COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS PART 1

1.    I am blessed to be born a human. The Siddhas have said it again and again that human birth is rare to come by. The http://veda.harekrsna.cz/planetarium/human.htm refers to Srimad Bhagavatam and details the various species of plant, animal and human totaling some 8,400,000. 

While rotating in the cycle of birth and death again and again in different species because of his own fruitive activities, the dependent living entity, by good fortune, may happen to become a human being. This human birth is very rarely obtained.

(Source: http://veda.harekrsna.cz/planetarium/human.htm)

Generally it is to be understood that the human form of life is one of great responsibility.

After thus rotating through many, many forms of life in the cycle of birth and death, the living being gets a chance for a human form. Therefore every human being, especially one belonging to a civilized nation or culture, must be extremely responsible in his activities. He should not risk degradation in the next life. 

(Source: https://prabhupadabooks.com/sb/8/22/25)

2. I am blessed. One cell propelled by energy derived from metabolism of fructose, beats million other cells in the race to fertilize the egg cells. After fusion with the egg cells, a new organism developed. That was me.

3. I am blessed to be born perfect and raised well. When Lord Muruga asked Avvai to list out “What is the most awful thing in the world?, What is the most pleasantest thing in the world?, What is the most biggest thing in the world?", and finally "What was the rarest thing?”, she comes out with a thought provoking list.

கொடியது கேட்கின் நெடியவெவ் வேலோய்
கொடிது கொடிது வறுமை கொடிது,
அதனினும் கொடிதே இளமையில் வறுமை,
அதனினும் கொடிதே ஆற்றொணாக் கொடுநோய்,
அதனினும் கொடிதே அன்பிலா பெண்டிர்,
அதனினும் கொடிதே இன்புற அவள் கையில் உண்பது தானே.

Kodiyadhu Kaetkin Nediyavev Veloi
Kodithu Kodithu Varumai Kodithu,
Adhaninum Kodithae Ilamayil Varumai,
Adhaninum Kodithae Aatronaak Kodunoi,
Adhaninum Kodithae Anbila Pendir,
Adhaninum Kodithae Inbura Aval Kayil Unbadhu Thaanae.

If You ask what is the most awful thing in the world, my Lord with the long spear (Vel),
Poverty is awful,
Even more awful is poverty during youth,
Even more awful is incurable disease,
Even more awful is women without kindness,
The most awful to take the food served by her

இனியது கேட்கின் தனிநெடு வேலோய்
இனிது இனிது ஏகாந்தம் இனிது,
அதனினும் இனிது ஆதியை தொழுதல்,
அதனினும் இனிது அறிவினர்ச் சேர்தல்,
அதனினும் இனிது அறிவுள்ளோரை
கனவினும் நனவினும் காண்பது தானே,

Iniyadhu Kaetkin Thaninedu Veloi
Inidhu Inidhu Ekantham Inidhu,
Adhaninum Inidhu Aadhiyai Thozhuthal,
Adhaninum Inidhu Arivinar Saerdhal,
Adhaninum Inidhu Arivullorai
Kanavinum Nanavinum Kaanbadhu Thaanae.

If You ask what is the pleasant thing in this world, my Lord with the unique spear (Vel),
Being independent and alone is pleasant,
Even more pleasant is to worship the Supreme Being,
Even more pleasant is to be in touch with the learned and knowledgeable,
Even more pleasant is to see their presence in reality and in the dreams.

பெரியது கேட்கின் எரிதவழ் வேலோய்
பெரியது பெரியது புவனம் பெரியது,
புவனமோ நான்முகன் படைப்பு,
நான்முகன் கரியமால் உந்தியில் வந்தோன்,
கரிய மாலோ அலைகடல் துயின்றோன்,
அலைகடல் குறுமுனி அங்கையில் அடக்கம்,
குறுமுனியோ கலசத்திற் பிறந்தோன்,
கலசமோ புவியிற் சிறுமண்,
புவியோ அரவினுக்கு ஒருதலை பாரம்,
அரவோ உமையவள் சிறுவிரல் மோதிரம்,
உமையோ இறைவன் பாகத்து ஒடுக்கம்,
இறைவரோ தொண்டர் உள்ளத்து ஒடுக்கம்,
தொண்டர்தம் பெருமை சொல்லவும் பெரிதே.

Periyadhu Kaetkin Yerithavazh Veloi
Periyadhu Periyadhu Bhuvanam Periyadhu,
Bhuvanamo Naanmugan Padaippu,
Naanmugan Kariyamaal Undhiyil Vandhon,
Kariya Maalo Alaikadal Thuyindron,
Alaikadal Kurumuni Angaiyil Adakkam,
Kurumuniyo Kalasathir Pirandhon,
Kalasamo Puviyir Sirumann,
Puviyo Aravinukku Oruthalai Baaram,
Aravo Umaiyaval Siruviral Modhiram,
Umaiyo Iraivan Baagaththu Odukkam,
Iraivaro Thondar Ullaththu Odukkam,
Thondartham Perumai Sollavum Peridhae.

If You ask me the biggest thing,
The world (landscape) is a big thing,
The world is a creation of Lord Brahma,
Lord Brahma came from the umbilical cord of Lord Vishnu,
Lord Vishnu sleeps in the big ocean,
The big ocean was contained within Agathiar's kamandalam (small vessel),
Agathiar was born in a small pot (Kalasam),
The pot is a small portion of this earth
The earth is a burden for one of the heads for the Aadhi Seshan - The snake with a thousand heads.
The Aadhi Seshan is a ring in Goddess Parvathi's finger,
Goddess Parvathi is a part of Lord Shiva,
Lord Shiva is inside the hearts of his devotees,
So praising the devotees of Lord Shiva is a big thing.

அரியது கேட்கின் வரிவடி வேலோய்
மக்கள் யாக்கையிற் பிறத்தலும் அரிதே,
மக்கள் யாக்கையிற் பிறந்த காலையும்
மூங்கையும் செவிடும் கூனும் குருடும்
பேடும் நீங்கிப் பிறத்தலும் அரிதே,
பேடு நீங்கி பிறந்த காலையும்
ஞானமும் கல்வியும் நன்குறல் அரிதே,
ஞானமும் கல்வியும் நன்குறும் ஆயினும்
தானமும் தவமும் தரித்தலும் அரிதே,
தானமும் தவமும் தரித்தார்க் கல்லது
வானவர் நாடு வழி திறவாதே.

Ariyadhu Kaetkin Varivadi Veloi
Makkal Yaakkaiyir Piraththalum Aridhae,
Makkal Yaakkaiyir Pirandha Kaalaiyum
Moongaiyum Sevidum Koonum Kurudum
Paedum Neengip Piraththalum Aridhae,
Paedu Neengi Pirandha Kaalayum
Gnanamum Kalviyum Nankural Aridhae,
Gnanamum Kalviyum Nankurum Aayinum
Dhananum Dhavamum Thariththalum Aridhae,
Dhananum Dhavamum Tharithaark Kalladhu
Vaanavar Naadu Vazhi Thiravaadhae.

If You ask me what is the rarest thing, my Lord with the spear (Vel)
Being born as a human is rare,
Even if born a human, it is rarer
To be born without being dumb, deaf, humpback, blind,
Even if born without disabilities, it is rarer
To have knowledge and education,
Even if one has good knowledge and education, it is rarer
To have benevolence and ethics,
Without those benevolence and ethics
Heaven would not open its gates to give to people.

(Source: http://rprabhu.blogspot.my/2011/05/austere-avvaiyar-part-6.html)

This scene of Avvai being tested by Lord Muruga with the above questions, depicted in the movie, reminds me of how the Lord comes in mysterious and unexpected forms to deserving devotees. 

My guru Supramania Swami of Tiruvannamalai climbed Parvatha Malai some 30 kilometres and 36 minutes away from Tiruvannamalai to search for some herbs that he had know idea how they looked like in the first place. While figuring out which was the herb he came for, he was approached by a familiar face. The man had a grocery (sundry and spices) shop in the streets of Tiruvannamalai. He volunteered to pick the herb for Swamiji. Later when Swamiji went into town he enquired when the shopkeeper returned from Parvatha Malai. The man replied that he had never stepped on that hill! Who did come to his aid in the form of the shopkeeper earlier?

When Jnana Jhothiamma sat to rest at the foothill of Palani and began to massage both her feet that were aching after the climb up to the hill temple, a boy ran down the steps to her and enquired if her legs hurt badly. Immediately he took out a tiny vel stashed around his hips and massaged her legs with it for a while before going back the way he came! She was relieved! Who did come to bring relief to her then in the form of the kid?

Asokhan, as a 17 year old lad, who was in extreme hunger headed for Lord Muruga's temple nearby, confident that the temple priest will have something for him to eat as usual. But on arrival, the temple priest was nowhere to be seen. He then made a deal that he would take one of two bananas that is usually kept at the various shrines in the temple complex. But to his astonishment each deity was served only one fruit that day. He sat down crying his heart out. When he heard footsteps approaching he looked up to see the temple priest standing beside him. The priest enquired if he had eaten and pointed him to the inner sanctum saying that he could have all the fruit he wanted. True enough there was a single large bunch of bananas. He ate to his heart's content. Several days later he met the priest at the temple. The priest, surprisingly, mentioned that he was only back from his village that day after a long absence! Who did come to appease his hunger in the form of the priest earlier?

Tavayogi too had many close encounters with the divine during his travels and also at his Kallar Ashram. A lad stood at the gateway to his old ashram once and slowly made his way into the peedham, stopping to observe the landscape and surroundings. When invited to join them for lunch, he refused but instead he began to talk gibberish and out of context, making no sense. In between these nonsensical talk, he lamented that he was in Kathirkamam and was disappointed. He moved on to Thiruchendur. Nay even there he was not happy he said. Then he went to Palani. Disappointed and saddened, he had come to Kallar where he heard good souls resided. He wanted to take a look, he said. Only then Tavayogi realized this was no ordinary person that had come. Before even he could openly show his recognition, the lad brought his finger to his lips, stopping Tavayogi from revealing and moved into the peedham where he blessed them by anointing the sacred ash or vibhuti on their foreheads. 

Similarly Lobha Ma and Konganar spent a night at Kallar Ashram only to have Tavayogi realize that it was them the next morning just moments before they left. 

The Tamil movie Seedan is a classic example of how the divine comes into the lives of the devotees, serves them, helps them and finally exits mysteriously.

Learn to cherish all the small things in life that are a blessing too. Be grateful.

AVM AGATHIYAR OVER THE YEARS

It was just a small request back then in 2002. Agathiyar in my Kaanda Nadi reading wanted me to contribute towards building temples and build one for him too. At the end of the reading Nadi nool Aasan Senthilkumar from Avinashi passed me a leaflet from Thaiveedu Thangarasan M.A. It stated that he (Thangarasan) wanted to build a temple at Kallar in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamilnadu. I felt obligated to donate an amount towards this cause.

After the Nadi reading everything was magical. Every single thing was moved by a mysterious hand. Never did I imagine that fast forward to 2005 I would meet the said Thaiveedu Thangarasan in Malaysia. Tavayogi explained to me what he was doing back in his ashram and invited me over. A month after he left for India, I arrived at the doorsteps to his ashram. It was my second trip to India. The first was in 2003, to carry out the remedies or parikaram stated by Agathiyar in the Nadi. 

I was given a teecha, an initiation in a breathing technique the night before I returned to Malaysia. This was my third teecha from Tavayogi.  

The first I received with my wife and several others when Tavayogi offered to initiate us into the Moola Mantra of Agathiyar, the very same day I met him. 

I was asked to receive the teecha again in the Nadi reading just days before Tavayogi returned to Malaysia. This was my second, where Tavayogi just touched my shoulders without uttering anything. 

I had no idea about theechas then; neither did I truly understand the significance of these initiations. I did not understand much of what was happening (suddenly) around me too; but I took the Siddhas instructions seriously and followed every single instruction from then on.

After 15 years when I look back at the path I have travelled I am amazed at all the wonderful things that had taken place and the wonderful people I have met. Agathiyar too has chosen to explain these events after several years.

It has been truly a magical journey and a mystical one too. 

Nadi Nool Aasan started me on the path of the Siddhas with prayers to them; Supramania Swami, my first guru whom I happen to meet in Tiruvannamalai on my maiden trip to India, showered me with blessings, taking me as his son; then came along Tavayogi; soon Agathiyar sent his children to my home to join in the prayers; my home took a new name, Agathiyar Vanam Malaysia (AVM); we collectively started engaging in doing charity; and Agathiyar sent masters and guru over to teach us further. 

All these happened when I started believing in the Siddhas and their Nadi. The Siddhas have guided me and all at AVM through the Nadi. Each devotee of his was given a specific task as his dharma to perform, usually a continuation of what he did in the past birth. 

I was instructed to perform rituals and prayers, something I failed to do properly in my past life as a priest. For this purpose he had me commision his statue - a replica of Agasthiyampalli Agathiyar - and made in Swamimalai. He instructed me that he would come on transit to my home before he is installed at the Jegathguru Sri Raghavendra Mrithiga Brindavanam in Ipoh. Mysteriously he changed his mind about going over to Ipoh but instead chose to remain in my home. Hence Agathiyar Vanam Malaysia slowly took shape with more and more devotees of Agathiyar dropping by. AVM Agathiyar has moved many a soul as can be seen from their testimonies. Many have gone home happy and convinced that Agathiyar would take care of their needs of the day. It gives us joy to see cheer build on their faces and happiness entering their lives. 

All is Erai's play, I soon realized. Agathiyar had carefully charted and manipulated every single move. Agathiyar reveals the reason for his statue to be made in Swamimalai. It was the will of Lord Muruga and Lobha Ma, he says. He wanted to stay permanently at AVM and tend to his devotees needs; hence he changed his decision to go to Ipoh. He brought deserving souls to AVM to soak in bliss and brought a greater understanding to them on their purpose in living. 

We at AVM never wished to gather devotees around us, but instead expected them to pick up a thing or two and start on their own devotion and prayers to the Siddhas in the confines and comfort of their homes. Rather than having to rush from work to join in on a prayers at the nearest Siddha centre on a Thursday, they could now head for home instead and work on their devotion to their hearts content. For this purpose, every devotee is given an opportunity to take part actively in the rituals at AVM. Just as in event I or my wife are not around our children can carry out the ritual, we expect AVM family members to come forth and take the lead in the absence of another. By giving opportunities to conduct these rituals, it would build confidence in them to start their own. AVM has also made available the hymns in praise of the Siddhas online. By bringing these rituals back to their homes, their families too would involve themselves in their home prayers. More people will receive the blessings of the Siddhas. 

Thence it was fulfilling to see AVM family members conduct these rituals in their homes in conjunction with AVM Agathiyar and Tavayogi's visit to Malaysia last year. Tavayogi was very happy to see for himself that the Siddha worship had entered every home of the AVM family. He was very happy to note that young men and women had taken the lead to bring the Siddha path to their families, relatives and friends. Agathiyar too is equally happy with his devotees as he had mentioned many times in the Nadi readings of devotees. 

The Siddhas aspire to make every worthy devotee of theirs a Siddha too. That is the greatness of the Siddhas.

VISITORS TO AVM

AVM has been blessed to receive many Masters and Gurus besides the arrival and patronage of many wonderful souls dear to Agathiyar.

Last night, Nathan arrived at AVM and spent 3 hours before returning to Johore Bahru. He decked Agathiyar with garlands and served sweets and fruits. We spent some quality time talking about the miracles and wonders that Agathiyar keeps performing each day. 

Nathan's spiritual journey started in 1987 when he turned a new leaf and began to frequent Aiya's temple in Sentul Pasar after 5 years of reigning terror in his locality. The priest/ guru at this temple brought him to his ashram in the jungles of Gombak where they performed Yagam and worship to the Siddhas. Nathan had a Nadi reading back then where Agathiyar told him his path was with the Siddhas. Since 1993 there was a big gap and break in his spiritual life after his marriage and he moving to work in Singapore. 

Nathan joined AVM some time back and had a Jeeva Nadi reading with Tavayogi when Tavayogi visited Singapore last June. It was only through Nathan's Nadi reading that we got to know of the existence of the Sungai Siput Cave temple. Agathiyar had asked him to go over to this cave where Agathiyar promised to show himself to Nathan. Taking the cue from Nathan's reading I headed to this cave with my family when we returned to Sungai Siput for holidays. Later  AVM and AUM organised a spiritual tour to this temple. Since then I and others have been there several times.

AVM has had great masters come over and share their knowledge with us. Thavathiru Muthukumar Swamigal of Kuttralam blessed AVM when he was on a short visit to Batu Caves recently at http://agathiyarvanam.blogspot.my/2017/04/muthukumar-swamy-avm.html

Swamiji is blessed with an astonishing Jeeva Nadi and the knowledge and gift of conveying Agathiyar's blessings and messages. Read more about Swamiji at http://agathiyarvanam.blogspot.my/2014/12/muthukumara-swamigal-jeeva-nadha-brahma.html , http://agathiyarvanam.blogspot.my/2014/08/nambinal-nambungal-episode-23-july-30.html

AVM also saw the arrival of Thavathiru Kumarsamy Aiya from Agathiyar Ashram in Anuvavi, Coimbatore. Aiya has been with the worship of Agathiyar since the age of 8. Now he takes care of the puja, yagam and abhisegam for Agathiyar at this ashram besides caring for his guru Kaathu Swamigal who is 100 years old.

AVM has had Acharya Gurudasan visit us and spend a wonderful and memorable evening before he returned to his hometown in Bangalore after a short stint working for a private company in Malaysia. Acharya taught AVM family Kriya Hatha Yoga over several weeks. He will be back in Malaysia between 13 July 2017 and 17 July 2017. He will visit AVM on 13 July upon his arrival.

Martial Arts exponent and guru Khru Pedro Solano from Spain arrived in Malaysia for a short break from his routine teaching at his ashram in Chiangmai, Thailand. Master Uva invited him over to AVM. He shared his experiences at Kathirkamam, Sri Lanka and many more amazing moments with the Siddhas.

We have had many devotees of Agathiyar speak about how they came to Agathiyar, AVM and how their life changed.

We have had both Masters Arunan and Master Uva grace AVM and later initiate the monthly Varma Healing and Energy Healing sessions and Yoga Sessions at AVM.

We had a wonderful and dear soul visit AVM in 2013 and again in 2014. Jnana Jyothiamma spent only 3 days in AVM both times but it was a fulfilling and rewarding journey for her. She had the honor to grace my very first post on Siddha Heartbeat at http://agathiyarvanam.blogspot.my/2013/07/welcome-to-sidha-heartbeat-home-of.html

And off course not forgetting our Guru Tavayogi Thangarasan Adigal and Mataji Sarojini Ammaiyar's numerous visits to AVM. In his latest visit to Malaysia in June of last year, we were blessed to have Agathiyar grace AVM through the Jeeva Nadi reading and address devotees of his.

LEARNING YOGA

We at AVM were privileged to learn several yoga postures and asanas and breathing exercises or pranayama from several authentic masters.

When Tavayogi Thangarasan Adigal from Kallar Ashram in India came visiting Malaysia in 2007 we managed to convinced him to teach us. He took us through the various steps. Upon completion I asked him to repeat the steps for the camera that you see below.

When Acharya Gurudasan from Bangalore in India was serving in a company in Malaysia, we were blessed to have him impart his knowledge on Kriya Hatha Yoga. We held weekly classes at Sri Balachander Aiya home till we completed learning the 18 postures. Acharya patiently took us through the steps ensuring we would not injure ourselves in the process. Later Acharya repeated the steps for the camera that you see below.

Acharya will be in town next month to initiate students into Kriya Yoga. Make a date with him at http://agathiyarvanam.blogspot.my/2017/04/babajis-kriya-yoga-initiation-into.html

Recently we were blessed to have both Master Arunan and Master Uva take us on a dynamic routine of exercises that was both fun and joy to do, besides moving every single muscle and organ in our bodies. Although it was strenuous and fast, we were in safe hands as both these masters were also healers in several therapies including Varma and Energy healing. These masters conduct monthly healing sessions at AVM.

We intend to have this lessons on a regular basis. Join us and have some fun while shaping up your body at the same time. 

THE NADI

Swaminathan Gopalan of the Agastya Gnana Illam, Puducherry posted an enlightening piece on the various kinds of Nadi in Tamil on fb. But he did not mention the source of this article. Here is the translation.

In the olden days the Siddhas and Rishis established numerous Ashrams in various places and held satsangams and carried out the Dharma for that Yuga. The Dharma of this Kali Yuga is that the Divine forces and the Siddhas are restricted from appearing directly to preach about Dharma. Hence the need for the Nadi arises. The Siddhas and Rishis appear in these Nadi and advice their disciples. When man forgets his social obligation and becomes self centred, the Nadi reminds him of his duties and Dharma towards society, bringing him back on the path. 

There are various Nadis.

1.Kanda Nadi

This is based on the thumbprint of an individual. It reveals one's karma and his destiny and fate. This Nadi is read by those from the Valluva clan.

2.Samheeta Nadi

This is available in the north. This prediction is based on the exact time an individual visits the Nadi reader and based on his birth chart.

3. Aasi Kandam

This is  a portion of the Kanda Nadi. This Nadi carries the blessings of the Siddhas.

4. Pohthi

This is read in Orissa. The words appear on silver or copper plates and is read by a Brahmana.

5. Jeeva Nadi

The Jeeva Nadi keeps appearing and disappearing over time. The Siddhas decide who is to receive them. The candidate is trained to read this Nadi and deliver the Siddhas messages. These Nadi are read with the blessings of the Siddhas, by individuals who through their devotion and charitable thoughts have reached a Divine state. This Nadi can easily switch hands after being with a certain person for a certain period of time or disappear entirely if the Siddhas wished.

With this short introduction to the various forms of Nadi we now move on to evaluate the practical aspects of these Nadi.

Tavayogi Thangarasan Adigal is a man of few words. So when devoted and long time devotees of Agathiyar come before him for a Jeeva Nadi reading, he would laughingly say, "Why do you need a reading?". He would send them away or in rare cases still go ahead with a reading. 

A long time devotee of Agathiyar had her very first Nadi reading, in her case a Jeeva Nadi, with Tavayogi when he was in Malaysia June of last year. She had some medical problems, a failing eyesight and an unrepairable knee damage. Agathiyar gave her hope and asked her to visit a samadhi and a temple in Malaysia. She did accordingly. As she continued her routine visits to the hospital, she was urged to do certain procedures immediately failing which she was told she might lose her sight. She came back to Tavayogi hoping for some clarification from the Jeeva Nadi. Tavayogi sent her away saying, "Why do you need a reading?" Confused and want of further direction she went for a Nadi reading giving her thumbprint to my regular Nadi Nool Aasan. In the Kaanda Nadi, Agathiyar said she would lose her eyesight and eventually succumb to more illnesses. It was a horrid picture that the sage gave. Now she was more confused than ever. 

Another devotee of Agathiyar from North India, who was eagerly waiting for some improvements in his business and finances, turned to Tavayogi and enquired why his reading of Agathiyar's Jeeva Nadi predictions did not take place. Tavayogi over the phone replied, "Why do you need a reading?". Confused and want of further direction he sent in his thumbprint and past readings to a Nadi reader in Chennai. The Kaanda Nadi reading did not tally with the Jeeva Nadi reading. Agathiyar had given a very bleak picture and asked that he does parikaram that would be costly. Now he was more confused than ever. 

Another long time devotee of Agathiyar who started with a Kaanda Nadi reading and moved on to receive the Siddhas Aasi Nadi readings and Jeeva Nadi readings went back to the Kaanda Nadi to have the rest of the chapters pertaining to specific matters like career and marriage, read. But it did not tally with the Aasi and Jeeva Nadi predictions. Now he was more confused than ever. 

The Kaanda Nadi reading based on a thumbprint is true. One is destined to read it at a specific moment and period in time. I was destined to read it at the age of 43. These chapters and its predictions are usually for first timers. For those who come to the Siddhas with faith and devotion they go back satisfied and eager to carry out the Siddhas instructions. For those who adopt their path, the Siddhas guide them further through Aasi Nadi readings. Then there is the Jeeva Nadi thrown in as a bonus. 

If one has had regular Aasi Nadi readings, to some, monthly or weekly or even daily, there is no need to go back to the Kaanda Nadi for directions. This applies to those who have had occasional Jeeva Nadi readings too. The Aasi readings and Jeeva Nadi readings supersede and override the Kaanda Nadi which becomes obsolete and irrelevant then. The Podhu Kaandam of the Kaanda Nadi that is written thousands of years ago is a general prediction of one's life and destiny based on one's karma. The Karma Kaandam describes in detail the reason one is born and the karma that he has brought with him. The Santhi Parikara Kaandam states the solution to come out of one's karma. For the individual who comes to the Siddhas worship and path with total devotion and surrender, his destiny is now rewritten. With the parikaram settled and with continuous prayers, the Siddhas bring changes to his fate. For some the change is quite obvious; for others it's subtle. And to a few the change is in their understanding of the workings of karma and acceptance of it. Though his fate won't change drastically overnight; but with patience and perseverance; with the aid of prayers; and gathering of good merits; the Siddhas begin to work out a new chapter in these devotees lives.

Confusion arises due to our karma. If Tavayogi told some of his students that they did not need a reading, it was only to avoid further confusion. Let us listen to the guru and follow the advice in the Nadi and be patient in wanting to see the results.

Shadakshara Mantra

RECITATION OF SHADAKSHARA MANTRA

As per Agathiyar's Vaaku through the Jeeva Nadi reading, Agathiyar Vanam Malaysia and Thondu Seivom with the temple committee of the Sri Mayuranathar Alayam, Srimath Pamban Kumaraguruthasa Swamigal Thirukovil, Dengkil, Selangor and fellow devotees, chanted 1008 Lord Murugan's Shadakshara Mantra on this auspicious day in the Tamil month of Vaigasi this morning.

After breakfast, the prayers commenced with the singing of hymns by Dr. Tiagarajah and Balachandran Gunasekaran taking the lead. The continuous chanting of  Lord Murugan's Shadakshara Mantra followed for 45 minutes creating a highly uplifting and wonderful ambiance.

AVM and TS thank the Sri Mayuranathar Alayam, Srimath Pamban Kumaraguruthasa Swamigal Thirukovil temple committee for granting us permission to use their premises to conduct this spiritual program.

LIVING WITH NATURE

Early man was grateful in the past. So he worshipped nature. He worshipped the sun and the moon that lit up the earth; he prayed for rain to fall; and he kissed the earth that fed him. He lived with nature, respecting it and taking from it only the portion that was required for him. He hunted only when hungry; he fished, taking only the amount that was required to feed him and his family. He did not hoard or store food unless it was necessary as in winter. He did not kill for pleasure. He was disciplined. He respected nature. He gave back to nature. Similarly he feared the unseen and that which he could not understand.

Modern man on the contrary raised animals in large farms for slaughter; freeze the meat to be exported and sold. He logged the forest with huge machineries depleting the forest all at one go. Sadly governments stood by them. The forests is left bare and naked. No conservation or rehabilitation programs are initiated. He hauled in the fish irrespective of their size with big nets. Modern man due to his greed took more than necessary. He was obsessed in possessing more and more. He feared no one.

Hence we see our natural resources depleting fast. The culprit here is: greed; the use of heavy machineries; and refrigeration. 

But there are many out there trying their level best to do their little part in saving nature. To these wonderful souls we take our hats off. Emma Marris educates us in the following talk. She tells us "Nature is everywhere -- we just need to learn to see it" at

https://www.ted.com/playlists/398/reconnect_with_nature. Her message brings solace and hope to us.

Let us start our own small plot of nature at our lawn or the backyard of our home.

Thiru Arivananthan, a Siddha medicine practitioner from the Arul Guru Arul Agathiyar Siddhar Peedham in Klang has ventured to grow and cultivate traditional herbal plants in its own plot called Muligai Vanam at
http://arulgnanajyothi.blogspot.my/2017/05/medicinal-plant-class-and-herbs-garden.html.

He guides Saravanan Palanisamy among others to identify and collect various herbs in and around Klang. These are later dried and used in the Velvi or Yagam fires at http://arulgnanajyothi.blogspot.my/2017/05/20052017-20052017-sitthar-mahaa-velvi.html

Saravanan Palanisamy took the time to collect, dry and label these herbs and made them available to AVM for its homam and the Yagam at Eco City Agathiyar temple and the Arul Guru Arul Agathiyar Siddhar Peedham. He took the trouble to drive down to Kuala Kubu Baru to collect water from the mountains for use during abhisegam or libation to Agathiyar at AVM, Eco City and Arul Guru Arul Agathiyar Siddhar Peedham. AVM thanks him for his efforts and his contribution.

LET US BRING CHANGE

When was the last time you looked up towards the sky and watched the moon. I remember when I was growing up my family would sit outside our home after dinner and share wonderful moments with the moon listening on to our conversations. On the day of an eclipse of the moon, we would all be excited. We would get a basin of water and the pole that is used to pound rice into flour, placing one end of the pole into the water and holding onto it waiting to let go of it the moment the eclipse took place. Miraculously the pole would stand erect throughout the period of the eclipse!

When I returned from my maiden pilgrimage, I was asked by many about how I saw the country that I had visited. They then shared their bitter experiences, giving a negative view and opinion. I replied that it was a wonderful and fulfilling journey. I began to share all the good things that I chose to see. I told them it is a matter of choice what you want to see. I also added that if you want to see all the litter strewn on the streets, let me show you a similar scene in the back lanes of our cities. 

When I was in service I used to dread going to the food stall opposite my office for breakfast and lunch for fear of sitting in the midst of negative vibes. But I had no other options as they served vegetarian meals too. A tiny group of staffs and workers from and around the area would gather each morning and afternoon; open up the daily newspaper and start their routine of giving opinions and views, often cursing and verbally abusing including character assassination of personalities and departments that made the news. Soon the negative reviews and foul language from this group began to take its toll on me. Slowly I stopped frequenting the stall preferring to buy packed food on my way to the office. 

Five years later after a short stint in Subang, I returned to Kuala Lumpur again for work. The same group was there, now looking aged, at the same table minus a few who had either passed away or retired or posted out. To my horror they were still at it after all these years, with the verbal abuses and curses not the least mindful that they were in a public place and were being watched! I had to give them a piece of my mind then. One day I asked them when are they going to change? When are they going to come out of this rut and move on with their lives? I reminded them that some of those personalities spoken about were neither around or had moved up and progressed in life, but sadly they were still stuck in the past.

When I dropped in on my foreman to have my car repaired, an elderly man was engaged in talking about local politics, and condemning personalities and the policies. When the foreman moved over to my car, the man too moved over bringing his story with him, now directing it to me. I had to put a stop to it. I told him that I was pretty sure he had spoken the same thing yesterday to someone else; that he was speaking the same thing today to us; and that he would speak the same thing tomorrow to another. Rather than talk about others, I asked him, for a change, to speak about himself and his family instead. Sadly he did not have anything to say!

A man whose wife was hospitalised at a general hospital, went around from bed to bed condemning the medical team for their shortcomings during the duration of his wife's stay at the wards. He failed to realize that the medical team was doing their level best to keep his wife alive with the limited resources and manpower at hand. Today he came to me and had to remark about the quality of food served. I had to give him a piece of my mind. It makes me wonder how ungrateful can one be?

When a man highly regarded in the academic and spiritual circles condemned the Siddha, Ayurveda, Homeopathy and Allopathy medical practitioners for not been able to help him when he was bedridden, I had to point out to him that the reason he was alive and speaking to me then was due to the grace of Jesus and the help he received from all these people whom God sent to administer him. I told him, if with all these help he still had not recovered then he had to blame himself and his baggage of karma and no one else. Fortunately he realised something from this conversation for he apologised and thanked me before he left.

As my late brother-in-law was laid to rest and the last rites were being conducted by his brothers, amidst this solemn event, I was both taken aback, surprised and angry to listen to them discuss about the missing plane that had made headlines then. I turned around to give them a stare and they stopped their conversation. Let us pay some respect to the dead. The least they could have done was to join in prayer that the dead be taken to a higher abode and placed in a higher state and his soul rest in peace. 

Man is either engulfed in pleasures of the body or so engrossed with his problems that he fails to see the beauty around him. Instead he prefers to see the negative things around him, failing to appreciate the positive and good that is equally taking place or happening too. He keeps churning the same trash (his opinions and bitter experiences) over and over again. It's just that the surrounding and the listener changes each time.

Let us come out of this illusion. Let us see the world anew. Let us learn to appreciate life. Let's begin to see and observe all the life around us, right from: the tiny worm in the earth to the magnificent animals around us; the sprouting plant to the majestic trees; the tiny soft palms and feet of the newborn to the aged and wrinkling elderly. Let us watch the stars, the dew, the rain, and the sunshine. Let us take in the smell of the first drops of rain touching the scorched earth; and the smell of the myriad flowers in the gardens and the fields. Let us take our time in chewing our food and taking in its essence. Let us chose to hear the good in all and shun the negative. Let us also learn to speak about the good. Let us create positive vibes collectively. Let us realize that everything is a beauty to behold. Let us bring the change now!

Spiritual Moments

FREE WILL Vs KARMA

Man by nature wants to equate his joy or sufferings with something or someone external. He thinks he derives joy from others. He needs to be in the company of family and friends to enjoy life. He needs material luxury and pleasures in life to remain happy.

Similarly he forgets that his sufferings is all his making. We call it karma. When a well learned spiritually inclined soul dropped by at AVM last Sunday, he vented his anger at the medical profession for not been able to bring relief to him while he was ill. All the Siddha, Ayurvedic, Homeopathy and Allopathy treatment and medicines were of no avail he complained. But he failed to realise that he still was living, breathing and alive till this moment. Somewhere along the line, some treatment has worked out in favour of him and kept him alive. 

Falling ill is an effect of one's past karma; if a treatment or medication does not go well with one, it only shows the severity and extent and hold of karma on him. But as usual we tend to blame another rather than look within us as the cause of our sufferings.

I could see the vast difference and improvement in his physical state since I met him the very first time many years ago. If only he could appreciate what life has given him all this while.

It is totally unreasonable for a man of 70 years of age to complain that he had fallen ill. Instead he should be grateful that Erai has given him 70 years of good health. He should be grateful that he only succumbed to an illness at 70 and not much earlier. 

Much has been said about Karma. It is important to have an understanding of karma to traverse live in a meaningful way. It is so important that the Siddhas address this subject in the very first Nadi reading for all and continue to give reminders on the importance of it throughout our lives journey.

Are we then captives to our own doings? What about free will then, one might ask? Do we not have a way of unwinding the thread that we have woven around us? 

There is a way after all. Seek the Siddhas with faith and belief, for a solution. Agathiyar himself has said 'Nadakathum, Nambukirom Yenbathu Manithargalin Vaaku: Nambinal Nadakum Yenbathu Sitthargalin Vaaku!'. 

Everything said about karma is perfectly right and holds fast. But the moment we take hold of the Siddhas, miracles begin to take place in our lives. The Siddhas help us work out this karma. They show us a way out of this mess; provided we adhere and follow their instructions carefully. 

Having an understanding of the cause and its effect of every single thought and deed of ours, will help us chart a better live for ourselves in the future and through another birth. No doubt the past karma determines our present live and moments; but the present is in our hands to change. We have a choice and an option at all given moments. Picking the right choice or option will set us free from the bonds of karma. The decision we take with this free will of ours will decide and chart a new path.

When Agathiyar gave me instructions through his Nadi, there was always an element of choice. When he asked me to come to his path in the very first reading, I could have ignored his asking and moved on. When he asked that I see Tavayogi Thangarasan Adigal immediately after another reading and get an initiation, I could have ignored his asking and moved on. When Agathiyar ask that I have his statue commissioned and made and worship him,  I could have ignored his asking and moved on. There was always an option. I had free will to decide on the next course of action. 

Before this understanding of karma and its workings, we are all mere puppets in the hands of karma. Once we understand that all is our doing, we now have a tool  in our hands, with which we could change and rewrite our destiny. This tool is the sense to differentiate the good and the bad; and venturing to do only good and avoid doing harm from hereon. With a renewed determination to correct or drop undesirable thoughts and actions; and charting our life accordingly to the norms and requirements of a morally fulfilling live, we now step on a journey of rediscovery.

When wise and morally right decisions are taken, the past karma and its workings slowly are reversed for our good; its intensity lessened; or totally eradicated. With karma out of the way and the curtain of illusion drawn aside, we arrive at a new perspective and understanding of live. We then realise that we are indeed given the free will to change our destiny and future. 

By bringing change to our understanding this very moment, our future changes. We realise that it's all in our hands; the future is ours to plot, design, and if desired to end. But most of us lack the discipline and courage to use our will power.

The Prapanjam or the universe and all in it, comes to the aid of a Siddha. 

Nature bows to him. It is not a matter of having control over nature. That would denote arrogance. But instead nature and creation aids us in all our endeavours. 

That is Siddhan Nilai or the state of a Siddha.

AVM TS Family Day

AVM/TS FAMILY GATHERING 2017

The AVM family and TS gathered for a day of workout and fun at a recreational park close to AVM. 

AVM & TS FAMILY DAY

Venue: Taman Rekreasi Alam Damai

Date: 04/06/2017 - 7.00am

The day started with members engaging in energetic movements, drilled by Master Uva, a warrior and martial arts exponent and then moved on to a slower pace at the hands of Master Arunan, a Varma Yoga Master. The masters took us through Pranayamam,  Surya Namaskaram, Vibrating Chi Kung, Varma Yoga, and finally a moment of Meditation. 

We had a good workout. We intend to have regular sessions to help keep us fit. 

Later in the day, members shared their views and they helped chart the course for AVM to move on and diversify its charitable activities. It was decided to:

1. Continue providing groceries to the Vivekananda Shelter in Petaling Jaya and an old folks home at Kampong Sireh Semenyih,

2. Continue to extend a monthly donation towards annadhanam at our parent ashram,

3. Continue to provide a small token to the student pursuing medical studies in Sibu, Sarawak,

4. Continue providing pastries and drinks during the 18 Siddha Jayanthi to the homeless,

5. Provide packed meals once a month to people on the streets, 

6. Provide toiletries to street vagabonds,

7. Provide stationery to schools to be distributed to students by their teachers,

8. Provide 3 pairs of eyeglasses a month to school going children.

9. The monthly Varma and Chakra healing session will continue as usual and a regular exercise session similar to the day's event will be held too.

The Siddhas blessed the day with slight rain in the morning that stopped just before the start of the event and provided a canopy of shade and an air of coolness throughout the day.

Just before we packed up for the day, Balamurugan, came along with a wonderful message. 

Ooradi Nadaven,

Eeradi Kadaven,

Irunthu Unnen,

Padutthu Uranggaen.

Master Arunan leads us with Varma Yoga lessons

Master Uva leading the meditation session

AGATHIYAR VIZHA 2017

http://agathiyarvanam.blogspot.my/2017/05/annual-guru-puja-for-agathiyar-at-eco.html

CHOOSE WISELY WHO YOU FOLLOW

Srinatha Raghavan posted the following on fb.

I once got an opportunity to meet an elderly gentleman, a humble Farmer, who took on the role of a Spiritual Guide and Mentor for a sincere few, who cared to seek his guidance. He never accepted anyone as his disciple, pointing bluntly, "Your Karma is your own responsibility and I can't carry it for you!"

At that time of life, I was going through a very rough patch, with no job, no purpose, no love, no nothing. I would wander the city like an hopeless man without a vision, going wherever my feet took me to. While on one such escapade (I was trying my best to flee from my destiny!) I met a guy by chance in a local train, who was a follower and benefactor of this old Guide. We struck a conversation and he invited me to come with him to meet this Guide, who was luckily camping in a place not far from where I lived then.

On the appointed day, I met this newly made acquaintance and we both left to meet his old spiritual guide to seek his blessings. There he was sitting on a sofa, with his legs atop each other, even though his frame was too hefty and big for such a feat. He was chewing Betel leaves, with bright red stains all over his white kurta and dhoti. He wore a white Gandhian skull cap, which looked too small for his massive head. He was a rustic and simple man, with no marks or airs of a Spiritual Teacher. He looked at the acquaintance who had got me there and waved his hands in blessings and mouthed something in colloquial Marathi, which went straight above my head.

He then turned his attention on me and called me to sit at his feet and massage them for a while. I did so as I was told, while he was talking to the small crowd of followers and devotees. I couldn't understand much of the animated exchanges, as it was emerging muffled up from a mouth that was constantly chewing betel leaves and also in a language I had much trouble coping all throughout my schooling years.

Suddenly turning towards me he gave me a Betel Leaf to chew and I was taken aback beyond measure by this offer.

Like one righteous fool I blurted out, "I don't eat Paan Sire?" whereas I loved it.

He laughed like a child, his full frame shaking with the laughter and said, "By eating this, only your tongue will be stained and nothing else. Whereas there are so many things you are daily consuming, that is staining your very soul?"

I felt as if a clean slap was delivered across my face and quietly took the Paan from him and keeping it in a cover, I put it safely inside my pocket to be had later, as you aren't supposed to eat anything in front of the Guru/Master.

I feel highly fortunate to have met many such simple souls, with no airs of Gurudom or the over sized Spiritual Egos of the so called Keepers of Wisdom. Alarmingly these days, many so called Gurus, methodically train you to become a Spiritual Zombie, making the disciple totally dependant on the Guru, ultimately taking away one's spiritual freedom and common sense. A real Guru does exactly the opposite - She sets you free!

Thankfully there are many living Masters still in this time and age, living unknown to the gaze of the overtly zealous world, beautifully hiding in plain sight. It is they who have kept alive the ancient adage of "All is one!" least discriminating the poor from the rich. They treat us all alike, in love and compassion, which thankfully renews hope and faith, in cynical beings like myself.

~ The greatest blessing is to earn the company of the Wise.

And another piece,

They called Him an Avatar,

But He absolutely cared not,

He came, He spread love, He went away,

But those around Him built a huge hype,

Of  He being the Highest One,

On His deathbed, he is said to have told,

"I came a Human, lived a Human and now dying the same,

Don't build me a Temple & make me a god beyond reach?"

This is the story of many a Modern Masters,

With the hype their disciples create on their name,

They make them god like in no small measure,

Till the Master too begins to believe the same.

Alas! Gone are the era where Masters lived among us,

Side by side & shoulder to shoulder they freely walked,

No one was barred from meeting them, be they rich or poor, 

It didn't matter!

They distributed their love and grace to all without exemption,

Till they got extinguished like a candle after giving their light.

Now it's a different story altogether,

Where the Master never comes down from a pedestal,

For they seem to like all the "Lights, Camera, Action",

Only to have become an elite club of veteran Spiritual Actors?

Kali Yuga baby, Kali Yuga!

Where almost every version of God is copyrighted,

So someone else don't claim Him to be theirs.

In this Age,

It's up to us, to choose wisely whom we want to follow,

Because the ones leading us may least know,

Where they are going themselves anyway?