A story of Geshe Chekhawa, one of the greatest masters of Tonglen or "giving and receiving" in Tibet, is told by Sogyal Rinpoche in his "THE TIBETAN BOOK OF LIVING AND DYING".
"Although Geshe Chekhawa taught Tonglen far and wide", Sogyal Rinpoche writes, "he himself never ceased to practice it."
Toward the end of his life Geshe Chekhawa told his students that he had been praying fervently to be reborn in the realm of hell so that he could be of some help to all those suffering in that realm. Although he very much wanted to be born in this realm, he had visions that he would be reborn in the the higher realms of the buddhas. This disturbed and disappointed him. He begged his students to pray that he should be born in hell so that he could fulfill his yearning and wish to help those suffering.
Toward the end of his life Geshe Chekhawa told his students that he had been praying fervently to be reborn in the realm of hell so that he could be of some help to all those suffering in that realm. Although he very much wanted to be born in this realm, he had visions that he would be reborn in the the higher realms of the buddhas. This disturbed and disappointed him. He begged his students to pray that he should be born in hell so that he could fulfill his yearning and wish to help those suffering.
Similarly a tale is told of Sri Ramanujar. Ramanujar was approached to take up the role of an acharya at Srirangam. Before taking on the appointment, he was sent by his guru Mahapurna to seek knowledge of the 8 syllable mantra, from Tirukkotiyur Gosthipurna. Gosthipurna turned Ramanujar away 18 times before finally passing on the mantra to him with a note of caution that Ramanujar should not disclose the mantra to anyone, otherwise he would go to hell. But the all compassionate Ramanujar, now filled with ecstasy upon receiving the mantra, immediately climbed the steeple of the temple and proclaimed to the large gathering of people that he had found the way to attain Moksha or liberation through the great Mantra bestowed on him by Gosthipurna and invited those who sincerely wished to follow him to be initiated into the mantra too.
Gosthipurna who had forbade Ramanujar to disclose the given teaching to others, was enraged and demanded Ramanujar to explain his actions. Ramanujar answered that he was glad to go to hell as a result of not adhering to his gurus wishes for the sake of humanity. He added that he could save them from the web of maya through his clarion call of wake up from deep slumber - Om Namo Narayanaya.
Gosthipurna was overjoyed and embraced his disciple for his exemplary compassion towards his fellow men.
The Buddha who accidentally saw the sick and the old, when he stepped out of the palace grounds, then left the comforts of the palace to embrace a journey of discovery and enlightenment, going through many trials and tribulations, eventually becoming the enlightened one, thus paving the way for compassion and love to flow in the heart of humans to come.
Buddha was shown a thousand faces of his that he had taken and was surprised to be shown another thousand that he would take for the sake of saving humanity.
Ramalinga Adigal's compassion goes beyond bonds too when he sheds tears upon seeing the very grass droop over under the heat of the day. He told his followers that he would be back before merging with Arutperunjhoti.
Buddha was shown a thousand faces of his that he had taken and was surprised to be shown another thousand that he would take for the sake of saving humanity.
Ramalinga Adigal's compassion goes beyond bonds too when he sheds tears upon seeing the very grass droop over under the heat of the day. He told his followers that he would be back before merging with Arutperunjhoti.
The enlightened ones choose to be reborn again and again to help guide their fellow mates to the kingdom of god.
Agathiyar too has been compassionate many a time, towards seekers who came for a remedy or a solution to their illness and problems.
Agathiyar too has been compassionate many a time, towards seekers who came for a remedy or a solution to their illness and problems.
A lady seeked out Agathiyar's Jeeva Nadi to help her 26 year old son come out of his drinking habit and addiction of 7 years to ganja. The Jeeva Nadi Guru assures the lady that Agathiyar shall save her child and begins reading the Nadi. Agathiyar reveals secretly that he (the Nadi Guru) has placed him in a fix, for the lad's condition was bad and he was nearing his death and there was no way he could survive. Agathiyar apprehends the Nadi Guru for going over board and promising the lady that all shall be fine.
On inquiring, the lady told the Nadi Guru that she had sought medical care. While under the care and watchful eyes of the medical team her son was fine but continued his habit after being discharged.
Agathiyar reveals the lad's condition to the Nadi Guru. The lad had developed ulcer and his kidneys had began to fail. "How do you suppose I save him", Agathiyar questions the Nadi Guru. But the most compassionate Agathiyar after a few moments of silence continues. He list out some herbs and explains how to prepare and consume them. He asked that the lad take it for a minimum of 48 days. Agathiyar asked that the lady see him again in event the medicine does not work for her son or if he develops complications.
2 1/2 months pass by when one day the lady comes running to the Nadi Guru. She informs him that her son has gradually recovered and has stopped drinking, but he has developed jaundice. The doctors have said that his chances of survival were slim. He was currently being warded at the hospital.
Agathiyar assures that the lad will survive and asked that the lady sit by his bedside at the hospital and read the Garuda Thandakam, Kandhar Sasti Kavasam, Dhanvantri Gayatri, and chant the Maha Mrityunjaya Japa continuously. The most compassionate Agathiyar ask that if she could not recite these, these books be placed at his bed and to recite her Kula Deivam Japam. "Even if it is wrongly uttered it is fine", says Agathiyar. "The Lord won't be angered if wrongly said or pronounced", continued Agathiyar.
Agathiyar then turns to the Nadi Guru and reminds him that he (Agathiyar) has decided to save the lad for the sake of him (the Nadi Guru) and the lady this once. He asked him not to promise such things in the future and not to put him in a difficult position. Agathiyar ended his Nadi revelation saying that a miracle will take place at the hospital and as a result the lad shall survive.
There was no news from the lady for the next 5 days. On the 6th day upon reading the local daily the Nadi Guru came across a news that the very first blood transfusion was conducted on a lad at the Chennai General Hospital and it was a success. It was conformed that the daily carried news about the same lad whose mother came for guidance.
What transpired at the hospital was that a group of doctors arrived and decided to carry out the blood transfusion for the very first time. The lad was lucky enough that the hospital had sufficient blood of his particular group too.
Hence the lady's prayers were answered. Agathiyar saved the day, saved the lad, and saved the Nadi Guru too.
When the Jeeva Nadi Guru, one day, requested Agathiyar to reveal about any temple associated with him (Agathiyar), Agathiyar immediately chose to speak about his temple at Panchesti.
At one time in the past, when Agathiyar was in deep meditation, an Arakan (Asura) with his family fell at his feet. Surprised to find an Asura at his feet, Agathiyar through his wisdom eye, comes to know about him. He was Sukethu. He had to take birth as an Arakan due to his past karma. Although born as an Asura, he was honest. He used to worship Lord Shiva all the time. As a result the other Asuras gave him a lot of problems and disturbed his family and him. Agathiyar wanted very much to save Sukethu and his family and gave it much thought.
Agathiyar realized that conducting a yagam or lighting the sacrificial fire was the only way to remove Sukethu's Dosa and confer on him the state of Mukthi. Agathiyar decides to conduct 5 kinds of yagam, namely : Deva yagam, Brahma yagam, Bhoota yagam, Pithur yagam, Maanuda yagam.
Agathiyar also knew that the rest of the Asuras will disrupt and not allow this yagam to be carried out. While figuring a way out, Agathiyar receives a pleasant visit from Goddess Umaiyaal.
Goddess Umaiyaal tells Agathiyar that she had heard about his intention to perform the yagam from Lord Shiva. She adds that she did not have an opportunity to witness one and asked that he allow her to witness the yagam.
Agathiyar explains to Goddess Umaiyaal that all this while he had been conducting yagam for the Devas and his disciples to remove their Dosa. Now he is about to carry out a Panja yagam, for the very first time, for the sake of Sukethu and his family. Saying thus, Agathiyar gives Goddess Umaiyaal the privilege to choose the spot where this yagam shall be held. Agathiyar requests that Goddess Umaiyaal should ensure no harm comes from the Asuras during the whole duration of the yagam. Agathiyar also requests that Lord Shiva should take form and appear in the yagam.
Agathiyar also tells Goddess Umaiyaal that on completion of the Panja yagam he will continue with the Sathru Samhaara yagam on Lord Muruga's instruction and supervision. "The Sathru Samhaara yagam too will be conducted for the very first time", adds Agathiyar. "This yagam would help lessen the troubles of man who has to face jealousy, objection, and torture."
Goddess Umaiyaal blessed Agathiyar and named the place where these yagams were to be conducted. The place came to be known as Panchesthi. Agathiyar on his part told Goddess Umaiyaal that from that day forth she will be known as Anandhavalli Thaayaar.
Just as foreseen, the Asuras came to cause trouble and disrupt his yagam, but Goddess Umaiyaal destroyed them all. Agathiyar victoriously completed the Panja yagam and the Sathru Samhaara yagam. Sukethu and his family members attained release from their curse.
Agathiyar reveals an amazing happening during a yagam at Sathuragiri too. He instructs the Jeeva Nadi Guru that a yagam be conducted in Sathuragiri under his (Agathiyar) supervision. Agathiyar indicates the day and time and the materials to be placed in the fire pit. He also handpicks certain individuals for the task. To ensure their safe journey to and fro from Sathuragiri, Agathiyar arranges for Sattaimuni and Ramadevar to accompany these devotees.
Agathiyar is himself surprised to find Lord Brahma appear to initiate the Fire ritual with the famous sloga SUKLAM BARATARAM of Lord Vinayagar. Besides Brahma, Agathiyar says, the yagam was graced by Lord Vinayagar, Lord Murugan and the Devas and all the 18 Siddhas.
Agathiyar reveals another surprise. Lord Shiva had appeared in his Vishwarupa form in the early morning hours. Agathiyar reminds us that Sathuragiri was the place where Lord Shiva had taken that majestic form to destroy the Arakans through the means of his third eye. This episode happened some 4,000 years ago at Sathuragiri. Hence from that moment on these Arakans did not move into Sathuragiri again. Agathiyar adds that these Arakans are present in all the hills. These Arakans will try their level best to distract and divert the attention of aspirants and those on the spiritual path. But the most compassionate father says let it be, the Arakan are after all carrying out their job. He says their nuisance at Sathuragiri ended 3247 years ago, after a particular yagam conducted some 3247 years ago at Sathuragiri by Kagabujandar. After that yagam, Agathiyar conducted the same yagam some 1857 years ago. All the Munis, Lord Shiva, Lord Brahma, and Lord Vishnu participated in it.
On another occasion some 727 years ago when a similar yagam was conducted, Lord Shiva, Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu did not participate. The Siddhas conducted the yagam. All the Devas and Asuras were present.
Agathiyar reveals to the Jeeva Nadi Guru that after all these years this rare yagam was now been conducted by them at Sathuragiri, under the governance and supervision of Agathiyar.
The ever compassionate Agathiyar, called these devotees over to Sathuragiri for the sole purpose of removing their Karma (Dosa) gathered over the past three births, and wrongs done knowingly or unknowingly in recent times. Those who have gained Agnidevan's blessings are rid of ill effects (Thetthu) and no sins (Pavam) shall befall them for the next 12 years.
For those devotees who appreciated this yagam, Agathiyar promised to gift them by indicating the Taila Kinaru or Oil Well, where just a drop of that oil smeared on the body shall gift the person to live 400 years.
Upon successfully conducting the yagam and returning home Agathiyar mentions in the Jeeva Nadi that Siddha Ramadevar and Sattaimuni accompanied the entourage of 50 people to Sathuragiri on his command. He mentions that Bhogar and Sattaimuni too had apart to play. Sattaimuni had hugged and ushered the devotees personally, the very moment they arrived at Sathuragiri unaware to these devotees. Agathiyar reveals that Bhogar came running asking if he could assist in the yagam. He asked that Bhogar bless all those who came at the instruction of Agathiyar to Sathuragiri with a good life. Agathiyar reminds us that they were fortunate and it was an honor that a Siddha was on hand to greet and lead them and cared for their safety. These were events not visible to the public, adds Agathiyar.
Agathiyar most graciously reveals that he shall conduct another yagam witnessed by Lord Brahma for those who were invited but missed out, in the near future.
The Nadi is a gift from the most compassionate Siddhas to mankind. Velayudham Karthiyen Aiya’s blog entry in SITHTHAN ARUL, brings us back to time immemorial where the Siddhas, being compassionate and kind, put forward to God or Erai as Agathiyar wishes to address, their wishes for humanity. The Siddhas had wished that whoever seeked them out for solutions to their problems and surrender to them, they shall be pardoned for their past deeds, however bad and evil they may be, and shall not be put through the trial and tribulations and will not be made to face the consequences but instead be saved. Erai granted the Siddhas their wish.
The next instant the Siddhas wrote down: the reasons for each individual’s sufferings; listed out solutions and remedies; and showed ways and means to overcome or end the seekers problems, sins, diseases, illnesses and sufferings. They wrote them in Tamil prose on dried palm leaves. This writings came to be known as the Nadi. It has been written by Siddhas for us to know about our past, the present and the future. Many have corrected their lifestyle after listening to the explanations, heeding the instructions and carrying out atonement. Many more had regained their health and peace of mind.
In another post, Brahma confronts Agathiyar, "You are asking me to go easy on too many devotees. It would take not less than 10 years to seek out their Nadi or olai suvadi and make changes to their fate. If you keep on recommending that I save them by changing their fate, who is going to repay their deeds and karma. Do we not need to punish them for their karma". Thus Brahma questions Agathiyar.
Agathiyar speaks his mind telling Brahma that he believes all should be saved, and that their fate should be changed. Thus Agathiyar asked that Brahma increase the workforce so that these changes can be hastened. Brahma says that he cannot stop a particular incident from happening but can reduce the repercussions or effects as a result of that event. Agathiyar pleads to Brahma to change the karma of all those who came seeking him (Agathiyar) as he had given his word to them. Brahma finally gives his word and promises that he would not harm any of Agathiyar's devotees.
As seen above, the ever compassionate father Agathiyar goes all the way to save his devotees if they approach him with sincererity, faith and belief. Agathiyar never lets down his devotees who seek his guidance and advise. Agathiyar presents their cases to the higher authorities which includes appealing, pleading, bargaining and in worst situations confronting the Gods for the sake and well-being of his devotees.
The magnitude and extend of Agathiyar's influence in alleviating the effects of Karma by coaxing the God's to compromise and come to a deal, and to mete out less severe penalties, and at times save a life too, is seen when one reads Agathiyar's revelations to the late Jeeva Nadi Guru of Chennai and the seekers of the Jeeva Nadi that was in his possession, published in the Indian weekly's and later made available in five volumes as NADI SOLLUM KATHAIGAL and also more revelations through Karthikeyan Aiya's blog SITHTHAN ARUL.