminish his selfishness. All religions of the world sprang from and
advocated the basic notion that the whole world belonged to Him. There is no
religion that advocates to fulfill one's desires without restraint and
accumulate property and wealth to one's liking. They discourage man to be egoistic
and selfish. They attempt to reduce his ego, showing that man is nothing
before the Mahasakti (Great Power) who created this universe. If man were to
reach the Mahasakti, the creator himself will correct his course and help him
follow the path of Dharma, meant for man. Many religions hold this kind of
devotion in the forefront. Page 67. It is
difficult to stand fast to the notion that God is Reality, and we should have
devotion to Him. People understand when devotion or Bhakti is presented and
practiced as a ritual. Ritual ceremonies, Sandhyavandhanam, Prayer, Namas are
such modalities of Bhakti. Religions teach man about his conduct within the
context of Bhakti and Dharma. Be loving to everybody. Be charitable and
giving. Be of service to fellow man (and animals). These are the sayings of
religions. If he conducts his life in this manner, his soul will reach god
after the death of his body. One religion says that soul is non-different
from God. The next one advocates to render service to Him, receive His Grace
and remain in Bliss. We do not have to fight and split our heads over the
ultimate state of a being (after death). We reach God in one of many paths.
Henceforth, there are no hardships, disappointments, failures... It is enough
to know now of inalienable, inseparable, complete and eternal Bliss in life
after death. If God
were to take us in his fold, we should perform duteous service to the world
and to God without selfishness. Those duties are the Dharma. Dharma is the witness before and after death.
We should perform good deeds to obtain release or emancipation. This is more
important than taking life insurance so the progeny gets death benefits.
Dharma is permanent insurance for life after death. Dharma, as an after-life insurance, follows
us after death and is a witness for fearsome after-life (if the person was
acting against Dharma in his life on earth).
When we are alive, the same Dharma gives us peace and wellbeing. Pager 68. Friday, June 14, 2013 We don't
have to entertain any confusion about the type of Dharma we should follow. We
have our roots in the traditional Dharma of our elders and ancestors. In
their experience, they enjoyed daily welfare (bliss). In this generation, we
engage in demonstrations (political or otherwise) with discontent without
remiss; certainly, our ancestors lived in tranquility and repose (நிச்சிந்தை = niccintai). It is abundantly enough to pursue that
Dharma. It is a bother, if we were to discover and do something new. We will
have ceaseless doubts, whether it is good or bad. It is good to follow the
traditional tried and true observances of our ancestors and tailor-made
Dharma for each one of us. All, born
as Manushyas (people), do suffer
problems and face danger. To realize that bitterness, we eat the first Neem
flowers of the New Year. In the beginning of the year itself, we accept the
bitterness. We savor the sugarcane at the end of the year. If you savor the
sweet at the beginning itself, it will turn bitter at the end. Don't be
hateful because of bitterness. We will invite bitterness as the medicine of
Mother Nature or Dharmic injunction.
Because of it, as time rolls by, we will develop that mindset that
regards any experience as sweet. The
difficulties and the dangers faced by Sri Rama during his excommunication in
the forest were great. Page 69. As the
mother sends midday meals to the school-going kid, Kaikeyi served Rama. What
victual will stay unspoiled for 14 years of excommunication? Kaikeyi bundled up
Dharma and gave it to Rama. She sent Dharma as his help and said,
"Raghava (Rama), safeguard Dharma with courage and discipline." Dharma
gave victory to Rama in the end. If you follow Dharmic path, even the animals
would support you. If you fall into Adharma, even your sibling will turn
against you. Such proof exists in Ramayana.
The Vanaras (the monkey troops) supported Rama; Ravanan was abandoned
by his brother Vibhishana. Dharma
would save your head. Dharma is the reason the ten-headed Ravana fell and
died, and Rama's head stood unbowed. Let everyone follow his Dharma with
boldness and justice and obtain eternal wellness (bliss). Deivaththin
Kural (First part) Religion Sins and
merits. In this
world, no one wants to be a sinner. But, we do more of sinful acts. We all
like the fruits of meritorious acts; but, we do not do meritorious acts. Deivaththin
Kural Religion Sins and
merits In this
world, no one wants to be a sinner. But, we do more of sinful acts. We all
desire to receive fruits of meritorious deeds; but, we do not perform the
necessary meritorious deeds. Page 70. No one
wants to do sinful acts. Arjuna
Addressed Krishna: What forcibly makes man to do sinful deeds? Krishna:
That is desire. We desire to obtain something. We in the process of getting
the desire fulfilled, discard Dharma-Adharma. When that
desire is fulfilled, we do not feel satisfaction and fulfillment. Does the
fire get extinguished, when you feed it with butter? The flame grows larger.
Likewise, the fulfilled desire induces in the mind a greater desire. Does that
mean failure to realize desire is good?
No, it is not so. If our desire is not fulfilled, we get angry. As the
ball bounces off the wall, the unrealized desire bounces back as anger and
pushes us into sinful acts. Next to desire, Krishna mentions anger as the
product of desire. The only
path for not committing sinful acts is to destroy desire. We cannot remain
without doing deeds. When the body remains without action, the mind is active
with thoughts, which is the job of the mind. The deeds we perform with mind
and body revolves around desire. We are pushed into sin more and more (by
desire). If we
decide to remain without action, human nature prevents us. Saturday,
June 15, 2013 Page 71. Thayumanar
Swamigal says the ability to restraining the mind and remaining still in mind
and body is difficult to put into practice. Though you restrain physical
activity, the mind does not remain quiet. The mind is not only active but
also instigates the body to act.
Remaining still in mind and body = சும்மா இரு = summā iru. This is one of the most famous phrases in
Tamil. It is not like saying, “Keep Quiet.” It is keeping quiet in body,
mind, soul… We have
no direct control over and stop desire and (desire-induced) activities. That
being so, does this problem have any solution? There is a solution. We do not
have to stop action completely. We should cease and desist from acting out
our will, and do engage in acts that do not yield worldly gain (selfless
acts). We should do acts of selfless service to the world at large and also
what is meaningful and fruitful to one's own soul. As we develop and increase
a liking for these kinds of actions as a matter of habit, desires dwindle
away gradually. Demerits (Pāpam = பாபம்)
diminish and merits (Puṇṇiyam = புண்ணியம்) increase. We should engage in good acts as
a matter of habit. Acts minus desire is merit or Puṇṇiyam. Doing
deeds minus desire in a habitual manner amounts to merit. We do
Pāpam in four ways. By body, we do many bad acts. By mouth, we break our
promise and utter falsehood; by mind, we entertain bad thoughts; by money, we
do unmentionable sins. In four
ways, we committed sin; in the same four ways, we should habituate doing
deeds of merit. By body,
we should render help to strangers and do philanthropy
(parōpakāram); we should offer prayers to God, make
circumambulation and thus earn merit. Page 72. (By
mouth,) chanting Bhagavan's names earns merit. We spend most of our time in
making a living. You may say we do not have time (for spiritual activities
and selfless service to mankind). You know that your time is not all spent on
earning a living. Time is wasted in and on unnecessary talk, gossiping,
derogatory remarks, fun and frolic, discussion of the news of the day in
newspapers...That wasted time could have been spent on thinking, remembering
and chanting the names of Bhagavan (பகவத்நாமஸ்மரணம் = BhagavadNāmaSmaraṇam). It is alright if you are
unable to allocate time for chanting. As you commute to your workplace by bus
or rail, you could chant soto voce Bhagavan's names. As you strive hard and run around making a
living and earning money, not even one penny will accompany you in your afterlife
journey. The only accepted currency in the other world is Bhagavad
Nāma (பகவத்நாமம் = God’s
Name). Mind is
the sacred abode of Bhagavan. We turned it into a wastebasket or garbage dump. We should
cleanse the place, sit Bhagavan in the mind and become tranquil. We should do
Dhyanam at least for five minutes. Barring everything, this matter is our
first and foremost priority and 'the show must go on', even if the world is
sinking. The reason is Bhagavan offers his helping hand, when the world is sinking. With the
money, you should accumulate Puṇṇiyam by doing Dharma in many
ways on behalf of Bhagavan and for the benefit of poor people. Pāpam has
two Saktis: It gets us involved in wrongful acts today and tomorrow, it makes
us do the same. Sniffing snuff causes injury today, and tomorrow, it makes
you use it again. This is habituation. We should let this Vāsana
(tendency or predisposition) fade away, perform Puṇṇiyam and
inculcate Puṇṇiya Vāsanās (புண்ணிய வாசனைகள்).
Vāsanās from previous life pull us into sin many times. Don't have
fear. Today’s Jnanis and Bhaktas (ஞானிகள், பக்தர்கள் = Sages and saints, Devotees) were yesterday's sinners. வாசனை = Vāsanai. Fragrance,
odor. = Predisposition in the present life due
to the experiences of a former birth. Fragrance, when applied to clothes, cling on it for some
time and continue to exude the smell. Likewise, your present predisposition
(fragrance) is the same as your tendencies in previous life. You carry the
Vasanas from your previous life just like your clothes carry the fragrance
from an earlier time. If Isvara
does not save the souls of the sinners, it does not bring any greatness,
pride and prestige to Him. Because we are sinners, God earned the title,
"Patitapāvanan" (பதிதபாவனன் = God, who removes transgressions,
purifies the sins or purifies the souls).
We gave that greatness and pride to God. பதிதன் = Patitan = an apostate, a
heretic. பதிதம் = Patitam = a lapse. பாவனன் = pāvaṉaṉ
= One who purifies. Page 73. In
Bhagavadgita verse 18.66, Bhagavan says the following. You
surrender to Me. I will release you from all of your sins. Krishna
Paramatma gave his words of encouragement.
Let us be
brave. However many may be the spins, that many reverse spins are necessary
to undo the previous knot. For us to expunge the sins, that many good deeds must
be done. If we patiently set ourselves to do Dharma, Bhagavan would give his
helping hand. So many
religions came into being to divert the mind, speech and body from satiation
of senses. Every one of the great men dawned on the human race and gave a
religion to redeem man from the sin committed for the satiation of senses.
Enjoyment of the senses offers a temporary joy. Permanent joy (Bliss) is to
merge with Paramatman. That the soul is released from Samsara and restored to
Bhagavan is the aim of every religion. Page 74. Deivaththin
kural (Part One) Religion The
utility of religion. Religion
is the instrument for Dharma-Artha-Kama-Moksa (அறம், பொருள், இன்பம், வீடு),
commonly called Purushartham (புருஷார்த்தம் = Meaning
of Man, Goal of Man). Dharmam
is Aṛam (அறம்) in
Tamil. Arththam is PoruL (பொருள்). Kāmam is Inbam (இன்பம்). Moksa
is Vīdu (வீடு). In the
word Purushartham, there is an inside-word Arththam within it. Arththam
follows Purusham. Purushartha (Meaning of man = Man [needing] wealth) is what
Purusha thinks as essential. What does a man think of having? We are in a spiritually depleted state
(Faustian needs). We are not spiritually mature. In that state, we aspire for
wealth and objects, which therefore, acquired the term Arththam, next to
Purusham. Economics is called Artha
Sastram. Sankaracharys asserts in
Bhajagovindam that this Arththam is Anarththam (Wealth is meaningless). Arththam
= Meaning; wealth. These temporary and trivial pleasures of life, conferred
by wealth and objects, rob us of eternal and fulfilling Moksa or liberation. Man
thinks of living a life full of joy and plenty. Happiness is of two kinds: A
temporary one and another, the irreducible one. Kamam is one that gives a temporary joy; it
is a common denominator for all worldly pleasures. Perinpam (பேரின்பம் = Great
Joy = Eternal Bliss) stays put, never leaves once received and is Moksa or
Vīdu (Liberation). Not knowing the greatness of Eternal Bliss, man seeks
Ciṛṛinpam (சிற்றின்பம் = small pleasures or worldly pleasures). Page 75. VIdu (வீடு) in the fourth place is what we should think as the most
essential. In everyday life, Inpam (இன்பம் = joy) is third
in line. Joy rises when we eat sumptuous food. Becoming the High Court Judge
is another joy. Joy is to receive accolades and a welcome address. Their
pleasures are not permanent. These
pleasures coming in small coins and earned by us is PoruL (பொருள் = wealth). This PoruL could be grains, money, home or workers for
hire. Objects are instruments for
pleasure. We expend this joy by experiencing it in quick time. Soon
thereafter, we pine for more pleasures. The joy,
that does not cause one to think more and better are needed, is the eternal
Bliss, Moksam. That is HOME (Vīdu). We ramble around town (looking for
it, not finding it, wasting time and getting frustrated). We roam
and suffer. What we have to come to, is Our Own Home. There is a jailbird.
He, upon leaving the jail, goes home. Vīdu means liberation or freedom.
Now, we live in this corporeal body of a jail. We think we are the body. That
is not right. This body is a jail. Our true Home is Moksa with Bliss. We
should live in Our Own Real Home, away from the jail. Swamy has cast you in the Body-Jail as a
punishment for your Papakarma (பாபகர்மம் = sinful
deeds). For Puṇṇiya
Karma (புண்ணிய கர்மம் = meritorious deeds), he reduces the Sikshai k Kālam (சிக்ஷைக்காலம் = punishment time or jail time) and sends you out soon. We
should not commit new Papam and increase our jail time. We should try to
obtain freedom, go to our True Home and merge with Swamy. That Home is the
limitless joy or Bliss. Eternal Bliss
(= பேரின்பம் = pērinpam = Great Joy) is irreducible in terms of
Time, Place and Matter. Sunday,
June 16, 2013 kataḷ Page 76. In Purushartha,
the first is Dharmam (தருமம் = Giving), which I will elaborate later. An act, done to cause
goodness, is Dharmam. In Tamil ARam seya virumpu (அறம் செய விரும்பு = Be desirous of giving.) is the first advice. Though good deeds
amount to Dharmam, in general Dharmam is a word applicable to giving (ஈகை = Ikai =
giving, grant, gift). The beggars invoke the word Dharmam, when they say,
"Give me Dharmam." We use
the compound word Dhāna-Dharmam, meaning giving (without expectation of
rewards). In Tamil, Dhāna Sāsanam (an Edict to give) is Aṛa-k-kattaḷai
(= அறக்கட்டளை = A command to give). Dharmam is to give to others what
belongs to us. How do we come into possession of objects that we are willing
to give to others? The wealth and object come to us because we did good Karma
in the previous life. The utility of
Dharma is wealth (poruḷ = பொருள்) [The
utility of wealth is Dharma.] Wealth is means to happiness. Likewise, to wealth, Dharma is the means. [The more you give, the
more you get.] It is not just giving. Whatever kind of Dharma you do for the
benefit of others, its fruit is wealth. We should
not expect or demand fruits, because we do Dharmam. If we dedicate ourselves
to giving without expectation of fruits and let god give us what he wants,
then all our impurities will leave us with the advent of Pērinpam (பேரின்பம் = Great Joy
= Eternal Bliss). The wealth-generating Dharmam is the means to attaining
Supreme Being (= Param poruḷ = பரம்பொருள்) of
VIdu. If we were to make Nishkāma
Dharma, it becomes the means to Vīdu (= வீடு = heaven) and eternal Bliss. Doing Dharma begets wealth, with which we
could do more Dharma. Now Adharma has come to be the means to do Dharma.
Mundane pleasure (= சிற்றின்பம் = small pleasure) does not by itself attain perfection and
completeness. It is not a means to future gain. The water poured on hot sands
does evaporate quickly. Mundane
pleasure, likewise, evaporates without any fruits, does not serve as means to
any other goal and undergoes self-destruction. Nishkāma Dharma = Giving
or charity without expectation of rewards.) Page 77. We are
unable to give up the small pleasures. We should gradually give up on it by
small measures at a time. Religion's purpose is to take us step by step from
small pleasures to Great Pleasure (Eternal Bliss). The purpose of wealth is
to do Aram or Dharma. Wealth should be made by fair means. By wealth, we can
obtain small pleasures, which we should give up in order to get the Great
Pleasure of Eternal Bliss in Heaven. Such is the purpose and teaching of
religion. Moksa is
irrevocable liberation from bonds and attainment of Eternal Bliss. The
purpose of Religion is to take us back to our Home of Eternal Bliss. It is
apparent that Manushyas (people) do not enjoy permanent and uninterupted joy.
Religion made an appearance on earth to take us to the House of Joy. Moksa is
this Eternal Abode of Joy. We are in need Dharmic religious tenets, until we
get permanent and true happiness from abrogation of sensual experiences, and
a supportive community living in observation of these tenets. A religion with
Moksa as its goal was obligated to establish and administer these tenets. The
sages say that dharma means religion. Maya
Sakti imposed on Manushyas the thinking, we need wealth and small worldly
pleasures (சிற்றின்பம் = Ciṛṛinpam). Arttam (அர்த்தம் = wealth) is what we think we need. Though, in truth,
wealth and Kāmam (காமம்*)
are not essential, our sages admitted these two features in Purushartha
(Meaning of man, Goal of man) on account of deference to human nature. In the
beginning, if we were to develop a sense of Dharma as the basis for all acts,
then wealth and Kāmam without causing any damage to us, would come under
the aegis of Dharma as the first in Purushartha, and the controlling and
modulating influence (on wealth and Kāmam). As we consider wealth and Kāmam
essential (for our well being), we should regard Dharma also is a vital need.
Then, it (Dharma) will extract the poisonous fang of wealth and desire. As the end of an end, Dharma will take us
to the essential destination that is Vidu. Kāmam (காமம்*) =
Desire, happiness in love, sexual pleasure. Page 78. Deivaththin
Kural Relgion Man and
animal Animals
are described as Tiryac, meaning they grow horizontal or sideways. Man grows
vertical and upright and thus should demonstrate a higher principle above
that of an animal. This helps him enjoy many pleasures, not wont to the
animals. We suffer more unhappiness. Animals do not have this much desire,
this much worry, this much loss of face... Most of all, they do not
accumulate sin. We suffer sorrow by doing sins. Looking
at it in another way, it appears to us, God did not give us wellness, health
and freedom that the animals enjoy. Page 79. If
someone assaults us, we do not have a built-in weapon as part of our body.
God has given horns to the cows, with which it tries to gore us. He gave
tiger its sharp nails. We don't have horns or nails. He has given a blanket
to the sheep to ward off the winter chill. If the horse cannot charge, God
has given it fast legs. We don't even have that. But Swamy
has given man Buddhi in plenty. When man
wants a blanket, he steals it from the animal. He makes a woolen coat. If he has
to go fast, he rides a cart drawn by a horse. Though man has no intrinsic
weapon, he has devised many lethal weapons to protect himself. By the
strength of his Buddhi, he rules over the animals and the inanimate objects
in the earth. Animals
live in a place, conducive to their well-being. Elephant cannot live in cold
countries. But man lives under all climatic conditions. God let man make his
own micro-environment and do his living. Having
these high faculties and Buddhi, yet he suffers. He feels sorrow. This birth is the cause of his sorrow. What
should one do to stop a rebirth? What is the reason for this birth? We have
done something wrong. Page 80. Because
of it, we are born in this body and receive whipping by divine injunction.
When this body is gone, another body comes in its place and receives the
remainder of the whipping. Desire-induced sin cause birth. If you do not
perform any actions, there is no birth. Anger generates sin. Desire is the
precursor to anger. First we should eliminate desire. If one develops
attachment, deferring action is impossible. If you destroy attachment, you
can abstain from making sin. What is
the cause of desire. If you think there is something besides you, you develop
a desire for it (and acquire it). In truth,
Siva as peace is all. One bull seeing its reflection in the water and
thinking there is another bull, it goes to charge (the non-existent bull).
Man sees his reflection. He does not think there is another man. Likewise,
all that we see are one. If you think there is a second one, you desire to
acquire it. Desire leads to anger.
Anger leads to sins. Sin is the cause of rebirth. If we were to gain the
wisdom that all are one, we develop no desire, no anger, no sin, no action,
no birth and no sorrow for lack of a second object. How do we
acquire this wisdom? Our birth-mother nurses us with her milk. Ambal gives
our intellect the milk of wisdom. She
is Wisdom Personified. By holding and surrendering to her lotus feet, and
merging with her form, wisdom will dawn on us. Man then becomes divine. First,
man instead of being an animal, should be made human. Later we should take
him higher to be divine. With this object, many religions came into being.
Though there are many Siddhanta, Tattvas... with many differences among
religions, we should not let man of today be a victim of desire and
anger. All religions in one voice say,
man should be made virtuous, infused with love, calmness, tranquility,
selfless sacrifice... Page 81. Deivaththin
Kural Religion Common to
all religions is Bhakti. Traditional
practices came into the fore to release man from anxiety and elevate him in
spirit. Man has anxiety, not suffered by animals. Religious tenets say that
if man tries, he can release himself from anxiety and more so by acquiring
wisdom, out of reach of animals. If man acquires refuge in the world-moving
Sakti, man can find release from anxieties, according to the unified voice of
all religions. Bhakti is common among Advaitam, Vishistadvaitam, Dvaitam,
Saiva Siddhantam, Christianity, and Islam. Though Buddha did not teach
Bhakti, Buddhists cannot dispense with and function without Bhakti. Buddhists
deified Buddha and offered worship to many forms of Buddha. Page 82. Recently,
many Jnanis stressed on Atmavisāram (ஆத்மவிசாரம் = Self-enquiry). The followers of their Spiritual
instruction or teaching of doctrine (upatēcam = உபதேசம்) worship
the Great Men as deity. Bhakti is natural and inherent in a body (and soul). According
to Advaita, Bhakti is to appreciate and adopt the disposition of
non-difference between Isvara and the people. Bhagavan is omnipotent and
omniscient, and that we are parvipotent and parviscient Bhaktas of Bhagavan. How could we
reconcile these two disparate parameters, when you advocate non-difference
between Bhagavan and the people? If there are objects separate from Bhagavan,
where did they come from? How could Bhagavan control and reign over objects
if they took their origin elsewhere? If we think thus, one Paramatman by the
name of Isvara is the ocean, the ponds which are the people, the puddle, the
wells and last the water in a spoon. There may be highs and lows in
Sakti. But, fundamentally all are one
substance. And THAT we become. That is
Advaita Mukti or monistic liberation. parvipotent and parviscient = Opposite of Omnipotent and Omniscient. It is
just not enough to make intellectual pronouncements. It must be experiential
Sakti. That is possible only with Isvara Kripa (ஈஸ்வர கிருபை = Grace of God). We have to receive the grace and favor of
Sakti that moves and rules over us so that our motion and energy come to a
standstill, which is the Advaita experience, according to great men. In the
beginning stage, there is an appearance of difference between Bhagavan and
Bhakta (devotee). We should develop the thinking that Paramataman which came
as Isvara, came as Bhaktas too, who we are. Thursday,
June 20, 2013 Page 83. That
monistic view helps increase our devotion to Bhagavan. Is it not true that there
is nothing more likeable and loveable than ourselves? Isvara,
who dispenses fruits for our deeds, grants Anugraha (அனுக்கிரகம் = grace) for us to get closer to him, when you exercise 'more
and more of devotion.' He reveals to you who you are and what you are... We
do not have to analyze him. He condescends due to our Bhakti and reveals his
nature to us. bhaktyā1 = Through
devotion; mām2 =
to Me; abhijānāti3
= he knows; tattvataḥ8
= in truth;
yāvān4 = what I am; ca6 = and; yaḥ5
= who; asmi7 =
I am; --bhagavadgita18:55 भक्त्या मामभिजानाति यावान्यश्चास्मि तत्त्वतः । ततो मां तत्त्वतो ज्ञात्वा विशते तदनन्तरम् ॥१८- ५५॥ bhaktyā mām abhijānāti yāvān yaś
cāsmi tattvataḥ bhaktyā1 mām2 abhijānāti3
yāvān4 yaḥ5 ca6 asmi7
tattvataḥ8 bhaktyā1 = Through devotion; mām2 = to Me; abhijānāti3 = he knows; tattvataḥ8 = in
truth; yāvān4 =
what I am; ca6 =
and; yaḥ5 =
who; asmi7 = I
am; tataḥ9 =
then; jńātvā12 =
knowing; mām10 =
Me; tattvataḥ11 =
in truth; viśate13 =
he enters; [into Me] tadanantaram14
= after that. 18.55 18.55: Through devotion to Me, he comes to know in
Truth who I am, and what my nature is. Knowing Me thus in Truth, he enters
into Me after that. After thus knowing the endless
auspicious qualities, the Bhaktas (devotees) enjoyed those qualities.
Jńāni acquires the state of Nirguna Satya Bhagavad Anugraha
(Attributeless-Realized-Divine-Bliss) and becomes non-different with it. For
this, Saguna Upasanam (worshipping of images, idols...) is the beginning. This
Qualified Brahman worship (of idols) is the basis for the worship of Ishta
Devata (Deity of your liking) in our religion. Other
religions (do not go beyond, and) stop only with the mention of God (without
any elaboration of Parabrahman and Sagunabrahman and the difference between
them). Sanathana Dharma (சனாதனதர்மம் caṉātaṉa-tarmam = Eternal order) as mentioned in Hinduism
shows us that one God comes (presents himself) in many forms and names
according to the mental makeup, (receptivity and proclivity), with which the devotee
can get closer to God with love and worship.
This is not a creation of imagination. The Unitary Paramatman (in his
oneness) revealed himself in multifarious forms to many great men. Each one
of them had an intimate relationship with his Ishta Devata by sight,
conversation and worship. Likewise, for our benefit of Dharsan (seeing) of
God in his or her many forms, they recommended tailor-made specific Mantras
and procedures in the worship of individual Ishta Devata. Whatever
may be the kind of worship, Bhakti that is Bhavam (= பக்தி என்கிற பாவம் = Devotion that is a sentiment, a disposition, an emotion…)
is common to all. Bhakti occupies the central place in polytheistic worship
in our religion and other religions. Page 84. Deivaththin
Kural Part one Religion Chapter:
The Unity (agreement) among Religions All
religions came into being for worship of God, and say there is one God. That
indivisible God, whatever may be the modalities of religious observance, has
to accept that worship. Therefore, no one has to convert from one’s natal
religion to another religion. Koyil,
Church, Masuthi, Viharam... may have buildings with different architectures.
The idol, symbol or mode of worship may be different. Each one may have its
own procedural elements of worship. But, Paramatman granting bliss did not
change. Depending on tradition of a nation and people's mindset, many
religions came into being. All these indicate one indivisible Supreme God is
the subject of worship according to their mental makeup, so the worship paves
the way for them to merge with God. Therefore, no one needs to convert from
one to another. The converts do indeed belittle their natal religion but also
their adopted religion and God Himself. Page 85. A convert
leaves his religion for the other because a deficiency appeared in his natal
religion. Why do sages say that the convert belittles his natal religion? Let
me explain it. Unknowing of the fact that an indivisible God is common to all
religions, the convert diminishes God and changes from one to another.
Thinking that God of natal religion is not worthy, the convert moves from one
to another. Do the converts think of the New God embracing all humanity? No.
If they think as said above, they need not convert. If these would-be
converts were to remain in their natal (and native) religion and offer
worship, the necessity for conversion arose from loss of faith that the New
God would confer bliss to them. In
other words, the converts diminished and showed the limitedness of both the
new religion and the New God. Thinking that the new religion has lofty
principles, the conversion process projects dishonor to the new religion and
new god. Hinduism
is unique and does not make any reference to Moksa. Our religion does not
seek conversion. Our ancestors realized that the many paths to attain
Paramatman are the many religions. Every one, born in Hindu faith should be
proud of this broad-mindedness. Hinduism says Vedas are one Truth, which the
Jnanis depict by many names. Bhagavan in Gita says he will make a devotee's
faith steady and grow his eagerness, and conduct him in that chosen path,
whatever might be his form of deity and nature of worship. Bhagavadgita
7:21. Whatsoever is the form of deity, a devotee desires to worship with
faith, I make sure that his faith is steady (in that deity). Hindus
never descended to deeds such as proselytization, persecution, crusade,
Jehad, wars, (forced) conversion under duress... Our long history (of
tolerance) is a proof. This is a
matter of consensus among researchers. In the Far East, there were Hindu
kingdoms but no forced conversions. The historians bear witness to the fact
that the foreigners took to heart our traditions and culture and adopted our
religion. The tenets of our religion found their way into other nations in
the course of commerce and not by the might of the sword. Page 86. My
personal opinion is that in misty past, there was only the Religion of Vedas
all over the world. Though here and there, other religions took sprout, our
religion remained with them in the form of ruins and relics. The contrarian
researchers accept the fact that other nations took to civilization of Bharat
with spontaneity and not because of force. Conversion
of a person to a new religion must have a ritual for induction. All
proselytizing religions have a ritual akin to baptism. There is no
proselytizing ritual in Hinduism, known for plethora of rituals. This is
evidence that we are not prone to converting people to Hinduism. When
passengers disembark in the Railway Station, the Jatkavallas, Rikshavallas,
the cabbies...swarm them. Whichever vehicle you board, you can reach your
destination. I am not saying that these men should not compete for a fare.
That is their living. That the various proselytizers
of different religions compete to convert people with the promise to take
them to God is a meaningless exercise. A bridge,
straddling across a river, has several bends. Each bend appears large to the person
close by and the distant bends small. Likewise, to the other religionists,
their religions appear big and so, they invite others to convert to their
religions. All bends are equidistant. No one needs to leave his natal
religion. Page 87. Among religions,
there are differences in tenets and observation of religious rites; there is
nothing wrong with that. There is no need to make all religions alike. Unity
of mind should be the common denominator of followers of all religions.
Uniformity is not essential, but unity is a must. Deivaththin
Kural Religion The
qualities and fitness of a religious instructor. Tattva
analysts (Philosophers and syllogists) and Realized Souls all over the world
accept Advaitam as the Supreme Principle. They call me Advaita Mathaguru. You
would expect me to say that the reason for the prevalence of followers of
Advaita Sampradaya (Monistic tradition), is superiority of Siddhārtham (
= சித்தார்த்தம் = மெய்யறிவு = Meiyaṛivu = knowledge of soul or soul
realization). I am reflecting on it.
Advaita Siddhāntam (Non-dual Doctrine): Is it followed by all
people exclusively? People practice or
follow many religions and many Siddhantams (= சித்தாந்தம் = cittāntam = Doctrine). People in
a nation convert from one religion to the next. In the era of Buddha, many
Vaidika Hindus converted to Buddhism. In later times, Hindus converted to
Christianity and Islam. The Jains converted and earned the moniker Pushti
Mārgi of Srivaishnavism. Saturday,
June 22, 2013 Page 88. At the
time of Ramanuja, many embraced Madhva Siddhanta. When Adhi Sankara lived,
the A-vaidika religions such as Buddhism and Jainism suffered ruination (and
then attrition). The practitioners of Karma Marga, a part of Vaidika System,
came back to Advaita, the purer form of Vaidika system. Why do religions with banners, pomp and
circumstance bite the dust? Do People study the principles of religions and
their tenets before they convert to them?
The learned do, by habit, weigh the worthiness of the tenets before
they join them. Could we attribute the same diligence to a whole lot of
general public? I would not hazard such an opinion. If the
general public were to convert to a new religion for its doctrines, the
converts must know to narrate its principles upon challenge. They must be
able to give reasons for the superiority of new religion over the erstwhile
religion in their doctrines. In truth, the general public are not familiar
with the subtleties to engage in a meaningful debate. The followers of Hindu
religion themselves have no idea of the basic doctrines and tenets of their
own religion. My
opinion is, therefore, religion does not prosper and grow on its Tattvas. For
the general public, Tattvas are not of any concern. If a Mahan or Great man
with virtuous gunas, habits, compassion and tranquility were to come, his
very sight induces confidence and trust in the general public. The people put
their trust in whatever Tattvas he may tell and consider them productive of
common weal. Page 89. Contrarily,
however much are explained of a religion’s tenets, doctrines (kOtpAdukaL) or
supreme Tattvas and if the religious representative (the leader) were to give
into egregious behavior, soon, that
religion goes down the path of ruination. Why do people congregate to certain
religions advocating opposing principles? I have no direct answer to that
phenomenon. However, this is of a special interest. Why did some religions
fade into oblivion, when once the same religion commanded a celebratory mood
among people? There is a reason. The
answer becomes obvious how they enamored and drew the people into their fold.
If you know how a religion dies, it becomes clear how it lived and grew. If you
looked at a religion in its death spiral in any country, the cause of the
demise came from the degenerate establishment and the egregious behavior of
its leader (முக்கியஸ்தன்
mukkiya-staṉ , mukh-yastha = Chief person, leading man). The
Buddha came. Listening to his history and looking at his gracious purer than
milk appearance in his idols, a spontaneous rise in respect for him,
happiness, compassion and tranquility in our mind take place. People of
that era must have felt the same. A humor-filled play MaththavilAsa Pirahasanam written by Mahendra
Pallavan demonstrates the decline from decadent behavior in Buddha
Viharas (= vi-hāra. Buddhist temple). In those days, Buddhism
began its decline. மகேந்திர பல்லவன் எழுதிய மத்தவிலாஸப் பிரஹஸனம் என்கிற ஹாஸ்ய நாடகம் The
religious leaders led the rise and fall of a religion. After the
Buddha, a Supreme Personification of Virtue in the name of Sankaracharya came
and made congregants cluster around him. Later,
Ramanuja and Madhva shone brilliant in their personal conduct and attracted
adoring people for their philosophies. Page 90. Recently,
Gandhi with calmness and selfless Thyagam came in the fore. Millions upon
millions of people called and accepted his religion, Gandhium. If a doctrine
has to obtain currency and reach the top, that Gandhium, even today, should be
at the pinnacle. It is apparent to
you, that it is a fact of life, it is not. There is
no question (about the undesirability of) about religions, who draw and
convert people by force or money. By performing many social services,
personal helps and instant initiation into their fold, the unsophisticated
people necessarily fall for them. It is said that famine was the cause of
spread of Christianity. It is a commonly held view that Islam spread against
the wish of people under the duress of force. Tattvas had no part to play in
the conversion process in these instances. Take a note of this. The proselytizers tried to convert the oppressed
classes. They told the would-be proselytes about their low status within the
Hindu caste hierarchy, their rise in status with conversion to Christianity,
and free education and healthcare, all under the authority of government of
that day. Some oppressed classes decided to tolerate the deplorable
conditions of their natal religion, considered all the benefits reprehensible
and did not buckle under the pressure of proselytization. Let us keep this virtuous conduct as the
reason for resistance by the side for now. The appearance of great men in our
religion periodically, encouraged people including the oppressed classes to stay
resolute in their natal religion. Page 91. We should
not despise or hate the proselytizers. Is it not their trust in the
(supposedly) Supreme Truth in their religion that prompted them to convert people
by force, inducement or charm? Let us give credence to their supposedly good
intentions to convert people with force and charm offensive as necessary
(evils) for a greater good. Barring
the use of force or the power of money, all religions grew from the strength
of the characters of Gurus, instructors, propagandists. It is not enough for
the leader of a religion to give a pose of pristine outward appearance. There
should be a plenitude of good behavior and austerity with absence of hatred.
He should be brimming with quietude and compassion. These special qualities
in a Guru eliminate the deficiencies and defects of the seekers. To create
such noble men is our priority for the thriving growth of our religion. There
is no need for counter propaganda. We need leaders who live a life of
religious virtue. Because of them (noble Virtuous Souls), ours is a living
religion over millennia. It could live into the future by these (virtuous and
godly men and women). If someone
decides to convert by force, there is no sense in using counter force. Sunday,
June 23, 2013 Page 92. If one
uses millions upon millions of rupees building schools and hospitals as an
inducement to convert people, we do not have that kind of resources to match
his largess. If we were to assume we have that kind of resources, the
contrived change is neither genuine nor sustainable. It is so because others
with more brawn and wealth would destroy what we built and declare victory
over us. Therefore, forgoing trust in the external power, we should put trust
in Atma Sakti (the power of self) and elevate ourselves. Then, Hindu religion
will thrive without the spurious benefit from propaganda, war, and
fascination. Now, the learned in the foreign countries keep Advaitam in their
focus and hold it in high regard, probably because of the greatness of its
doctrines. They have conducted unbiased examination and research and come to
embrace Advaita Vedanta, which just does not fit the uninformed public. A
superior soul of a man is necessary to make them grasp Advaita Vedanta. I give
these religious instructions with the hope that a person of tranquility,
compassion, wisdom, self-sacrifice... will make his appearance among us. Page 93. Deivaththin Kural Part 1 The Call of the Divine Vaidik Religion Religion based on Vedas Religion without a name Hindu (Religion) is a
misnomer. Hindu means love. Hindu reviles (Thushiththal = தூஷித்தல் = revile, avoid)
causing injury to others. Hindu as a word is more nominal than actual (and an external
appellation from foreigners). No sacred texts have a word, ‘Hindu’ in their
contents. The word Hindu is an appellation from foreigners. The
foreigners came to our country Bharata (The Land of the Bharatas) by crossing
the River Sindhu. Therefore, Sindhu became Hindu; the country became India;
and the religion was called Hinduism. பைராகி pairāki = bairāgī. Ascetic pilgrim from
North India Let me tell you how this could have happened with an
analogy. In North India, all Bairāgis (Ascetic pilgrims) when
they go begging, receive alms. The Bairagis complain about South Indians for
being tight-fisted. They sing a song about the south. illa pOpa GahE Telungi இல்லா போப கஹே தெலுங்கி. The Telugus drive them out with an admonition, Po Po.
(போ போ = leave, leave).
But the Telugus do not really say Po Po but say VeLLu VeLLu (வெள்ளு, வெள்ளு). Po is a
Tamil word. Then why do the Bhairagis attribute Po Po to Telugus? When
Northerners come down south, the Telugu country is the first in their
itinerary. So these wandering mendicants called Tamil country also as Telugu
country. Tamil country Telugus call Tamil country Arava Nadu (அரவ நாடு = southern
country). The southern part of Telugu country is called Arava Desam. Whatever
below that, is also Arava Desam. Page 94. On the same line of thinking, the foreigners, landing in
Sindu country, called Bharata country, Hindu country. So Hinduism is not the name from antiquity. It was not even
a Vedic Religion. It is not even Sanathana Dharmam. If you look into
authoritative sacred texts, there is no mention of a name for Hindu religion.
Reflecting on this, I felt a deficiency. Let it be so, for
now. One day, I was told Ramu was there to see me. Preoccupied
by other thoughts, I asked which Ramu it was. 'What Ramu? How many
Ramus are there?' so they said. Then I remembered, my town had four
Ramus: Black Ramu, Red Ramu, Tall Ramu and Short Ramu. That was the reason, I
asked which Ramu it was, recalling my thoughts from the past. There is no
need for an adjective modifier, if there was only one Ramu in town. I understood why our religion did not have a name. Only
when you have many religions, there is a need for a name. If there is only
one religion, where is the need for a name? Except our religion, other religions were founded by and
named after a Great personage. There was no religion with that name before
him. Buddhism was founded by Buddha and so named after him. Page 95. Jainism was founded by Mahavirar. Jesus Christ founded
Christianity. There were no religions in their names before the Advent of the
respective founders. Our religion was in existence before these religions
came into being. Hinduism was prevalent all over the world. Because there
were no other religions, there was no need to attribute a name for our
religion. When this came to me (as an epiphany), the existing deficiency in
me disappeared. Along with its disappearance, a sense of honor and pride
filled me. Ok, let us assume our religion is immemorial. The question of
who the founder was, arises in our mind. Much research produced no results as
to the founder of our religion. It was neither Vyasa of Brahma Sutra nor
Krishna of Bhagavadgita. They made mention of preexisting Vedas. Could we
call the Rishis, who wrote the Mantras, as the founders? They deny any
authorship of the Vedas. The Mantras named after the Rishis preceded the
Rishis, who, according to their claim, did not compose the Mantras. The
Rishis claim that they saw and received these Mantras from the sky or space,
when they were in meditation. They were Mantra-Drstas (Mantra seers) and not
Mantra-Kartas (Mantra composers). Page 96. Space or the sky is the birth place (origin) of many
sounds, from which Dristi (Seeing, beholding, intuition, Vision) came about.
Science tells us that Space-Vibration is the Causal Agent of this earth. The
Rishis, on account of the greatness of their Tapas or austerity, saw the
sounds (synesthesia) as
soul-liberating Mantras in space. These Apurusheya (Not composed by man) Mantras
are the respirations of Paramatman in the form of Space. Having seen and
found them, the Best of Rishis gave them to the world. If we know this, the fact that we do not know the founder
of our religion could be a matter of pride for us. With the Vedas being the
breath of Paramatman, observing the Vedas and remaining the heirs to the
timeless religion, we can experience exhilaration at our heritage. Deivaththin
Kural (part one) Vedic
Religion The
Religion that spread throughout the world. The
religion that is called Hinduism was prevalent throughout the whole world.
Since the existing religion in the world was only one, there was no necessity
to give it a special name. My opinion is that the authoritative sacred texts
had no name for our religion. Monday,
June 24, 2013 Page 97. If you
look at the research on buried treasures of the ancient times, we see in
foreign countries plenty of our Veda-related portrayals. A thousand three
hundred years before Christ, an agreement between two rulers, in the name of
Mitra-Varuna as the witnesses was unearthed. In Madagascar about
three-quarters of the towns bear names derived from Sanskrit. King
Ramses bears a connection to Lord Rama in the name. There are
many symbols of connectedness below the equator. In Mexico, during our
Navaratri celebrations, the Mexicans conduct a festival, which bears the
name, Rama-Sita. Whenever the earth is
dug there, a Pillaiyar idol is found. Before Spain conquered Mexico, the
indigenous people of that land were known as Aztecs, which is a corrupted
form of the Sanskrit word Astica (ஆஸ்திக =
Believer in God). விஷு˛ viṣu
=, n. < vṛṣa. The 15th year of the Jupiter cycle In Peru,
sun worship takes place exactly in the auspicious Vishu period. These people are
the Inkas. Inan is the name of the sun. We call Rama, the Ina-Kula Tilakan
(the Best among the Sun Dynasticals). I have
seen the photos of naked dance of Australian Aborigines in a book titled Native Tribes of Central Australia
and authored by Killen. The pictures identified as no. 128 and 129 had the
subtitles, 'Siva Dance.' I saw them with a critical eye and found the third
eye drawn on the foreheads of both of them. Page 98. Observation
has been made in Borneo Island that since Brahmas creation, there was a big
virgin forest. Upon entry into the forest, a deed in Grantha script was
found. There were notations as to the name of the king, the celestial tree,
Battle Victory Post (Yūpastambam), and its place of installation. This
is called Yupa inscription Mulvarman
of Koeti. The British, who made derisive remarks on Hinduism, made all
these discoveries. கற்பக விருட்சம் = kaṛpaka
virutsam = Celestial tree. யூபம்
yūpam = Battle-array. More impressive
than these, let me bring to your attention something that may sound humorous.
Sagarars dug their way into subterranean regions looking for Sacrificial
horses. The ocean created by this digging bears the name for the ocean,
Sagar. At the end of their digging expedition, they found the horses near
Kapila Maharishi's hermitage. Thinking that he was the horse thief, they
terrorized him. The Muni rendered and reduced them into ashes by his mere
sight (Drishti). This is the story in Ramayana. If we were to assume America
as the subterranean region right below India, Kapilāranyam (Kapila
Forest) corrupted into California. Near that, there are the Horse Island and
Ash Island. Sagarar
and Sagar bring me to another story.
Sahāra desert was once an ocean. Could Sāgaram have become
Sahāra. Having
seen our religious artifacts all around the world, parivattaṉam took
place; our people went from here to there; those foreigners came here. பரிவத்தனம்
parivattaṉam = , n. < pari- vartana. 1. Circumambulation, going
around. The researchers talk about the movement of people around the world.
My position is that one Dharma prevailed in all places. These artifacts were
the creations of the native people of those lands. Page 99. The
researchers knowing the discovery of ancient testimonies from the historical
period of 2 to 3 thousand years ago say, Indians went to the distant lands,
supplanted the native culture or introduced Hindu culture to become part of
their culture. Even 4 thousand years before now, Vedic artifacts were present
in many countries. In Greece, religion, polytheism, many big temples and some
shared parts of Vedic religion were existent. Before the dawn of Christian
era, there were resemblances to Vedic religion, including the Varnāsrama
(caste classification) divisions in Semitic and Hebrew religions. In Mexico,
many religions prevailed among the aborigines. They saw divinity in nature
and worshiped nature as deities. There
were many rituals in those religions. Greek
civilization, including Hellenic Polytheistic religion is no more.
Christianity took its roots in their place. Buddhism spread to Fareast and
Japan. Islam spread to many nations. In these religions, there are
resemblances to Hindu religion. Let me give you some examples. Page 100. For the
understanding of average man, Tattvas are explained in the form of stories
(kathārupam = கதாரூபம்).
General public received instructions in Tattvas in the form of rituals.
Stories and rituals explained the underlying Tattvas. I am not joining the
anti-ritual crowd by saying these things.
Rituals carry the power. The Puranas explain the Tattvas. I am not
saying," Do not believe the stories as real or historical." In truth, these stories are historical and
actually happened; besides, they point out the Tattvas. šrēyas = Good,
welfare; நன்மை These
rituals do offer first benefits, and later Citta-Sakti (சித்த சக்தி = mental power) without fruits. Within the welfare-offering
(šrēyas)
rituals, there are Tattvas. With the
passage of time, the rituals may diverge from the Tattvas with the inner
meaning. We may altogether forget them. In
foreign countries many thousands of years ago, the new-found religions lost
the connection with the Vedic religion and the Vedic Tattvas underwent
changes. Let me
come to the example, I said before. In Hebrew religion, you would have heard
about the story of Adam and Eve. There was a Tree of Knowledge. The
injunction of the Lord was that Adam and Eve should not eat the fruits of the
Tree of Knowledge. Adam did not eat the fruit. Eve did eat the fruit. Knowing
that the ups and downs befalling Eve would befall him too, Adam ate the
fruit: That is Genesis in Old Testament. Page 101. In Old
Testament, one of many Upanishadic Tattvas took the form of a story. When this
happens with regards to time and country (place), the story and Tattvas
undergo distortion, as if the original Tattva disappeared. According
to a story in Upanishad, there are two birds in the Pipal tree. One bird is
not eating but watching the other bird (eating the fruit). The body is the
tree. In it, the self-centered Jīvātma eats the fruit of sensual
pleasures. He is the bird. In this body, Paramatman abides as another bird,
is the puppeteer of the fruit-eating bird, never moves, and remains the witness
of all the activities of the Jīvā-bird. Though Paramatman is the
hypostasis of Jīvā, He is neither sensual, nor eats the fruits, nor
experiences the fruits of karma. கவித்துவம்
kavittuvam , n. < kavi-tva. Poetic talent. Upanishad
with poetic talent (கவித்துவம்) parlays
these as two birds, the Jīvā-bird eating the fruit and the other
abiding still as the witness and Paramatman, who knows himself as the
Self. This
Jīvā(-Bird) in the Old Testament of the Hebrews becomes Eve;
Jī(-va) becomes the E(ve). It is common according to the rules of
grammar, that ja series sounds become Ya series. That is how Yamuna became Jamuna;
Yogīndir becomes Jogīndir. Jīvā becomes Eve. Ātma
becomes Ādam. Pipal becomes Apple. Tree of Knowledge is our Bodhi Tree.
Bodham is Jńānam. Buddha received Jńānam under the Bodhi tree. Even
before the Buddha, Pipal tree (Arasamaram = அரசமரம் = Ficus religiosa) had the name Bodhi Virutcam (விருட்சம் = viruṭcam = tree).
Page 102. As
Upanishad spread to other countries, it underwent many changes and forms, and
its original meaning (தாற்பரியம் tāṟpariyam)
changed. Bible story (Genesis) goes
topsy-turvy, when antisensuous Atman (Adam) eats the forbidden fruit. On the
contrary, our Bodhi tree takes us away from the pleasure principle (of the
senses). Genesis in Bible says Tree of Knowledge stands for the worldly
pleasures (and Faustian knowledge). This bears witness to the fact that our
Vedic religion was existent there in the days of yore (though in a mutated
form). In spite of the mutated form, they point to their origin in Vedic
religion. Let me give you another example to fortify your trust in this
matter. Our Tiruppavai and Tiruvempavai are not as old as the Vedas. The
researchers say these two works belong to a period before 1100 AD. The
authors Manickavasagar and Andal appeared after the age of Vedas and
Itihasas. The Colas established overseas kingdoms. More importantly, we
should lay stress on Tamil commerce, flourishing across the seas. Because of
these merchants, the foreigners appreciated and adopted our culture. Thursday,
June 27, 2013 Page 103. Particular
mention must be made of the Far-East countries. Hinduism swept through Bali. Hindu culture,
known as Sri Vijaya Sāmrājyam, spread to Thailand (Siam),
Indo-China, Philippines... There was a time in antiquity, when Vedic religion
was practiced in the foreign countries. Thereafter,
new (unnamed) religions mushroomed.
Later, these religions withered and died, as religions like Christianity,
Islam, and Buddhism sprouted and spread across the landscape. It is a
compelling historical fact that influence of Hindu culture shone like a live
splendor in Southeast Asia. At this stage, huge Tamil Temples like Angkor-vat
in Cambodia, Borobudur and Prambanan in Java, Indonesia arose on the
landscape. During
this temple-building spree, Tiruppavai and Tiruvempavai (திருப்பாவை - திருவெம்பாவை) made their debut in Thailand. Tiruppavai
and Tiruvempavai = Fixed-length poems with
meter and rhyme, glorifying Vishnu and Siva respectively. To bear
witness to it, every year there are festivals with recitation of these poems
during the Margazi month (Dec-Jan). As if they intended to fuse the Saiva and
Vaishnava lore in Thailand, they sat a man dressed in the guise of Siva on
the swing in Dolotsava (Swing
Festival), meant for Vishnu. They do not know anything about these two
compositions. You may think there is no basis for an assumption that the
festival happening in Dec-Jan has anything to do with these compositions.
They call these Triyampavai and Tripavai (Note the misspelling). Dolotsava = दोलोत्सव = டோலோட்சவம் = Swing Festival = Dol Jatra = Dol Purnima. A
festival wherein Krishna (Vishnu) and Radha are seated on a swing or
palanquin, and people swing them. Page 104. Though
the Bible readers do not know anything about Upanishads, they still keep the
remnants of mutated stories. Though the Thais do not render Tiruppavai and
Tiruvempavai as they are, they still celebrate the Swing festival with Siva
on the swing in the place of Vishnu. The compositions are there with
corrupted titles. If such changes take place in our living memory, the events
in the foreign countries three to four thousand years ago must have morphed
and mutated over millennia. Though so many changes took place, the vestigial
elements of Vedic traditions rear their noticeable head. The
religions of prehistoric aborigines still have some symbols and artifacts of
our religion. In the distant past, when no civilization was there to speak
of, our religion and culture did not spread by invasion and commerce, which
are not a matter for pride, joy or greatness (perumitham, பெருமிதம்). It
appears to me that Vedic religion must have had its roots firmly planted all
over the world. Later, the Vedic religion morphed, mutated, became the
vestigial religions of the olden times in the world and was supplanted by
history-bound recent religions: Christianity, Buddhism, Islam... Page 105. Deivaththin
Kural = Call of the Divine Vedic
Religion Unique
features of our religion. There are
some unique features in our religion, not found in other religions. One that
is of note is Karma theory. Buddhism and Jainism borrowed this concept from
Hinduism; other religions do not have it. What is
Karma Theory? There are cause and effect; action and reaction: These are the
inevitable laws of physics. There is concordance between Hinduism and
Buddhism with regards to Karma in the phenomenal life of man, according to
our learned men. In this universe, there are inert and insentient elements,
and sentient beings. These two come together in worldly life. The laws apply
equally to all. There must be a yield in the form of fruit (sweet or sour)
for every Karma, according to Karma theory. Sin must engender and inflict
punishment for the perpetrator. Our religion says, Puṇṇiya Karma
(good deeds) would generate good fruits, which will reach the doer. Many
births and rebirths take place for the sole reason that a man should
experience appropriate fruits for his sin and merit. Though many religions
advocate good deeds and advise against evil deeds, they do not put that much
stress on the connection between Cause and Effect. Other alien religions
(excepting the offshoots of Hinduism) do not mention anything about
reincarnation theory. They express contrarian views and condemn strongly the
premise that there are many births until null Karma brings an end to them.
The believers in alien faiths opine that the human birth comes to an end with
this life. When this life comes to an end, his soul at a hitherto unknown
time appears before the Lord for final judgment. On that judgment day, in due
consideration of sin and merit, the Lord will send him to eternal heaven or
eternal damnation. Page 106. Nowadays,
many whites come visiting with me. One such person is a famous writer, having
published books or gooks (pusthakam, kisthakam = புஸ்தகம், கிஸ்தகம் = a rhymer, the second word is meaningless). He said in
humor. He could not reconcile with Hindu views of Karma, in light of the
fact, throughout the Bible, God described as of the form of love (God is
Love), will dispatch a person to eternal hell without any compassion or a
chance for redemption for a flimsy infraction. Therefore he asked the church
father for an explanation. The father told him, the eternal hell exists in
truth and it is empty eternally. To reflect on it, we find it difficult to
accept it. Let us take for an instance
that Swamy, showing compassion, did not send a sinner to eternal hell.
According to their doctrine, where will Swamy send the soul of the
sinner? Their doctrine dictates no
rebirth for the soul and therefore no return to earth. Therefore, even the
sinner is dispatched to eternal heaven. That being so, we can do any sin
without compunction and depart this earth. Eventually, the Lord would somehow
send us to eternal heaven. Thereafter, in this world, all will indulge in
egregious conduct (without any fear of punishment). Page 107. Isvara,
who sits in judgment of Karma-phala (Karmic fruits), is the Supreme Ocean of
Mercy. He is not the kind who
knowingly lets the world fall into the abyss of Adharma. What does He do? He
sends us back to earth with a new body clothing the soul. Here on earth we
enjoyed both heaven and experienced hell in the past life; now in this life,
we experience both. The egregious
sinners suffer greatly. The virtuous enjoy happiness. Generally, there are
the great sufferers or those with equal suffering and enjoyment. The ones who
think they are in supreme happiness are rare indeed. In general, most of us
have committed more sins than merits. Bhagavan
in his mercy, gives another birth as a great opportunity, so one can wash off
his sins. He comes forward to wipe off the impurities by giving us a Guru,
Sastras, Ksetras... Instead
of giving heaven to a sinner and laggard, Bhagavan affirms his faith in him
to save himself, comes forward, gives him a rebirth, and helps him in his
many endeavors: this scenario appears acceptable. It is true that Swamy in
one sweep lifts one up, when the devotee accepts all acts as those of God and
surrenders to Bhagavan. The Saranagati Anugraham to the one who gives up
efforts is different. The anugraham is done to a devotee, who has no
qualification (barred to do Yogas) to put in efforts, (which are the Yogas).
The supreme compassion is to keep the Jivan in the belief that a personal
effort is necessary for liberation. That is true Anugraham (divine help). Page 108. The
father's unique opinion is that Swamy does not send anyone to eternal hell.
It is not the unreserved view of one-birth religions such as Christianity. It
is the commonly held view of the Abrahamic religions that Swamy dispatches
people permanently to heaven or hell for good or bad deeds. Since we mostly
do evil deeds, we receive punishment in the form of hell, the Non-Hindus
characterize the day of judgment as the most fearsome Doomsday. This to me appears as a notable paucity of
compassion on the part of Bhagavan. We can
narrate emphatically a supporting argument in favor of the concept of rebirth
in our religion. A white woman came to me asking for proof of reincarnation.
I did not argue with her. Then, there was a Pandit in the camp. He knew his
English. I told him to take her to a local maternity ward. She was to come
back with notes on the newborns. She complied with my request. The following
is the conversation between the white woman and Swamigal. The white woman: One baby
was chubby; another one was runtish. One was beautiful; another ugly. One was
born in a special ward meant for rich clients; another was born of very poor
parents. Swamigal: Let us
put aside the premise that God sends someone at the end of life to eternal
hell. That is something we do not see before our eyes. You saw babies with
your own eyes in the beginning of their lives. Why are there so many
differences between the infants? Why is one born into poverty and another in
prosperity? Page 109. Why is
one in pink of health and another in bad health? Why is one beautiful and
another ugly? If I were to accept the premise of your religion that an
embodied soul has only one life, we see so many differences and god's imprint
of partiality towards infants. It appears that Swamy has neither compassion
nor intelligence and acts in a haphazard manner. How are we to show devotion to a God,
hoping he will show us mercy? The present life reflects past-life merits and
demerits. What other reasons can you attribute to these inequalities? She left
after accepting my explanation with grace. This
explanation is not sufficient for the modern people. They want scientific
proof. Parapsychologists of today accept the concept of reincarnation and
offer many proofs. These
parapsychologists have documented cases of people who remembered and narrated
their past-life experiences. They recollected sights and sounds of distant
countries in their past lives, not having had any connection with their
present place of residence. The parapsychologists went to those countries,
checked and agreed with the veracity of their statements with regards to
landmarks ... They see people from the past lives. Page 110. This is
not just one or two. There are very many cases like this. We forgot all
events of the previous lives. Some do have such memories. Parapsychologists
say that these people, retaining such memories, faced unnatural death under
unusual circumstances: by murder, suicide, accident... In
matters of man, reincarnation of soul in a new body and incarnation of God on
earth are unique to Hinduism. Satvastu (Virtuous substance = Suddha Satvam = Pure Virtue =
Reality), as one entity, is another exceptional feature of Hinduism.
Hinduism's Supreme Sentiment is Satvastu manifests as beings (and matter). (Sat
Vastu: literal meaning is Virtuous Substance.
God is made of Suddha Sattvam, an empyreal substance and pure Virtue, while
we are made of Sattva, Rajas and Tamas (Virtue, Passion and Darkness). God
does not have Rajas and Tamas in his constitution. When man, because of Null
Karma, attains liberation (Mukti), his Rajas and Tamas drop off, and he
remains full of Sattva.) That
Reality encompasses all beings who are subject to cycles of births and
deaths. Sat Vastu is the sentient and
the insentient and the protector of all that He is. Isvara does not suffer
from Karma Banda (கர்ம பந்தம் = Bonds of Karma) like people. Man takes many births to
experience Karma. Isvara is Karma-free for ever. While man should be washing
off the Karma in this new birth, he smears himself with more and more mud.
Seeing that, God takes incarnations many times in this world with supreme
compassion in order to show man the right way and lift him from the mire of
Samsara. His incarnations serve the purpose of offering refuge to the Sadhus,
punishing the evil and reestablishing Dharma, when Adharama rears its head
with the weakening of Dharma. This is
what Krishna Paramatma says in Gita. Swamy
(God) is all. We are unable to grasp such a state. Vibhuti Yoga in Gita
states that He is the best among all the categories. With an intent to raise
humanity to higher levels, Bhagaan sends His emissaries such as Acharyas,
Mahans, Jnanis, Yogis, and Bhaktas. Saturday,
June 28, 2013 Page 111. As
if these (deputations) were not enough, he descends down to earth as an
Avatar. Avatāraṇam (அவதாரணம்) means
descending. He is beyond the beyond. Such Lord comes down, takes birth among
us, and establishes Dharma: That is the essence of Avatar. அவதாரணம் ava-tāraṇam =
ava-dhāraṇa. Certainty, positiveness Siddhanta
Saivars do not accept Avatara of Siva as Himself, Avatara of Siva as Sankara,
that of Skanda as Jńāna-Sambandar ... They consider Siva living in the
womb as a fetus and a corporeal body are anathematic impurity. The Advaitins (Monists) regard all who
lived in the wombs and the world in flesh and blood are, in essence, Brahmam.
They do not see any Nisittam (நிஷித்தம் = niṣittam = ni-ṣiddha =
Forbidden thing) in Isvara-Avatara.
Though there is concordance between Vaishnavas and Saivas in Doctrinal
considerations, Vaishnavas do not accept the monistic view that Brahmam
itself is Jiva but believe in Avatārās. Avatara generally refers to
ten Avataras of Mahavishnu. The reason why Vaishnavas accept Avataram is
their belief that Bhagavan would condescend to any extent to liberate (ujjīvi-ttal = உஜ்ஜீவி-த்தல் = to attain salvation..) the people. Knowing
inside that he is God, Bhagavan personates as man, which does not lessen his
stature one bit or bring shame or diminution (of His power or potency). Vedic
Hinduism accepts and embraces the concept of Avatara. Siva does not make a
descent, while Vishnu does. Page 112. It is
unique in our religion that Formless Paramatman comes in many forms as
deities, whose idols are worshiped. Therefore, the foreigners call Hindus
polytheists, which is totally wrong. Worship of one God in many forms and
names is not polytheism. To say that images are gods for the Hindus, and they
engage in idolatry is absolutely wrong.
No informed Hindu thinks that idol is God. The all-pervading God makes
man's mind focused, so the idol, which becomes a convenient tool or stand-in
for worship of God who is second to none.
Whatever is the religion, we do meditation on or worship of a symbol.
It is unjustified to call Hindus idolaters and thereupon, deride them. Hinduism
does not arrogate to itself the exclusive right to offer salvation to
embodied souls. Hinduism has a catholic outlook in saying all religions
irrespective of their paths take the souls to Paramatman eventually. Our
Sastras have no inclination or injunction to convert others into the Hindu
fold. Page 113. The
believers in Islam and Christianity say that theirs is the only way, and
others go to hell. We should not become angry with them. They believe it is
the truth. We have to assume and give
allowance to their presumed genuine selfless desire to convert people to
their beliefs, thinking that others would not have such a fulfillment, they
already have in their religions (had they not converted to their faith). In their zeal to help fellowman, let us
assume that they used invasion, war, swords...to convert people to their
fold. Islam spread by the sword. Christianity spread by its financial clout.
Christians also did engage in invasion; missionaries' service to people
followed the war effort. The white
people had financial clout that the Arabs did not have. The missionaries
built schools and hospitals; by the name of service to the poor, corralled
them into their fold. We did
not use force or service to magnetize people into our religion. We do not
have to doubt the validness of their belief that spreading their religions
could bring welfare (to the infidels). Saturday,
June 29, 2013 Page 114. Is their
belief admittedly correct? Is it hell
for the unbelievers of Christ? It becomes apparent that this exclusive right
(of entry into heaven) has no currency. Advent of Christ took place 2000
years ago. It was about 1400 years ago that Mohammad was born. Whatever
happened to all the poor souls over millions of years, born before these two
personages? These people who did not
have Christ or Mohammad as saviors, since creation, must have gone to hell.
The ancestors of the new converts could not have gone to heaven. These
people, unlike Hindus, did not believe in many births and rebirths. The
people, before Christ and Mohammad, could have taken rebirths to have a
chance for salvation by following the late-in-coming Christ and Mohammad;
that placation does not exist now for the people who died before their
advent. These religions tell that there is only one life for an individual.
It is a certainty that people born before the advent of these godly men went
straight to eternal hell. The God, who did not send Acharyas (messengers,
prophets, teachers or godly men) over millennia to show the path of salvation
to his created people and dispatched them to eternal hell, is a merciless
God, not deserving of worship. We could as well say a religion showing the
path to God is not necessary (and actually redundant). Page 115. Many
(kinds of) countries, many weather conditions, many kinds of flora (and
fauna) and a cultural tradition adapted to them are prevalent around the
world. Vedas catering to these disparate conditions existed in the misty
past. Many religions, based on
changing desires and aspirations of people and environmentally suitable
rituals, came into existence. These religions have features and symbols of
Vedic religion. In Bharat, the
religion of antiquity stayed steady from time immemorial. Vedic religion
viewed with reverence and respect the later-day religions coming into the
fore. Based on the maturity of the ancestors of these people, these alien
religions appeared on the horizon. These new religions thought that they
would bring welfare, greatness and renown to the people, with the motto of Live and Let
Live, which happened to be the noteworthy aim of Hinduism. Besides,
Hinduism begot and sent abroad soul-elevating Jainism and Buddhism. So far, I have made mention of some of
Hinduism's philosophical and
theological special aspects. For
Hinduism alone, there are some great and unique sociological aspects. All
religions have in them both philosophy
and theology. Conduct of people is a small part of the religions.
Every religion advocates the following ethics: Treat your neighbor as your
friend; think of your enemy as your friend; treat others as you would want
them to treat you; show love to all beings; speak the Truth; exercise
non-injury to other. Dharma (Morality) is part of the
ethics. To a certain extent, the ethics encompass sociological aspects.
It is only a minor feature. In other religions, there is no expansive
treatment and explication of makeup of community life. But in
Hinduism, Varnasrama Dharma as
the sociological foundation is very strong. Sunday,
June 30, 2013 Page 116. Varna
Dharma and Asrama Dharma are two different things. Asrama Dharma is
age-related Dharma (for Brahmanas): Student, Householder, Anchorite and
Hermit (Brahmacharin, Grahastya, Vanaprastha, Sannyasin). 1)
Brahmacharin: Celibate. Student years, engaged in acquisition of knowledge (vittiyāppiyācam = வித்தியாப்பியாசம்) 2)
Grahasta: Householder. Marriage in youth and raising a family. 3) Vanaprastha:
Anchorite. Exit from family life, abandoning Laukika (worldly) connections
and living in the forest. 4)
Sannyasin: Renounced ascetic. Varna
Dharma is universal in its application to society and currently a subject for
criticism. Varna Dharma is (mistakenly) called separation by Jatis (= ஜாதி = caste). In truth, Varnam (வர்ணம்) and Jati are two different things. There are four Varnas and innumerable
castes or Jatis. Under the banner of Brahmana, there are many Jatis like,
Aiyar, Aiyangar, Rao... The fourth Varnam has many castes: Pillai, Reddiar,
Nayakar. Yajur Veda (3:4) mentions many castes. Page 117.
Those
castes are not currently in existence. Many castes and only four Varnas: They
are perceived as major stain in Hinduism. Analyzing without a taint of
partiality, and barring Varna Dharma generating a sense of superiority and
inferiority among people, It becomes clear that Varnam is an incomparable
utility created for the express purpose of establishing society's model. Deivaththin
Kural Vedic
Religion Division
according to Dharma. For
smooth functioning within a society, many activities become necessary. Acts
involving Buddhi (intellect) and body (physical labor) and their permutations
are essential for the public weal of society. Our family
needs rice, salt, clothes, books and many more. Could we individually produce
rice, salt, clothes and books? The
tiller, the clothier, the merchant, the warrior… do their respective work for
all others. For the welfare of the soul throughout the world, some do Dhyana,
Yaga, and Puja and thereby safeguard the Sastras which yield welfare to the
world. With these reciprocal utilities, people participate and live in
cooperation and collaboration: That is the purpose of the division of labor
by Sastras. Page 118. How do we
divide (the labor)? If it is done with ability and aptitude as the sole
criterion, everyone exaggerates his ability at least in his mind. If aptitude
is taken into consideration, everyone desires for a prestigious job. If that
is so, what happens to other jobs (not considered prestigious)? For the
welfare of the society, how are we to divide and apportion labor? Division of labor is not enough. How are
we to apportion labor over generations (in a hereditary manner)? How could aptitude and competence be
determined by an external examination? How could that be complete and
reliable? How could it be possible that all could compete for all
(jobs)? Who is going to level,
equalize and fill these inequalities?
That is why labor is divided along hereditary lines (பாரம்பரியம்) and now Varna Dharma is established. For
individual Atma Kshemartham (ஆத்ம க்ஷேமார்த்தம் = soul welfare), whatever may be the work, doing
god-enjoined injunctions for that Varnam, and realizing the worldly good that
the individual is doing by way of his assigned hereditary work, one achieves
fulfillment. There are very many helpful observances, tailored to every kind
of work of a Jiva (individual soul) to obtain liberation. If you ask a hard
laborer to observe fast (உபவாசம் upavācam), could he do
it? It is unnecessary for a person
accomplishing his assigned work with Buddhi (Intellect) do body building (Sarira POshanam = சரீரபோஷணம்)? If the Buddhi workers (Intellectuals)
understand there are many observances to remove the erroneous identification
of the soul with the body (sarīrāpimānam = சரீராபிமானம்), there
is no place for a fight. Page 119. 'Because
we do not understand the meaning, we should not give up the dictates of
Sacred Texts; we should attempt to observe them; in the future, they will be
of use when we understand their meaning. Each one must be observant of one's
own Dharma and help others observe their Dharma. We should not invite others
to give up their god-ordained Dharma and join us. We should not join other
people's Dharma, thus undeservedly entering into competition. If the other
person thinks of giving up his Dharma, one should encourage him to remain in
his own Dharma. You should tell that remaining in one's own Dharma would
bring wellness to both. There is
no such thing as a superior or an inferior people across the divisions. Sastras showed the way by dividing labor
into many parts. If all decide to work according to their whims and fancies,
nothing gets done. Everyone wants money to move from another's to his wallet.
Most of the people decide to do jobs that bring in more money; if that is the
case, there is no division of labor, in favor of general weal. If everyone
were to follow his traditional hereditary job, there is no competition and no
jealousy. The jobs do get done; everyone enjoys soul purification. Do not, by
the name of reform, deform and damage the Varna system of hereditary division
of labor. Stop and think. Whatever
job one does, the government is obligated to provide food, clothing and roof
over the head. If one were to increase the personal needs, competition and
jealousy come into play. There is confusion, as money takes the central role.
The fulfillment obtained by doing one's own work engenders devotion to God.
Peace and tranquility prevail everywhere. Page 120. There is
a variety in victuals and melodies. Likewise, there are many different
activities in the Varna system. Salt goes with Rasam (soup) and not with a
sweet drink prepared with crude sugar and spices. Disharmony exists in mixing
disparate musical melodies. Now, people lost the proper and healthy sense of
taste in food and music. Some Bhagavatas engage in trivial talk in the middle
of discourse on Puranic stories. People leaving aside good food, indulge in
smoking. These are small aberrations of taste. Worse aberration is to confuse
and confound the divisions of Varna Dharma meant to bring public weal. Deivaththin
Kural Vedic
Religion Varna
Dharmam In olden
days, people will start a fire in the oven using straws and sticks. During
rainy days, misery abounds in trying to fire up an oven. If four sparks are
seen, they fan it ceaselessly until the fire becomes alive. My great desire
is to keep the four-spark fire of Sanathana Dharma alive to spread it among
others. That is why I am saying all this. Page 121. The
reformists want to discard Varna as a useless appendage of Sanathana Dharma
and make it in line with other religions. What is
religion? Religion teaches a cure for the diseases of the soul. Only the physician knows what medicine to
give to cure a particular disease. Sanathana Dharma is the medicine given by
the selfless, sacrificing, and world welfare-conscious Rishis and Dharma
Sastrakarars. Other doctors have prescribed other religions. There is a
difference between doctors as to their approaches to diseases and medicines.
There are many treatment modalities.
In one, there will be fasting.
Another medicine by another doctor will be acceptable. Another one is
bitter. Another one will be sweet.
Instead of asking for a mixture of all these, one should stay with one
treatment without let. A cure is effected by any of these ways. Other
religions mention one common Dharma for all living beings in general. Our
religion calls it ordinary dharma and prescribed it to all people. This is
Ahimsa, Satya, Purity, control of sense organs, giving up avarice, equal love
to all beings, devotion to God, and affection to parents. These are the
conventional Dharma prescribed to us by our religion. Besides that,
in the name of Varnam, hereditary division of labor, unique dharma for each
division and for an individual have been ordained. Monday,
July 01, 2013 Page 122. If these
special Dharmas were to be thrust into conventional Dharmas, a condition of
nonobservance would have existed. I will give you an example. Meat-eating is
forbidden in Buddhism and comes under conventional dharma. Now all Buddhists
are meat eaters. Our Rishis and Dharma Sastrakarars (propounders of Sastras)
know human nature. Therefore, they
forbade meat eating as a special Dharma for a segment of the population.
Having noticed this feature, others used certain holy days as meatless days. The
ancient religions of every nation disappeared, when the conventional Dharmas
were observed in the breach. Greek's Hellenic religion and Ancient mid-Asian
Hebrew religion disappeared without any trace. There are some remnants of
Confucius and Shinto religions. The substituting religions like Christianity,
Islam and Buddhism have one conventional Dharma but lack special Dharma for
each subdivision in the Varna system. Even in these countries, people do not
feel fulfillment and there is an increase in nonbelievers. Some are atheists;
some are dissatisfied with their religion and come to our religion seeking
Yogam, Bhakti Margam, Jnana Vicaram...There is no telling how long the people
will follow these historical religions. I am a representative of Hinduism; I
am not saying these things because I want to denigrate them. My desire is
that people find fulfillment in their own religions. I do not invite others
to convert to our religion. My opinion
is it (conversion) is not the basic tenet of our religion; it actually is an
anathema to invite people to convert to Hinduism. In this world, nothing is
an accidental event. Page 123. Considering
the maturity factor of each Jiva, Bhagavan makes their births in various
religions. Each one of them must find fulfillment and perfection in their own
religions. Since I extol the special qualities of Hinduism, it does not mean
I denigrate others. It is not an invitation to convert to Hinduism. I point
out the best in Hinduism, when the alien religions denigrate Hinduism,
lacking an understanding of its special features and other Hindus believe in
their vituperation. The alien religion
followers accept the concept of Karma and incarnation. What are the basic
features, the life-breaths of their religions? Faith in God does not necessarily lead to
Bhakti, which is the main feature of those alien religions. It is not my opinion
that these religions in their respective countries are struggling (to keep
their flock in their folds). It gives me no pleasure and thus am expressing
the opinions of Doyinbi (?sp), Paul Brunton, Kosler... I am only repeating
their opinions that all over the world, disbelief and atheism are on the
ascent, and so all religions are struggling. Page 124. The same
upward trend (of disbelief and atheism) obtains in our country also. The
consensus of foreign visitors, engaged in the study of trend in religions in
all countries, tell that our country is much better off and the sense of
religion has not deteriorated greatly. These Sadakas come in droves to our
country. There is
a decrease in religious affiliation and increase in atheism in our country,
ever since incipient breakdown of Varnāsrama Dharma and a general
attitude of assimilation of divisions into one entity came into the fore.
This change is beyond any doubt. This
matter engenders some paradox. We think, if a religion were to divide people
into groups, therein lie (the seeds of) dissension and breakdown of cohesion.
This kind of religion, because of internecine fighting, will fall from
internal rot. Reviewing our history
from the time of Alexander, the proselytizing religionists came in waves, and
our religion should have been dead and buried deep. The reality is just the
opposite. The deluge of time swept away many great religions with the
mainstay of rituals. The intellectuals of the remaining religions forebode
the imminent danger (of dissipation). But our religion (and people), with the
traditional separation by Varna, challenges the conventional notion of
'United We Stand and Divided We Fall,' holds its breath, and stays alive. We
should elucidate this subtle secret without falling victim to disruptive
feelings. Page 125. What is
the secret behind the life of splendor in our religion that advocates
separation by Varnāsrama Dharma? The Brahmanas, whose svadharma was to
safeguard Sastras, are not in the majority. Did they have the strength of weapons? No, they did not have it. Brahmanas saving
money is an adverse recent event. According to Sastras, a Brahmana must be
poor. Why should others follow the Brahmanas, who are a minority and poor,
have no strength and imposed these Sastric Varna divisions on people? Had the other people been dupes all these
years? Let us assume, for the moment, that people were duped. Mahavira and
Buddha came, advocating abolition of Vedas and Yagas, adoption of
conventional dharma and Prakruta language Pali in the place of Sanskrit in
their religious texts. With all these new Sastras and new paths, the people
were attracted by their newness (razzmatazz) in the beginning. Later, the
newness and splendor faded and the following gradually eroded. The old Vedic religion rears its head high,
announcing, "Look, did I die?" It is a
miracle that life stays in a body with nine holes (நவத்துவாரம் = nava-t-tuvāram = Nine holes). Life exiting the body is not a surprise
according to a great poet. Page 126. If you
analyze this with impartiality,
that Hinduism prospered (having not disappeared) for tens of thousands of
years in our and other countries means there is something in Hinduism that is
lacking in others. And that (unique asset) is the Varna Dharma. Though the
modern reformists say that Varna Dharma is responsible for the destruction of
the society, the society with Varna Dharma remains free from
deterioration. What is praiseworthy is not
yapping about equality (= Samaththuvam = சமத்துவம்= Equality) but knowing there must be something
(nourishing) in the old Dharma that gives great welfare (sustenance to the people).
Though Hindu society is divided along Varna lines and opposition to it is fierce, it
does not fall and is holding fast. Impartiality = நிஷ்பக்ஷபாதம் niṣpakṣapātam. niṣ- pakṣa-pāta.
Even-mindedness, impartiality Praiseworthy = சிலாக்கியம் cilākkiyam
= šlāghya. 1. That which is
commendable, praiseworthy; 2. That which is excellent, good; 3. Fame, renown; Varna lines = the
sociologists and reformists call this, fault lines in the Hindu society.
(Krishnaraj) Deivaththin
Kural (First Part) Vedic Religion Unity in
diversity Something
comes to my mind, considering Varna Dharma. First, they devised a gas bag as
a blimp. A hole in it grounded it. They put small bags together. The
multi-bag air-ship stayed afloat. This is the syllogism behind the unity in
diversity, when it comes to the many divisions in Varna system. Page 127. It is
next to impossible to tie up a big bundle of firewood sticks. The tie easily
loosens, and the sticks fall out leading to other sticks fall out of the
bundle. Let us
tie up the stick bundles with 10 to 15 sticks, each. Since the sticks are
fewer, it is easy to make a tight bundle. We can assemble all the little
bundles and make a big bundle. All the sticks will stay in place. If you
have to organize a big society as one structural entity, it is impossible.
How are we to regulate this unmanageable society? Page 128. That is
why a Jati or caste was established to do a particular job in a hereditary
manner. That makes one bundle. There
are other bundles, each with different hereditary job description. Hereditary
workers of a particular job description have a headman, with the power to
dispense punishment to errant workers. It is now like the government putting
people in jail for crimes. Since the punishment fitted the crime, there was
amity. Excommunication
was one of the instruments of punishment, dispensed by the headman, whether
it is a barber-physician (பரிகாரி = parikāri) or shoemaker (சக்கிலி = sakkili). Even the so-called backward and depressed classes
will be afraid, if there is excommunication hanging over their heads. They
consider it a great shame. It is not
one caste putting down another caste. Each caste manages its own affairs.
Only when people arrogate themselves as higher caste, then there is a chance
for others to entertain inferiority complex. Apart from Brahmanas and
Ksatriyas, other castes would not have entertained a sense of prestige and
honor. If they did not have these values or feelings, they would not have
minded mean condition or excommunication from caste (ஜாதிபிரஷ்டம் = Jatiprshtam). Tuesday,
July 02, 2013 Page 129. When
small groups of people belonging a Jāti lived as a small community, they
developed mutual love, loyalty and bonds. That is why excommunication from a
Jāti was feared and regarded as severe punishment. Now because they are considered as backward
classes, they get special treatments and privileges, which make them hold on
to their caste without any self-respect. A few generations ago, they had deep
self-respect in their Jāti. Then there were no competition or caste
wars. They were proud in doing their jobs, their own rituals, observances and
Dharmas. Now when
there is a disturbance, they beat up the police. Then, no one under the
headman, entered into conflicts or caste wars. Now the police is an external
agent putting restrictions. A sense of
belonging, bond, and self-respect existed then. There was less crime then
without the military and weapons. Each Jāti lived in peace doing their
assigned jobs and observing their rites and rituals. Page 130. Deivaththin
Kural Vedic
Religion Difference
in work and difference in mental attitude. Jāti,
its assigned work, and its observances: It is wrong (as said by me before). Work does not exist for
Jāti. Jāti exists for a particular work. Vedic religion
divided society into small work-groups. The West is unable to put into
practice the Division of labor in the present economy. For the society to
function, many different jobs need to be done. Therefore, there is a necessity
for Division of labor. People compete for jobs. Page 131. In our
country, hereditary division of labor engendered peace, tranquility,
happiness, and contentment. Now even the millionaire has no contentment. The
cobbler in those days had fulfillment. This new arrangement in the name of
progress has pushed people into discontent by inducing bad desires. The
current talk is the present progress is not enough and more is needed. Blasphemous
desires did not exist those days. Since people organized themselves into a
small society, they found the cohesion offered the most happiness. Besides,
faith in religion, devotion and fear of god, family deities and the
appropriate rituals gave the society a sense of pride and fulfillment. They
did not aspire for external objects and did not suffer the uncertainty of
today. The society was wholesome. Though
there were divisions (as prescribed by Varna system), they united by the name
of god. Though there were individual family deities (Kula Deivam = குல தெய்வம்), there
was a big temple for all. That temple was the centerpiece of life in the
town. The individuals in the society regarded themselves as the sons of the
deity. When it came to Car Festival (தேர்த் திருவிழா), the
depressed classes and the Brahmanas joined shoulder to shoulder and tugged on
the ropes of the car. It is unlikely those days will return. In those days, there was no heartburn.
There was no verbal abuse. Everyone
did his job and remained fulfilled in mind. Page 132. It is
utter nonsense to say that Hinduism managed somehow in spite of the many
divisions. It remained everlasting along with the individual souls. Many big
religions with unified society died, having pronounced (and practised)
general Dharma. As we conjecture the future of the present religions, it is
obvious that Varna Dharma divisions in Hinduism were united by devotion to god and saved
Hinduism as the eternal religion. The
religions, which had one Dharma for all, died when they sustained internal or
external assaults in the nature of new Dharmas. If there were many kinds of
Dharmas within the common Dharma, and when the religion is impacted by
internal and external Dharmas, we cannot make allowance for retaining some
and discarding the rest. Jain and Buddhist religions rose from Vedic aspects.
Therefore, Hinduism co-opted these religions. If many, disparate and
expansive Dharmas exist (as in Hinduism), Hinduism could co-opt them as its own. There was
no need to consider the alien Dharmas as external and lose the war. We adopted
some Muslim habits. Though we did not take in their Tattvas, we adopted the
styles in clothes, music, architecture and Moghul culture. Page 133. Because
of the flood of Vedic culture, they did not remain individualistic but
dissolved as an integral part of Hindu culture. This is more evident in the
North. South India remained relatively immune to Muslim culture and could
retain its native culture. With the
arrival of the white people to India, The Vedic faith diminished all over
India. Why did the situation change? Is it
possible? To understand this, we should look into countries, not having a
caste. To bring equality to all is impossible; there are glaring examples to
illustrate it. That there are no highs and no lows in those countries mean
there are no class conflicts (class warfare). In reality (யதார்த்தம் Yathārttam), is it a fact? Wherever you look, there
are malcontents, who fight with each other. If you understand our Dharma as
it is, there is no upper or lower class (caste) in truth. Let us assume that,
for some reason, this inequality came to exist. Our duty is we have to
eliminate this thought (of
existence of inequality). Page 134. We should
not eliminate the accepted order of Varna Dharma. Even if we accept the
existence of bitterness and disparity between castes, other countries have
the same bitterness in the society with a different set of divisions. Though
there are no Jātis in other countries, there is hatred among people
because of disparity in wealth, education, and position. In America, it is
said that people are not wanting in food, clothes, or a roof over the head.
There should be contentment. Reality is different. The one-car owner is
jealous of two-car owner and suffers heartburn. The rich man feels envious of
a richer man. Though the rich man has all his needs taken care of, he feels
like waging a war of entitlement and privilege (for more wealth). What is the
meaning of this? It means that he thinks someone is in a higher state than he
is. These
thoughts of higher and lower stations in life exist among people. Page 135. If we
assume that pay is equal for all in communist counties, invariably, one is an
officer and the other is a clerk. The government
may impose a code of conduct discouraging fights between different pay
grades. But, there will always be competition and envy where there is a
disparity in wealth and position. This kind of competition exists in the
highest echelons of power in communist countries. The supremo of today will
be gone tomorrow and someone else takes his place. Power and position are not
makers (or breakers) with regards to the high station and the low station,
which remain entrenched in the society in one way or another. The
social disparity leads to competition and envy. Instead of the above,
sometimes I think it is better to let the mistaken hereditary model of the
upper and the lower castes exist.
Because of the Vedic Dharma, there will be tranquility, contentment and
a feeling that it was established for our sake. In truth,
all the jobs were created for the welfare of the society. In this model, a
vocation in question is neither prestigious nor less than prestigious. Whatever is the vocation, one should do it
perfectly and dedicate it to God. There is no other cure for attaining Citta
Suddhi (Mental Purity). The idea
of high and low (in vocation and Jāti) is basically flawed. In other
countries, it is even worse. Competition and wrangling happen in other countries
too. Page 136. We are
divided and yet united in helping our great civilization flourish. The alien
civilizations regarded themselves united but fell due to lack of unity. Here,
there were (divisions and) differences in vocations of the people, who, nevertheless,
entertained unity within themselves. Our culture of unity in the midst of
diversity flourished. In foreign
countries, there is no difference between people but there are differences in
vocations, which created rivalries.
When foreigners invaded our country, the domestic culture sustained
defeat. Promise
of unity and greatness is impossible in practical terms. Divisions and
differences do not help. Dharma Sastra gave us a middle-of-the-road position. I am the representative of that model.
There should be differences in observances. In the heart, there should be
unity. Do not confuse them with each
other. Though
there may be many differences in vocations, unity in the hearts will keep the
nation supremely at peace. Over many Yugas, that has been the model of peace
in our country. Without thinking of self-interest and with having the mindset
of doing the hereditary work in the interest of all the people, there is no
inequality. In the face of adverse
events and adoption of Sāmanya Dharmas by all and Visēsa Dharmas by
individuals to the extent possible, we will not sustain any deficiency. Page 137. Deivaththin
Kural Vedic
Religion Why
remain only here? Are not
there many nations in the world? Are there no religions? Why are there no Varnas
and Jātis in those countries? Why are we having them? Countries
without Jātis, priests, warriors, merchants and workers do exist. Our
culture does not exist in other countries.
Great alien cultures lived and died and did not last as long as our
culture. The foreign countries wonder
at our Hindu civilization. What is the
reason for it? Wednesday,
July 03, 2013 Page 138. In those
countries, Great men, Jnanis, Bhaktas, philanthropists, Thyagis... took their
births. Our country has produced over
many Yugas without interruption great men, Sadhus, Jńānis, Tattva
Siddhantists, Bhaktas, and philanthropists in numbers, not seen anywhere
else. Even if you put all the great men of foreign countries together, our
country exceeds theirs in output. We do not have to call our land, the land
of Saints or the Land of Sages. There is no need to say it. Other countries
keep our civilization in high regard. They pay tribute to our Vedas, Vedanta
and Tattvas. All
intellectual pursuits like music, poetry, Jyothisam, mathematics, medical
sciences have nothing comparable in foreign countries. There are no literatures like the
Upanishads, Gita, Ramayana, Sakuntala...according to others. They say there
is no Bhakti literature like Thevaram and Divayprabhandam anywhere in the
world. They wonder whether there is a small composition of comparable nature
to Tirukkural to put forward ethics with such brevity and clarity. Foreigners
come in droves to see, learn and admire our temple towers, statues, Bharata
Natiyam... Though the British and the other Europeans subjugated us, imposed
alien culture on us, and adopted the policy of ‘Divide and Rule’, they
recognized and wondered at our civilization, researched our Sastras and
translated them in their languages. Page 139. What was
great here that contributed to the foremost civilization? If you consider
that proposition as to what was here, and not found elsewhere, the only find
is Varnasrama Dharma. The reformists consider that all our deficiencies lie
in Varna Dharma, which is the special feature of our land, which excels in
Tattvas, personal conduct, culture, and intellect to their fulness. If it is
not for stability in the social structure, Tattvas, culture and intellectual
pursuits proceeding from that stability would not have grown generation after
generation. The Tattva philosophers and cultural icons would not have been
born in large numbers. There was
no setup of this kind of stability in community living offered by religions
of foreign countries. We can tell that
they did not pay attention to a plan for organizing a community life. They merely enunciated common rules of
conduct, which prohibited theft, lying, and prostitution, and recommended
pursuing truth, Thyagam and Ahimsa.
This behavioral recommendation did not have a set of rules to regularize
social life. Rules of conduct were established for the clergies and the
mendicants. It appears a particular attention was not paid in knitting the
community together and organizing interdependence among all people of the community. Page 139. What was
great here that contributed to the foremost civilization? If you consider
that proposition as to what was here, and not found elsewhere, the only find
is Varnāsrama Dharma. The reformists consider that all our deficiencies
lie in Varna Dharma, which is the special feature of our land which excels in
Tattvas, personal conduct, culture, and intellect to their fullness. If it is
not for stability in the social structure, Tattvas, culture and intellectual
pursuits proceeding from that stability would not have grown generation after
generation. The Tattva philosophers and cultural icons would not have been
born in large numbers. There
were no setup of this kind of stability in community living offered by
religions of foreign countries. We can
tell that they did not pay attention to a plan for organizing a community
life. They merely enunciated common
rules of conduct which prohibited theft, lying, and prostitution, and
recommended to pursue truth, Thyagam and Ahimsa. These behavioral
recommendations did not have a set of rules to regularize (normalize) social
life. Rules of conduct were established only for the clergies and the
mendicants. It appears a particular attention was not paid in knitting the
community together and organizing interdependence among all people of the
community. Page 140. What
happened as a consequence? There was constant competition among people,
though there were growth in sacred texts, protection, commerce, agriculture
and physical labor in foreign countries. People did not have jobs specially
meant for them in the Varna system; instead, all people rushed and fell over
one another seeking all jobs. From the hoary past, there was no worry
about making a living (for those
following Varna Dharmas). There it is,
a job waiting for me. Since it came by
hereditary means, there is a certainty of an easily available job that fits
my subhava (tradition-bound
and -imposed, predetermined natural disposition by Varna Dharma). [In our country, people had one's own hereditary
calling, and each was assured of his hereditary livelihood or job. The
cobbler's son will be a cobbler.]
There is no stability and certainty (in other systems). If they
(hereditary jobs) are available, there will not be any dearth of tranquility and
welfare of society. Because stability and certainty existed on account of
Varna Dharma, the highest ideals sprouted in our country. There arose many great men, who lived these
highest ideals in their lives and set an example. In other countries, such certainty
was lacking and therefore, there were much competition and conflict. Looking
from the perspective of the reformists, there should have been very many
social upheavals in our land, hobbled with supposedly oppressive Varna
Dharma. But, that word (upheaval) is a
new word for us. Only after the French, Russian and American revolutions as
said in history books made an impact on us, we became aware that there might
come a need for humanity to jump into a revolution. When we become aware of
the history of foreign countries, we see the general populace engage in
revolution upon revolution. We learn a lesson from these foreign revolutions.
More importantly, revolution has not achieved change on a permanent basis and
not turned erstwhile matters upside down. These revolutions keep recurring
every fifty or hundred years. What is left (and what they reap) is
discontent. You know of the present situation. In all these countries, there
are misconduct, beastly and crazy incidents, agitation, strikes, and daily change
at the helm in the government; there is perturbation all over the world.
Certain governments exercise absolute power over people and threaten them
with extrajudicial punishments just to stave off revolutions. Page 141. Even in
those oppressive countries, it may anytime explode like a volcano. Now and
then, an intellectual or a writer escapes at the risk of life and limbs and
sets the record straight. They say that people do not find fulfillment. There
was never an oppressive government in India. From suppressed, oppressed and
slavish people, there would not be so much of arts and sciences and Sastras.
We never shed tears of misery for notice by foreigners about our
suppression. In a free milieu only,
the mind blossoms forth creating intellectual compositions, arts and science,
and temples. Though the general population (Non-Brahmins) were in great
numbers, it is unjustified to say that blind belief did lead them to fear the
priestly class. You will understand what I mean, if you take Africa and South
America, where arts and sciences did not grow in a jungle environment. In
those countries, the priest is like a king. He looks fearful by
appearance. He will run his Darbar, by
performing mystical ceremonies and incantations and treating the people any way
he wanted. He had the authority to punish people directly. It is not like
that in our country. All Jātis have intelligence, Bhakti, and a high
degree of attainment in spiritual matters. Page 142. As you
are familiar with Puranas and Periyapuranam, all Jātis had their share
of great men. There were imperial kings like Chandragupta and Shivaji, and
ministers like Sekkizar, who came from the 4th Varna (Sudras). The priests
(priestcraft) had no power to apportion punishment (for other Jātis). He
has to remain perforce a Supreme Sadhu (man of peace). If he
commits a wrong, a priest or Brahmana has to punish himself, according to the
dictates of Sastras. If a white man comes into physical contact with a black
man, the black man is punished. In our country, if an untouchable comes into
contact with a priest or Brahmin, the latter has to take a bath and engage in
expiational rituals according to Sastras. Let us not delve into my opinion on
the practice of Untouchability now. We do not induce a fear factor, engage in
punishment, or suppress the untouchables. A civilization like ours, which is
celebrated all over the world, could not have advanced with societal
suppression and deception. Our
countrymen did not engage in revolution, since Dharma Sastra tenets, in truth
offered real-life advantages. When
Varna Dharma was in vogue, there was no revolution, or discontent among the
public, and the civilization thrived and grew. Let us put this fact aside for
the time being. Let us compare this with what obtains now. Abandoning
division of labor (based on Jātis), adopting the foreign ways in the
name of equality and advancement and pursuing the new path, we find
misconduct, prevarications, deception, graft, and prostitution on the ascent. Wherever you turn, you see agitation,
strikes, demonstrations, business shutdown, police Lathi charge (police
wielding batons), curfew... We lack honesty in foreign trade and become the
object of ridicule. We lost our sparkle. Our days of glory in the eyes of the
world are gone. What is the meaning of a small country like Pakistan dragging
us into a war? Our nation's soul power
diminished to a certain extent. Friday,
July 05, 2013 Page 143. What
precipitated this decline? What did we neglect to do, to deserve this
weakness? What did give us the strength to make our civilization flourish?
What was that we failed to do, which made us ashamed to call ourselves the
heirs to that civilization? The Varna Dharma was the bedrock of our
civilization, praised over many centuries by the foreigners. As Varna Dharma
attenuated, we are on a decline daily.
Why is
Varna Dharma practiced here alone? A desire in this country for a
civilization favoring reflection on the soul, God realization, arts and
culture, and exemplary conduct complemented the need for Varna Dharma. Varna
Dharma must exist to set an example for the world. Its
absence leads to immediate jealousy, discontent, social disharmony, and a
desire (among the lesser castes) for education and jobs... Such a system cannot
accommodate all (who desire good education and good jobs). Immediately,
hatred, difference, envy...ensue. Page 144. When
unemployment among the educated became a reality, they say that we should
restrict admissions. Engineers are in plenteous supply. They say, they are
going to close some Engineering colleges.
Unable to provide all with all, it became necessary to introduce some
restrictions. In olden days, the restrictions applied on the basis of tradition
(division of labor according to Jātis). The jobs were ingrained in the
blood (DNA) and remained the pride and the ancestral property of our fathers
and grandfathers. There was a fulfillment in the legacy of our Kulam (குலதனம்). In the performance of the job, there was a built-in
zeal. There was competence in the performance of the job. Money corrupted the
performance of the job. In former days, money was secondary. Job performance
was high. Zeal and contentment contributed in the optimal performance of a
job and proper functioning of the society.
There is no civilization without fulfillment. We should never find
fault with Varna Dharma, which gave fulfillment to all in the society. Can we
revive and revitalize Varna Dharma or not? If our efforts fail to bear
fruits, why should we undertake them? Even if we give up Varna Dharma after
our last-ditch effort, we should realize Varna Dharma gave us welfare for
thousands of years. To fault Varna Dharma is a great mistake. Page 145. Deivaththin
Kural (Part 1) Vedic
Religion Who is
the Head Honcho? What is
the Remedy? Who is
responsible for the denigration of caste as uncivilized instrument, as the
politicos, the educated... have joined the chorus? It is a perfect
arrangement. Who is responsible for the scurrilous attack on Varna Dharma? I raised
that question. Here I
am, ready to answer that question. It is the Brahmana, responsible for
creation of uninformed opinion on Varna Dharma. Welfare of the soul, the
country and the world over Yugas have unraveled because of the Brahmana. Brahmana
gave up on his (inherent) duties, which are the study of Vedas and observance
of rituals. He abandoned his duty, his
birth-place, his village for the town, his observances, purity and their
external symbols. He cropped his hair
(in favor of a tuft). He wore the western full suit. He gave up Vedic studies in favor of White
man's Laukika (Faustian) studies. He
took any Job (offered by the White man) coming his way. He copied the style,
clothes, and behavior of his employers. The Brahmana abandoned to the winds
the lofty (makōṉṉatam = மகோன்னதம்)
Dharmas, which his father and forefathers protected and defended. Taken to
avarice of money, sensual pursuits, higher studies, foreign education,
science, high-paying jobs, new non-Vedic lifestyle and recreation, he fell
(into the abyss of no return). Page 146. Sastras
dictate to the Brahmana against love of money and property. When he led his
spartan life producing world welfare by following the dictates of Vedas and
Yagnas, other Jātis showed undiminished love and respect. All other
Jātis held him up high as a model and pathfinder. He
forsook his traditional commitments and observances, left the village for the
town, took up English education, served in the jobs given to him by the
English, and aped the Englishman's lifestyle. The other caste people saw this
aping pompous (tāṭṭu-p-pūṭṭeṉal - தாட்டுப்பூட்டெனல்) upstart
(and followed suit). The other caste people, who held the Brahmana as the
paragon of virtue, began to follow the Brahmana's errant ways. The other
castes left contented life in the villages, moved to towns for the city life,
English education, job security under white man's government. The
Brahmana for thousands of years observed intellectual pursuits, which was
dedicated for the welfare of the society with no trace of selfishness. This
sacrificial element was as sharp as the brilliant honed knife. Now he lost
the social sense and the Buddhi Prakasam (புத்திப் பிரகாசம் = enlightened intellect) and in their place, worldly
desires took roots with fading of the Buddhi Parakasam. He was in possession
of strong Buddhi as God-given Grace to perform his traditional duties. It is
a natural progression that Buddhi Prakasam had to fade with the failure to
perform his Vedic duties. Page 147. You may
observe a bicycle to go some distance even after pedaling stopped. Likewise,
the intellectual gift of the Brahmanas persisted even after he switched
faculties from soul to secular studies. That brain power of the Brahmana for
secular studies impressed the Englishman. The Brahmana explored and
understood the subtleties of job demands, laws, work ethics... He became an
adept to the extent he could teach them one or two things. Why did
Vedic studies suffer under the White man, when it did not do so under the
Muslim rule? The reason is the White man brought new science and machines.
The Brahmana discovered many things unknown to him in what the Englishman
brought with him. If we were to take in knowledge as such, many truths became
apparent because of science. There is some good in science. In pursuit of secular knowledge, the
opportunities for misbehavior are many. There are machines based on science.
Because of electricity and steam power, many activities are carried out in
quick time. All these conveniences are seductive and thus, expand and sharpen
our desires. Unnecessary instruments of convenience, that are inimical to the
soul, grew in numbers. Page 148. These conveniences,
unknown before, drew the attention and appreciation of Brahmanas and others
in the nation. The science of the European created this nonsensical calamity
(அனர்த்தம்). Laying emphasis on analytical intellect, all sacred
texts were declared fabrications and falsehoods. The one who never gave up on
his inherent Dharma under Muslim rule now goes after the modern worldly
pleasures. He exceeds the Englishman in dressing tiptop, smoking, dancing...
They gave jobs to those who aped them well. Now a great
injustice reared its head. Until now, each one was following his generational
and hereditary work ethics and livelihood (சீவனோபாயம் = livelihood) without
having a worry about them, and living in tranquility. Now aping the Brahmana, others also left
their traditional and ancestral work; they fall for the Britisher's jobs in
railways, banks... Because of the machines, laborers lost jobs, suffered
deprivation and later had to enter labor market in other nontraditional jobs. That engendered competition, heartburn,
envy, hatred, fight... Because of Brahmana's brainpower, though in the
minority, they came into the forefront in capturing a majority of seats in
Medical and Law Colleges. It is easy to understand why others entertained a
hatred towards the Brahmanas. The white man realized this divide between the
Brahmana and other castes and fabricated this Arya-Dravida Race theory. Page 149.
The
European sowed the seeds of dissension among the siblings of one mother. This
strategy fructified in this competitive, divisive and toxic environment. The
Brahmana did something more to double the feeling of hatred. On one side, he left his traditional
Jāti Dharma. He joined the European and denigrated the old established
values as beastly. Though the Brahmana was preaching equality and swore
against exploitation, he never joined with his brothers (in other castes) but
celebrated with pride his superiority over other castes. Before the advent of
Europeans, the Brahmanas had no physical contact with other castes. There was
some justification (with that attitude of body seclusion). There were
necessary differences in food..., considering the nature of works (of the
various castes). The castes were working in different environments. Where the
camera film is developed, there must be darkness. Where the cinema shooting
takes place, there must be bright lights. In one industry, a waiter in the
canteen should be clean of body and clothes and the machinist necessarily
appears smeared with oil, dirt and grime on his body and clothes. In the same
vein, could a waiter claim superiority over a machinist? Does it carry any meaning? Likewise, the
selfless brainy should fast, while the soldier does not carry a stigma of
eating flesh for strength. Saturday,
July 06, 2013 Page 150. Because
the nature of food is different between a Brahmana and a Ksatriya, would that
entail hatred between them? If the
Brahmana were to think, he has no hatred of the Ksatriya and sits with him to
eat, the Brahmana will develop an inclination to taste the meat of the
Ksatriya. That craving (sapalam = சபலம்) does
develop even in a Brahmana and take him to
causing harm to his caste-specific Kula Dharma (Family duty, tradition and
injunctions). Each Jāti has its own Kula Dharma, habits and observances.
Mixing of castes, Kula Dharma, observances, and food habits by the name of
equality, leads to corruption. This is why there are separate Agraharam
(Brahmana Street), Velalar street, Cheri…, in the villages. This is what
prevailed in villages. In the new towns, this was not possible. (The Brahmanas live close in the vicinity
of the temple; the people in other caste hierarchies live in a Mandela
fashion, while the Dalits live way out in the periphery of the village or
town.) This was
possible in villages. In the new towns, it was not in the realm of
possibility. Everyone goes to shift work and sits down in the canteen to eat
one kind of meals. It became a fact of life by force of circumstances that
Brahmanas mixed with other castes in canteens to eat (non-sanctified) food
with others. A Brahmana, who, perforce, is expected to observe food laws
became one among others. Since office
hours, college hours... were an impediment to his Karma-anushtanam (ritual
observance), he let them fly away in the wind and joined others. Heretofore,
all his observances were for the benefit of others. For that alone, the
Brahmana acted as Dharma-Karta (Trustee) on behalf of the community. He
observed Dharmas and offered all the (divine) benefits thereof to the
community. By declaring he is one with the Non-Brahmanas and espousing all
are equal, he became a competition for jobs with the rest (Non-Brahmanas) and
earned (caused) their heartburn. Since he exercised no discipline in
religious injunctions, exceeded the indiscipline of other castes, but thought
of himself as superior to others, he became the object of hatred. Page 151. When
Brahmanas gave up on their Dharmas, he made others also give up their
respective Dharmas. Once the Brahmana gave up his Dharma, he could not claim
his loftiness (and superiority). He had no justification to claim laudable
greatness, when he was performing his Dharma.
Everyone has his own Dharma. There is no justification in self-imposed
greatness. He should be humble in
doing his duty as his ordained dharma, as others do their own Dharmas.
Others, seeing his selflessness, austerity, purity of life..., gave him honor
and respect. He made himself the
object of criticism, (when he lost his Dharma). My
considered opinion is that the cause for the ruination of Hindu Society rests
heavily on the shoulders of Brahmana. Some may offer an explanation. A
Brahmana perforce has to study and chant Vedas and perform sacrificial
rituals all the time. His entire life is devoted to them. If he were to spend
his life doing the said activities, how could he earn a livelihood? If he
goes after wealth and property, his lifetime mission would not be possible.
His birth mission could not be a part-time vocation. If he were to do work for a living, the
religious observances would never get done.
As in the uselessness of taking medicine without food restrictions,
his prowess in the
study of Vedas (atyayana-vīriyam = அத்யயன-வீரியம்) will
diminish and the benefit accrued because of it will be lost. For this reason
alone, Sastras allowed Brahmana to go begging for sustenance. The kings,
realizing the benefit from the study of Vedas, and performance of Sacrifices,
allotted lands to Brahmanas so that they do not suffer any wants. Grant of
land, house, cows, and gold were made by the kings. The Brahmanas should not
take all that are given without a self-imposed limit. Page 152. The
Brahmanas should not accept these handouts without self-imposed limitation,
simply because they are giving them. This is limitless gratuitous acceptance;
this will immerse them in sensual indulgences leading to curtailment of
progress of the soul. If they become obligated to the donors, they may
distort the meaning of the Sastras. There is a chance they may lose their
independence and impartiality. In consideration of all these factors, the
Dharma Sastras ordained that a Brahmana should not accept a piece of straw
(Thirunam = திருணம்) over
and above what is necessary to sustain life. Following these rules, the
Brahmanas performed their Dharmas under the care (poshanai = போஷணை) of
Rajas. With the
advent of British Raj and thereafter, there were no royal grants and support.
How could they live without an income? That is why they descended to the
study of English and working for the government. The force of circumstances
crushed them. Some people offer an explanation and a placation so not to
criticize them. There may
be some truth and justification in that statement. It is not the whole truth
as it appears to me. Before the arrival of the British, there were Mughal
empire and Sultanates. A few Brahmanas took work in the Durbar. Other
Brahmanas continued to do their Dharmas without the benefit of grants from
kings. Agraharam emptied; the village was in ruins; the Vedic Schools came to
zilch. The lands morphed into certificates. All these meaningless calamities
happened within the last one hundred years. Before that, Vedic Dharma
remained in its true inviolate form. Sunday,
July 07, 2013 Page 153. The
credit for preservation of Brahmanas and their Dharmas went to not only the
kings, but also to all other Varnas or Jātis of Hindu society, because
they desired with their heart, mind and soul that Brahmana Jāti should
not perish and to that end, they have
been generous in their grants,
handouts and protection. There are hundreds of empty Vedic Schools for lack
of Brahmana boys. Who is going to spend the capital to revive them? Most of the supporters are from the town of
Nattukkottai, Komutti Chettiars, Velalars...; there is no accounting for the
immense service done by the Nāgarattars. The nourishing root for the
temple is Veda. In the belief that the Vedic root sustains Puja in the temple
and stands for the living presence of God in it, they considered that temple
service goes hand in hand (in importance) with Vedic School. They promoted
them throughout Tamil Nadu. Velalars in possession of huge tracts of lands
gave generously for the building and maintenance of Vedic Schools. If the
Brahmana did not take to epicurean life under the British Raj, and just
fulfilled the basic needs of daily life, the other Jātis would have
helped him with his needs. When the other Jātis did not give up on the
Brahmana, he ran away from Agraharam
and the Vedic Schools. He acquired the taste for epicurean lifestyle
made possible by science, which came with the western civilization. His high
ideal abandoned him, when he was not content with satisfying the basic needs
of sustaining his body. The
supposition that the dire need for food made him abandon his Dharma is an
unworthy explanation. The plausible explanation is that he developed
covetousness (துராசை = Turāsai) in objects far beyond his basic needs. அக்கிராரம் akkirāram = agra-hāra. Brāhman street. See அக்கிரகாரம் = akkirakāram = agra- hāra. 1.
Brāhman village or street; பார்ப்ப னச்சேரி, வீதி. 2. Village formerly allotted to Brāhmanās at a favorable
assessment or rent free. Page 154. If the
Brahmana did not have the means to alleviate his hunger, he should have come
to cities like Madras and stayed content with what he obtained to fill his
belly. If he had that contentment, the above-said statement would be correct.
He runs for Rs.2000 in New Delhi leaving the Rs.1000 job in Madras. He
abandons in New Delhi even the very little Dharma, he did in Madras. Still
later, When he has an offer for $4000.00 salary in New York, he jumps from
continent to continent and maintains an adharmic way of life. What little of
Varna Dharma he had, he 'shakes and sheds' in NY. The salary in military is
more, and so he joins the military. Therein he takes to liquor,
meat-eating..., consoling himself (that it is alright). We see he will do
anything for money. There is no acceptable explanation for a Brahmana giving up Svadharma. Brahmana:
I am going one step above. In the
context of new science and the age of machines which came with the British,
let us assume that other Jātis let loose their Dharmas. Let us assume,
that the Aryan-Dravidian divide introduced by the British, led the other
Jātis decide not to support the
Brahmanas. These are not facts. I am
doing this for didactic purposes. Let us assume that the Brahmana moves out
of the house for studies and a job for a handful of rice. Though a situation
has risen as such, the Brahmanas at the prospect of death should not have
given up their ordained Dharma like Vedic studies and recitation, and daily
observances until death comes his way. Page 155.
It is of
no use at present, to say now what the forefathers of Brahmanas should have
done. They breathed their last and left the world. What I said what they
should have done, I am saying this to the present generation. That is,
Svadharma should be held tight at the prospect of death. Are we going to defy the invariable death?
Having accumulated wealth, earned more of disgrace, remaining the cause of
envy to other Jātis and abandoning our inherent Dharma, we will die as
Prashtars (apostates = பிரட்டர் = நெறிதவறியவர் = the ones who did not take the path of virtue). Instead,
doing our duties and safeguarding Vedas even going hungry until death, would
give us greatness. Following the aforementioned path, other Jātis will
certainly not suffer envy, jealousy, and heartburn upon looking at us. They
may be derisive and call us stupid not in line with the times. Let them do
it. Are we any less an object of
derision now? Having abandoned our
Dharma and being the subject of derisive laughter for our penchant to fill
the belly, we could remain wholesome by doing our Dharma even at the prospect
of laughter of the townsmen.
Alternatively, we can die. Everyone gloats over his country, his
language...and inclines to fight to die (for his cause). It is not
fighting for self-rule alone a big effort. There are people who commit
self-immolation with lighted kerosene because of his unwillingness to cede a
part of his Jilla to another Jilla (district). They did it for ideological
reasons. Why did not the Brahmanas, faced with a new lifestyle of the
British, safeguard their Dharma as the supreme Thyaga (sacrifice), regarding
their lives as mere straw? Page 156. Instead of gaining all the conveniences (and
creature comforts) by taking the lifestyle and Dharma of the British, It is
better to die by staying firm in his own native Dharma. निधनं श्रेयः परधर्मो = Death is
superior while performing one's own (ordained) duty. So said
Bhagavan in Bhagavadgita श्रेयान्स्वधर्मो विगुणः परधर्मात्स्वनुष्ठितात् । स्वधर्मे निधनं श्रेयः परधर्मो भयावहः ॥३- ३५॥ śreyān svadharmo viguṇaḥ
paradharmāt svanuṣṭhitāt svadharme nidhanaṁ śreyaḥ
paradharmo bhayāvahaḥ 3.35 śreyān1 svadharmaḥ2 viguṇaḥ3 para-dharmāt4 svanuṣṭhitāt5 sva-dharme6 nidhanam7 śreyaḥ8 para-dharmaḥ9 bhaya-āvahaḥ10 svadharmaḥ2 = One's own duty; viguṇaḥ3 = destitute of merits,
deficient, lacking Guna; [is] śreyān1 = more eminent, superior
to; para-dharmāt4 = another's Dharma
or duties; svanuṣṭhitāt5 = well-executed. nidhanam7 = Death,
destruction; śreyaḥ8 = is superior;
[while performing] sva-dharme6 = one's
own duty. para-dharmaḥ9
= Another's duty; [is] bhaya-āvahaḥ10 = full of fear. 3.35 3.35: It is preferable to do one's own duty,
however deficient it is, than to do the duty of another, however skillful it
is. Better is death in performing one’s own duty than to perform the duty of
another, for it is inductive of fear. Page 157. What are
the reasons for the Brahmanas not abandoning their native Dharma under Muslim
rule and changing under British Raj? New Science, machines, motorized car, electricity
and appliances to do chores fast and easily came with the British. Modern
conveniences unimagined before, useful appliances of the British...
magnetized the people, who fell into their ways. This could be a cause but
not an explanation or justification. The
Brahmana’s body is not on this earth for sensual pleasures. A Brahmana was
born to uphold, cherish and protect worldly welfare; the restrictions are put
in place for this express purpose. The basic Dharma is not to include any
epicurean elements in it. It is
fundamentally wrong that by abandoning the Dharma and the sacrificial
element, the Brahmana sought after the new implements to enjoy the easily
available sensual pleasures. To safeguard Svadharma under adverse conditions
is greatness and a matter of pride. For them not doing it is a big mistake.
We are harvesting the ill effects in that we experience the hatred (tuvesham
= துவேஷம்) coming from our siblings (other Jātis) born of one
mother. We created a great Kilesam (கிலேசம் affliction, sorrow) for others. First,
there is no seat in the college, and no job for the Brahmana. This status
afflicted others step by step. Everything was normal, when we were leading
uncomplicated village life easily by physical effort. Now, we have the machine power,
factories...Our needs multiplied several fold and complicated the life. All
are struggling, under the present conditions, getting college admissions,
jobs... What is
the remedy? Do you expect the Brahmanas to leave the present lifestyle and
return to the Vedic Dharma? I must
state that the Brahmanas should return to their Vedic Dharma. By saying our
Muladharma (மூலதர்மம் =
Original Dharma) went absconding and keeping my mouth shut, I see no need for
a Guru Pītam and Acharya Sthānam. Though it appears unachievable,
we should spend all our power to retake that objective. To drive the
Europeans by Satyagraha was pooh-poohed by many. All impossible things in
this world found fructification. It is
not my job to think it is an impossible job and talk of giving up Dharma and
Truth. The feasibility of action or
lack thereof is in your hands. My job is to open your ears (and eyes) to what
is written in our Sastras without any slack and dither. My job is to stress
the importance of following the tenets of Sastras, however many are the
impediments (pirathikUlam பிரதிகூலம்). Page 158. Deivaththin
Kural (part One) The
social structure may or may not change. It may or may not be amenable for
change. We should strive to establish permanently a corps of interested
people, whose life work and living must be protection and perpetuation of
Vedas. I am not saying this for the perpetuation of Brahmana Jāti. We do
not need a Jāti with selfish motives. The Veda Sabdas are here for the
world welfare. I am telling that Veda Sabdas are essential for the existence
and welfare of the entire world. From now on, no Brahmana
should remain ignorant of Vedas. For all the disorders to resolve, there is
one solution, which is the return of the Brahmana to Vedism. That is my statement. I am
recommending the least necessary for rectification. The Brahmanas of today
may not have the courage or sacrificial Buddhi; let that be so. Even if you
are unable to return to attiyayaṉam
(learning and studying the Veda), I recommend at least your children
must return to that effort. From the
next generation, no Brahmana ignorant of Vedas should exist. Make
arrangements to do it. அத்தியயனம் attiyayaṉam, n. < adhya-yana. Learning, studying, esp.
the Vēda. You underwent many inconveniences
in this worldly life. You may think why the children should be made to take
up Vedic Dharma. If you consider that your present worldly life should
continue for the future generation, I will descend one step further down. Page 159. You let
your children engage in modern education for their livelihoods. I make
allowance for them not to make a living by Vedic protection (Veda-rakshanam).
When the children pursue modern education, please do the Cord Ceremony
(upanayanam) before eight years of age. Make arrangements for a daily
one-hour learning of Vedas in the evening for about ten years. Every Brahmana
household child should have the benefit of my recommendation. Now there may
not be a teacher to offer instructions (in Vedas). We are in that precarious
condition. Conduct Vedic studies from
neighborhood to neighborhood in common places, considering economic
situations. Conducting Vedic classes in a cooperative basis. In ten years,
slowly, they will learn mantras by rote and the procedural elements of
performing rites and rituals (Prayoga) like Upakarma for themselves and
others. Earning expertise in Proyoga or practice of rituals helps in the
performance of Vedic rites for themselves in the absence of Purohitas
(priests) in the future. If people may
ask whether Purohitam (priestcraft) alone can make a livelihood for the
children, this arrangement comes handy. Page 160. Everyone
should put their heart (mind and soul) in making Veda Sabdas perpetual in the
world and work toward that goal. This is for the benefit of all humanity and
not just for Brahmana Jāti. Consider this as your duty for the benefit
of billions of living beings. It is a duty ordained by God. It is a
beholden duty to the present and future generations. Thereby, we do not earn the mantle of treachery
and sin by shirking our responsibility to them. Some may conjecture that no
one would pay any attention to Vedas now or in the future and that any great effort at the present
would not bear fruits. I do not subscribe to this attitude. As the Ferris Wheel
spins, the bottom cab has to go up. As the modern civilization is at a high
now, it has to come down. We are enamored because of the conveniences the
newness offers. Once we experienced these amenities, we will find no
fulfillment in the modern lifestyle. We should know that we created an
unhealthy milieu. American example is
enough to illustrate it. The people, having lost tranquility, in spite of
contemporary and modern conveniences, want to forget the stresses of modern
living. The informed and the learned attend workshops in Vedanta, Yoga and
Bajanai. Some want to abjure sensual happiness, take a whole lot of pills and
remain in sleep. Monday,
July 08, 2013 Page 161. We are
not far off from this predicament. The following situation prevails. They
feel there is something left unexperienced in worldly pleasures, and run to
experience it. They realize later that it is not permanent but a fleeting
pleasure and turn their attention to matters of soul to obtain eternal bliss.
When they
think of adopting Vedic ways that offered societal tranquility before, they
realize that Vedic learning and recitation fell into disuse. It is a big
treachery (disservice) to sever the chain of continuity of Vedic Dharma. We
cannot be satisfied with Vedic books alone. Are not there books on Veda
Mantras, Yagas... well-researched and written over many years? You may say
that the future generations can learn the Vedas from the books. I have to answer that question. There is a
question more fundamental than that. I have not dealt with it before. What is
the meaning in the statement that Veda Sabda would safeguard (rakshiththal = ரக்ஷித்தல்) the
world? Mantras are mere sounds: that is one view. They are in words, which
should carry some meaning. They may have lofty meanings. Though it is so,
can't we learn them from books? Why should we be chanting these Mantras all
our lifetimes? Where is the need for a group of people to chant these
Mantras? If the Vedas and their
meanings were to remain resplendent, you can always look them up in the
books. Where is the necessity to perpetuate a hereditary and traditional
Jāti to protect what is already in the book? Page 162. Anyone
can open the book and learn Vedas, Mantras and Tattvas. The Veda Sabdas
(sounds) should retain the order and symmetry and not change in any way.
These mantras have meanings. Why should there be a group to voice the Vedas
to protect them? Here is the answer. Deivaththin
Kural Common
Dharmas Protection
of Vedas: Why should it be a lifetime work? It is apparent
that traditional division of labor engenders benefit to the whole society.
The question arises, If the Brahmana were to safeguard Vedas, what benefit
does the society gain from it? The
potter makes pots; the washerman cleans and washes the clothes; the weaver
makes cloth; the cowherd milks and delivers milk; the farmer ploughs: Like
this, every man does a job. People eat the harvested and milled rice, which
is essential to alleviate hunger. People wear the woven cloth to conceal
their shame, and to ward off chill and heat. They drink milk and prepare
yogurt from it. They use pot for cooking. All these services are essential to
daily living. People experience these benefits, provided by many Jātis. Page 163. What does
a Brahmana give? To nurture and cherish Varna Dharma and Sastras are his
vocation. Brahmana
should hear the Vedas with his ears and commit them to memory. Likewise, he
should teach and chant the Vedas loud to his pupils. That is attiyāpaṉam (அத்தியாபனம் adhyā- pana. Teaching the Vēda). Adhyayana *அத்தியயனம் attiyayaṉam
is
Learning,
studying, esp. the Vēda. One is teaching and another is learning Vedas.
In addition, the Sastras has enjoined the Brahmana to do daily observances,
Yagas, Yagnas... The meaning
of Vedas is very lofty. We might surmise that modernists would accept that
premise. The society needs
intelligence and arts. Some might say, as the Veda contributes to
intellectual growth, a few can teach and spread the knowledge of its meaning
to the humanity. Sastras say it falls on the shoulder of a Brahmana to
preserve and propagate the sound of the Veda. Veda should be given to all of
humanity for its preservation. If object is that the meaning had to be
understood by all, and the fact that only few know it, they do not instil a
faith in it. If
above-said services are interrupted, the society is affected. If Veda
Adyayanam (Teaching) stops, what would be the consequences? If this were to
be understood, we should know what Veda is. It is of no use to analyze it
intellectually. It is of use when we believe in the sayings of the
experienced (and the realized). Page 164. Thus
said, it may precipitate objections. How is it? We are rationalists. Only
when all what you said are within our intellectual grasp, we will accept
them. What am I to do? How could you
claim that all things must be within man's intellectual grasp? Among all
living beings, man is just another being.
Would a cow understand what happens in the laboratory? If my intellect
does not understand the laws, could those laws exist? --a cow cannot say
that. Manushyas, ignorant of studies in physics, do not understand it. When a
physicist tells, the layman believes it. When the appliances work that can be
observed, we accept the laws of physics behind it. Likewise, we should trust
the Vedic teachings of the learned in Sastras. Because of the observational
(and experiential) benefits from the Vedas, we must accept them. Hindu
society withstood oppositions and stood tall as the most ancient religion.
Many more great men appeared on the Hindu landscape more than in any other
religion. People did not demand intellectual apprehension but exercised
faith, (belief, and trust) in Hinduism and reaped great benefits. Rishis
transcended man's intellect and attained perfection (அகண்டம் = Akandam). It is the considered opinion that through the
Rishis, the Veda Mantras descended to
the human race. If someone says that soul power cannot be attained,
then there is no talk (of convincing the contrarian). Tuesday, July 09, 2013 Page 165. We can point out great men and men of Yogic power as
the wielder of powers, not found in others; this could help them believe. If
they call it mumbo jumbo, we cannot argue with it. That this is something
beyond the reach of thought is the only non-analytical argument we can
advance. The proponents should understand this (and believe in it). You could have gone to hear interesting political
speeches. You are here and I assume you are not analytic thinkers. I will
tell you the reason why Veda should be learnt and taught in the traditional
manner. If you are not made in that mold (analytic thinkers), you might think
there may be something right in what Samiyar says. Veda Sabda: the importance given to this is
ununderstandable. How and where does
sound claim its source? Wherever there is vibration or movement, there arises
the sound. That is analytical science talking. Dhvani sounds (= thoni = தோனி) are the origin of Varna's
(Alphabet) vocal sounds. Sounds could be heard by the ears; some sounds are
not audible to the ears and can propagate as waves as in a radio or
telephone. What we see and hear are electric waves. There are electric waves
in the listener, the seer/observer and the brain; that knowledge, science has
brought to us. Page 166. In this world, there are many inert objects like
mountain, earth, river, ocean...Life forms are many and varied in appearance.
All these were created from something. THAT which created the living and the
inert, moved in so many ways and the objects appeared from out of the many
vibrations. If vibrations have sound, creation was preceded by sound. In this
creation, there is one to one sustenance of life. When there is mutual support, many sounds
ought to take place. It is not just in
gross activities that vibrations take place. Science has proved our thinking
is a run of electric current (and waves).Since each thought of ours is a
vibration, there must be accompanying sound, which are so subtle that we do
not hear with our ears. The bacteria, not seen by our eyes are seen under the
microscope. Likewise, there are many sounds, not heard by the ears. If there is a movement either by a physical or a
mental process, there must be production of sound, according to science. Every movement has (produces) a unique sound of its
own. In other words, if a particular sound has to be produced, there must be
a particular kind of movement. A Vidvan sings. If you need to modulate your
pitch (புரட்டுதல்
= பிர்க்கா = purattuthal = pirkkaa = Rising to
a high pitch and then lowering), you have to make all movements and vibrations that
he makes in his voice box. Page 167. Sound and movement are produced together. From the
sound comes an object or mental disposition. In all, creation comes from
Sabda or sound. This age-old Tattva falls in line with the science's
analytical deductions. Sound, whose inherent activities and thoughts
involved in creation, abides in the Ether. What happens to the sound created
by hand-clapping? It stays in Ether. All good deeds have each a precursor
vibration and sound. The produced sounds result in the good and the bad. If
people entertain virtuous thoughts, there must be similar vibrations (salanam
= சலனம்). There must be analogous sounds. If we produce such sounds, good thoughts
would arise in the minds of the people of the world. There is no greater good for the world than
lofty thoughts. Veda Mantras are sounds that have the
inductive power to those with good and lofty thoughts. It is not just
that. People need food to live. There
is a formation of clouds. The clouds come down as rain, which means that many
kinds of vibrations caused the series of actions. With the production of some sounds and their
inherent vibrations, the rainfall must happen perforce. We can bring to
people life's essential needs through sounds.
Certain sounds can produce unneeded and bad fruits or results. All
sounds in the Veda have one supreme purpose: the welfare of the world. Page 168. Are these vibrations and sounds spontaneous in
origin? No. Spontaneous and varied vibrations, having no relationship, appear
zigzag. In this world, there is so much of orderliness, propriety, and
mutuality. It appears that One Great Intellect has planned all these events,
and made all the movements (and sounds), and the creation. The movement in
this Intellect made sounds. That is why we say Veda Mantras were formed in
the Supreme Soul and the Witness. We have to protect and nurture those sounds
for the welfare of the world. Veda Mantras are a series of sounds (sabda-k-kovaikal சப்தக் கோவைகள்) offering welfare to the world. Veda Mantras: we heard them well with our ears. The
Sabdas of creation, produced outside of the world, are not perceived by the
ears. How could you say that Creation Sabdas and Veda Mantras are one? Jiva has all that found in the cosmos. Pinda (body) has all that is in Anda (cosmos). (We
are a little beings, made of cosmic dust.) If we raise Mantra Sabdas with
musical note, with the vibrations created in the Nadis of the body, we can
catch the welfare-producing vibrations in the Ether. This premise might sound
incompatible with analytical intelligence. We are unable to grasp many events
in the cosmos with the limited instruments of our body. Even the atheists
agree with this premise. Page 169. There is a sun in this universe; our body feels the
heat. Our nose knows the flower by its smell. The tongue and the mouth know
the taste of Sugarcane juice. Our eyes know the colors and the difference
between the red and the yellow. One Entity should have made the cosmos and
the body (Akandam and Pindam = macrocosm and microcosm. If not, it is
impossible for one to know the other
and lead a life. Going one step further, That One Supreme Entity made not
only the Andam and the Pindam, but also itself became the Andam and Pindam.
The Yogis have experienced this (in their yogic vision). What is in the cosmos (macrocosm) is in the body
(microcosm) in such modified forms, the body organs can easily relate to and
apprehend. If man makes his sounds in his voice box, there are corresponding
causative sounds in the cosmos (macrocosm), which we do not hear. If the
radio waves are captured, changed, and presented to the ears in audible
sounds, we can accomplish many things by the cosmic sounds for the welfare of
the world. That is the science of Yoga.
Yoga offers mental purity (and perfection) through vibrations of Yoga
Nadis. By the turn of the dial, we can
capture the music by the individual station(s). Yoga makes it possible with the help of
movement or vibration in the Yoga Nadis to capture the Universal Powers. With
the help of Yoga Sadhana, the Yogi knows to draw what is in the macrocosm
into the microcosm of the body. Page 170. It is impossible to present a proof, acceptable to
the intellect and intuitive perception (Yukti). Yoga is the state that
transcends intuitive perception (and reason). Veda tells us what is beyond
our lowly human Yukti. It is a paradox (அசம்பாவிதம்
= asampvāitam) trying to obtain
proof of existence of what is beyond human Yukti with the limited utility of
human yukti. You have to trust the elders. Observing the rules of Yoga Sastra
without a let, we can know the truth. All the people questioning (the
validity of Vedic truth) will not succeed in Yoga Sadhana (Yogic perfection).
The dilemma is how to convince people that you are before an authentic Yogi,
and you want to accept the real Yogi's power. How are we to convince others
that yogi's actions are not deception? Faith has to come into play. Later,
inferences, one's own Sadhana, and the inherent wisdom coming from it will
firm up faith and guarantee that it is truth or Satyam. We can do nothing
with the unbelievers and people who fail to try it themselves. There is a state of merger and perception in uniting
Andam and Pindam. There are adepts at this. This adept can become subtle in
one phase and gross in the other. This, I say, only to the believers. Page 171. When you look at the orderly functioning world, it is
apparent that there must be a Great Intelligence or Wisdom (in charge). It is
that Supreme Soul from whom all matter and all Sabdas emerged. First after a
world of Sound in Ether appeared, a world of visible objects appeared. All
sounds exist in the Ether. In the phenomenal world, man's body is present.
The external Ether is present in the heart of the Jiva. Yogis in a state of
Samadhi experience this Ether in the heart (hrdyakasa). Thereat, the
difference between the external and the internal disappears and everything
becomes one. In that state, the Yogis receive the sounds from the Ether and
give them to the world. This series of sounds, granting wellness to the
world, are the Veda Mantras. No Rishi created these sounds or Mantras, though
the Mantras are named after Rishis. What it means is that a Rishi discovered
a hitherto unknown Mantra in Ether and offered it to humanity. Rishi means
Mantra Drsta, the discoverer of a Mantra. It is not that he is a Mantra Karta
(the designer of Mantra). As the breath moving in the body giving us life,
the movements of the Sound sustains the life on earth. Paramatma's breaths
are Veda Mantras. There is no Supreme Soul without these Mantras. Like
Paramatman like Mantras. The unique nature of these Mantras in the form of sound
without meaning is they grant wellness to the world. There is more to it.
There are transcendent meanings in them. The supreme purport (தாற்பரியம் = tāṟpariyam)
in all Vedas is Truth, which, Vedas say, manifested in so many forms. When
the deities existed as Sound-forms, they remained in the forms of individual
Devathas, granting us bliss and favors and manifesting as idols. Wednesday, July 10, 2013 Page 172. Sabdas by themselves do not offer any benefits. The
omnipotent Isvara, remaining such, does not offer benefits, boons and bliss
directly; as a king would have delegates to run his affairs, Paramatman has
ceded power to a Devata, capable of offering favors. That Devata's Sound Form
is the respective Mantra. If an aspirant attains Siddhi (Realization, Yogic
perfection) by meditating on the personified Mantra, the Yogi will see the
Devata with body parts with his own eyes. If the Yogi invokes (ā-hūti) the Devata's body with Devata-specific Mantras, that
itself becomes ā-hāra (sacrifice). If one performs such
Yagna, the specific deities confer boons and blessings. We pay taxes to the
king. We send the taxes to the tax collectors deputed by the king. Likewise, we offer sacrifices to Paramatma's surrogate Devatas,
who maintain world weal. Veda Sabdas as Devatas' own natural forms are their
greatness. Vedic learning (and recitation) gives prosperity (சுபிக்ஷம்
= supikṣam) to not only our
country but also to the entire world. Vedas transmit favors and tranquility from
the World-Saktis. The poetic composition of the Vedas is admired and
celebrated by foreigners for their flavors (loftiness). They offer bliss and Darśana
of the deities. They teach us important
Upanishadic truths related to supreme wisdom of Soul realization. The
supremacy of meaning in Vedas is also a feature of Sabdas. (Sabdas carry no
less honor and respect than those of Vedas in their import.) In truth, Sabda
carries unique Sakti or power. It is true of Veda Mantras and also of any
Mantra. Page 173. Sabda or sound carries more importance than the
meaning in many Mantras. The syllables and correct musicality alone carry
special power. The meaning of Mantra does not carry such an import. Take
Scorpion Mantra; its meaning is nowhere to be found. It is said that meaning
should not be of prime importance. If you chant the sound series, the
vibrations caused by it in the Ether or by the power of syllables, the
scorpion poison attenuates itself.
Every kind of sound (intonation) has every kind of power. Abhichara is
a Mantra that could cause harm to others. Those sounds have the power to
inflict harm. In these, there are purity of syllables. Musical perfection in
the sound has the power. They knock out the teeth of the Incantor (sorcerer) of pilli-cūṉiyam (பில்லி சூநியம் = witchcraft). If
the teeth go, so goes the correct enunciation. The Mantras develop defective syllabic
enunciation. Their effect suffers. Enunciation has to be precise for the
syllables to offer benefits. When we understand the power in the sounds, what
is the language of Mantras? We get the urge to translate the Mantras into
English. We can translate the
Death-Anniversary Mantras (திவிச மந்திரம் = thivisa Mantras)
into English. Veda Mantras have whatever sounds that offer wellness to all
living things. Trusting them is important. Do not ask whether Rishis can hear
whatever we do not hear. Divine vision and Divine hearing of what we do not
see and hear do occur. Our vision is dependent on the lens in the eye. If the lens has structural problems, our
vision will be distorted. By yoga Sadhana, we can obtain all these divine
faculties. Page 174. It is not advisable to test (exegesis) what is in
the Vedas with the help of eyes, ears, intuition, Buddhi...Vedas are here to
tell us what is beyond the reach of eyes, ears, intuition, and Buddhi. We
have the capacity to comprehend what we perceive before us. There is no need
for Veda to expound such common perceptions. Whatever that cannot be proven
by evidence, and where Buddhi cannot reach, such supreme truths are within
the reach of Rishis, who offered them as Veda. We do not see the happenings
in foreign countries. We come to know of them via newspapers (and TV). And we
trust them implicitly. Rishis have given us the newspaper, "Veda Mantras"
which has the material that we cannot perceive by worldly instruments. We have to accept them on implicit faith. If we take
it with a tad of trust, we will discover its benefits and with the passage of
time, we will know with certainty that it is Truth. We can see some benefits from the power of Mantras.
There are more bad than good Mantras. Incitement, witchcraft...by Mantras
induce fear in us. If some sounds have inimical power, it is easy to
understand that there must be salubrious Mantras. Varuna Japam (Invocation of rain god
Varuna) brought rain (to the parched tongues and fields), which we have seen.
Page. 175. There were instances, when Varuna Japam did not
work. We cannot castigate the Mantra as powerless. Some patients respond to
medications well. Some do not respond. Should we blame the medication? We may
say that the disease is too far advanced for the medicine to work. If Karma
is strong, no medication or no Mantra will work. It may be that the patient
did not observe dietary rules. If Mantra Sakti is to fructify, there are some
observances (Niyamam). If the Niyamam is not observed well, Mantras will not
offer benefits. Yoga Sastra is science. If the laboratory tests are not
conducted well by procedures, the results will be awry or may even cause
catastrophe. Working on live electricity, one should stand on non-conducting
wood and wear gloves. If you break the rules, things go wrong. If Yoga Sastra
is science, you have to follow the rules (and procedures). Where Varuna Japam
was unproductive, I made inquiries. They did not eat salt-free (அலவணம் = alavana = salt-free; லவன = salt) diet, which is mandatory for rain-making Varuna
Japam. Because of the greatness of Mantra, a fallen
apparently dead log spouted sprigs, as witnessed by people in Tatiruvanaikka
(a town). The sacred tree (Sthala Viruksha) of the temple is the white Jambhu
tree (Rose-apple tree). That is why the town is named Jambukesvaram. Page 176. The tree was practically dead with one branch
showing minimal life. The town's Chettiars performed the sacred ceremony with
Ekadasa Rudra-apishekam (11th day ritual ablution). By Mantra
Sakti, the barely living branch started to sprout with sprigs at that moment. Every sound shows results in the outer world. Researchers
compiled many sound syllables in a musical arrangement and played the note
over and over again; the vibrations shone on the surface of the lake water as
little points of light, which later coalesced into a recognizable form. Every kind of musical series produced a
light-form. From this, we can believe that the sound of Veda Mantras can make
the forms of the deity for us to witness it. Not that Sound (oli ஒலி) changes into
Light (oLi ஒளி) in the outer world. The Sound Pervades the outer world producing
many kinds of results. These Veda Sounds pervades the environment so much so
they cause supreme auspiciousness; that kind of power exists in the
Mantras. Notes are important, some
raised, some lowered, and some on an even keel. Then only we obtain benefits.
Vedas, chanted in three Svaras, Utattam, Anutattam, and Svaritam, come to
fruition (palitham = பலிதம்). Svara and
Sabda together will make the cosmic power to confer benefits to us. Thursday, July 11, 2013 Page 177. We have faith in the power of Veda Mantras. Why do
we need a separate caste or Jāti (to perpetuate the Vedic tradition)?
There are many reasons. First, Vedas are not meant to be read from books. It
is an aural-oral tradition. It has to be committed to memory. What one
learnt, the next generation should hear. This is impossible if he has to hold another job. The teacher
and the taught maintain an aural-oral tradition. This is a full-time job and not a part-time
vocation. It is a Brahmana’s vocation to protect, learn and
teach other Jātis Vedas, other Sastras, and arts. He should teach
hereditary and traditional skills that a particular Jāti should know to
pursue latter's caste-specific livelihood. He has the responsibility to
nurture knowledge and tradition of the society. He should become masterful in
Yuddha Sastra (science of warfare) inclusive of Dhanur Veda and teach them to
the traditional warrior class. Sastras
tell that though he knows all arts and sciences, he should not practice them
to make a living. He should teach others. He should not make it his vocation,
though the monetary returns are excellent. Vedic learning and teaching are
his vocation. Sastra says that for Mantra Siddhi, a Brahmana should observe
severe rules, vows, and fasting, that he should curtail his food intake
and sensual pleasures (= ஆஹாரவிஹாரங்கள்
= akāravihārangaḷ) to the extent to safeguard his life, and that he
should live in a hut. He should not make money by doing other jobs and fall into
the abyss of sensual pleasures. Making money should not be his aim. He should
spend his time by being a Thyagi for the welfare of the world, protecting the
Vedas, and observing rituals and performing sacrifices. Page 178. Others should nurture him so that a Brahmana will
not die of hunger. He should be given the bare essentials for sustaining
life. He should be provided without any impediments grains necessary for the
performance of sacrifices. We pay salary for a particular job performance. We
pay to buy goods and services, which we need for daily living. We must
provide living wages to the Brahmana for his services such as performance of
sacrifices with Mantra Sabdas for public weal of the whole society. I am not
suggesting to build a palace for the Brahmana or dole out gold coins. It
might be necessary to provide him enough riches, so he is not short of grains
needed for the performance of sacrifices. There should not be any pomp and
circumstance in his personal life. His sensuality should dry, parch, wither,
droop and fall (வாட வாட வைத்து) and consequently, his Mantra Siddhi should be able
to create world weal. Vedas are not meant to be written and then read; they should be heard and memorized, as I said
before. Let me give you the reasons. Vedas perforce abide in the World of
Sounds (Sabda Brahman). They do not have to be in the form of books: Book
form is anathematic. If they happen to be books, the habit of committing them
to memory and repetition will be lost. I have no doubt about it. Here it is.
Say, the book is there for ready access. Let us use it as the occasion
demands. Why should I spend time
committing them to memory? That lack of commitment will be unwelcome. Page 179. Let me present to you an example. You are familiar
with almanac preparer or Almanac-meister. His job is to officiate observances
and rites for the 4th Varna. According to the job description of pańcāṅka-k-kāraṉ
(பஞ்சாங்கக்காரன்), it is apparent this is not his primary job.
Pańcāṅka-k-kāraṉ is the one who literally makes all the
calculations. Pańcāṅkam means there are five Ankams [Pańca = five]
+ [Aṅka = limbs] = Five limbs in each day: Tithi, Vāram,
Naksatram, Yogam and Karanam. In Vedic
astrology, it means "five attributes" of the day. They are: Tithi
- Ending Moment (EM) of
elongation of the Moon, the lunar day, the angular relationship between Sun
and Moon ( Apparent Moon minus Apparent Sun). One Tithi equals 12 degree
difference between Moon and Sun. Var weekday the seven weekdays. Nakshatra
- EM of asterism of the day,
that is, the stellar mansion in which Moon is located for an observer at the
center of the Earth. One Nakshatra equals 13 degrees:20 minutes. There are 27
Nakshatra in 360 degrees. Yoga
- EM of the angular
relationship between Sun and Moon( Apparent Moon plus Apparent Sun). One Yoga
equals 13 degrees:20 minutes. There are 27 Yogas in 360 degrees. Karana
- EM of half of a Tithi.
One Karaṇa equals 6 degree difference between Moon and Sun. ---Wikipedia Is a day in question good or bad? What undertaking
can be done or forbidden that day? One should be proficient in these five to
know what can be done and what cannot be done. Nowadays, astronomers in
Greenwich lab make calculations and notation about attributes of sun, moon,
and stars. In olden days, the Indian Almanac-Meister was an expert in these
calculations. People did undertake actions based on the Jyothisha Sastra. The
Meister had palm notations, went to homes one by one, and read them, so
people made us of them for their benefits. The Meisters of yesterday are gone and the present
completely forgot the science of almanac. What is the reason? Printing press
came into being. Now they have almanac for the whole year printed in a book
form; gone are the days of Palm-Leaf
Panchangam. Friday, July
12, 2013 Page 180. As soon as the almanac appeared in the book form,
the incentive to commit to memory of the Sastra will be gone forever. The
Almanac-Meister of yesteryears and yore remain so in name only today. Almanac
is a part of Jyothisam, which from indifference is in a moribund state. If the verdict were that the Vedas could be taught
and learnt from books, it would be in a moribund state now. The Veda Sounds
remaining in this world and giving a wellness to all Jivarasis (all life
forms) would have become extinct. Our ancestors knew that if the Vedas were put into
writing, lack of interest and faith would have been the outcome. The Veda
writer and singer (லிகித பாடகன்
= likita pātakan) is christened Ataman (அதமன்
= vile person). In Tamil, Veda is
"Unwritten word" (எழுதாக்
கிளவி). In
Sanskrit, Veda is Sruti, which means what it must be heard by the ears. In
other words, Veda is not to be written and read. Hearing by the ears,
chanting by mouth and memorization are not a
part-time but a full time vocation. The guru teaches Veda foot by foot; the
student repeats each foot twice; thus, Veda Sound (the Chorus) filled the
surroundings and spread all over. Over many thousands of generations, this
vast ocean of Vedas was kept alive by oral (exegetic) recension to the
beginning of this century (1900s). If the crop of 100,000 years, brought to
us as God's command (பகவதாக்ஞை=
bhagavad-ājńāi) and our duty, were to be destroyed, there is no
greater sin than this. Page 181. Once Vedas are extinct, thereafter, there is no need
for a separate Brahmana Jāti. Is there any comparision to some people's
demand, "
Pārppānē veḷiyē
pō" (பார்ப்பானே வெளியே
போ = Brahmana-Seer, Get
Out)? Have we ever heard of phrases like Potter Exit, Launderer Exit...? If
they were ejected out of town, others will pull them back. Potter and
washerman are useful to the town. The townspeople or the villagers saw
usefulness, when the Brahmana lived without ostentation (படாடோபம்
= patātōpam),
with Sattva Guna, and protecting the Vedas. They showed great love, respect
and loyalty to the Brahmana. If famine (Dur-Bhiksa) and diseases, as they
exist today, were non-existent in a happy society then, people realized that
the reason for such a society was due to Veda Sabdas, rituals, rites and sacrifices. (பார்ப்பானே
வெளியே போ = Brahmanas are generally
called Pārppān, meaning Seer. A Brahmana in a Vedic
sense is a Seer or Sage. Pārppān is a pejorative word in common
usage.) Brahmanas' social and community services met the needs
of the society; besides, his lifestyle set an example for others. By
moderating his desires, remaining a man of peace, exercising compassion to
all life forms, entertaining constantly thoughts of God, behaving like Tyāga Sīlars (தியாக
சீலர்) in the performance
of rites and rituals with observances, bereft of personal benefits, the
average man emulated Brahmana Jati's natural inclination to lofty principles
and Atma Gunas (Personal conduct) and came to collaborate and cooperate with
Brahmanas. The Non-Brahmanas, when time permitted away from their work,
observed many vows and fasts. It is a misperception to say that Brahmanas
kept other Jātis from rising further. Sastras have ordained the
Brahmanas an exemplary lifestyle, so other Jātis emulated the Brahmanas
and rose up by their own endeavors. Tyāga
Sīlars (தியாக
சீலர் = A man who sacrifices his self-interest is a Tyāgi. Sīlar is a man of
noble conduct. Page 182. It is a mistake to think that the Brahmanas
suppressed other Jātis by saying that they should not study (adhya-yana) Vedas.
அத்தியயனம் attiyayaṉam, n. < adhya-yana. Learning, studying, esp.
the Vēda. Protection of Vedas is lifetime vocation. All
vocations are followed on a hereditary basis. It is the fact of life that
contrariness to this rule leads to competition and jealousy. When you let
another Jati into a non-traditional non-hereditary vocation, there will be
confusion and scuffle (கோளாறு = kōlāṛu). By this,
established social order will be damaged. Every vocation is lofty. Why should
one think and embrace Veda Rakshanam (protection) as a loftier vocation? The other Jātis should not engage in the study
- adhya-yana - of Vedas, but there is no objection to
familiarize oneself with its Tattvas. These Tattvas are essential for betterment of the
soul. Only a few are needed for Veda Sabda Rakshanam (Veda Sound Protection). ரக்ஷணம் rakṣaṇam / rakṣaṇa =
Protection. All can familiarize themselves with the contained opinions in
relation to soul betterment.
Non-Brahmanas like Appar Swamigal and Nammazvar have composed songs,
containing Veda-Vedanta Tattvas. Page 183. If Brahmanas claimed exclusive possession of Jnana
and Bhakti and suppressed other Jātis, there would not have been one
Appar, one Nammazvar, three-quarters of sixty-four Nayanmars and many Azhvars
(Vaishnava poets) on the Bhakti landscape. From the Dalit Jāti, potter
Jāti and many other Jātis...Nayanmars (Saiva Sage-poets) appeared.
It is hard to find a Thayumanavar and a Pattinaththar among Jnanis. Recently, we have had Ramalinga Swamigal.
There were exemplary other Jātis, worthy of worship by Brahmanas. There
were kings in the fourth Jāti; take, for instance, Sivaji, who
established a kingdom and rekindled a new life to Veda Dharma. Therefore,
suppression, exploitation...are all newly fabricated stories. I am not saying that there was not any irregularity.
Mistakes happen in any endeavor. All Jātis hold in high position the
Brahmana, who does good work, lives a life of purity and serves as a good
guide. If he lacks such qualities, they clamor to eject the
Pārpān. There is no need for him to have the special
privilege of a Brahmana, if he starts competing with other Jātis for
money without any ordained aim in his life. If a Brahmana Jāti exists
without an ordained purpose, I feel like destroying the caste before others
do it. A substance has no right to exist without a purpose. If Brahmana
Jāti is of no use to the world, there is no need for it. Page 184. There are tollgates in many places. They collect a toll
at the gate. Later, there was no toll collection (for some reason). Why is
there a need for a gate then? Nothing should exist without any use. It must
not exist. A Brahmana without Veda (toll), is a gate with no toll collection.
How can we plead on his behalf that he should not be thrown out? Today's Brahmana, in the place of anticipated
respect, deserves slander (தூஷித்தல்
= Thūshiththal). But Slander and
enmity (துவேஷம் = Thuvēsham) must be justified. We could level
slanderous charges against the Brahmana for shirking his Dharma but at the
same time, we should not slander Veda Dharma.
Others should help a Brahmana continue to pursue his Dharma. The other
Jātis must come to grips with the age-old practice that there must be a
Brahmana Jāti with hereditary and traditional Dharma. As the Brahmana
abandoned his Vedic Dharma, and if the other Jātis (follow suit) give up
their faith in Vedic religion, then there is no justification for the other
Jātis to blame the Brahmana. If the Brahmana decides against Vedas, it
appears the Brahmana has come to terms with abandoning his Dharmic Kula
vocation and feels this abandon is acceptable. Once this traditional vocation
is given up, it comes to mean that he has to take up another profession to
make a living. That means, he has to compete with other Jātis. If the
opponents of Veda Dharma take their favorite stand against it and at the same
time, do not want the Brahmana to take the jobs of other Jātis, that
double whammy does not appeal to analytical intellect. Page
185. If the opponent's attitude is that Veda is inimical
to society and has to be given up, it is no justice to hate a Brahmana, who
switches from his traditional calling to vocations of other Jātis. Man’s
Dharma is to see no dog or fox suffer hunger (malnutrition and death). This
Dharma is common to all religions. Even the atheists support this kind of
love and sacrifice. Again, it is against decency and justice to prevent the
Brahmana doing his traditional Vedic Dharma, or the vocation of other Jātis
and let him die of hunger. The great help of other Jātis is to encourage a
Brahmana to remain a true Brahmana and thus protect the Vedas. I have heard
this before. Some Brahmanas went to the Cheri (Dalit Colony) of the Dalits,
saying the Dalit and the Brahmana have become equal and one. The Cheri
dwellers pleaded with the Brahmanas to keep doing their ordained duties and
not come to the Cheri. They said doing their job was the best and broke the
mud pots on the path to the Cheri to stop the Brahmanas. Though the jobs are
separate, the Jātis do not mix in the community, and all entertain love
and humanity in their hearts, the sense of public weal has spread to the
general populace. As of today, the general public has not abandoned
their faith in Vedas and belief in God. It is my opinion that they will not
go away. The propaganda of enmity (and hate) against the Brahmanas exists in
the political realm. If you delve into the mind of people, Vedic rituals and
traditions, fear of and devotion to God, and loyalty are part of life of the
community. It is enough if the Brahmana becomes straight (in his character) a
bit. All enmity will disappear. Without expecting support from others, I said
that he should dare to die with Svadharma (one's own duty). If in truth, he does not expect any
support, it is my conviction the community will not let him down the path of
ill fate. My position is that a Brahmana should safeguard his Vedic Dharma,
in the unlikely event the community gives up on him. Irrespective of
opinions, hospitality, and excoriation, the Brahmana should protect the Vedas
for the public weal. Page 186. All these days, my talk to
the Brahmana community is in reference to other communities or Jātis. There
is so much to teach them. They are very desirous of knowing about them. The
other Jātis, when explained well, do observe the rituals and rites. That
the Brahmana community is under my
control is a generally held opinion. Since the religious mutt performs
many observances, people feel rightly or wrongly that I have deep roots into
the community. Under these circumstances, if I were to give a discourse on
Dharma, which I assume they may take with love, humility, and zeal, there may
arise a question in their mind. The Periyava-dependent
(ஆசிரயம் ācirayam. ā-šraya. Dependence, seeking protection with
another) Brahmanas in some manner
have not altered their ways for the better. The other Jātis may think
that Periyava is here to advise us to
follow our dharma (when he failed to correct the Brahmana community). In
truth, all are one to me. If you were to look into it, I entertain deep
dissatisfaction to Brahmanas, who abandoned the Great Vedas. Page 187. As the world opines that the Brahmanas are under my
control, I tell them about Veda Rakshanam (protection) in an endless manner
and to start it with full vigor. If the Brahmanas bring this into regular
practice at least in a small measure, I will have the face to talk about the
Dharmas of the Non-Brahmana Jātis to them. The Brahmanas should help in
this matter. Observances of Veda Rakshanam and Karma-anushtanam help all
living things. All communities, for mutual help, should follow the ordained
Dharma of their respective Jātis without considering the high and the
low of their vocations. For prosperity and soul upliftment, some must nourish
Veda Sabdam. Let us assume that other vocations coming down over generations
have done good service to people. Why should there be a separate vocation for
Veda protection? Whether a vocation
exists or not, and whether they mix with each other or not, Veda Rakshanam is
certainly a distinct and separate vocation (in and by itself) from the rest. Page 188. Deivaththin Kural (Part One) Common Dharmas My vocation I could remain in some village anonymously in peace
and solitude (எகாந்தம் = Ekāntham), performing Puja,
Dhyana...For the daily running of the mutt, there is not that much money
needed as we get now. Mutt must be
lean on money and people. We do not need a big body of retainers and a large
school of clerks. The honesty and integrity of the chief of the mutt are its
money and strength. Because you give plenty of money, I did not leave my
solitude and came to town. You hold a lot of love and devotion towards me.
You have immense happiness at my acceptance of your call. The fulfillment of
your desire and the happiness are your actions. The reason why I came to town
is for one purpose only. What is it?
Brahmanas should not give up Vedas; so saying, they should do something
concrete for Veda Rakshanam. Towards that goal, I strive. Vedas are the root
of Siddhanta of our religion and lifestyle. I am here to lay stress to that
message and restorative action by you, which will prevent Veda Dharma from
vanishing in this generation. Veda Tattvam without beginning (அநாதி
= anādi) must shine forever in its
root form. It should be Yaga Brahmanan, who as a servitor holds this
effulgent torch. This is the obligate duty of the Brahmana to render this
service to the posterity. Sunday, July 14, 2013 Page 189. Brahmanyam was not established for threatening
others or for self-edification. It exists so the peon of the community holds
the light for the people (to walk on the lighted path). I am going to towns pleading
with the Brahmanas not to extinguish this beginningless flame of Veda Dharma
and precipitate darkness in the future in the whole world. Only in towns, people come in thousands. I do not delegate others to spread my
message but bring the message directly to people. In consideration of this, I
go to towns though the observances (Acāram) in the mutt suffer. The crowd is getting larger more than I
expected. I am in distress and cause
distress to you. ஆசாரம்ą ācāram , n. < ā-cāra. 1. Conducting
oneself according to the dictates of the Šāstras. You made expensive trips (just to hear me). You
build big Pandals. You come here in spite of many difficulties to listen to
my talks. My mind rebels against me giving you a pleasant talk without
causing you any mental distress. Having taken your money, It appears to me
that not telling you what came to my mind for the good of the village and the
world, is of no use. I keep telling you to do Veda Rakshanam and observe the
ancient Dharmas (பிராசீனம்
pirācīṉa = ancient). I am not sure I have the power to persuade you or
not. However, I keep advising you as far as possible, (hoping you will take
it to heart and change). Page 190. கனகாபிஷேகம் kaṉakāpiṣēkam, n. kanaka + abhiṣēka.
Showering gold,
bestowing gifts liberally as a mark of appreciation shown by kings and
noblemen (to Kanchi Acharya in this case). பீடாரோஹணம்
= Pītārōhaṇam = Ascending the Seat
(Monastic Seat = Becoming the head of the Monastery). My followers and devotees celebrate my kaṉakāpiṣēkam
and Pītārōhaṇam with pomp and circumstance. Much love is
showered. For this, they form a committee, collect funds, and work hard night
and day. How could we continue performing kaṉakāpiṣēkam
on a permanent basis for the future Acharyas? If Veda does not exist, where
is the need for Mutt (மடம் maṭam or matāthipathi (monastery and
head of monastery)? , n. < maṭha = mutt. 1. Hermitage; முனிவர் வாழிடம். 2. Monastery, convent for celibate monks). Instead of showing my interest in kaṉakāpiṣēkam
and Pītārōhaṇam, I will redirect my attention to Veda
Raksanam and ask the mutt official to organize a committee for raising funds.
What benefit can we obtain, if we cannot keep Veda
Rakshana for the next generation as a model for life-time vocation and
service? I am asking the interested party to organize in a cooperative basis
in all places Veda classes for children from 8 to 18 years of age on a daily
one-hour study of Veda Mantras and pirayōkam (பிரயோகம்
= practice
of rites and rituals). This is in truth
the kaṉakāpiṣēkam and festival. There is no gain without pain. We put up with many
difficulties to accomplish a goal. We believe that a student will get a
high-paying job if he goes to a particular university in a particular
continent for particular (major) studies. Yes, I am here to cause a great difficulty for you.
(I am going to be the pain in your coccyx [tailbone].) I think it is
appropriate I stay put here until you carry out my stated intentions or
agenda. It falls on me that I sit here and bother someone. Page 191. pra-vacana பிரவசனம் piravacaṉam = , n. < pra-vacana.
Lecturing, teaching, expounding. I am happy to note that in towns, there are Bajans,
temple services and Purana piravacaṉam (பிரவசனம்= Lecturing, teaching, expounding). How long would
these things hold on to their lives, if we let the Vedas, the causal root of
all go dead? The base is the Dharma that Vedas transmit from father to son.
Do not forget it. The Hindu religion is tottering to its foundation. Because
today the Brahmanas gave up Vedas, the world developed all these
perturbations, difficulties and catastrophes. I am not concerned about the death of a Jāti. I
am concerned about the decline of the world weal. If Veda Rakshanam fades
away, this tradition cannot be created again; that causes me no joy. யாகம் yākam , n. < yāga. 1. Sacrifice. ஞாதி ńāti , n. < jńāti. 1. Agnate. Veda Sabdas and yākāńāti rites cause
world weal. Vedanta offers great Tattvas to the people around the world. They
gain soul purification from the Tattvas. Other countries developed an eagerness
to study Vedanta. When they came, they
saw a Brahmana Jati whose life service was Veda Rakshanam. The outsiders
noticed that dedication to Vedas was their lives. Page 192. They researched and found unity in culture all over
the world. My opinion is that Vedic
Culture was widespread all over the world. Others also will come to this
conclusion upon further research. Once people find commonality, it creates an
attitude of amity among nations and religions. These Tattvas prevent one
religion claiming supremacy. If there were not a group of people ready to
sacrifice for the sake of Vedas, how will the foreigners know the core
(Tātpariyam) and essence of our Vedas and culture? Because of our lack of interest and
carelessness, we prevent others from gaining usefulness from our Vedas. (Tatpariyam =
தாத்பரியம் pith of the matter) It is the great responsibility
of the present generation to perpetuate the Vedic tradition in the interest
of all Jātis. Without doing this, my kaṉakāpiṣēkam
does not serve any purpose. Why did I consent to kaṉakāpiṣēkam?
It will help lure a great assembly of people. I have many people to listen to
what I have to say. I consented to
your desire for the ceremony because I wanted to jumpstart my mission which
has your interest in its heart. If you want to eradicate hatred, bitterness, anger
and distress and engage in the duty of Veda Rakshanam, you should show the
way by living the lives of Sadhus (சாது = virtuous
person) and Sānthars (சாந்தர் = man of peace). The fruits of this endeavor might
escape some. When a strike
precipitates widespread closure of shops, we feel the difficulties
(scarcity). But people may not
appreciate the harm to the community at large, when Veda Rakshanam comes to a
standstill. Page 193. In truth, the loss is great because of its
cessation. We will realize this with the passage of time. If we do not back off from (if we adhere to) our
duty (Veda Rakshanam), there will be love where hatred reigned supreme. In the ancient past, alcohol was in use only in
Tamil Nadu. Here only, Vedic knowledge, Jnanam, and Bhakti were resplendent.
At that time there were not just Thayumanavar, Pattinaththar... There were
great men of Vedanta, belonging to alien religions, such as Vedanayakam
Pillai, Mastan Sahib...This is the ancestral home of Veda Dharma. At the end
of Kaliyuga, the protector of Veda Kalki will appear in Dravida Desam in
Tirunelvelli SImai. Purana has said
that a Vedic Brahmana will be born here.
In a place like this, there should not be any contradiction to Vedic
tradition. I made the trip to the town to tell people that only the Brahmanas
hold the instrument to carry out this Vedic tradition. Our religion has pronounced community laws are
necessary to elevate man to his highest ideal. கட்டுப்பாடு kaṭṭu-p-pāṭu
, n. < id. +. Compact, social bond, community law. kaṭṭu-p-pāṭu
means to build a bund for men, community... There is no lake without a bund.
Breaking of the bund leads to loss of water, flooding and ruination of the
village. What is so amazing is that the most disciplined erstwhile Hinduism
faces a complete breakdown of all bunds. Page 194. I am conducting upaniyācam (உபநியாசம் = upa-nyāsa.
Address, speech, lecture) going around towns and villages thinking of
recruiting the Brahmanas, who should be the guides for the community. It is
the widespread opinion that the Brahmanas should be more disciplined than
other Jātis. If I were to succeed to keep the Brahmanas disciplined, I
will have the power to give spiritual instructions (உபதேசம் upatēcam upa-dēša = 1. Spiritual instruction, teaching of doctrine) to other people.
Therefore, the Brahmanas should be disciplined and help me in doing to
others whatever I need to do. Let me put it succinctly. Before the Acharya leaves
his mortal coil, I am repeating the same five Slokas that he mentioned from
the beginning: Vedō Nityam Athīyathām (Veda-everyday-learn and
study. As if she translated this,
Auvvaiyar, as she started her spiritual instruction, said not to spend one day
without recitation (of sacred texts). Every day, the Brahmana should do attiyayaṉam as is said by the Acharya in a positive manner.
Auvvaiyar expressed the same sentiment in a negative sense that one should
not spend his day without doing attiyayaṉam. Othuthal (ஓதுதல்) is attiyayaṉam (Learning, studying, esp. the Vēda). It is
neither writing nor reading; it is a recitation by mouth of Veda, which is
also known as Ottu (oththu). There is a temple town by name Vedapuri and Tiru
Oththur, where the Vedas (personified) performed Puja to Isvara. We are
entrusted from the time of Brahma Srushti (Brahma’s creation) to the present
to do the Othum Pani (ஓதும் பணி)
recitation [of Vedas] service) on a permanent
basis. This I want to tell you hoping
and yearning you will lend your ears. I go from town to town doing this, and
causing many expenses and miseries to you. உபநியாசம் upaniyācam , n. < upanyāsa. Address, speech, lecture. உபதேசம் upatēcam , n. < upadēša. 1. Spiritual instruction,
teaching of doctrine.
adhyayana *அத்தியயனம் attiyayaṉam , adhya-
yana. Learning, studying, esp. the Vēda. Page 195. My desire is that there is that possibility of ten
souls in this crowd of a thousand people will pay heed to my words and carry
out my mission. There is a natural predilection to go against
Dharma, after the people took to town life. It is the newness1 of the āṭṭam2 (game) in
the town: the newness of the manners, customs, speech and dress invites
curiosity of the new migrants from villages. நாகரீகம் nākarīkam1= nāgarika. 1. See நாகரிகம். 2. Something new; curiosity. நாகரிகம் nākarikam = nāgarika. 1. Manners, speech
and dress (pertaining to a city). ஆட்டம் āṭṭam2 = Motion, vibration, rocking, swinging, rolling, pitching, as of a
ship; 2. Play, sport, game. I stayed in the villages, taking a stand not to go
to the towns. The townsfolk with their love to me, insisted on my coming to
towns. I insisted that they should at
least have some semblance to old ways. It is acceptable if they do not return
to attiyayaṉam
right away. At least, they should show the external
signs in relation to it. There are some external symbols for the torch bearer
holding aloft the Vedas. As the peon in the office wears a dawāli1 and a uniform, the Brahmana must wear a tuft and pańca-kaccam2, as ordained in the sacred Texts. டவாலி ṭavāli
= dawāli1. Peon's belt on which a badge is worn. பஞ்சகச்சம் pańca-kaccam2 = A mode of wearing cloth by males. The external symbols do not declare his superiority.
The Brahmana should feel that the external symbols attest to the fact that he
is the servitor of all the people and the Vedas. I extracted a high price (kirākki) and demanded that I will
show up only if the Brahmanas wear these external symbols. கிராக்கி kirākki =
khīragi. High price. My insistence and demand elicited no positive
response. I am not sure whether they
lacked the courage, or they had no desire to change the customs, manners and
dress. Their insistence in inviting me did not stop. I got the impression
that they had love, loyalty and respect for me, though they did not listen to
what I said. Page 196. Let me give in to their desire and go to town
against my earlier resolve. Let me sit among them and express my desire
repeatedly and see whether it elicits even a little response. Mutt (Madam மடம்) is the institution that removes the dōṣa
(தோஷம் = Fault)
of the people and put them in the path of virtue. I came to a conclusion it
is my duty to inform them, what appears to be a deficiency, whether they
listen to me or not. Instead of
demanding the high price, I started going to the towns. Could I bring their attention to their faults and
cause mental pain, when the people pay
upacāram1 (attention, reverential hospitality = உபசாரம்) to me and take me in a procession (பவனி2) by the pēṭṭai3, koṭṭakai4, and street? People have many difficulties; the world
is having tattaḷippu5 (struggling for life) now; and there is no end to
the people's miseries. They come here to
me to forget their shortcomings. How could I pointedly say what is wrong with
them and cause mental pain? Should I do discourses to please them? There are musicians to please them. Therefore, do
not invite me for a night of musical extravaganza. Since I am giving
discourses for money (collections going to Mutt, monastery), I need to please
them. I am not here to take your money. The Mutt does not need this amount of
money. If money rolls in great amounts, it is spent on cantarppaṇai6 (feasts) and satas7 (assemblies). உபசாரம் upacāram1 , n. <
upa-cāra. 1. Civility, politeness, urbanity, attention to a guest,
affability; பவனி pavaṉi
2 , n. perh. T.
bavani. Procession,
riding in state, parade, as of a prince or deity. பேட்டை pēṭṭai3 , n. < Mhr. pēṭhpēṭaka. 1.
Pettah, extramural suburb; புறநகர். 2. Market-place near a town; கொட்டாகை koṭṭākai4,
n. cf. கொட்டகை. Cow Shed தத்தளிப்பு tattaḷippu
5, n. < தத்தளி-. 1. Struggling for life; உயிர் தப்பவேண்டித் திகைக்கை. 2. Perturbation, agitation சந்தர்ப்பணை cantarppaṇai6 , n. < san-tarp- paṇa. Feast given to Brahmins on religious
or festive occasions ஸதஸ் satas7 , n. < sadas. Assembly I could go to the villages without collecting this
money. But I should make all attempts to
give spiritual instructions for all humanity.
This is the motto of the Mutt. Page 197. I did a lot of soul-searching. If the audience
carries out my advice or not, that is their business. I perform my duty by
bringing their attention to Soul uplift and worldly welfare. I encourage them
to do their best in taking up this challenge. I came to the conclusion that
saying this until their ears are full and achy, is my duty. Beyond talking
with them, I cannot dispense punishment to bring about a cure. In political
parties, disciplinary action is taken against members for bad conduct to
expel them as if they belong to the untouchable class. I have no authority to
excommunicate (the errant members of the flock). I am not asking for the
power of excommunication. I came here to tell what little I could, without
holding back anything from you. It is enough if one soul out of many could
take up the challenge; that could go from drops to a flood. There are very
many unjust organizations starting with ten members and growing into a huge
outfit. For a noble cause, it is enough to have ten founding members. I parrot incessantly hoping to get the attention of
such noble souls. Do not be unhappy thinking, I am a malcontent. I am aware
of the complexities of modern life. Page 198. I see the difficulty in freeing oneself from that
entanglement. Amidst all these, It is heartening for me to see kumpāpiṣēkam
(Consecration ceremonies), bhajana (Chanting of devotional songs), and
pravacana (expounding) of Sastras. கும்பாபிஷேகம் kumpāpiṣēkam., n. < kumbhaabhi-ṣēka.
Ceremony of consecration or purification in a temple பசனை pacaṉai., n. < bhajana. Chanting
devotional songs pravacana பிரவசனம் piravacaṉam = , n. < pra-vacana.
Lecturing, teaching, expounding. Veda Rakshana Dharma is the lifeblood of all these
activities; that gives me a stimulus. Though there are so many opportunities
for antipathy to Sastras, I see signs of well-being (சேமம்
= Sēmam)
here and there. Holding on to the
staff of optimism, I like to nurture and grow the Veda Dharma; that is the
proper thing to do. This will bring
the errant souls back to the right path. With that hope, I bring to your attention the old
ways. We must not fall into the platitude that old is useless and deserve to
be cast aside. The value is not based on old or new, but on its utility. Cast
aside the rot in the old and the bad in the new. Take the good in the old and
the new. Kālidasan says the same thing. Your hospitality with love prevents me to tell you
what is wrong with your new ways. I
did talk about other things. I touched on Bakthi Jnanam (பக்தி
ஞானம்),
Kalācchāram (culture = கலாச்சாரம்), and the gossip making rounds in town. They are all
worthy of our attention. If they are branch, flower, and fruit, there must be
a root providing life-giving sap. Bakthi Jnanam (பக்தி
ஞானம்) Spiritual wisdom obtained from devotion to God. Kalācchāram (கலாச்சாரம்) = culture. Page 199. That root is Veda Rakshanam. Leaving it aside and
talking about other things serve no purpose. If I have to advise you on the
basic kaiṅkariyam (கைங்கரியம் = service), perchance I should talk about the
deficiencies. Many days went by,
talking about other matters. Because of my close association with you, I
developed towards you friendship and freedom [சுவாதீனம் = cuvātīṉam] (to talk freely). Far
from relegating your defects and deficiencies into oblivion, I am coming
forward without hesitation to the topic of Vedas. சேமம் cēmam , n. < kṣēma. 1. Safety,
well-being, welfare. கைங்கரியம் kaiṅkariyam , n. < kaiṅkarya.
Service, office of a servant சுவாதீனம் cuvātīṉam , n. <
svādhīna. 1. Independence I am asking for a gift from you. Let everyone do attiyayaṉam (learning, studying) and encourage your progeny to do the same thing. It is
an essential thing. Besides and more importantly, keep the doors of Veda
Pāta Sālais (Vedic Schools) open, which are in their last breaths.
You should offer financial help to the students and the teachers. We should teach the students Veda
Mūlas (மூலம் = original text),
and Veda Bhāshyas (பாஷ்யம்
= bhāṣya = An elaborate commentary) and hold examinations. The students should be supported with
stipends. The outstanding student in the graduating class should receive honors
and gift. By doing all these things, Veda will live (and flourish). There is
a need for a trust fund. There are trustees. Many
people donated lands. As Vinoba did, I took land gifts. Now there is a
ceiling on donations by law. We do not know the nature of the ceiling and
land rights in the future. That is why I am asking for private donations (as
a campanti or
in-law would ask). Every month, on your birth day star, put Re.1 in the
Hundi in my name. At the end of the year, send Rs.12 to Veda Rakshana Fund. சம்பந்திą campanti
, n. < sambandhī.1. Parent of one's son-in-law or
daughter-in-law Page 200. These donors will receive monthly Puja prasadam,
Vibhuti, Kum-kum, turmeric-rice Sacrament (மந்திராக்ஷதை = Mantirākshathai)... on the birth star day. (மந்திராக்ஷதை = Mantirākshathai): rice mixed with turmeric
and given by Brahmins to their disciples with prescribed incantations. If this Dharma renews yearly on the Birth star day,
Chandramaulīsvara Prasada (sacrament) will arrive home on the appointed
date. You spend money on buys, taxes... This is the tax I impose on you. Many drops, great flood. Veda Rakshanam will receive a big boost. Why should Veda be perpetuated? Because it has the Veda Sabdas and
sacrificial injunctions, they create well-being to the whole world. They
bring rain and a generous harvest, and sanctify people's thoughts. People
from many countries know that Vedic religion existed through the wide world a
long time ago. For unity and tranquility, country needs dedicated Brahmanas,
fostering only Vedas. I stress on Veda Rakshanam, because it brings world
weal and Atma Sānthi (tranquillity and peace to the soul). No Brahmana in future generations should forego
study of Vedas. I am not saying that we should have a Brahmana who will compel
and domineer others. I am saying he should safeguard Vedas for posterity and
unity. Page 201. If our country is the powerhouse and a group exists
as a symbol, the whole world will be prosperous. In the powerhouse, only four
people work, but the whole town lights up. The town goes dark if not for the
four people. It is enough a few will hold up the Veda, the auspicious World
Light. My purpose is to provide the principal seed, (which would sprout and
thrive). For this purpose, I accept the festivity (உற்சவம்
= uṟcavam) done on my behalf. The lead phrase, Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara, chanted in this festivity has attracted the people
to come in droves and listen to me. I accepted the invitation because the
crowd on these occasions help fulfill my goal. The organizers of festivity
must listen to me. At least they should try to listen to me. Bear the difficulties on my behalf. You do for your self-interest, going to
office, rest and recreation, and business deals. Now you do Veda Rakshanam
(Safeguarding Vedas) for me and the world. There is no difference between you and I. My work is your work. If you protect the
Vedas, that deed creates a great welfare (பரம சிரேயஸ்
= parama sreyasu). By doing this, I get a good name and you
get welfare. உற்சவம் uṟcavam, ut-sava. 1. Temple
festival. சிரேயசு cirēyacu , n. < šrēyas. 1. Good,
welfare. Page 202. Deivaththin Kural (Part One) Common Dharmas. Cure for the disease of the new culture. People are caught between
two political parties. People feel the tug between Sastra followers and
Sastra reformers. The public took to the reformers, praised and accepted the
changes, and followed the new curriculum. Though study material changed, the
habits did not change. Age-old Sastra
Dharmas remained in small ways in all families and the community. Those
behavioral Vāsanas pulled people to their side. They realized there was
no contentment in modern living.
Scarcity is in the midst of supposed plenty. Seemingly, all looks
well. Though the yields of grains are aplenty, there is fright etched on the
face of people. The thatched house or the tile-roofed house became a house
with terrace. There were days people did make do with fewer utensils, box
made of Palmyra, gourd-bowl... Now there are many objects (of convenience)
that arrived with new and different lifestyle changes. The tranquility of
those days is missing these days. Page 203. They want to see tranquility in their lives and yet
do not have the courage to give up the modern life and glory of reform. They
did not select a real change one way or another. Let me give an example. Many
houses have pictures of Gandhi and Periyava (the speaker). Three-quarters
plus of the people do not have the courage to marry a widow as recommended by
Gandhi. They have no courage to wear a tuft as said by me. Strength of
character is essential. The Brahmanas should have indomitable courage and
hold on Sastras. Slackening in matters of Sastras will end up in
embracing worldly conveniences. Some
argue that being a Rishi I should change with the times. Some ācāra Dharmas
are like weeds; therefore they should be pulled, according to them. Later,
there would be no difference between weed and plant and the entire crop faces
extinction. ஆசாரம்ą ācāram
, n. < ā-cāra. 1. Conducting oneself according to the
dictates of the Šāstras Sastras, the revealed wisdom, come from Isvara. The
Rishis have established the rules based on Vedas. We observe the injunctions.
We are here to protect and nurture and do not have the power to change
anything in Sastras. Wednesday, July 17, 2013 Page 204. We should not think that we cannot pursue a life of
Sastraic tradition in this modern age. People should give up the worldly
lifestyle that came with commerce, reduce the daily needs, and stop running
after money; this will create conditions to find time for Bhagavad Smaranam
(remembering, thinking and chanting the name of God). Tranquility,
contentment, and success would come on their own accord. In the conduct of Karma Anushtanam (ritual
observances), there is no need for wealth. There is no mandate to do Puja
with extravagance and at considerable expense. Dry Tuḷaci leaf, Bael leaf, a vessel and prepared meals are enough for everyday
Puja. Daily food serves as naivēttiyam.
Wedding is Sastra Anushtanam. Parents can avoid great expenses. Sastra-based
weddings do not require pomp and circumstance. There is no indication in
Sastras about dowry. If money is the centerpiece of Sastra ceremonies, only
the rich can afford them. It is not so. We have aṛam,
poruḷ, inpam, and Vīdu (அறம், பொருள், இன்பம், வீடு = Virtue, Wealth, Pleasure,
Liberation). We are in
pursuit of pleasure only. We should
strive for liberation through virtue. If life is simple, there is no need to
run around accumulating wealth. Then, people can pursue virtue and can reach
House of Bliss. ■tuḷaci, n. < tulasī. 1. Sacred basil = Ocimum sanctum. ■வில்லுவம்
villuvam = vilva. Bael. ■நைவேத்தியம்
naivēttiyam
, n. < nai- vēdya. Offering
made to a deity. Page 205. Deivaththin Kural (Part One) Common Dharmas Religion and Society Some religious injunctions cause inconveniences and
difficulties in social life. The reformists change the Sastras pointing to
them. The reformists are not familiar with the
fundamentals and goal of the Sastras. They did not point out the meaning of
the soul. They view community life in terms of politics, commerce, economics,
fashion... These are subject to change. Sastras have more than worldly
reference in them. The goal of Sastras is to liberate man. Governance, social
life, intellectual pursuits, economics, and arts are ancillary to the
development of spiritual life. The Truths related to the meaning of the soul
do not change anytime. Page 206. The injunctions of Sastras and Satyam (Sacred Texts
and Truth) are immutable and serve to stabilize society in flux. If the goal relates only to phenomenal life, we can
change the manners and customs of a society. If the goal is Atma-Shēmam
(Soul welfare) and the rules that pertain to the phenomenal life are
incompatible with the former, it is not possible to make changes in the
injunctions. It is unacceptable to curtail the injunctions of Sastras, simply
because the rules are an inconvenience.
Dharma Sastras do not consider as relevant this-worldly conveniences.
Sastras suggest means to attain Paraloka Sukam (heavenly bliss) by undergoing
many inconveniences in this phenomenal world. It does not serve any purpose to criticize the
reformists. The British educational system is the cause of their current
thinking. In other countries, there are no conflicts between religion and the
educational system. It is unlucky that the Europeans established a secular
educational system. Everyone fell into this system for the express purpose of
making a living (under British Raj). From childhood to adulthood, the
students had no connection with the Hindu Sastras. There was no knowledge of
Puranas. They started thinking they can change the injunctions any way they
can. Children
received disparaging remarks about Puranas being a load of lies and Sastras
as a purveyor of blind faith. How could the children fasten the hold on
Anushtānam and Ācāram of Hindu religion (Observances and
conduct according Sastras)? Page 207. From a tender age, we should promote Astika Buddhi.
Anushtanam should be part of the life of a child. They should have affinity
with the virtuous pupils. We should mention stories about Rishis, who had
supernatural experiences beyond senses, and their sacred texts and make them
trust the Granthas as the paths to soul welfare. Children should be inculcated a devotion to
Rishis, who gave the Sastras for Atma Kshēmam. Then only spiritual,
ritual and religious laws will be observed in preference to physical conveniences.
Deivaththin Kural Common Dharmas The cure for headache: Does it involve removing the
head? The talk of the town from the high to the man on the
street is why Jati is necessary. I
said I would as well talk about it. It is necessary to have this division. It
offers welfare. For social progress, personal mental purification, and soul
liberation, this division helps people. No one needs to take this because I am saying it or
the Sastras enjoin such division. Page 208. We are dismissed as enemies of progress. All agree
that this nation should move ahead. They are committed to taking the country
forward, by removing the blind faiths, and bringing the lower classes up to
par. Such a person is Mahatma Gandhi, who approves this caste division. I say
this hoping the contrarians would find something good in this Varnāsrama
Dharma. Gandhi has written an article on 'My Varnāsrama Dharma'. He
says, Varnāsrama Dharma is a natural evolution, a natal inclination, and
a natural inclination and aptitude.
This natural event has made it into a science and a Sastra. This
traditional practice is just a division of labor into four parts. It does not
provide any special privileges. It is contrary to Hinduism's practice and
conduct that one is superior, and another should be put in his place.
Everyone must lead a disciplined life and Varnāsrama Dharma protects
society's sovereignty. I fight against untouchability and not Varnāsrama
Dharma, which is a science and a Satyam. It is based on one's birth, and the
division of labor will strengthen the social fabric. This is not a system
devised on a narrow point of view. This arrangement gives equal importance to
a worker, as is enjoyed by the most literate. The above were the statements
of Gandhi. Page 209. Gandhi supported intercaste marriage, though he embraced
Varnāsrama Dharma, which is in its death throes. It is impossible to
give it a new life. There is loss of sap, and we are holding on to the dross. Varnāsrama Dharma with its division of labor is in tatters.
Gandhi says it is wrong to hold on to the external differences (among
castes). This is
not what I think. People think it is time to abandon the Varnāsrama
Dharma as the backbone of Hindu religion, which broke beyond repair, and
there is no need for the monastery or a head. I let the primary root of
Dharma rot away; to remain as the head of the monastery amounts to usurpation
and exploitation of the society by the name of the monastery. The monastery
should be dissolved. I still feel that we did not lose everything. I do not
think that all these will come down, and collapse in a short time. I believe that we can infuse a new life
into it by expending a huge effort. Let other divisions (castes) mix. The
lifeline of all, Veda-Attiyayaṉam (Study of Vedas) has not lost its
path in one or two Vedic schools. There is an enthusiastic welcome of efforts
to spread Veda Vidya by providing solid amenities. Page 210. வித்தியார்த்தி vittiyārtti , n. < vidyār- thin.
Scholar, student Many vittiyārtti-s (students and teachers) are
joining. A small group of people is there to foster the Vedas in the next
generation. It is my duty to maintain, foster and expand this Vedic
school. Existence of this school will
guarantee relief from confusion and fault, created by the mixing of the
castes. Though many Brahmanas do not follow their age-old religious calling
as an example or guide, a few will take to the ancient pathway, thus
encouraging and influencing others To return to their respective Dharmas. Gandhi and I support Varnāsrama Dharma. In
reality (yatārttam = யதார்த்தம்), it went bad. Gandhi thought that the Varna Dharma
is beyond repair. I thought that the
glory faded, but the flame is not dead. I believe that the remaining sparks
can help reignite the flame. Looking at the past fifty years of history of India,
I feel the society is facing a grave difficulty (on account of fading of
Varna Dharma). I can fix the problem.
The countries without the Varna Dharma serve as examples of despair. Machines
and large factories are responsible for the downfall of the traditional jobs.
In uncomplicated life, there is no need for a machine. If people do manual
labor and live ordinary lives, we can save the old system. Physical labor
should be the centerpiece of all activities. Rāksasa (huge) machines are
a no-no. Life should be simple. |
|||||||||||
Page 205, லக்ஷியம் = aim. Goal. Page 206. ஆத்மக்ஷேமம் = soul welfare;
personal welfare அநுஷ்டானம்
= observance ஆசாரம்ą
ācāram , n. < ā-cāra. 1. Conducting oneself
according to the dictates of the Šāstras Page 207. கிரந்தம்
kirantam. sacred texts. வித்தியார்த்தி
vittiyārtti. , n. < vidyār- thin.
Scholar, student P210 பிராசீனம்
pirācīṉam , n. < prācīna. 1. Antiquity, what is
ancient or antiquated; யதார்த்தம் yatārttam , n. < yathārtham. Truth;
reality Thursday, July 18,
2013 Page 211. Gandhi said time and again that show beyond the
basic needs does not help. His statements had stabilizing influence on Varna
Dharma. Government's economic plans and the attitude of
people are contrary to the simple life and cottage industries. Gandhi slogans
are flourishing, but not followed in spirit or practice. Gandhi is a social
reformist engaged in bringing equality among people. Everyone has faith in
his philosophy. He is not a Sanātani (ஸநாதனி =
பூர்வீகர் = Believers in orthodox), as everybody knows. (Caste equality and Varna
Dharma [Caste Division] are not oxymoron in Gandhi's view.) The reason why they want to remove Jāti from
social intercourse is because of high and low status assigned to castes and
feuds between Jātis. In truth and
original intent, there is neither high nor low status among castes. In reality, such fights are not uncommon. The
anticasteists tell we do not need these intercaste fights. These statements are akin to saying
removing the head because of headache. My stand is as follows. We have to
bring the truth to the fore and explain the stand with maturity, clarity,
calmness and persistence. Removing the false perception, we should
reestablish and restore the old Dharma to its former health. That is the
correct treatment. To kill the ancient Dharma because of constant bickering
is a-campāvitam (Something
that should not happen). ஸநாதனி Ancients.
தொன்மையோர். பூர்வீகர்.sanatana
[ sanâ-tána ] a. (î) everlasting, eternal, perpetual, permanent; அசம்பாவிதம் a-campāvitam. , n. < a- sam-bhāvita. 1. That which cannot
happen; நேரக்கூடாது. 2. That
which is inconsistent. Page 212. If a matter is the cause (ஆஸ்பதம்
āspatam) of fights, destroying the
conflicted issue will prevent the functioning of the world. It is a given
there will be parties on either side of the issue. There will be conflict of
opinions. That does not mean we have to obfuscate or destroy the issue. Language and ideology are two matters causing a
great deal of feuds. Does it mean we give up the language and hold on to
ideology? This kind of rancor over language was never
witnessed ever. This caste rankling is nothing compared to the language issue;
people have gone mad and wild on the streets. Tamils and Telugus fight. With
the Hindi Belt, there is a fight over rights.
Bengalis and Biharis fight. Telugus and Kannadas fight. Hindi and
English fight. It is not any more verbal acrimony. They are now fighting with
fists. The fights happen because of many languages. We could destroy the
languages and go dumb. Could that be the solution? What political ideology should we use
for governance? There is a fight between Communism and Capitalism, which has
spread over continents. Even small countries engage in this kind of fight. Page 213. In many countries, not involved in world war, people
by thousands die every day unnecessarily. Besides the fight between
Communists and Capitalists, people die when the government changes hands from
monarchy to democracy. All declare their belief in democracy. These fights
happen because of internal differences. We cannot abandon ideology because of
its relevance to fights or wars. The governments are formed by people with ideology
(or political affiliation). If political ideology is spurned it amounts
shunning of the governance itself, leading to animal behavior (anarchy). The
perversity of the following paradigm is clear. Because Language fights,
abolish the language. Ideology fights: Abolish governance. Caste fights: abolish castes. Religious
fights: abolish religions. Let us take this perverse model a step further.
All these fights are possible because people do the fighting. So abolish... The elders in the audience started
laughing. The answer is to find a solution, instead of
destroying the Mula Tattva (the root principle or subject matter). They say Jāti should be abolished. Come
elections, Jāti is the big factor.
Every party uses Jāti to get votes. What they say in truth is
that they despise one caste (Brahmana) only. Page 214. There is no justification to nurture a Jati for its
own self-respect, if that Jati does not have social responsibility. Every
Jāti should have an assigned work on a hereditary basis for the welfare
of the society at large. A Jāti (Brahmana Jati) should exist with the
life work of perpetuating Veda Sabdas, Tatvarththam (தத்வார்த்தம் = meaning of tenets), chanting of Vedas, and Vedic rituals which bring
a benefit to all humanity. Repetition of many aforementioned ideas in earlier
pages has been dropped. Page 215. Acharya talks about class conflict, the false
perception of the high and the low of castes, cooperation between castes,
upholding of old values and Dharmas. Page 216. Deivaththin Kural (Part One) Common Dharmas The Vedas Our religion has two major divisions: Saiva and
Vaishnava. Are they one or two religions? In Christianity, there are two divisions:
Protestantism and Catholicism. They are one religion. What is the reason?
Their worship is directed to one personage. In Buddhism, there are no
Hinayana and Mahayana religions; they are one religion, with the Buddha as
the head. The Saivas and Vaishnavas do not have one Swamy. The
Acharya Purushas of Vaishnavism will not go to Saiva temples. Their God is
Vishnu. They regard Siva is one among the Bhakta of Vishnu. For Saivas, there
is Sivan Swamy. Hardliners among Saivas Regard Siva as Swamy and Vishnu is
His Bhakta like anybody else. How
could we tell that these belong to one religion? Is there a common book between Siva and Vishnu to
call it one religion? The Christians and the Muslims have the Bible and the
Koran, though they have so many divisions or sects. Is there a Grantham (கிரந்தம்
kirantam = sacred text)
common to Saivas and Vaishnavas? Saivas have Devāram as their religious
composition. Vaishnavas have Divyaprabhandam as their basic composition. The
books and the Swamys went their separate ways. How could we call these two as
one religion? Page 217. Though we call ourselves as Saivas and Vaishnavas,
the Europeans gave us a common name, Hindus. That saved us. If it is not for
his nomenclature, every town would have had Saivas, Vaishnavas, Sāktas,
Kaumaras, Ganapathiyas, Ayyappas, Ellaiammas...If these divisions did not
come under one religion, the sects would be in the minority in towns and
villages, where the Muslims or Christians would be in a greater number. Pakistan (created in 1947) on either side of India
has spread its wings because of vivisection of India into India and Muslim
Pakistan by the British. The same British divided us into Aryan and Dravidian
but called our religion Hindu, thus unifying whole of India. That was a great
help by the British. The composers of Divyaprabhandam and Tirumurais did think
of themselves as founders of religions. Page 218. Even before their times, there was a religion.
Vaishnavism and Saivism existed before Alvars and Nayanars. The sacred texts
before their advent were the Vedas, which have references to Siva and Vishnu.
Siva in Vedas was Māyinan, Vedanathan, Veda Gitan Āraṇankān...
Vishnu was known as Māran, Sadagopan. Vedas were the original texts.
Saiva Devāram and Vaisnava Prabhandam are based on Vedas. The respective
authors glorify the Vedas. Whatever sacred places they sang about, they
reverberated with Veda Sabdas with a rise of smoke from Fire Sacrifices. They
raved about Vedas as much as the Gods. Vedas presented one Tattva as many gods. Sekizar
Swamigal praises Vedas as a river. The basis is Veda for the worship of
Sāktas, Ganapathiyas, Kaumarās, and Sauras. Vedas have the
authority for the worship of these entities. Vedas endorse each Swami as
worthy of worship. Page 219. The Saiva-Vaishnava-Smārtha traditional
Acharyas have written explicatory articles on the ten Upanishads. These
Upanishads say there is only one Brahmam. Kathopanishad calls it Vishnu.
Mandukya Upanishad calls it Sivam. Mitra, Varuna, Agni and Indra mentioned in
Samhita (compilation of knowledge or collection of Mantras or Hymns) are the
names of this Reality (Satyam). There are a common book and a common Swamy for the
many divisions of our religion. The
book is Veda; the Reality is Brahmam. We can confidently say we belong to one
religion. Veda not only pointed out the Reality but also the
means to become that Reality. Veda is our refuge for life on earth and
hereafter. It is the root for all the traditions, Siddhāntas and the
divisions in religion. There is one root and many branches. Research points
to the fact that Veda is the root of all religions. We should safeguard that
root from decaying. That is our supreme duty. Friday, July
19, 2013 Page 220. Deivaththin Kural Common Dharmas Vaidikam and Tamil King Karikalan Colan's edict exists even today in
Sanskrit. பாத்ராகலித வேதானாம்
சாஸ்த்ர மார்க்கா
நுஸாரிணாம் ததேது அரிகாலஸ்ய
கரிகால்ஸ்ய சாஸனம். Karikalan calls himself Arikalan. Ari means enemy.
He is the enemy of the nature of God of Death Yama. Who are the enemies of
Karikalan? They are those who do not observe Veda Sastras. The Edict of
Karikalan is that the citizens who follow the path of Veda Sastra should
receive protection. Famous Tamil kings nurtured our Vedic religion. A
king in the Sangam period had a name: payagasālai muthukudumi p
peruvazuthi. Vazuthi means Pandiya king.
Tamil kings handed down edicts not to tax the lands donated in the name of four Vedas. The villages, having these lands are called
Catur Vēdi Mangalam (Auspicious four Vedas). Page 221. When foreign goods (and words) are introduced into
the country, they keep their original names: Telephone, Radio...We are now
introducing many new worlds in Tamil, which we do not understand. These new
(manufactured) Tamil words do not roll off the tongue easily (and lack ease and
grace). Vēdam Yāgam...are the Sanskrit words that
came after our old Tamil civilization. There are no equivalent Tamil
words. Veda in Tamil is maṛai (மறை
= That which
remains hidden = Veda). Yāgam in
Tamil is Vēḷvi (வேள்வி = Sacrifice). These Tamil words are accepted by Sanskrit and
Tamil Pundits as native to Tamil Nadu replete with meaning. Vēḷvi Sacrificial Fire Ceremony came from vēṭṭal
(Sacrificing = வேட்டல் vēṭṭal. Veda is Maṛai in
Tamil. Maṛai means that which is hidden or remains hidden like the root
of a tree. Veda, the root of all Dharmas, remains hidden like the root, is
hard of practice, and stays hidden within certain people, who follow severe
austerities to protect it. That is why it is Maṛai, Which explicates
the lofty ideas. Yagna Anushtanam and Vedic tradition are deep within the
culture of Tamil Nadu, so much so these Tamil words (Maṛai and Vēḷvi)
could not have been produced, borrowed or invented recently. Veda is also
known as ezuthāk kizavi (எழுத்தாக்
கிழவி) = Unwritten
word) in Tamil to depict an oral text transmitted by sound in an
oral-aural-oral cyclic tradition. Veda is Sruti (hearing) in Sanskrit. Sanskrit has no equivalent direct
word like maṛai (மறை). (Veda in Sanskrit is derived from Vid
for knowledge and Vid is cognate with wit in
English.—Krishnaraj) Page 222. Vedas’ six parts are Shadanga (Six limbs). From
Shadanga, came caṭaṅku (சடங்கு) for ceremonies.
These are the examples,
illustrating the age-old tradition of Vedic observances in Tamil Nadu. Kural, which is Tamil Maṛai (தமிழ் மறை), is completely Vedic in my opinion. In Vedic
religion, the Pitrs (manes) come first, then Veda Yaknjam (யக்ஞம்). Veda Puja follows libations (தர்ப்பணம்
= tharppaṇam) to the manes and observance of death anniversary of
manes (திவசம்
= Thivasam). Tiruvalluvar says the same thing in this order. தென்புலத்தார் (Manes) தெய்வம் (God) விருந்து
(guests) ஒக்கல் (relatives) தான் (self) என்று
ஆங்கு ஐம்புலத்து
(five in
this order) ஆறு ஓம்பல் தலை
(doing the
virtuous deeds by serving them). Manes, God, guests, relatives, and self should be
maintained (attended to). The manes
are first in line; then only comes God. Manes are called Southerners because
that is the direction of god of death Yama. We divide the offerings for the five on our own
accord. King's mandate says that we should part with one-sixth of the yield
as tax for the king. What is left after tax is divided among the five. The
person takes only one-fifth of what remains after taxes. What is due to the
manes goes as food-charity to others. The temple receives one portion. The
guests with and without means each receives one portion. Relatives with or
without means each receives one portion.
The remaining one portion goes to one's family. There is no greater
Dharma than the socialism advocated by Vedic religion and Valluvar. The
foundation of Vedic religion is that one without living for himself alone,
should live for the welfare of the world. Valluvar says the same thing. Kural
the Tamil Maṛai and other texts on equal justice came in the tradition
of Maṛai. Saturday, July 20, 2013 Page 223. Valluvar talked about Vedas and tradition. Auvvaiyar
says that we should always chant sacred texts: Vedas. The Alvars and Nayanars
celebrate and worship under the name of Vedas. There were swirls of smoke
from the Sacrificial Fire-pit, as they painted in their poetry. Veda Sabdas
were pervasive. The Non-Brahmanas made immense contributions beyond
words in the establishment of Vedic Schools in Tamil Nadu. They render
supreme help by donating lands and making cash contributions. Though for political reasons, there has been a rise
in atheistic and anti-vedic rhetoric, my opinion is that Tamil people, by and
large, have faith in and loyalty to Vedas and established rituals. If the
Brahmanas become the exemplars of Vedic observances, they deserve the love of
Non-Brahmanas, and my hope is Veda Rakshanam would be in good stead. Page 224. Deivaththin Kural Part One Common Dharmas Vedas' Original Form It gives me sorrow to note that people fight over the
superiority of their language over the other or the rest. It appears to me
that we could all become dumb (to quell this notion of superiority). Language
is a utility for vocal expression. It cannot be just one all over the world.
Every people speak their language. Every island has its language. It is a meaningless
exercise to talk of superiority of one over the other. The notion that
language is superior to religion, and God is a mistake. I would also deny its
need, if Sanskrit is necessary only based on it being just a language.
Sanskrit is the language of our original Vedas and Sastras; that being so, I
say we should protect Sanskrit to safeguard Vedas and Sastras. Valluvar came to Madurai for formal presentation of
his work in an erudite assembly (sangam). Valluvar put his work on a
platform, whereon other poets were sitting. Sooner than he put his work on
the platform, all poets fell into the lotus pond. (So great was his work, all
the presiding judge-poets fell in the pond.) Many poets sang praise of
Tirukkural. It goes by the name of Tiruvalluvar Mālai (garland). http://ta.wikipedia.org/wiki/திருவள்ளுவமாலை Page 225. ஆரியமும் செந்தமிழும் ஆராய்ந்து இதனினிது சீரியது என்றொன்றைச் செப்பரிதால் - ஆரியம் வேதம் உடைத்து தமிழ்திரு வள்ளுவனார் ஓதுகுறட் பாஉடைத் து I think (analyzed) what is superior: Sanskrit or
Tamil. Both are equal. It is impossible to say, which is superior and which is
inferior. The reason is that Vedas are in Sanskrit and now Valluvar's
Tirukkural in Tamil has made its debut. This is Tamil Veda. If there was
nothing in Tamil, Sanskrit would have been superior. Tiruvalluvar's Kural is
equal to the Vedas. The poet says that the two languages are equal. What gives Sanskrit its honor? The poet says it is
the Vedas in Sanskrit. We may think Vedas can be translated from Sanskrit
into any other language. Today many books are translated this way. The
translation may lose its original flavor and intent. A sentiment expressed
through a language is undying for all times even in the future. Beautiful
words grace a language. Same words upon translation lose their beauty and
grace. Even worse, there may not be word(s) to express that sentiment.
Sometimes, we have to use four or five words in a roundabout fashion. The
original intent and meaning are lost during the translation. Page 226. The meaning derived from translation depends upon
the knowledge and subtlety of the translator to express the original intent.
A person may criticize the precision of translation. The translation depends
upon the opinion and language skills of the translator. To avoid the
confusion, one has to look at the original text. We should preserve the original Vedas as such.
Acharyas have individually interpreted the Vedas and published their
materials. They did not create many new religions by such interpretations.
Since the original text remains unchanged and untranslatable, the Acharyas
according to their times have added fresh ideas. (Since the original text of
Vedas remains unchanged,) new interpretations by the Acharyas did not create
new religions. It carries the universal name, Vedic Religion. Page 227. Deivaththin
Kural Part One Common Dharmas Is it Sastra? Is it Conscience? மனச்சாட்சி maṉa-c-cāṭci
, n. < id. +. Conscience. Dharma has world welfare as its intent. It is a
sentiment of lack of desire and hate and wishing welfare towards all beings.
The great men gave use the sacred texts to us with that in their minds. பிரமாணம் piramāṇam. , n. < pramāṇa.
1. Measure, degree, quantity; அளவு. (பிங்.) 2. Criterion, ground of inference or belie. Dharma Sastra determines what Dharma is. The measure
to apprehend a form is the eye; for the sound, the ear; Dharma pramāṇam
is to do according to Dharma Sastra.
Veda is the origin of all Dharmas. Veda is Sruti (what is heard), not something that
is written and read but it has oral-aural-oral-aural tradition. Smirti comes
after Sruti. Smirti (what
is remembered) adheres to Vedas, expands on the themes, offers notes and are
the Dharma Sastras. श्रुति (p. 319) [ srúti ] f. V., C.: hearing, listening; sound, noise; C.: ear; musical interval (there
being 22 in the octave);
report, news, of (--°ree;); rumour, hearsay; saying, saw; traditional
religious precept (regarding, --°ree;), sacred text (pl. sacred texts, the Vedas); name,
title (rare); learning (v. r. sruta-): srutim
abhi nîya, pretending to
hear; srutau sthâ, be known by hearsay only; iti sruteh, because it is so
stated in the scriptures or Veda; -sruteh,because -is
prescribed or taught. स्मृति (p. 368) [ smríti ] f. remembrance, recollection, of (lc., --°ree;); memory; authoritative tradition (exclusive of sruti or Vedicwritings), canonical traditional law-book, code, statement of a law-book: smritim api na te yânti, they are not even remembered: -kârin, a. awaken ing memory, producing recollection; -tantra, n. law-book; -da, a. strengthening the memory; -patha, m. path of memory: -m gâ, go the way of memory, perish; -pâthaka, m. one learned in the law; -bhű, m.god of love; -bhramsa, m. loss of memory; -mat, a. hav ing recollection; possessing full conscious ness; having a good memory; versed in law; -rodha, m. failure of memory; -vartman, n. path of memory: ac. w. i, be remembered; -vibhrama, m.derangement of memory; -vishaya, m. range of memory: -tâm ga mita, dead; -sâstra, n. law-book; -sîla, n. du. tradition and usage; -sesha, a. surviving in memory only, destroyed: -m kri, destroy. The next measure (pramāṇam) or guiding
principle is the conduct of the elders (Realized souls). Their conduct comes
to us through the Puranas. It is called ciṣṭācāram: Established
line of conduct through the Guru- šiṣya (Guru-Pupil) lineage. The
conduct of all people does not amount to a pramāṇa, scale, measure
or an exemplar. The exemplar should have faith in Vedas and Sastras. He
should be the living example of Vedic observances (ācāram) and
conduct. He should be devoid of love
and anger. சிஷ்டாசாரம் ciṣṭācāram
= šiṣṭācāra.
Established line of conduct or usage of the virtuous, as an authority in the
absence of Šruti and Smṛti; பெரியோர் கையாண்ட வழக்கம். சிட்டர் ciṭṭar , n. < šiṣṭa. 1.
Learned persons well versed in Vēdic lore. சிட்டன் ciṭṭaṉ , n. < šiṣya. Pupil,
disciple ஆசாரம்ą ācāram , n. < ā-cāra. 1. Conducting
oneself according to the dictates of the Šāstras. These Vedic adherents (šiṣṭa-s) must
meet with dictates of Sastras (Ācāram). Another Pramāṇam
is the conscience should be beyond reproach and occupied with pure (niṣkala)
thoughts. நிட்களம் niṭkaḷam , n. < niṣkala. See நிஷ்களம். நிஷ்களங்கம் niṣkaḷaṅkam , n. < niṣ-
kalaṇka. Immaculateness, purity; மாசின்மை. In short, in personal and Dharmic affairs, Veda
should be the centerpiece of the arch; thereafter, other holding stones are
dharma Sastras, ancient Rishi conduct, the disciples' adherence to Sastras
and conscience of all. Page 228. Everything is topsy-turvy now. First they look at
the conscience. Last, they look at the Vedas. In actuality, pone should look
at conscience, when there is no path or religion. Mana-sātchi (மனசாட்சி
= mind-witness,
conscience): why is there such a name?
It has the prerogative and qualification to pose as a witness. Ihas no right
to be the judge. The witness may tell a lie. We cannot trust an oral witness.
Mind does not tell a lie. Auvvaiyar said: நெஞ்சை யொளித்தொரு
வஞ்சகமில்லை. There is no deceit that escapes the mind. Therefore,
we can keep the mind as the witness.
Nowadays, conscience is appointed as the judge. The mind knows and
tells the truth as to what happened. The mind cannot tell with certainty and
clarity, whether such and such a thing complies with justice. Everybody's
mind considers its thoughts are correct and reconciles itself (to its own
self-interesdt). Everyone’s mind is according to his deed. How could that be Dharmic justice?
Following and translating one’s conscience or mind-witness into a deed is
wrong. We cannot right off give conscience its seat as a judge. If there is
no other recourse, we can ask the mind-witness to express its opinion, which
had the occasion to witness the incident. Mind belongs to a person. We cannot
tell how far mind-witness would deviate from its self-interest. We cannot
give it a place of trust in religious matters. Rishis have transcended their
physical-mental state and gave us what is totally good for the world; their
opinion is that by which we measure Dharma matters. Sunday, July
21, 2013 Page 229. Deivaththin Kural (Part One) Common Dharmas Sankara's neṟi = நெறி = Path of
virtue The expression "give a dog a bad name and hang
it" means, “Bring trumped-up charges on a person and on that false
charge, hang him.” Dog is an animal with gratitude and loyalty. Hanging a dog (the epitome of gratitude and
loyalty) is not acceptable by anyone. It would appear that someone trumped up
a bad name and then hanged the dog. The new modern reformists do the same thing to our
Dharma Sastras. They leveled trumped-up charges against the beneficial
Dharmas, attributed atrocities to it, and are ready to hang the Dharma. Some
abhor Varna Dharma as devised with order, restraint and good sense by
Sanatana Dharma. The atrocities, that never happened because of Sastras, were
the imaginations of these reformists, whose contention is the people were
forcibly separated into groups on the basis of division of labor assigned to
particular classes. This division in Hindu society caused a lack of unity.
That is why the foreigners won their victory over us. There is not one iota
of truth in it. Page 230. It was quite possible that there was no unity among
Rajas, when the nation faced enemies from outside. There is no proof that
people helped the enemy, because of internal dissension among many castes or
Jātis. Now difference and hatred are rampant, when there should be
unity. We have witnessed happiness and camaraderie among people from
different castes. If there was a dispute between two villages in reference to
fields, ridges, water canals, or temple, each village from Brahmanas to
Dalits stood as one cohesive group. A person of a caste will not join hands
with the same caste person in the opponent village. As the village, so is the
nation. Small societies had self-discipline and fairness in
their midst. Pride and honor were the banner of the society. They had local
administration with a head to take care of their affairs. பிரஷ்டம் piraṣṭam , n. < bhraṣṭa. 1. Low, mean
condition; இழிவு.
2. Externment; excommunication. If a villager is found guilty of a crime, He is
excommunicated (piraṣṭam = பிரஷ்டம்). Externment was regarded as a disgrace. Piraṣṭam
was the force that kept people in line with the law and order. Now, there is
no organization that keeps people together. In an unmanageable big
organization, law and order is impossible.
The result is that crimes take place without any compunctions,
accounting for increasing police deployment. Page 231. There is bound to be resistance to anything. It is
in a way healthy. Resistance or opposition brings out our weaknesses and
strengths. It brings out alertness to
protect ourselves. In the name of opposition, we should not hang the good on
trumped-up charges. Some consider forehead markings are a declaration of a
caste. They like to get rid of it. In truth, the Vibhūti users range
from Brahmanas to Dalits. It is likewise with regards to Nāmam. Tiruman
(Sacred Earth) applied on the forehead depicts origin from the dust, a form
of Vishnu and ending in dust. (We are made of star dust. We come from dust
and go back to dust.) The Vibhuti
(Tirunīṛu = திருநீறு) is a sign of eternal Sivamayam (சிவமயம் civa-mayam, n. < Šiva-maya. 1. Šiva in
essence), that is Paramatman. Is it
fair to speak ill of these sacred symbols? Sankara has enjoined us to uphold and safeguard the
ancient Dharmas. Because I have his namesake, you all come seeking
me. My duty is to reveal his injunctions to you.
Carrying out the injunctions or lack thereof has to be laid to rest for the time
being. Sastraic observances, world welfare and soul health are the thrust of
these injunctions. Page 232. Deivaththin Kural Part One. Common Dharmas Ordinary Dharmas common to all. What is the impediment for concentration in Dhyanam?
This mind is in constant motion (as the waves on the ocean surface). Mind causes
all the difficulties. Desire arising within the mind is the cause of all
difficulties. We are unable to clear the mind of desires. When we order the mind to hold a thought, it
considers it a trifling matter and a waste of time and leaps to another
thought. When I mention Dhyanam, Sānti (சாந்தி = peace, tranquility)...in my talk, your mind appears tranquil and
happy for a moment and in the next moment, the mind wanders off, with the
Sānti in tatters. If you order your mouth to keep silent, there is a
moment of silence. The same applies to the eyes. But the mind will not stop
having thoughts, however persuasive you are.
Mind should be under perfect control so one can invite a thought or
dismiss all thoughts. In that perfect state, you own the mind. You have citta
cuvātīṉam (சித்த சுவாதீனம் = control of your mind). Mental patients, we think,
do not have cuvātīṉam. சித்த சுவாதீனம் cuvātīṉam. That which is under
one's own control (of mind), opp. to
parātīṉam In truth, we all have no citta cuvātīṉam.
The Insane talks rubbish; we let our mind go astray with its thoughts. Page 233. If we are in possession of Citta cuvātīṉam,
think of its benefits. If you suffer
from pain and order the mind to ignore the pain, it will do so. The same is
true if a tiger roars and threatens you. You will have no fear of the tiger.
If the mind is under self-control, we can stop the unhappiness and invite
laughter in its place. The mind can remain tranquil, under all extenuating
circumstances. The mind will be smooth without any knots. We should train the
mind to chant the name of God. Later,
the thought of God will be so ingrained in our mind, it will be a second
nature. We merge with God and become Him. Yoga is to control the mind. Before death, we should
find a way to control the mind. If not, there will be another birth. Again,
there will be flow of thoughts in the mind. ஹேது hētu , n. < hētu. ஏது
= etu =
Cause, origin, ultimate cause. There are many causes (Hetu) in this birth for
desire and anger. We must try hard to control our mind in the midst of these
thoughts. Yogi is the Victor who vanquished these thoughts. He is a true Bliss-Soul. We should not give up on Yoga, thinking that it is
for the Rishis and unattainable for us. We suffer from mental disease. That is
the very mind is the disease. To cure it, we should take the medicine. Page 234. There are
two implements to control the mind: Bahiraṅga Sādhanam
and Antaraṅka Sādhanam.
பகிரங்கம் pakiraṅkam. , n. < bahiraṅga. Publicity, openness அந்தரங்கம் antaraṅkam, n. <
antaraṅga. 1. Privacy, secrecy Bahiraṅga Sādhanam = Outside implement; Outside workers. Antaraṅka Sādhanam
= Inside implement; Inside workers We need
both implements and workers. In this mutt, we have the cart driver and the
cook working outside the mutt. The flower distributor and the lamp lighter
remain inside. We need these two to run the mutt or monastery. Likewise these
two implements are necessary to bring the mind into a focus and remain in a
thoughtless state. Bahiraṅga Sādhanam = Bahiraṅga implements = Outward
Conduct: To do charity, worship at AM, noon and PM (Sandhyvandhanam = சந்தியாவந்தனம்),
Yāgam, Puja, Paropakaram (பரோபகாரம் = Philanthropy =
selfless giving). These are the external implements to focus the mind on
virtuous deeds. Antaraṅga
implement: Internal implements. Dhyanam or meditation and concentration,
Ahimsa, Satyam, Astēyam (Non-stealing), Saucam (ritual external and
internal purity), Indriya Nigraham (Control of senses). Ahimsa is
love in essence and avoidance of injury to all. Mind, speech and body
becoming united in Truth is Satyam. Astēyam is avoidance of stealing. It
is never having a desire for the property of others and to stay detached.
Saucam is to make yourself pure. Ritual bathing, madi, ācāram, and
food. ஆசாரம் ācāram, n. < Ācāra. 1.
Conducting oneself according to the dictates of the Šāstras. Indriya Nigraham is control of the senses:
the eyes should not look at forbidden sights; the mouth should not eat forbidden
food and speak forbidden speech; the body should not do certain sinful deeds. Utility of
a body is for sādhanā. The body and sensual organs should nourished to
the minimum necessary to sustain life. Man's duty is to follow these five
ordinary Dharmas, meant for all sects of the religion. சாதனை cātaṉai, n.
< Sādhanā.
1. Accomplishment of an object (spiritual realization). Page 235. Deivaththin Kural Part One Common Dharmas Ahimsa (Non-injury) Laws of Manu promulgate Ahimsa is the foremost Dharma
among all common Dharmas. Right of possession (சுவாதீனம் = Svādhīnam) Ahimsa, taking charge of the mind, is an obligatory
requirement of Yoga. Ahimsa is non-injury by body, mind, speech and deed.
Ahimsa is the natural instinct. We think of inflicting Himsa to the
criminals. We do not punish children for their innocent commissions. We protect children from coming into contact with
fire. Likewise, we should protect all, subject or susceptible to injury. We
should not inflict Himsa in return, entertaining hatred. This is true Ahimsa.
This is useful to the performance of Yoga: we must
make Ahimsa a part of constitution and mind. Mind is like a demon. . When
Vikramadhithyan took charge of the demon, the demon did much service to
him. Likewise, if you subdue the mind,
it would serve you a lot of good. Page 236. A wild elephant is a trouble maker. Trained elephant under control can be put to a great
use. If your train and control the mind (akin to a wild elephant), a lot of
good can be done. Anjaneya Swamy having vanquished his mind was of immense
power and did a lot of good. This world was created by Parasakti's mind. The
mind of the small ant in this creation pervades the whole universe. Yogis and great men say that practice of Ahimsa
helped in the control of the mind. Ahimsa helped remove anger and instill
love in its place. Now the mind is under your charge. The main purpose of Ahmisa is to subjugate the mind.
As we practice Ahimsa, there is an unintended benefit. It is called Avāntara-p-pirayōjanam
(அவாந்தரப்
பிரயோஜனம் = incidental benefit), which means that people who
cause Himsa would become sattvic and loving in the presence of virtuous
people practicing Ahimsa. You all have come here to the mutt (monastery) to
witness the Puja. That is your intent. You heard the drums; you saw many
long-lost acquaintances. Now you hear the lecture. All these are
Avāntara-p-pirayōjanam that came without your intention, effort or
request. If a person observes Ahimsa by mind, speech and body
(திரிகரணங்கள்
= thirikaraṇams
= three organs), whatever animals (evil persons) come into this cannitāṉam
without caṅkaṟpam (mental resolve [of a
benign nature]) will forget all his enmity and exercise Ahimsa. சந்நிதானம் cannitāṉam. சன்னிதானம் (sacred) presence of a deity or great personage; மடாதிபதிகளைக் குறிக்கும் மரியாதைச் சொல் a term
of respectful address of a religious head. சங்கற்பம் caṅkaṟpam. , n. < saṅ-kalpa. 1. Mental resolve,
solemn vow, determination. Page 237. Wherever a perfect Ahimsa practitioner is in place,
tranquility and peace will prevail even in the cruelest person. Though the
Ahimsa practitioner has the resolve to be loving and kind, we obtain the
incidental benefit (Avāntara-p-pirayōjanam
= அவாந்தரப்
பிரயோஜனம்) of the said virtuous person to turn others into
loving persons. Sannyasi must observe complete Ahimsa. He should not
even pluck a petal or a leaf. He could cause Himsa by cooking and eating
plants. Because of Ahimsa, he is not obligated to perform fire
sacrifices. Insects, moths, or worms
may fall into the fire accidentally and die. Is it not hard to pluck the
victim from the fire to save it? That is why for the recluse, there is no obligation
to perform Homam, Yagam... He does not undergo cremation (தகனம் = takaṉam
= Cremation). தகனம்
takaṉam. , n. < dahana. 1. Burning, combustion, consumption by fire;
எரிக்கை. 2. Cremation, burning of a corpse; His body is interred in a pit. When he takes the vow
of Sannyasa, he says, animals can live and die without any fear of him.
Sannyasi's Dharma is not to cause injury to animals and plants. His Supreme
Dharma is Ahimsa. Hindu religion did not mandate a complete Ahimsa as Jainism
and Buddhism do. Only the Sannyasis
were obligated to do it. Others do not have such control and discipline.
There is no such obligation in wars. Hindu religion removed practice of
Ahimsa from Dharmic War and animal sacrifice, in the interest of world
welfare and to placate some Devatas, animal sacrifice is practiced. It is my
belief that a sacrificial animal, incapable of liberation on its own accord,
attains the Supreme Liberation from rebirth.
Those animals become great. Their sacrifice brings welfare to the
world. Page 238. The soldiers die on the battlefield, sacrificing
their lives for the country. Hinduism allows this because sacrifice by
soldiers of their lives for others is greater than fattening oneself and live
a life of selfishness. This is the exception to Ahimsa. Perfect and complete Ahimsa is easier said than
done. Crime, fights...would always be there in everyday life. The physical
punishment used to reduce crime and such may appear as Himsa but truly it is
not Himsa. The intent rather the act (causing Himsa) is important.
Sacrificing the animals for the good of the world, sentencing to capital
punishment of and killing a murderer, and killing the enemies in the war are
not sin, though the acts take the lives. No wrong is done here. That is our
Sastra. If we were to insist on
perfect Ahimsa on all sections of the society, the people will become guilty
of transgression and sin in their day to day lives. Hinduism did not forget
that Truth. Truth (யதார்த்தம்). That is why our religion created exceptions and
did not dispense sin to the people (because of warranted death by legal means
and war). Buddhism imposed total Ahimsa and yet Buddhist
countries have the military, wars... Besides that, they all eat meat. Page 239. If you dispense common Dharma to all, in the end, no
one will observe it. Our Dharma
prescribes perfect Ahimsa only to Sannyasis. Gujarati Vaishnavas, Saiva
Vellalars, and Komutti Chettiars follow this rule. Though it was not a rule
for them, some chose to follow it.
Seeing the Sannyasis, they adopted vegetarianism. Others chose not to
eat meat only on special holy days. Impracticable rules were not forced on
all. Only the mature practiced these rules. Others took this ideal, and
practiced them to a certain extent. In places where strict rules were imposed,
people violated it flagrantly with an increase in Himsa and transgressions.
Including Ahimsa in Common Dharmas was noble but impracticable and subject to
failure. Whatever may be the act, one should not entertain hatred and Himsa
in his mind; that is the definition of HIMSA according to Dharma. Tuesday, July 23, 2013 Page 240. Deivaththin Kural Part One Common Dharmas Satyam Among the sāmānya Dharmas (சாமானிய தர்மங்கள்
= common or universal Dharmas) for observation,
the first one is Ahimsa, and the next is Satyam (Truth). சாமானியம் cāmāṉiyam , n. < Sāmānya.
1. Commonness, universality. Satyam is unity between speech and mind. If the mind
is different from speech, that is Asatyam (அசத்தியம் or Untruth) according to elders. Bhagavan gave the power of speech to man for the
sole purpose revealing what is on his mind.
If the speech does not reflect what is on the mind, Bhagavan takes
away the power of speech from us in the next birth. He gives us birth in the
world of fauna. Our Sastras have identified certain animals as
having complete Ahimsa. When we fight a war for Dharmic reasons, or offer
animal sacrifice in Yāgayagna (யாகயக்ஞங்கள்
= Fire worship, prayer, praise,
offering and oblation and sacrifice), Ahimsa is suspended. You may think that
Satyam never faces suspension. There are circumstances for suspension of
Satyam. Let me explain it. There are many kinds of dishonest people in a
village. It causes our passions to boil. This man continues to tell lies. The
other man keeps doing dishonest deeds. Under these circumstances, there is no conformity
between the mind and the speech; therefore, it is not Satyam. Page 241. There is a rise of evil thoughts in the mind of man.
He gives vent to the evil thoughts in his speech. Could that become Satyam?
Not so. Satyam is more than unison of mind and speech.
Satyam is, virtuous thoughts arising in a good mind, and finding expression
in speech. Bringing good fruits is Satyam. Whatever that is pleasing and good to people is
Satyam. To bring goodness to animals by thought, speech and
deed is Satyam. To cause evil is Asatyam. It is insufficient to tell a man the right thing
(the truth). We have to tell it with love, and in a way he will accept it. If
rightness or Satyam carries a wallop of harshness, no one will accept
it. The right advice (Satyam) said
harshly is not Satyam. The advice should be good, and its delivery should be
pleasing. That is Satyam. If you cannot present Satyam in a pleasing manner,
do not present it. Do not tell an Astyam, even it is pleasing to the ears. Page 242. Pleasing and good speech will not come out of a mind
debilitated with desire and anger. If you want salubrious Satya Vaccu (True
speech), you should have a mind devoid of desire and anger. The attribute of Satyam is union between mind and
speech. Speech is pleasing and peaceful.
Satyam creates Citta Suddhi (சித்த
சுத்தி = pure mind) for oneself and wellness in others. If a person stands steady in Satyam, it carries Avāntara-p-pirayōjanam
(incidental benefit = அவாந்தரப்
பிரயோஜனம்) for other people. Without cognition in the mind of Satya-Sandha
(truthful man = சத்தியசந்தன் cattiya-cantaṉ), there will be an
unconscious projection of benignity and gain. In other words, the spoken
words of Satya-Sandha, used to habitually speaking only Satyam, become Satyam
themselves. Satya-Sandha will not
knowingly tell a lie. A mistaken narrative by Satya-Sandha will come true.
Let me give you an example. Abhirami Bhattar was a devotee of Ambal in
Tirukkadalur. When he is in ecstasy (பரவசம் paravacam), while thinking about Goddess
Ambal, he babbles like a lunatic. Someone in misuse of power (துஷ்பிரயோகம்
= dhush-pirayōkam) revealed it to the king. They said to the king that
Abhirami Bhattar was a drunkard in truth and pretended to portray a Bhaktar (பக்தர் = devotee). King Sarabhoji wanted to investigate the
complaint and asked Bhattar immersed in ecstasy, what the digit (திதி) of the moon that day was. That day was actually New
Moon day. Bhattar told the king it was a Full Moon day. The king thought what
other people said was, in fact, true about Bhattar. In a derisive tone, he
told Bhattar, "Let us see the moon outside." He lifted his head. Page 243. There it was, a Full Moon, hanging in the sky.
Bhattar is immersed in ecstasy, and when he made an unintentional factual
mistake, Ambal herself flung her moon-shaped earring in the sky and made it
shine like the Full Moon. The Power in Satyam of great men makes their
blessings and curses come true. What they say becomes reality. No one should
hold the sword of Satyam with a desire to predict events. The power of Satyam manifests spontaneously
without an intent or a willful effort. There is no incidental benefit if the
Satya-Sandha wills it. (தகனம் = takaṉam
= Cremation). There are forty Saṃskāras (Sacraments
= purification ceremonies) in Sastras to purify us from pregnancy to
cremation. Along with that, there are Ahimsa,
Satyam, Astēyam, caucam,
Indriya Nigraham. If they are observed, all our impurities disappear. Once that happens, we know who we are, who
God is, and what Supreme Truth is. Astēyam is not to desire for
another's property. Saucam is purity both external and internal. Page 244 Ritual bathing comes under Saucam. Indriya Nigraham
is control over the senses which offer physical and mental pleasures: Do
anything for bodily pleasures, see anything with the eyes, hear anything with
ears, eat anything, and speak anything irresponsibly... Soul realization does
not happen without getting rid of desire. These are universal Dharmas meant
for all people. Deivaththin Kural Part One Common Dharmas Sesame seeds and water: Where did they go? Manushyars are our ancestors. Gods
want us to express their thanks to them.
These are Pitru-kadan (Debt to forefathers) and Deva-Kāryam
(service to deities) We have to serve all life forms as much as possible. We
feed an atiti (அதிதி = guest) at least once a month. Tiruvalluvar calls it
Virundhu (விருந்து = hospitality to guests = Manushya Yaknjam). This is
Manushya Yaknjam. Brahmam in this
context means Vēdam. Recitation
and teaching of Veda (by the Brahmanas) is Brahma Yaknjam. This is for the
satisfaction of Rishis. It is not something meant for everyone. It is done
only by the Brahmanas for the welfare of all people. Another Karmam (service,
deed) is Bhūta Yaknjam, which means feeding living beings other than
humans to demonstrate our love for them.
We are duty-bound to do Pitru, Deva, Manushya and Bhuta Yaknjam in one
form or another. பித்ரு யக்ஞம், தேவ யக்ஞம், மனுஷ்ய யக்ஞம், பிரம்ம யக்ஞம் பூத யக்ஞம் = Pitru Yaknjams, Deva Yaknjams, Manushya Yaknjams,
Brahma Yaknjams and Bhuta Yaknjam =
Sacrificial and ceremonial service to forefathers, deities, guests, Vedas, living
beings other than humans. Page 245. According to Vedic Dharma, each one of us perform
one’s respective job or duty as a dedication to Isvara (Isvara-Arpanam = ஈஸ்வரார்ப்பணம்). That is the Brahma Yaknjam for everyone. குறள் 43: தென்புலத்தார் தெய்வம் விருந்தொக்கல் தானென்றாங்கு ஐம்புலத்தாறு ஓம்பல் தலை. “Then pulaththar” are the manes or Pitrs. We must do
the ceremonial duties to our parents and the ancestors. Veda says, “Knowest
thou that Mother and father are the deities.” Auvvaiyar has given the essence
of Veda. She said the following: அன்னையும் பிதாவும் முன்னறி தெய்வம். Mother and father are the first deities known to
us before others. When our parents are living, we should be humble and
provide all the conveniences. We cannot possibly pay back for all the
selfless services they rendered to us. We should protect them, having not
caused any mental anguish. After they depart this world, without any miss we should do taṟpaṇam ( தற்பணம் = libation) and cirārththam (சிரார்த்தம்
= annual ceremony in memory of dead parents and
ancestors) tarpaṇa = ceremonial offering of water to gods, ṛṣis
and manes.) The reformists accept the notion that living parents
should be cared for. They do not
subscribe to Pitru ceremony after
parent's death. (Pitru
Yaknjams = Posthumous ceremony in memory of parents and forefathers.) Sesame seeds, water for libation,
rice, plantain, and meals are the ceremonial elements. The reformists pose
the question how these victuals will reach the departed parents. You may have
such doubts. Let me tell you a story. Wednesday, July 24, 2013 Page 246. A person was attending college in a town. He had to
pay the fees after the examination, that too on the next day. He sent his
father a telegram asking for money. The father knew about telegram and money
order individually (but did not know the mechanics of money transfer). The son asked for remittance by telegraphic
money order. Father went to the post office and wanted to send a telegraphic
money order. The father assumed that the money would be clipped to the
telegraphic wire and sent to the son. The postal clerk took the money, gave
him the receipt and told the father that the money would be sent by
telegraph. The father saw the money still in the cash register and not
attached to any wire for wire transfer. The father demanded to know why the
postal clerk did not put holes in the paper currency and attach them to the
wire for wire transfer. He wondered aloud how the money could reach his son.
The clerk reassured him that the money will reach his son. The clerk started
clicking the keys and made sounds, ‘kata-kata-kata’ on a gadget. The father
heard the onomatopoeic sounds, ‘lottu-lottu,’ made by the clerk. The currency
notes were still in the cash register. The father had doubts about the
transfer of money while the clerk kept making tapping sounds on a
thingamajig. But the money reached his son.
Libation done to the deceased parents and manes would reach them in the same
manner. Whatever we give, the Pitr Deities knowing our giving, will deliver
them to the Pitrs (manes or ancestors). If the manes were reborn as cows or
horses, the deities will deliver hay to the bulls, grass for the horses...
Paramesvara conferred this power to the Pitr Deities and ordained them to do
their duties of delivering libations... The deceased father does not have to
show up in person to receive the offerings. Page 247. If the beneficiary of money order lives in a foreign
country, Rupee transfer will not be valid. The money received is converted
into Dollar or Pound. Here the beneficiary (1900s) cannot change the foreign
currency. People accept only Rupees. Likewise, the Sastra-enjoined foods like
sesame seed, water, and plantain will be accepted here and changed to
appropriate food for the mane. Our gratitude to our Pitrs and our
faith in Sastra are important. The white people propose a toast to a person
for his health by mentioning his name and consuming the toast. By the power
of his mental disposition (manōbhāva
= மனோபாவம்), a person toasts another person in the hope the
latter will become healthy. Cirārththam is to do a thing with Sraddha (faith). Faith
is important. Every act is done with its own attendant rules. If you write a
letter, you cannot write the address anywhere you want. You may not like the
looks of the post office box, but make a beautiful box and put your letter in
it. All these are impractical and do not work. As long as you are saddled
with purposeless mental disposition (manōbhāva),
you may direct your love, devotion and knowledge in unconventional ways. When
you put your mind to a task, you have to follow the attendant rules. Page 248. Puja As I talked about the Manes and God, I am coming to
the second Divine work of equal importance. In every family, Isvara worship
should take place. The well-to-do may do elaborate ceremonies. An abbreviated
Puja should be acceptable to the poor. Ten minutes should be enough. The
office workers should have short pujas; ringing the bell during Puja by all
families is important. Isvara, Ambal, Vishnu, Vinayakar and Surya are the
five deities who should receive the Puja. This is known as pańcāyataṉa-pūcai (= பஞ்சாயதனபூசை = worship of the Pentgad = worship
of Viṣṇu, Civaṉ, Pārvati and Cūriyaṉ, conducted
daily in houses. It is the tradition to use naturally occurring substances in
the place of idols, invoke divinity into them (Āvākaṉam = ஆவாகனம் = invocation divinity in an idol(s) or other
substances representing them). ā-vāhana = Invocation to a deity, by
mantras, to be present in an object) and offer prayer. Bana Lingam representing Isvara is obtained from
Narmada River's Omkara Kundam. Ambika form as Svarṇamukhi Sīla is
obtained from Andhra’s River Svarṇamukhi. The stone has a vein of
gold. Sālagrāma stone of Vishnu form is obtained
from Kandaki river in Nepal. The crystal of the form of sun is obtained from
Tanjore. Sōnabhadra stone is obtained from Sōne River, where it
joins Ganges river. When you keep these five entities in one place, it is
like bringing the entire country to abide in one small place. The pentad does not have eyes, nose,
and ears anywhere. There is no nook for the dirt to accumulate. It does not
take much time to give them ritual ablution and wipe them dry. They are all
small stones. All together, the pentad takes very little space. There is no
need for a big Puja Mandapam. They can be stored in small campuṭam (சம்புடம் campuṭam, n. < sampuṭa. 1. Small round metal
casket). Performing invocation and application of sandalwood paste, kumkum
and akṣata (Unbroken grains of rice), one can make offerings (= நைவேத்தியம் = naivēttiyam) and worship (= அர்ச்சனை
= arccaṉai. Page 249. When you go out of town, there is no problem in
performing this ten-minute Puja. You do not have to worry about the
availability of flowers for Puja. Dry Vilva and Tulasī leaves will do in the worship
of Siva and Vishnu. Other deities are
offered worship with akṣata. Do not worry about food offering in Naivēdya.
Dry grapes will do the job. Vilva leaf = Bael Tree leaf, favorite of Siva. Tulasī. 1. Leaf from
Sacred basil Ocimum sanctum, a favorite of Vishnu. அக்கதை
akkatai also akṣata.
Unbroken grains of rice. Also அட்சதை. The pentad, Tulasi and Vilva
leaves, dry grapes, and akṣata can all be put in Sampuṭam. Bhagavadpada Sankara gave this ancient Pattati a
fillip and a new life and made the new Jīva to shine with it. பிராசீனம் pirācīṉam = ancient. பத்ததி pattati =
Manual of ritualistic rules. Sankara included
Shanmuga to the Pentad and made it Sanmata worship (= சண்மதம் caṇmatam or ṣaṇmatam, ṣaṇmata.
Six Vēdic religions; six systems of philosophy). Now we can offer worship to the
sextet by including the spear. Puja does not demand much time or
effort. I (Periyava) told you all these things because Puja can be done
easily anywhere. At home, Maha
Naivēdya offerings to the sextet or the Pentad is important. Isvara has
given us the privilege of experiencing the whole world. He created many Bhōgya Vastus for
our enjoyment. He gave us the senses to experience them. All this can be
enjoyed only after we dedicate them to the Lord. Are we really giving away
the food we prepared? We just merely show Him the food. Then we go ahead and
polish the plate. Bhōgya Vastu = போக்கிய
வஸ்து = objects for our use or enjoyment. Page 250. Some in a spirit of mockery and
meanness ask for a demonstration of God eating Naivēdya. Nivēdhanam
does not mean we let the God eat the food. He does not eat to thrive. Puja's
purpose is to purify our thoughts; He does not get a pittance from our
offering; It is His to begin with anyway. Nivēthayāmi means that
you are 'letting Him know' and not that you are feeding Him. What it means is
that you are thanking Him for His merciful offer of food to you so you can
eat it with Him in your thoughts. If it is not for the Grace of God, how
could the rice grow? The agricultural
scientists and experts have written Research Books. Could they produce one
grain of genuine rice (in their laboratory)? Though they manufactured
synthetic rice, the ingredient chemicals were already present in nature,
created by Isvara. Experiencing (eating) something given by Paramesvara
without dedicating it first to Him amounts to theft. Omnipresent God will stand where we
want him in a way we can grasp Him. He will come to us, when you call Him
with a Form in stone, sand, or copper. He has the capability and
compassion in Him. If He does not have these qualities, we don't want Him. We do the worship
with the family, use what He gives us and should become cognizant of it every
day by thanking Him. Doing this every day, we will gain the maturity not to
use what is not dedicated to God in the first place. We will become virtuous people. Thursday, July 25,
2013 Page 251. Paopakaram Vedic religion has ordained Pithirkadan (பிதிர்கடன் = debt to Manes), Paramesvara Pūjā (पूजा). Veda Yakyam, and feeding all
life forms. Tiruvalluvar has ordained the same Dharma. யஞ்ஞம் yańńam, yajńa, Sacrifice, sacrificial worship, offering of an
oblation; யாகம், யக்யம்,
யக்ஞம், யஞ்ஞம்,
யஜ்ஞம், யக்யம்,
and யக்கியம்
= Yāgam, Yakyam, Yakńam, yańńam, yajńa,
Yakyam and Yakkiyam are all synonyms. குறள் 43: தென்புலத்தார் தெய்வம் விருந்தொக்கல் தானென்றாங்கு ஐம்புலத்தாறு ஓம்பல் தலை. “Then pulaththar”
are the manes or Pitrs. We must do the ceremonial duties to our departed parents and the ancestors. Valluvar wrote this verse
based on Vedic pramāṇam. Valluvar is not a follower of Vedic
religion. He may be a Jain, a Buddhist or the one who transcended all
religions. பிரமாணம் pramāṇam. , n. < pramāṇa. 1. Measure,
degree, quantity; அளவு. 2. Criterion,
ground of inference or belie. அவிசொரிந் தாயிரம் வேட்டலின் ஒன்றன் உயிர்செகுத் துண்ணாமை நன்று. குறள் 259: Kuṛaḷ
259 Verse 259. Not killing and not eating an
animal are greater than raising a thousand sacrificial fires with oblations
(of butter...) My (Periava) opinion is that Tiruvalluvar has complete faith
in Vedic rituals and observances, based on this verse. A person talked about
the greatness of Kāveri River. Kāveri is greater than a thousand
Ganges rivers. It means that Ganges also is great. Tiruvalluvar says that
Ahimsa is greater than one thousand fire sacrifices. That means Ahimsa and
the fire sacrifices are great. One is not less greater than the other. No one
will say that a thousand sewers are greater than one Kāveri river. When
Tiruvalluvar praises Ahimsa, that Ahimsa being greater than a thousand fire
sacrifices (Yāgas) means that
Yāgas are also great. Here both are great, but one is greater. Page 252. This verse is not included in Domestic
Life, but in The Way of The Renunciate. The Renunciate does not
have an obligation to perform sacrifices. Vedic religion has imposed on him complete
Ahimsa. That is what Valluvar stresses in his verse. Renunciate = துறவி = tuṟavi, sannyāsin, Anchorite, Hermit,
Recluse, Ascetic. Tiruvalluvar
the author of Book of Ethics (கிரந்தம் kirantam , n. <
grantha. 1. Book, treatise) is not an atheist protesting and objecting to Vedas. Viruntu (விருந்து = feast, guest) as
mentioned by Valluvar is entertaining guests (விருந்தோம்பல்
= Viruntōmpal = hospitality), same as Vedic
religion's Manusha Yakyam. To
elaborate it further, it means Aṇṇatāṇam (அன்னதானம் or giving of food).
When
rice is cooked in a pot with God in our thoughts, a handful of uncooked rice
should be saved for the poor. This rice is collected from all families,
cooked in the local temple and given to the poor. Along with the handful of
rice, one should save a Paisa daily for the poor. That paisa goes for
firewood, condiments (வியஞ்சனம் viyańcaṉam), vessels...This
project is an example of selfless service. The distribution of food as
sacrament in the temple fills the stomach, heartens the mind of the poor,
cultivates the habit of visiting the temple and increases devotion. Because
it is not just food but sacrament (prasāda
= food offered to an idol),
that food confers mental purity (சித்தசுத்தி
= citta suddhi). Page 253. Food donation is a part of selfless charity or
philanthropy (பரோபகாரம் = parōpakāram). These days,
social services are advertised with a big fanfare; in the past, people were
doing this kind of service as a matter of natural disposition. This was
called before as Pūrththa Dharmam (பூர்த்த
தர்மம் = act of pious liberality). Digging a pond, a lake, food donations,
temple building for Soul welfare, and layout of flower garden belong to
Pūrththa Dharmam. Digging of wells and water reservoirs is the foremost
among meritorious deeds. It (digging) is in Tamil idiom. In everyday talk,
people ask the question, "Is he digging?" Digging is such a great Dharmam. Digging a
water reservoir for people and animals in the outskirts of the village on the
grazing meadows earns much merit. Irrespective of status, the rich and the
poor should join together, engage in such physical labor and become part of
the philanthropic service. Community cooperation will increase as a result.
Education for Buddhi Suddhi, Dhyānam for Manasu Suddhi, Slokam for
Vāccu Suddhi, and physical labor for body suddhi are essential. Suddhi =
Purification. Buddhi = Intellect. Dhyanam = contemplation. Manasu = mind or
mental. Slokam = song, stanza, verse…Vāccu = word, speech. As you work hard, you gain Citta Suddhi (சித்த
சுத்தி = mind + Purification). Ego is broken when the rich and the poor dig the
earth (and get dirty). The love that springs from your heart is more
important than the water that springs from the well. Appearances, photo ops,
and publicity must not take precedence. Every man anonymously should walk
down a footpath and remove the glass bits; that is a great parōpakāram. This Citta Suddhi becomes Atma
Lābam (gaining the soul). If you regard others as the Bhagavad
Svarūpam (God Form), we can surrender to God by doing service to the
people with our hands and feet. Service is the greatest fortune. Man gains many
fortunes. The highest of all fortunes is to do service to others. Page 254.
Duplicated in page 263. Service is a greater fortune (blessing). Having been born a human, there are many blessings.
Above and beyond all fortunes, doing service to others is foremost. We do service to our family without even thinking
about it. We should do service, that we are capable of, to other unrelated
families, our town, nation, and all countries. We have problems at work and
home, hunger and pain...We should not think that we cannot do social service
in the midst of personal problems. By doing service to the world, solutions
will come our way, so we forget our problems. If you feed milk to an
unrelated baby, your baby will grow on its own. Our generosity and service to
others will bear fruits, and God will lend us a helping hand to lift us from
our difficulties. Not considering gain and loss, we should do what we can to
alleviate difficulties of others. Leave alone the benefit the recipient gets.
Citta Suddhi, Atma trupti (Mental purity, soul satisfaction), and gladness,
will come to us sending us further along the said path of service to others. Besides people, we should serve animals like cows.
In olden days, just for animals, we used to dig ponds. We used to erect
stones for the animals to scratch themselves. Everyone should offer grass and
leaves to the cow. To give a handful of grass is called Go Grasam (mouthful [of grass] to the cow). Sunday, July 28, 2013 Page 255. Yākam, Yakńam, Taṟpaṇam and Tivasam explained our
services not only to us of this world but also to Pitrs in the other world;
with that realization, we should do these services with the chanting of
mantras. யாகம் yākam = yāga. 1. Sacrifice யஞ்ஞம் yańńam =
yakńam, yajńa. Sacrifice, sacrificial worship, offering of an oblation taṟpaṇam
( தற்பணம் = libation observance of death anniversary of manes திவசம் tivacam
, n. < divasa. Anniversary
commemorative of a person's death; Praiseworthy = சிலாக்கியம் cilākkiyam = šlāghya. 1. That which is
commendable, praiseworthy; 2. That which is excellent, good; 3. Fame, renown; It is praiseworthy to do service with one goal (or
opinion) and one caṅkam (சங்கம் = society) of like-minded people. We can do much
service by joining hands with others. We should safeguard against difficult
circumstances (caṅkaṭam சங்கடம்) with Satyam and Niyamam.
People engaged in selfless service should have certain attributes: zeal,
boldness, and more importantly ability to put up with insults. சங்கடம் = caṅkaṭam = difficult
circumstances, straits. சத்தியம்
= Satyam = Truth நியமம் Niyamam = niyama. 1. Moral or religious duty Wasting time in eateries and exhibitions is
inappropriate. You could spend that time, serving others. You could ask whether diversion from the life's
troubles is wrong. Selfless service by itself is fun, frolic and happiness. Krishna Paramatma's activities appearing as plays
were really selfless services. He removed many difficulties of others as if
they were plays. Lifting Govardhana Hill appears like a play. He lifted that big mountain to protect the
Gopis or cowherd women. He danced on the hood of poison-emitting snake
Kalinga, subdued it and saved the river from its poison so people can drink
its water. He rendered many such
services. Tuesday, July 30, 2013 Page 256.
Duplicated in 266 As there were none who played so hard, there were
none who did more service. So was Krishna Paramatma. He rendered worldly
service and offered spiritual knowledge. He taught doctrines (upatēcam =
உபதேசம் to Arjuna and the like. Service, wisdom, and divine
disport were his persona. He did all with thorough detachment and in a
dispassionate manner. All in public service should have peace of mind, a
sense of mirth, boldness and eagerness in them. Of all Avataras,
Krishnavataram was characterized by a plethora of service. In Rama Avatara,
Anjaneya was the epitome of service. Thinking of these two ( Krishna and
Anjaneya) and abiding in a pure mindset, selflessness and abjuring of
publicity, one should do service to others. When women are in periods
(menses), they stay aloof from the world.
A man is impure, when he is aloof and not doing any service to the
world, and therefore, one should do service according to one's ability. Doing service to humanity is worshipful service to
the Universal Father and Mother Paramesvara. This is what Tirumular says in
Tirumantiram. 1857 படமாடக் கோயில் பகவற்குஒன்று ஈயில் நடமாடக் கோயில் நம்பர்க்கு அங்கு ஆகா நடமாடக் கோயில் நம்பர்க்கு ஒன்று ஈயில் படமாடக் கோயில் பகவற்கு அது ஆமே. 1857 If you give anything to walking temples (devotees), you
are certainly offering it to the Lord in the temple. There are about ten pages duplicated in Tamil
version. Jumping from page 256 to Page 267. Thursday, August 01, 2013 Page 267. Deivaththin Kural Common Dharmas For the satisfaction of all life forms. Yagas and Tarpaṇa in consideration of Devathas and Pitrs should be
done without remiss. Our ancestors did puja for the Devathas and fed the
guests and vaišvadēva
(One god representing the Universe of gods). Irrespective of your
observance, it is good at least to listen to this narrative. You know the
history of foreign countries. You must at least know the name of the Dharmas
that have been in existence in our country for many yugas. vaišvadēva is one
of them. tarpaṇa = தற்பணம்
= ceremonial offering of water to gods,
ṛṣis and manes.) வைச்சுவதேவம் vaiccuvatēvam
Visvadevam rite = vaišvadēva.
1. A particular religious ceremony which consists in making offerings to the
Višvadēvas, performed daily before taking the principal meal of the day.
Because we have the bodies, we cause a great deal of
misery to other living beings. Because we want to keep our houses clean,
which is a matter of pride for us, each house is a butcher shop. Dharma
Sastras tell us keeping each house clean is like having five butcher shops.
What is this pentad? The vegetable slicer is one butcher tool. We cut our
vegetables with it. The vegetables and fruits are living things. The wok for
frying the vegetables is another butcher shop or tool. Grinder and other kitchen
tools, we use to grind seeds and grains without any mercy. The
non-vegetarians question the vegetarians eating living things like
vegetables, grains, seeds... It is true. Though there is no 'difference of
kind' between these foods, there is a difference in degree in matters of
Himsa and Ahimsa. Page 268. Though the floras have life and a sense of feel,
they do not have the pain sensation to the degree the Faunas and people have.
Science has established the difference in degree of perception. Some greens,
we pull by the roots and eat. With regards to other plants, we do not kill
but simply take their fruits and vegetables. It is like cutting our hair or
the nails. There is very little pain for the plants. Eating fallen or rotting
fruits do not cause injury to the floras. When the plants mature and start to
wither and become limp, we take the grains. If we do not harvest them, they
simply fall, wither and die. We can take the stand that vegetarianism is much
superior to meat-eating. There is also a practice of eating unusual meat
products: horse. Eating endangered animals, birds, fish… is considered as
modern. When some eat human flesh, people call it primitive and uncivilized.
They say as the faunal food has life, the floral food also has life. We have
to admit that grains do have life, as pointed by the meat-eaters. When it
comes to injury and pain, they declare all lives are the same. They say,
"Why don’t you become cannibals?" The beef-eaters call eating horse meat as
transgression. During world war, there was a question of feeding the Chinese
soldiers horse meat; the non-vegetarians called it abominable. The same group
calls it civilized to eat other animals, birds, and fish. They object to the
eating of human flesh by some forest dwellers and call them uncivilized
cannibals. The meat eaters
say you consider there is a difference between human cannibals and human
carnivores? In the same sense, we see
the difference between the floras and faunas. Our answer is
abjuring faunal food and eating floral food increase Sattivic (virtuous)
qualities. Grinders and powder makers are the other butcher implements in the
kitchen because they kill the grains. PeshanI = பேஷணீ = grinder.
KandinI = கண்டினீ = powder making grinder Page 269. The meat eater: The grains have life as much as the
animals we eat. Yes, it is true. When it comes to injury and pain, all lives suffer. The meat eater: Why don't you eat mankind? Why do
you entertain the premise that there is a difference between mankind and
faunal kind? In the same sense, we see
the difference between faunal kind and the floral kind. Our answer is abjuring faunal food and eating floral
food increase Sattvic (virtuous) qualities. To maintain life, we keep the grinders and powder
makers, implements of butcher shop in the kitchen. The third implement is the
hearth. Many insects fall into the fire and die. An ant is walking along; we
lit the fire; the ant gets fried and dies.
Ants and insects die from under the vessels. In the hot summer months,
the ants cluster around wet vessels. We end up killing them. The water jug is
another butcher implement. The last one is the sweeper. When we sweep, we torture and kill many living
things. These are the butcher implements we have in our home. We should not bring harm to animals that inflict
harm to us. We end up in causing
injury and death to pacific animals. Reflecting on this further, by causing
so much pain and death to them, we fill the stomach and feel the mental pain.
These are unavoidable matters. We are
not causing death knowingly to these unseen and unknown insects. For these
transgressions beyond our control, there is atonement. That atonement is vaiśvadēya. Page 270. The faunal lives that we injured need deliverance. With the thought that Bhagavan should forgive us,
the animals are sacrificed in the interests of all living things. பிரஷ்டன் piraṣṭaṉ. Outcaste. An excommunicated man; A man
who has strayed from virtue; Visvadeva rite absolves us of all sins and also the
animals like dog, crow, and the social outcast...Many life forms will be assured of
food for their sustenance. Visvadevam rite is Buta Yagnam plus Puja and Homam,
which are part of Deva Yagnam. Manushya Yagnam (hospitality to a guest), Pitr
Yagnam, and Brahma Yagnam must be performed according to injunctions.
Brahma's sons and Rishis over many Yugas performed these five Great Yagnas.
From time of antiquity to the age of our grandparents, these ceremonies were
performed according to the injunctions of Sastras. These rites should be
performed without a break until Pralaya or the Great Deluge. During our
times, we have the dubious privilege of cutting this thread of continuity.
All these age-old observances have come to a standstill, and our future
descendants would not enjoy their benefits because we put a stop to them. Consider all the religious rites, we observed and we
gave up. Think of how many you can do. We should in the minimum perform
without fail the religious rites for the welfare of our lives. We should at
least feel the remorse (பச்சாத்தாபம்) for not doing the religious rites. Friday, August 02, 2013 Page 271. Deivaththin Kural (Part One) Common Dharmas Citta Suddhi, some small pointers There are some small pointers useful in Citta Suddhi
(Mental Purity). Our ancestors over generations followed these principles and
enjoyed happy and contented lives. It is enough to tread their path. There is
no need for a new path or principle. Our ancestors showed the codes of conduct in society
and family, besides the matters related to the soul. Relationship and
friendship were safeguarded in a proper manner. Many paid to meet the
expenses related to ceremonies like death and marriage. That was a lofty
behavior. There was no ostentation and demonstration in those
days, when people showed true interest in the needs of the poor. The
attendees to the wedding contributed money to defray the costs of the wedding
and thereby reduce the financial burden. Page 272. Small contributions by many go a long way to defray
the costs of wedding and funeral in poor families. In the bygone days, among
relatives, there was no difference between the poor and the rich. The rich
helped the poor (relative). That is Dharma. Giving more than receiving helps
purify the mind. Today (in the 1900s), everything has changed. Mental
inclination to helping poor relatives has diminished. The old-world
food-charity (feeding the poor) has lost its meaning. Now the rich invite the
rich for feast and party. Tremendous amount of money and material is wasted
this way. There is nothing for Dharma or mental purification. There are
selfish motives nowadays behind dinner invitations and parties. The host and
the guest seem to know each other's intent. They try to cheat each other.
Feasts and toasts are exercise in deception. They did not serve to purify the
mind. Page 273. The prosperous can earn merit by donating money. It
is a great merit to render physical service to others. It helps purify the
mind. For the poor, physical service (labor) is very feasible. No one needs to know your service. You can go along
a footpath and remove thorns, broken glasses... That is good for Citta Suddhi
(Purity of mind). The rich and the poor can join hands and dig a pond for
the village. We need Isvara anugraham (God’s grace, mercy). How do you get it? One should have mental maturity with
charity and compassion for the fellow human being. When your mind is pure,
you can see god's image in your mind.
As the turbid waters do not reflect the image, our turbid mind does
not reflect Isvara-rupam (image of God).
Bhagavad Bhakti (devotion to God) and Paropakaram (philanthropy) help
in clarifying the mind, apprehending the form of the Lord in the mind, and
obtaining his Anugraham. Page 274. Deivaththin Kural (Part One) Common Dharmas Crime and character If the human race wants live by Dharma, It is
mandatory to conduct oneself according to the rules. We should let them know
of this. There is beauty if they follow the rules of conduct on their own
accord. There is no pride in being
forced to follow the rules.
Sampradayam (tradition) is the way laid down over generations. People
followed it in compliance of it. Codes of conduct and methods found in
tradition are not part of the Sastras. If they come as rules, there is an
inherent mandatory element. Our elders observed that one could say a thousand
things orally but not put one thing down in writing. Nowadays, People say,
"Do this, do that." They put posters up on the walls. Where I
perform Puja, there are posters saying not to wear shirts, not to
talk...Don't do this anymore. By putting you on notice, I broke my own rule and
advice. By placing an order, I made it a mandatory rule.
That is wrong (on my part). It would have been proper if I told you to think
for yourself about the posters you placed in the Puja premises. Page 275. Do not make any fault or flaw look worse than it is.
It is the advice of the elders to praise even a good minor conduct. I am now
making your mistake public, (which I should not). Do not publicize other's
fault. Reveal their good qualities.
Siva wears the waning moon on his head and makes the world praise it for its
light and coolness. The same Isvara has hidden in his throat away from our
eyes the most vicious Halahala poison. That is what poet Tandi says. As the fault is noticed, making it big, talking
about it and writing about it have become more pronounced in these days. The
more educated one is, more faults they find. Today finding fault is the norm
for the educated. Vidvan means the one
whose business is to find faults. It is not making it bigger than it is and
publicizing it. We should know the faults and try to avoid the pitfalls.
Agreeability is the way to point out the faults to the guilty. Constant scolding and publicizing it are a
no-no. One should have complete and transparent honesty and
integrity before one points out other's faults. It is of no use to advise and find fault
with others, when you yourself harbor many faults. That may even intensify
their wrong-doings. Praising the good aspects of one’s conduct helps give him
an enthusiasm. They make that good aspect of their conduct even better. Page 276. We should exercise caution and restraint in praising
others. We should not praise someone to the high heaven and make them more
egoistic. Praise is a fine thing. That is why our great men praise directly
the God and the Guru. Instead of praising the friends and relatives directly,
we should compliment them to others. We tap and slap the horse after the
race. Likewise, praise the workers after their jobs are done. The elders say
never to praise your child. The fault-finding narrative of mine with regards to
you amounts to an explanation. Since you are my children, I did not offer any
praise but found fault with you; in that, I am not guilty of any fault. Page 277. Deivaththin Kural Common Dharmas Anger Desire and anger go together. Krishna Paramatman
says that desire and anger take man to sin. If we develop a desire for an object, we try to
acquire it even by illegal means. That is desire pushing us into sin. Desire
is our great enemy. Another enemy is anger. When desire-induced object is not
obtained, anger is directed against people who blocked or prevented the
desire to get the object. Unfulfilled desire is anger. We throw a rubber ball against the wall. It comes
back to us. The thrown ball is the desire; as it returns it becomes anger.
The returning ball attacks us. Though you think you project your anger to
others, it attacks you more. Anger rattles our body and mind. கிலேசம் kilēcam = klēša. Affliction, distress,
pain, anguish, sorrow, grief. Anger causes Kilesam (distress) to the body and
mind. When someone takes a picture of us yelling in anger that picture shows
how ugly we look; we become ashamed of ourselves. Ordinarily, animals and men get satiety upon eating.
We get hungry again. If you feed the fire, it never subsides. Adding more
fodder to the fire makes it burn more. The fire becomes more formidable.
Though the fire has a brilliant shine, it makes all it touched black.
Therefore, fire bears the name Krishna Vartamā. It burns as fire. Since
we feed it with desirable substance, it hunger keeps increasing. It makes our
mind black. Fulfilled desire gives a temporary happiness. By pursuing that desire again, peace and
happiness are destroyed. We become impure and angry. Page 278. Unhappiness and anger are the two forms of
unfulfilled desire. We show anger towards the obstructionists of our
desire, if they are subordinate to us. If the obstructionist is of higher
position, we are unable to get angry, become unhappy and shed tears. Anger's
bad power is greater than that of desire. Naishatam explains this well. King
Kali enters accompanied by Generals, Desire and Anger. Panegyrist sings songs
of praise. There is no place, not
entered by Desire. However, there is a fort not entered even by Desire. In
that fort lives Anger. Do you know what fort it is? It is the heart of Dhurvasa. Durvasa
Maharishi, who never experienced desire, is well known for his anger. We should be very careful with this great sinner by
name Anger. Our Inner soul knows that we have no reason to become angry with
whomsoever, and that we committed more mistakes than the one we get angry
with. We should consider the
circumstances in which he made the mistake. Anger is our great enemy. We should safeguard
ourselves from his approach (keep him at a distance)ச் Deivaththin Kural
(part One) Common Dharmas What gives (you) the right to become angry? Anger expresses itself under many circumstances, two
of which are: If one commits a mistake or if one slanders or hates us. We
still have no right to get angry; we know that. Are we immune from making mistakes? Are we free from
the sin of hatred? If not by deed but by thought, we have done that. We
continue making mistakes and committing sins. There may be people committing
more mistakes and sins. It may be the maturity of mind that kept us to this
level. He commits great sins, because
his mind is not yet mature. Don't we
struggle hard to correct our mistakes? Page 280. For the one who is worse off than we are in matters
of committing sins, it is difficult to redeem himself. We should stay away
from him, leave Asat Sang (Bad company) and join the Sat Sang (Virtuous
company). Sastras tell that this is the first step for the betterment of the
soul. There is no sense in hating or getting angry with the sinners. We
should pray for their redemption. If any of us had the benefit and power of
God's bliss, we should use that power to redeem them. Our anger does not convert the sinner. Its result
will be his growing anger towards us.
Hatred grows on both sides.
There is no pride and honor for us if a person changes because of our
anger and not because of his own realization and change for the better. That
change will not last long. It is an honor to change a person by use of love.
That change will stand steady. Mind and opportunity are the two causes for one to
commit a sin. It is quite possible
lack of opportunity might have bound (prevented) us from committing many
sins. If you see the sinner, thank Goddess Ambika. I could have committed
this sin, O Goddess, You never gave me that opportunity to commit the sin by
giving your bliss to me. You should pray to Ambika to confer the sinner the
same bliss. There is no need to become angry at your hater. We know in our mind that we hated many
people. The hater may blame you for
something you did not do. We know in our inner mind that our mistakes are
worse than his. We should pray and plead with Ambal with remorse to wash off
all our sins. We are in that state every day. Being in that state, we have no
justification to find fault with others. Saturday, August 03, 2013 Page 281. If we were blameless, we will become Love-Replete (அன்பு
மயம் = anpu mayam). In that mode, we will have compassion for
the sinner. We will not be angry. If we were the sinners, others have no
right to condemn us or get angry with us. It is Ambal's play that protected
us from committing sins. Ambal neither praises nor hates anyone. Most of the time the opponent never takes
our anger seriously. Anger makes our body and mind sick. To love is man's natural
Dharma. That is happiness. It is
happiness for the opponent and us. Love is Sivam; that should be our motto. Page 282. Deivaththin Kural Part One Common Dharmas Love and unhappiness The purpose of human birth is to show (and receive)
love. There is no greater happiness than showing love. Accumulating wealth
for oneself, receiving encomiums, and dressing oneself elegantly give
temporary happiness. However, the mind does not get fulfillment. Joy comes
from giving love. When we extend love, difficulties, bodily stress, and
expenditure of money do not appear to matter. Love's joy and fulfillment
transcend miseries. Life without love is meaningless. Love upon expression drowns misery. Sometimes, the
object of our love causes a great misery. We show love to a person. That
person or you leave for good, causing grief. The love and fulfillment enjoyed
all these days becomes a lie, drowning us in mental agony. We get a great
dissatisfaction, when love's eventual fruit turns out to be grief. The greater the love, the greater is the
misery on separation. It may appear to us that we could be self-centered or
feel easy remaining an inert being. Is
that not grief for that deprived soul? The self-centered person in truth carries a huge bag
of sin. Having taken human birth, not experiencing joy and fulfillment and
remaining as a piece of log, a dry palm frond (மட்டை) or a stone, It is a life without purpose. Page 283. Love ends in grief; life without love is dull. What
do we do then? The solution is creation of unchanging and imperishable
love. The entity that deserves our
love should not leave us. If there is a substance, and we show love to it, it
may remain inseparable joy with fulfillment. That is, we should expend your complete and
exclusive love to the unchanging (immutable) entity which is Paramatman. Paramatman does not leave us at all. The
soul that separates from us upon death merges with Him. The love towards Him
is eternal and permanent. Could we have love towards others? If your love to God grows more and more
intense, you will realize there is no one different from Him. We should have
love for all humanity who will die, certainly merge with Him and become the
eternal form of Paramatman. Then that love will not become the origin of
grief. Though we are unable to extend our love to all as
forms of Paramatman, it is easier to show love towards the spiritual elders,
satgurus full of spiritual wisdom and grace. It is sufficient to show love
and dedicate our soul to them. Though someone deserving of our love dies, it
is the body that perished and his soul merged with Paramatman. That knowledge
prevents us from suffering the loss of that loved person. Our love will never diminish and stay
steady and study into the future. We should practice that kind of love
towards Isvara and Sadhus to begin with and later extend that love to all
life forms. Page 284. Deivaththin Kural (Part One) Common Dharmas Love In this world, love is of three kinds. 1)
Love of the
Virtuous: Great men, honest people, truthful persons, philanthropists,
Jnanis. 2)
Love of family
and friends. 3)
Love of
business assocdiates for profit and employer for his salary. The love for this trio is not true love, and
impermanent. If the boss fires you, you drop loving him at that moment. When
the acquaintances go far away, die, and leave your ambit for any reason, that
love dwindles in due course of time. The love shown to the Great Men is not
permanent either. If their conduct suffers or is perceived to suffer, that
love will diminish. The threefold love has a cause behind it (them) and
therefore, is not permanent. We have love for the virtuous people because
their virtue is the cause for our love.
We may believe that they may elevate us to a higher degree of virtue,
which is a selfish motive on our part. Sunday, August 04, 2013 Page 285. True love does not have an ostensible reason behind
it. True love exists, when you have unchanging love to a person irrespective
of his closeness to you or good qualities and grace in him. Who has that kind
of love? Only one has it. That One is the Paramatman (God, Lord). God's love for us has no causal reason (His is
causeless love). If he had to consider and evaluate a cause to love us, He
would not even give us food any time. He tolerates our infractions and
mistakes and safeguards us. He is the Paramatman, the Love-Replete. The
modification of love of Paramatma is the threefold love in the world. We should practice that kind of love as seen in
Paramatman. Why should we hate someone for a cause such as a wrongful act?
When we ourselves do wrongful act, do we reject ourselves? We should be good to other people, as we
forgive ourselves. Page 286. We should have love for great men. If a man does
wrongs, we should know they are the products of his mind and try to change
his mind for the better. People
endowed with god's grace should have as their goal removal of the sins of the
sinner. If we practice causeless love towards other people,
that love will make us Love-Replete (அன்புமயம்) helping us to spread that love to all people. We
should without expectation of fruits, and ostensible reason (Viyajam = வியஜம்) extend our love to Guru. By immersing ourselves in
that joy, practicing it constantly and regarding all living beings as Guru,
we should project causeless love equally to all. Joy is to fill the world
with love. That is supreme peace. Page 287. Deivaththin Kural Part one Society's affairs What is Suyarajayam (self-rule)? சுதேசிą cutēci. , n. < svadēšin. Native, son of
the soil பராதீனம் parātīṉam. , n. <
parādhīna. Dependence, subjection; சுதந்திரமின்மை. Today people talk about cutēci,
Suyarājyam... Clothes, habits and general disposition are those of the
westerner, whom they try to ape. We are beggars as long as we maintain the
western lifetyle. We are a dependent nation. If you aspire for self-rule, we
have to give up the present living habits and follow our traditional
observances. Or nation's old observances, Dharmas and soul-related matters
should not change. It is wrong to think we should live like other countires.
It is immeterial whether our politics remains free or not as long as we are
the slaves of foreign civilization. We should bring in our Dharmarajyam back in our
midst. We have our own traditions and civilization. They remained as a rock,
when many civilizations were lost in the deluge. We should remian what we
are. Our people shape legislation in the guise of the
white man. We are slaves to that;
there is no freedom and a sense of belonging. When we cast votes to
politicians not following our traditions, that is a slave government. Our
worldly affairs were steeped in soul and god. That way, we can attain
greatness. We should install government run by capable men of character in
the areas of Dharmam, observances and conduct. They should run the government
according to our sastras. We should show the superiority of our system of
governance and make the other countrymen follow our system. |
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Part 1 #103 Tuesday, August 20, 2013 What is the meaning of Swamy or
Svamy? Svam means owned property. Svam in
Sanskrit, Sōmmu in Telugu, Contam (சொந்தம்) in Tamil, Cottu (சொத்து) in Tamil.. indicate ownership.
Deva-svam
is the owner of the temple property. There are very many names with terminal Udaiyar
carved into the granite walls of the temple. உடையவர் uṭaiyavar. உடையவர் uṭaiyavar = Master, Lord Guru and Svamy are one, so the
Vaishnavas call Sri Ramanujar uṭaiyavar. I said Svamy means the owner of the
property. That property is this universe, inclusive of us. Svamy is the Owner
of all. Thayumanavar sang on this ownership of the Lord. We celebrate the
ownership of ours and theirs. In truth, all properties including us are in
the ownership of Svamy. If Svamy does not exist, this universe does not
exist, we do not exist, and the property we claim as ours does not exist. We think that we made new objects
and properties like the home and the cart. The scientist make new instruments
and engines. All the necessary ingredients that go into the manufactured
objects are made by Svamy. We have not created anything new other than
changing the form of the original substances of Svamy. Manufacturing an
element or creation of an atom are impossible propositions, even by
scientists. The scientists of great repute and engineering skills cannot
manufacture a small green leaf. The Supreme Worker is the Owner of
all. That is why He is called uṭaiyavar
(The Possessor, God). We are also His possessions. We have the right to dispose
our property. Likewise, being Svamy's property and by letting Him to treat us
the way He wants, we have no burden to bear. That is Anandam (rapturous joy).
We wander around bandying words
like ‘I, Mine and Me.’ Once we realize that He owns this and that, we do not
have to amble around thinking of ‘ Mine, and Me.’ When we realize that we do
not have a right to entertain desire and hatred, then there is no aimless wandering. There is fullness of
tranquility. The word Svamy exists to remind and make us
realize that we do not own ourselves, and we are His property, ready to be
disposed the way He wants, This realization is Bhakti's Supreme goal:
Saranagati (unqualified surrender to God). Chapter 1 part 1 #147 in பொருள்ளடக்கம். சிவ, விஷ்ணு அபேதம் Siva Vishnu
Differences. Gunas are threefold:
Sattvam, Rajas, and Tamas. Sattvam is evenness, tranquility, love and of the
color of white. Rajas is speed, a combination of good and bad and of the
color of red or reddish yellow, giving off beauty and causing fear. Rising
orange or red sun is beautiful blood by appearance induces fear. Tamas is wholly bad quality and of the
color of black. Laziness and sleepiness are its comrades, meaning utter
darkness and total ignorance. Sattva-Rajas-Tamas
bind us. These Gunas originate from Paramatman and are personified as three
deities. NBirth is a
combination of good and bad. KAma VEham (
) is the cause of birth. Creator Brahma is the Face of Raja Guna. There is no disensus
about it. Brahma is of the color of yellow-red. We don't deserve even one
meal for the great sins we commit. That being our state, Mahavishnu provides
all living beings and insects food, shelter and protection. He earned the eponym, Sattva Murthy for his
Sattva Guna. SamhAram is
destruction, which belongs to Tamas. Siva's eponymous name is Tamo Murthy. This is the origin
of Saiva-Vaishnava quarrels.The Saivas do not accept or recognize
Mahavishnu's protective portfolio. The following is the prevailing opinion
and attitude of the staunch Saivas. Deivaththin Kural part 1 #147. சிவ, விஷ்ணு அபேதம் = Siva Vishnu Differences. Gunas are threefold: Sattvam, Rajas, and Tamas. Sattvam is
evenness, tranquility, love and of the color of white. Rajas is speed, a combination
of good and bad and of the color of red or reddish yellow, giving off beauty
and also causing fear. Rising orange or red sun is beautiful; blood by
appearance induces fear. Tamas is wholly bad quality and of the color of
black. Laziness and sleepiness are its comrades, meaning utter darkness and
total ignorance. Sattva-Rajas-Tamas bind us. These Gunas originate from
Paramatman and are personified as three deities. Birth is a combination of good and bad. Kāma
Vēham (= காம
வேஹம் = the run of the lust) is the cause
of birth. Creator Brahma is the Face of Raja Guna. There is no disensus (opposite of consensus) about it.
Brahma is of the color of yellow-red. We do not deserve even one meal for the
great sins we commit. That being our state, Mahavishnu provides all living
beings and insects too, food, shelter and protection. He earned the epithet,
Sattva Murthy for his Sattva Guna. Guna = quality or attribute. Samhāram is destruction, which belongs to Tamas.
Siva's name is Tamo Murthy. This is the origin of Saiva-Vaishnava quarrels. The Saivas
do not accept or recognize Mahavishnu's protective portfolio (Maintenance,
Sustenance). Here is the Saiva view of Vishnu. This unstable phenomenal life,
coming under the nebulous protective umbrella of Vishnu, pushes man further
into nescience (Ajńānam), according to die-hard Saivas. There is no
Sattvam in this (nescience). Siva only
has the wherewithal to remove Ajńānam or nescience and instruct us on
Jńānam. Siva engages in Samhāra (destruction) to give a rest (to
the suffering soul) by releasing from the bonds of Karma with supreme Grace
even the unqualified and immature souls incapable of receiving
Jńānapadēsam (ஞானபதேசம்). Siva is the embodiment of mercy in that he gives
viccirānti (rest) to the embodied soul during its many births on earth
by administering Samhāram (death) between births and rebirths. This
service to humanity by Siva is not Tamas. It is Sattvam through and
through. Vishnu under the aegis and
injunctions of Supreme God Paramesvara (Siva) performs his duty, according to
Siva Bhaktas. Vaishnavas hold the opposite view. Mahavishnu is the Ruler and
Protector of this world. He confers Moksa (liberation) in Paramapatham. He is
the first, complete and perfect God. Siva works as a subordinate god under
him. We the followers of Sankara's doctrine are neither Saivas
nor Vaishnavas. Our name is
Smārttār (ஸ்மார்த்தார்). Smārttārs are the ones who observe the Dharma
Sastras known as Smirtis. For us, Siva, Vishnu and all other deities are the
many and varied forms of one Paramatma. There are no highs and lows among
them. (There is no hierarchy between them.) Would others let us get away with such statements? By
stating the portfolio of their god, they point their god as Sarvamurthy
(Omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient God). While Saivas and Vaishnavas
appointed Siva and Vishnu as their designated Gods, Brahma was out in the
cold without a temple or worship. Let us analyze this from the middle ground. Brahma's
portfolio is Rajas, whose color is rajas or red. His abode is red Lotus flower, quite
compatible with his creation portfolio.
Look at Siva and Vishnu. Should not Vishnu in charge of Sattvic Portfolio be white
in color? He is instead dark as night.
That is the color of Tamas. Besides it, He lies long and tall on his Snake
Bed always appearing to be in sleep (Yoganidra). Sleep is Tamas. (Vishnu was white to begin with. When the Suras and Asuras
churned the milk ocean, the snake exhaled hot soot, which burned and darkened
all including the white Vishnu. Ever since, Vishnu is black.) Look at Siva. He is not black that should go with Tamas
Guna and destruction. He glitters like a crystalline shining precious stone (ஸ்படிக ஸங்ககாசம்) and looks Suddha-Sattva-white. His abode the snow-clad
Kailas mountain is likewise white and shining. The ash stripes, Risaba Vahana
(his mount the bull) are both white. He does not sleep. He is the Sānta
Dhakshinamurthy. Moreover, he dances
in the form of Nataraja. All these are Sattva in character. What comes out of all these differences? Siva and Vishnu
are not separate as individual Sattvamurthy (embodiment of Sattva or virtue
and goodness) or Tamamurthy (embodiment of darkness, sleep...) Both have
Sattva, Sattvam in Tamas portfolio, Sattva in form, and Tamas portfolio. Vaishnavas embracing Vishnu's Sattvic
portfolio (of protection and maintenance) worship Vishnu, (though his body is
black). Saivas because of Siva’s Svrūpa Sattvam (Sattva as one's own
form = His body is white.), celebrate Siva as their God. In consideration of
both without partiality, both qualities are prevalent in both gods; in
essence, Siva and Vishnu are same. We
can worship both with love and with devotion. Hari and Siva are One. In Puranas, Vishnu appears to have lost to Siva. There are Puranic texts that depict that
Siva lost to Vishnu. We see several
passages that indicate they worshipped each other. Tiruvannamalia's tradition
is that Vishnu lost to Siva because the former did not find the lower end of
the Fiery Column of Siva. There was a competition between Siva and Vishnu at
the behest of lesser gods. Siva lost to Vishnu. Siva's losing bow was gifted to Parasurama
(for being Siva's great disciple), who gave it to King Janaka for safekeeping.
Rama broke it to smithereens, an allegorical reference to Vishnu vanquishing
Siva. When Vishnu was offering worship to Siva, he was short by one flower
and therefore, presented his own eye to make up for the shortage. Siva gained
the name Netra-Arpana-Isvarar (Eye-dedication-Lord). Siva sliced off one of
the five heads of Brahma for telling a lie and gained the sin of Brahmahathi.
For expiation of that sin, Siva worshipped Vishnu, who conferred grace on
Siva and absolved him of Brahmahathi. Vishnu received the moniker,
Harasāpa Vimosanar (Siva’s-sin expiator). Many stories bear witness to
the mutual rise and fall of Siva and Vishnu in relation to each other. You say Siva and Vishnu are one. How could one Swamy fight with
himself? Could he worship
himself? Here is my explanation. --Periyavar. I told you about Rama breaking Siva's Bow. Parasurama told
the story to Rama. Rama was returning to Ayodhya following his marriage to
Sita and Parasurama intercepted him. Parasurama: You received accolades by breaking
the ferocious but previously battle-weakend bow (Rudra-Danush) involved in
Siva-Vishnu battle. Here is the victorious bow of Vishnu against the Siva's
bow. Go ahead and string it, Rama. Rama did string the Vishnu bow. Who is this Parasurama? He is Vishnu's Avatara. The two
Avatars of Vishnu are fighting with each other. Parasurama Avatara loses
against Rama Avatara. Rama Avatara later used Vishnu Bow to kill Ravana and
rescue his wife Sita. Before that, Rama performed worship of Sivalingam at Ramesvaram.
If people were to develop devotion, Bhagavan Himself shows
the way. He Himself becomes the
devotee and shows the way. That is why, Siva and Vishnu at different places
and circumstances worship each other (by becoming mutual devotees at different
times). Both are same. Haran and Hari are unitary names. Both
together become HariHaran, Sankara Narayanan... thus inculcating a sense of
oneness of deity among people. Alvars saw Peruman in the form of HariHaran. 2344: Divyaprabhandam Thus, Peyazhvar depicts both of
them together, first Siva’s attributes and 2nd Vishnu’s, and eulogizes Vishnu in the form of Tirumal. Though the two forms exist, the poet says one exists in the
other. பொன்திகழு மேனிப் புரிசடையம் புண்ணியனும் நின்றுலகம் தாய நெடுமாலும் - என்றும் இருவரங்கத்தால் திரிவரேனும் ஒருவன் ஒருவன் அங்கத்தென்றும் உளன். The great poet Kamban tells us about the inanity of
comparing Siva and Vishnu: Aran (Siva) is great; the world-strider (Ari,
Hari, Vishnu) is great. Ignoramuses who characterize them as high or low find it
hard to attain supreme liberation, which is a rare gift. அரியும் சிவனும்
ஒண்ணு.
அறியாதவன் வாயில்
மண்ணு. = Hari and
Haran are one. The ignoramus has sand in his mouth. ஒண்ணு - மண்ணு (Oṇṇu - Maṇṇu = One – Sand). These two words rhyme. Let us leave aside the sayings of Great men. Take the tiny tots.
They say Hari and Haran are one. The ignoramus has sand in his mouth. This
child's saying has been around for tens of thousands of years. A hutment
comes to ruin in a few years. A brick house lasts for one hundred years. If you build with granite rock, it stands
for a thousand years. Thus, flood of time brings down words with no intrinsic
strength (and meaning). However, the tot's words go beyond time. These words
stand on their essence and doctrines. Deivaththin Kural (Part One தெய்வத்தின் குரல் ( முதல் பாகம்) "எனக்கு முக்கியம் அம்பாள் " Deities are Avatars. Ambal is important to me. Dearth of essentials should not be
a factor at
home. It
is not enough that clothes and body are not dirty. The soul should become
free of impurities. The only path for this is meditation and surrender at the
lotus feet of Ambal, the Consort of Paramesvara and Parasakti, the manifest
form of Sakti. If we were to meditate on Ambal's Lotus feet, the impurities
will disappear, there will be no more shortage and we will be perfect. It is
Her sacred play that we took birth as Jivas with needs and impurities. She
redeems us and makes us pure and perfect: That is Her work. The religions exist so we do not
die like cattle, we die with tranquility and blissful joy, and we do not take
birth again in this world. There is no need for a separate religion other
than meditation of Ambal. She confers joyous bliss, perfection, completeness,
and fulfillment. If any of us attains fulfillment by
meditating on Ambal, our religion grows. If you were to meditate on Ambal, it
is better than listening to my religious discourse because it gives Atma
Kshepam (soul welfare) and world welfare (Loka Kshepam). That will give
fulfillment and perfection more than these words. I discovered this truth as
I sat down for the talk. As I proceed to talk, I am becoming more and more
pure. I talk on religious topics with the hope at least one soul will find
fulfillment and uplift. The conclusion of religious thought
is to eradicate the deficiencies and obtain fulfillment. Our religion lays emphasis on observation
of rites and rituals and attainment of one’s fulfillment. For that
accomplishment, we should supplicate to Her and obtain Shakti and Buddhi. Our deficiencies become apparent,
when we attempt to meditate on Her and are unable to focus our thoughts on
Her. It is good in a way. We implore Her to remove those deficiencies.
Whenever deficiencies appear in me, I appeal to Ambal and pray to Her that at
least in the future they would not appear. If I were to have faults (and no
fealties to Ambal), it is a mere put-on
my part to offer religious instructions to others. If I were to have
gained Ambal's Anugraha (grace and mercy) and attained fulfillment, there is
no need for me to utter words of religious discourse. Without exhaling one word, Anugraha Sakti
will confer Jnana to others. Therefore, in these two states, religious talk
is unnecessary. Atma Sānti (peace and tranquillity of the soul) would
come to me in abundance if I were to concentrate my time on meditation
instead talking. If I were to use my talk time in meditation, my deficiencies
will leave me. The reason for my talk is my desire that someone in the
audience will feel the inducement (urge) and engage in self-experimentation
and meditation upon Ambal to obtain self-fulfillment. Propaganda does not
help spread and grow religion and Atmanubhavam (soul-realization). Propaganda
and discourse offer brief peace, which we appreciate in this present world without peace. My speech gives an
interim peace and tranquility to you. If I were not to talk to you (in this
place and at this time), you will suffer misery and disappointment. More importantly, we have to make
this into an enduring peace by meditating on the lotus feet of Ambal. No harm will come to our religion
from other religions or atheism.
Failure or slackness in religiousobservances will result in harm. When
the body is weak, disease strikes it. If our religious observances slacken,
conversion and atheism are the diseases to strike us. It is sufficient to do observances
without let and meditate on the lotus feet of Ambal. No one will get or face
any difficulties. We have the wherewithal for these. There is no need to do
big things or good works. We should attempt to desist from doing wrong
things. Whenever we do wrong things, we should pray to Ambal, perform
Atma-Suddhi (soul purification = ஆத்மசுத்தி) by Ambal's Grace, gain fulfillment
stepwise and do serve our religion. We can offer welfare to the world, since
our religion has public weal as its main thrust. Moksa or
liberation, the goal
of all religions, is to know by experience the Supreme Truth, which Vedanta
calls Brahmam. By worshiping Jnana form of Ambal
with Brahmam's Citsakti, Her Grace as the Truth and Jnana will descend to us.
Having given us many kinds of
comforts and conveniences, she offers knowledge and liberation as the final
grace. Her Grace and Mercy (அனுக்கிரகம் = aṉu-k-kirakam) release us from worldly bondage
and take us to Moksa. Sastras and Stotras tell us that because we worship
Ambal, Ajńānam leaves us, Jnana pervades us, and we attain liberation.
We know several Jńānis becoming Parama-Jńānis (Supreme sages) by devotion to
Ambal. ஞானி ńāṉi. jńānin. Wise person, sage,
philosopher, person of sublime religious knowledge What we have to do in the beginning
is meditation on the lotus feet of Ambal; even a little meditation helps us
know its essence and flavor. We will begin to understand that there is nothing
having the ability to confer us peace and tranquility other than meditation
at the lotus feet (சரணாரவிந்த
தியானம் = saranara-vindha tiyāṉam) of Ambal. After death, we can obtain immortality and
permanent knowledge. Before we attempt to preach, it is
enough to desist from doing wrong things. Her lotus-feet are the refuge.
Meditation is the device inside us that easily removes the deficiencies. You
must meditate on Her to obtain soul welfare and universal welfare. No one
will have any suffering. The whole world will enjoy supreme welfare. Sunday, August 25, 2013 Deivaththin Kural Book 2 தெய்வத்தின்
குரல் ( முதல் பாகம்) வேத மதம் ஒலியும் படைப்பும் http://www.kamakoti.org/tamil/kural11.htm ஒலியும் படைப்பும் Sound and Creation What is Sabda (sound)? Today's
science tells us it is vibration. Atom scientists and Einstein tell us when
you go into an atom, all substances are one, nondual or monistic. The world
is all one flood of Sakti (electromagnetic flood). Why does this manifest as
many disparate objects? The reason is one Sakti generates many disparate
vibrations. Tremor originates sound. For a
particular sound to occur there must be an appropriate tremor. One Sakti generates many
vibrations, causing world creation, also known as respirations of Paramatman,
which are the Veda sounds causing the creation of the world. There are men and animals. Our
health, welfare and feelings proceed from our Prana (breathing), which course
along the body-wide Nadis causing vibrations resulting in good health or ill
health. Yogic methods and breathing exercises (breath control = Pranayama),
help direct Prana along the Nadis and obtain good health. Though you cut the
blood vessels, they do not bleed. They can stop the heart and flow in the Nadis
and remain alive in the underground in Samadhi. The poison from cobra and
scorpion do not affect them. That is because they can control and regulate
the Prana flow in the Nadis. Prana is good not only for the body
but also for the mind and mental health. The mind for thoughts and Pranasakti
for the breath are harmonious here. The ebb and flow in the Nadi (calaṉam = சலனம்
= movement) are the cause of good and bad thoughts.
Your mind is tranquil and peaceful in the temple and in the presence of a
great man and your breathing is normal. There is a rise (in respirations)
because of consortium or anger. There is a difference in ebb and flow in the
Nadis with regard to happiness from participating in Bajanai (singing
devotional songs) or festival and those from sensual pleasures. Generally,
breathing takes place via right nostril in noble pleasures. Prana takes place
via left nostril in sensual pleasures. The breathing will be equal, regular
and smooth via both nostrils, when meditation deepens in tranquil Satvastu
(Paramatma, God, Universal Consciousness- state of Turiyatita). When the
merger takes place (Union of Individual consciousness and Universal
Consciousness = Turiyatita), the breath and the mind come to a standstill,
but the life continues and Jnana (ஞானம் என்ற பேருணர்வு) and Realization become complete
and perfect. Jiva's inert body and Caitanyam (pure spirit) thrive or perish
because of the state of Prana. A healthy state of Prana is developing regular
and smooth internal vibrations in the Nadis. From Paramatma proceed many of
these inert substances and Caitanya Vastus. They either thrive or wilt, wane
and perish. Brahmam is Nirguna (devoid of
attributes) without movement, as said by Advaita. As defined by Advaitam,
Brahmam in association with indefinable Maya Sakti (அநிர்வசனீயமான மாயாசக்தி) has disguised as the world. Vēsham = disguise. Vēsham or
Kīsham: who knows what it is? (Kīsham rhymes with Vēsham and
has no meaning.) We have to accept the premise that the world is inert and
the Jivas have intellect. When you consider Māyā, Isvara is the
Māyin as Māyā's hypostasis. Though it is purported to be
Māyāsakti, all these are movements originating from Supreme Reality.
Yes, they are Vibrations. With all these movements, Parabrahman remains
without motion inside endowed with Nirguna Sānta Vastu (நிர்குண சாந்த வஸ்து = Attributeless tranquil Reality). We see movements in the universe.
They are not haphazard but move according to an order beginning with the
movements of the great sun and extending to a blade of grass, mosquito... This order helps in the conduct of
worldly life in an optimal manner. Paramatma has regulated all Natural Saktis
and then created the worldly life. Besides, he has made allowance for some
irregularity, which He enjoys to a certain extent. That also is helpful to
our lives. We also see Nature's Sakti fail to
observe what Paramatman ordained. The monsoon rains fail. Floods ravage the
earth. Some preternatural events take place. The mind of man goes awry to an
extent still unknown and rambles as a small Satan. In this worldly life,
there are decorum, discipline, self-restraint, orderliness, obligation... but
this mind roams without self-restraint. If Nature's Saktis are antagonistic
to us, are there ways to make them right? Is there a way to stop the mind
from going astray? Movement and Sound are the cause
for many events. To make world Saktis to help us and to purify our mind, we
need Sabda or sound, which is Veda. By control of breath and Yoga Marga
(Yoga path), we can catch the breath of Paramatma and can perform acts for
the welfare of the world and the soul. Though there are ebbs and flows in
Nadis, they are not audible to the human ear. Science has shown us that there
are sounds and lights beyond the reach of human ears and eyes. There is more. It is possible to
reach the unreachable. As we listen to the music sung by the musician in the
radio, we know his sounds become electromagnetic waves, which pervade the
space and we do not hear until the radio box catches these waves and make
them audible to us as music. As I mention this, we do not see
any conflict between religion and science, the latter helps the former to
thrive and prosper. (The very first radio broadcast went on the air in the
year 1906.) A hundred years before the
advent of telephone, radio...if the atheists raised objection to Veda Sabdas
or Pranas, an answer would have been impossible. These scientific discoveries
offer a lending hand (to our tenets). The Sakti that is intrinsic to a
radio box is attainable for individual embodied man (Jīva) with
Caitanyam (pure spirit). He can do more. Tapas (austerity) gives that power.
Tapas is to know the Truth, forego (luxurious) food and fares, the home and
the family and direct and focus the mind on the ever-present Reality. We
should not feel entitled to know the Truth because we put in so much effort.
We should cultivate humility (விநயம்) that Truth in spite of our great
efforts, will dawn and shine on us only as a Bhagavad Prasadam (favor and
Bliss from God). Rishis, having excelled in Yoga and Tapas, rose to the
pinnacle of Yogic attainment. Rishis know the many sounds and
movements that accompany creation of the world. As the radio converts the
electromagnetic waves into sound waves, the Sabdas or sounds with the
respective movements reached their ears. Those sounds, the Rishis gave us as
the Veda Mantras. Veda is
Sruti by another name. Sruti is what we hear. Srótra is the ear that
hears. Sruti is not a written text meant for reading, but is what a Guru
teaches his Sisya by oral tradition over many generations. A Guru cannot
faithfully render the sounds on the written text and so should not put them
on the palm leaf or paper. Zha (ழ)
and nga (ங) sounds do not easily become
alphabets. There are many sounds like them in Vedas. Guru can teach them only
by oral-aural mode. (Utāttam,
aṉutāttam svaritam: rising, grave and intermediate accent of
musical note) Utāttam,
aṉutāttam and svaritam are the musical notes in Vedas. In
enunciation, some alphabets need rising notes, some falling notes, and some
intermediate notes. However many diacritical marks are used, typographical
errors creep in, enunciation is garbled and the fruits and effects are
lost. By uttering certain Aksharas
with emphasis, and some softly, we create an appropriate movement or sound
vibration. Mispronunciation brings different results. Our feelings and sentiments, Devasaktis in
charge of Nature and these intonations based on differences will change. There is
story in Veda Taittriya Samhita about unintended consequences resulting from
mispronunciations and altered intonations. Dvashta, the divine tailor chanted
a Mantra to have a son who will kill Indra. When he was chanting the Mantra,
he mishandled the Utāttam and aṉutāttam in the pronunciation,
so much so it sounded like he wants to have a son whom Indra will kill. It
turned out the results were the opposite of what he wished for in the first
place. When we
move the dial, a little error changes the wavelength of the station and the
music. Likewise, change in Veda Sabdas results in different benefits. That is
why it is an established tradition that one should learn Vedas by hearing.
Sruti in Sanskrit and "Unwritten word" (எழுதாக்
கிளவி) in Tamil are the names for Vedas. Rishis
did neither compose the Vedas nor read them from the books. Rishis are
Mantradristas meaning they saw the Mantras. The seeing in Tamil is
Pārththal (பார்த்தல்). That is why a Brahmana is called
pārppān (பார்ப்பான் = seer). The Rishis saw what
ordinary folks could not see. Since Vedas came to the world from hearing in
age-old times, Sruti was its name.
Mantra Drishtas, as term applies to Rishis who saw a series of Mantras
in the expansive sky. What is
right here? Did they hear or see? If they saw the Veda Mantras, what was the
written language in the sky? In ancient times, when there were no Devanagari,
Grantham, and Brahmi, what was the language and script of the appearance of
Mantras? It was not possible to write Veda Sabdas and Svaras in their
original intent. Though
we say they saw or heard them, in fact they felt the Veda Mantras as a flash
in their hearts during deep meditation. They may not have heard them or may
not have seen them. The assumption
is Mantra Drishta knows by experience. One assumption is that Vedas are in the form
of sound and therefore the Rishis had the Divine ears other than the
anatomical ears to hear them. Arjuna
desired to see the Universal Form of Bhagavan. Gita says that Bhagavan
Krishna told Arjuna that he would give him divine vision to him because he
would not be able to see His Universal Form with anatomical eyes. As in the case of Arjuna developing the
Divine Vision, it appears that, the Rishis developed the Divine Ears, which
could perceive the Sabdas in the expansive ether. It is not just Vedas gave Sound Vibrations
needed for World creation and life in the phenomenal world. Vedas also had
Mantras that helped the soul merge with Paramatma Satyam beyond the confines
of the phenomenal world. A traveler can trace his way back to his place of
origin. Likewise, in the end Vedas take us to a place without vibrations
(Asabda). The Nadi Vibrations induced by some Mantras take us there. The
Mahavacyas (Great Sayings), Pranavam and the like are of this nature. The reason for me to say all these things is
that no one composed the Vedas. Rishis
did not compose them; Paramatma did not hold the stylus and the palm leaves
and delved into his thoughts to write the Vedas. http://www.kamakoti.org/tamil/Kural34.htm http://www.kamakoti.org/tamil/Kural39.htm தெய்வத்தின்
குரல் (இரண்டாம்
பாகம்) = Call of the Divine
Part 2 வேதம் Veda ஜீவஹிம்ஸை செய்யலாமா? Can you inflict
injury to the living? 1. Yagam is Mantram. Havis is of three forms.
Mantras emanate from the mouth. We should meditate on Deities with our mind. Havis is the important substance for Homam. Ahuti: Offer of oblation in the
consecrated fire is Ahuti. Thus, Mind, Word, and
Body are the triad coming together. Havis = [ hav-ís ]
n. burnt offering (of grain, Soma, milk, or butter). ஓமம்˛
ōmam, n. < hōma.
1. Offering an oblation to the gods by pouring ghee, etc.
into the consecrated fire. 2. Butter is important in Havis. Apart from the offer of butter in Homam, Whatever is the
offer in Homam, butter serves as the purifier in Ahuti.
3. Animal's omentum
(Vapai = வபை) serves as the offering in the animal
sacrifice in many Yagas. Yanjam (யக்ஞம்): is it sin, merit or both? Madvachariar asserts that one should not kill a cow to
perform Yagam. He arranged out of compassion to make omentum-like
preparation out of rice flour, which then served as Ahuti.
Pasu in Sanskrit means not just cow but all animals. Vyasar
composed Brahma Sutram. He narrated the central
tenet of Upanishad as found in Vedic Jnana-kanda Jnana-Kandam (ஞானகாண்டம்)
is about Atma Svarupam (= soul's own form= ஆத்ம ஸ்வரூபம்).
Purva Mimasa in
Vedic Karma Kanda describes Yagna Pirayokam
(application). Its usefulness finds a mention in Uttara Mimasa
of Veda Jnana Kanda. By doing Yaga as an
observance, the resultant Citta Suddi (mental
purity) takes one to Jnana Marga (the path of knowledge). 4. அசுத்தமிதி சேந்ந சப்தாத் Says Brahma Sutra. Yagnam as ordained by Veda is Atma
Jnana Angam (= part of
self-knowledge). How could this be an impure act? What is the basis for the
determination that something is impure, good or bad? We do this based on Sastras.
Veda is the great Sastra. Veda is the Great Authority (piramanam).
Yagnam as Sabda that is Veda Pramanam does not
cause sin, according to the sayings of Vyasar in
Brahma Sutra. We apprehend Purity and impurity in Veda Sabda Piramanam. Veda says not to imbibe alcohol; we now know
it is impurity. If Veda's opinion is that Yagnam is impure
(because of animal sacrifice), Vyasar would not
have mentioned it as a Virtue. As Madvachariyar
says, the cow made of rice flower upon Prana Prathishtai (invocation of life into an inanimate object)
becomes equal to a living animal. Is it not true even this flour-made animal
suffers injury? 5. அவிசொரிந் தாயிரம் வேட்டலி னொன்றன் உயிர்செகுத் துண்ணாமை நன்று. So says Tirukkural. Better than raising
a thousand Yagnas and making offerings in the fire, it is virtuous not to
sacrifice an animal and eat it.
Acharya says that Tiruvalluvar does not mean he disapproves Yagnam. 6. For the upkeep of Dharma, we
must do whatever need to be done. We should not take into consideration the
injury (caused to the animal). Is it not a fact that military science
approves killing of enemies in a war? The book of laws advocates capital
punishment to a murderer. If it is the noble and great intent of the deities
to render a great service to many people in the world, there is nothing wrong
in performing animal sacrifice in Homam. 7.
Avoidance of injury to an animal in sacrifice is better than
performing a thousand Yagnas: People quote Valluvar's disapproval. Manu himself told that Horse Sacrifice is
better than doing a thousand animal sacrifices. Has anyone said that one merit is greater than
a thousand sins. We can say that 100 Ekadasi Fasting is better than one Sivaratri
fasting. Of all the virtuous deeds, fasting
is superior. 8. Injury incurring in Yagnas,
warfare, and judicial punishments are not injury or Himsa. Yagnam is great
and praiseworthy. A thousand Yagnas are much greater. Of all these Yagnas, Ahimsa (non-injury) is
greater, according to Kural. This couplet refers to the
convention that a Sannyasi should not cause Himsa (injury). The ascetic does
not have the right to perform sacrifice of animals in Yagna. Veda ordains
total and complete ahimsa on an ascetic. 9. Yagas are manifold. I will
discuss it later. Cow sacrifice is not what occurs in all Yagnas. ājyam: Oblation of clarified
butter. Havisyananm: Oblation of butter and
cooked rice caru: Oblation of cooked grains. purōṭācam: Oblation
of pounded rice flower. ஆஜ்யம் ājyam = , n. < ājya.
Clarified butter, ghee. Using clarified butter in Homam is
doing Homam with rice and butter. சரு caru =, n. < caru. 1. Boiled
rice; சோறு. (பிங்.) 2. Oblation of rice, barley or
pulse, boiled with butter and milk, offered to gods or manes; அட்சதை aṭcatai = , n. < a-kṣata.
1. Unbroken grains of rice mixed with turmeric or saffron, used in
benediction or worship. சுள்ளி cuḷḷi = , n. < சுள்˛. cf. culli. 1. Dry twigs,
especially for fuel Homam is done with Saru, baked
victuals, milk. புரோடாசம் purōṭācam , n.
< purōḍāša. Oblation of pounded rice-flour, offered in
sacrificial fire அக்னிஹோத்ரம்: Oblation with milk. ஒளபாஸனm: Oblation with unbroken grains of
rice. ஸமிதா தானm: Oblation with dry twigs. In cow sacrifice, very little of
the cow part serves as Prasada (sacrament) after Yagna. 10. Vedic injunction is that a
person should do twenty-one Yagnas: seven Pāka Yagnas, seven Havir
Yagnas and seven Soma Yagnas. There is no cow sacrifice in Pāka Yagnas.
There is no Cow sacrifice in the first five of Havir Yagnas. Starting from
the sixth (Nirūta Pasubhandam), there is cow sacrifice. நிரூடபசுபந்தம் nirūṭapacupantam , n.
< nirūḍha-pašu-bandha. A kind of sacrifice. 11. Books are full of false
information as follows. Brahmanas eat a great deal of beef by slaughtering
very many cows. The Buddha consecrated the cows on their way to the
sacrifice. In truth, there was no wholesale slaughter of cows in the Yagas.
The sacred texts say that the Brahmanas should sacrifice 23 cows for the
highest of Yagas, Vājapēya and that the kings sacrifice 100 cows
for Asvamedha Yagna. வாசபேயம் vācapēyam =
vājapēya. A form of sacrifice offered by kings or Brahmans, one of
18 Yāgams 12. It is a great mistake to tell
that Brahmanas in their desire to eat beef made up a story of Deva PrIti and
performed the Yagas. There are injunctions as to how much meat comes from
various parts of the slaughtered cow. There are regulations as to how much of
beef a person can eat. It is the size of a small bean. The participant should
swallow the tiny morsel as such in one gulp without tasting and without salt
and condiments. Though the opponents can criticize the Yagnas for any other
reason, that the Brahmanas desirous of eating beef in large amounts killed
the cows in the pretext of Yagnas is false. 13. The laboratories kill many
animals for testing the efficacy and adverse effects of drugs. Yagnas were
devices for the express purpose of creating a great welfare of humanity, and
the incidental injury was acceptable.
In truth, there is no injury.
The belief is the cow obtains Satgati (liberation). 14. It is another falsehood to say
that in the name of Yagam, drinking Soma is same as using alcoholic
beverages. Somarasam is not an inebriant. It does not cause intoxication. குயுக்தி = kuyukti
= ku-yukti. Perverted intelligence;
fallacious reasoning. Once Indra killed his enemy under
the influence of Soma; based on this, the opponents came to their conclusion
on false reasoning. The physical constitution of the deities is different
from that of man, besides the difference from the Manushya Dharmas (duties of
man). It is meaningless talk quoting verses from Ritwick to say that the
participants drank Soma bucket after bucket. In Yagas, Soma preparation
occurs drop by drop and does not exceed an ounce. There was no inebriation
with Soma, which they say was not even tasty. 15. Some called Soma coffee of
today. The happiness in making Soma as described in Veda Mantras does not
deserve perverse interpretation.
Coffee causes Citta Viruti (quickener of mind and thoughts). Soma
causes Citta Suddhi (purification of mind). It is inappropriate to equate
both of them in one breath. The preparation of Soma came down generations by
word of mouth. Soma Plant is a rarity
nowadays. In line with the decline of the Veda Dharmas and religious
observances in the modern times, the Soma plant the centerpiece or the life
of Somayagam has perished or on the decline. Recently, Kolankodu Raja made it
his duty to supply Soma plant to wherever Somayagam took place. There is no
connection between coffee plant and Soma plant. evealed Knowledge in both science and Religion: A Flash in the Pan. Friday, September
06, 2013 http://www.kamakoti.org/tamil/Kural52.htm Deivaththin Kural Veda Matter regarding Non-Brahmins. Holiness, sanctity, purity,
immaculateness Should not people other than
Brahmins become Holy Persons (Parisuththi)? Though observance of religious
rites and learning and teaching of Vedas are nonexistent (among other
castes), everyone's vocation gives purity of mind. If the individuals do
their Karma (vocation) in the spirit of dedication to Isvara irrespective of
Jati, they will attain success or realization (Siddhi). Bhagavan talked about
this matter in Bhagavadgita (18:46). ஸ்வகர்மணா தம் அப்யர்ச்ய ஸித்திம் விந்ததி மானவ:| यतः प्रवृत्तिर्भूतानां
येन सर्वमिदं
ततम् । स्वकर्मणा
तमभ्यर्च्य सिद्धिं
विन्दति मानवः
॥१८- ४६॥ yataḥ pravṛttir bhūtānāṁ yena
sarvam idaṁ tatam yataḥ1 pravṛttiḥ2 bhūtānām3 yena4 sarvam5 idam6 tatam7 [By
doing] svakarmaṇā8 = his own duties; [and] abhyarcya10 = by
worshipping; tam9 = Him; yataḥ1 = from whom; pravṛttiḥ2 =
manifestation; [of] bhūtānām3 = all beings; [arises] yena4 = by
whom; sarvam5 = all; idam6 = this; tatam7 = is
pervaded; mānavaḥ13 = a man;
vindati12 =
attains; siddhim11 =
perfection/success.18.46 (Man attains perfection by doing
his own duties and by worshipping Him, from whom all beings arise and who
pervades all this.) Worshipping Him is the first
important element here. All beings arise from Him is the second important
element; therefore, all who arise from
Him are equal irrespective of race, color, nationality, religion and any other
artificial categories and divisions. The third important element is He
pervades all beings and matter (Cit and Acit); therefore, even matter is
Brahman, demanding respect and adoration. Doing his own duties is the fourth
important element, without which the world will come to a standstill. Bhagavan says the following
elsewhere in Bhagavadgita in support of this verse. 7.6:
All living beings have their source (Yoni or womb) in these two
natures. Know it that I am the source of the universe and its dissolution.
7.7: There is nothing higher than Me, O Arjuna. All that is here (universe) is strung on Me, as a row of gems on a thread. 9.4:
This entire universe is pervaded with My unmanifest form (Avyakta-mūrtina).
All beings abide in Me, and I do not abide in them. (All beings are dependent
on Me, and I do not depend on them). 9.10: Under My supervision, Prakrti gives rise to both moving and unmoving. By this,
O son of Kunti, the world turns or revolves. 10.8:
I am the origin of all. From Me, everything emanates. Thus knowing,
the wise ones worship Me with conviction. An individual is obligated to
prosecute a war and provide protection. Another individual conducts business
or protects a cow. Another individual is part of the labor force. What is the
vocation of a Brahmana concerning service to his community? All others do
their vocations in the world order. All we need is Paramatma's Anugraha
(Grace and mercy). It is the duty of the Brahmana to earn the Grace for all
Jātis. It is the vocation of the Brahmana to bring grace and mercy to
all people and life forms from his masters, the deities. His study,
recitation and propagation of Vedas, Mantras and the observances of religious
rites have the intent to benefit and offer welfare to all Jātis. The Brahmana has the wherewithal to
communicate with the Saktis beyond the reach of the worldly people; he of
necessity should perform many Niyamams (Religious duty) and more Viratas to
earn Mantra Sakti. Others do not have to strain so much. If we were to
understand that a Brahmana exists and bears the burden for the welfare of
others, there will not be a mistaken perception that a Brahmana has something
special in his favor. Other castes need not have this much (accomplishment). Having learnt well all Vidyas of
the world, Sastras, and the expertise of all trades, Brahmana should teach
and give the appropriate vocational training (suitable for the castes).
Teaching is his job and responsibility. Not doing the jobs himself, a
Brahmana should just acquire a book knowledge of the trades and stop there by
teaching the trades to others. A Brahmana should endeavor to maintain and
protect the trades, and the lifestyles, more than safeguarding and teaching
the warrior, the trader and the laborer. This job involves the responsibility
of playing the role of a savior of their minds and intellects. His efforts
will not yield results unless the Brahmana has the intelligence and maturity.
He should be lofty and pure in mind and intellect to raise others from their
states. At the same time, he has a handicap that others do not. Because the
Brahmana used his intellect and if he were to consider himself as superior to
others, that attitude becomes an impediment. These reasons (impediments) will
render him pure. Though many ego-inducing factors exist, it is obligatory to
make a Brahmana without ego. He goes through a fire of forty Saṃskāras,
and a wringer that chews out, expels dross, and sends out pure Brahmana). If the Mantras were to bear fruits,
observance of severe religious duties, (Niyamam) is obligatory. Even today,
we see Brahmanas degrade and neutralize Scorpion poison by chanting
Scorpion-bite Mantra. Upon inquiry of the practitioners, they say lapse in
Niyamam makes their Mantra ineffectual. There are built-in rules for every
Mantra-Japa as to time of day, sacrifice, Dupam... If rules are broken, the results are
absent. During an eclipse, the Mantras gain momentum. This forms a section in
Vedas. |