Though the Soul is pure, it is covered and enveloped by the Ego that becomes tainted in the hands of Maya. Our upbringing and society, and its expectations on us and later fraud gurus, add to these illusions, and we become trapped in them. It then takes some effort and work to "purify" ourselves and regain the majesty of our Soul. All creation that comes as a result of the 96 Tattvas is tainted. Water can be contaminated. The air is polluted. The earth is littered and poisoned. What about ether? Your guess is as good as mine. As we read the following line from "Tales of Ancient India" that "nothing can defile fire and whatever is cast into it is made pure and clean," we have to agree that only fire, having consumed all, remains pure. The bronze statue of Agathiyar we have at AVM too was purified in the fire before its worship began. Similarly, a guru can burn one's Karma. But how many find their way to a genuine one? Then again, how many gurus would want to do that? We are told by Agathiyar that we can attempt to burn these Vasanas and Karma by lighting the Homa at home or participating in its bigger version, the Yagna in temples, offering them into the sacrificial fire. Another option to burn them to ashes is to engage in meditation. Yogananda Paramahansa states that the fire of meditation can burn our Karma. In doing austerities or Tapas, the internal heat that keeps us alive within is amplified and generated into the Tava Kanal, clearing and flushing the entire bodily systems of toxins accumulated and blockages built over time. While a confused mind is an indication of prevailing Karma, a healthy body and mind that arises out of this cleansing is indicative of Karma kept at bay. Similarly, many leave this world without even recognizing the soul within them. Their ego overshadows their soul and dictates to them, bringing them to pursue material riches and gains, competing with others, etc. But in those where their souls begin to tap on the door, it is ready to be awakened, and once we acknowledge it, it begins to determine our life.
Just as a Siddha physician purifies the plants that he picks to prepare the herbal portion first, we begin on a journey of purification. Patanjali's Yoga Sutra defines such a journey. Agathiyar, in his Nadi reading for me, started me off with the basics of Yoga as follows:
Practice Thega Sudhi, and breathing techniques (Pranayama). Preferably, these practices should be enhanced through a guru. (soon Tavayogi came along to complete this lessons). Practice meditation daily. The disciple shall gain full concentration. The disciple needs to just concentrate on his meditation while the Siddhas shall take care of the disciple’s other needs. To enable advancement in the disciple’s practices and meditation, sit on a seat made of wood during meditation. Place a white cloth above it. Meditate for twelve minutes daily with eyes shut and the sight focused between the brows as you chant the Siddha’s names. The thinking ability shall improve by doing this practice. The temper shall be gone. The disciple shall receive great benefits. The health shall improve. The body shall become robust. The disciple shall gain the blessings of Siddhas, and elders who have attained Tavam and Sidhis. To progress further in the spiritual endeavors, meditate sitting on the Tharpai grass. The disciple shall gain clarity. The disciple shall see changes in himself during these stages of meditation and prayer. The disciple shall attain through this meditation, knowledge and speech attributes and other benefits. All efforts and practices shall not be in vain. The disciple shall achieve the highest meditation through the Siddha Margam.
A proper diet is to be adapted for the desired changes to take place.
Take natural foods. Take food devoid of salt, sweetness, sour and pungent. Consume pure food. When meditating, excessive heat would arise in the body of the disciple. Since heat shall increase hence there is a need to take only Sattvic foods to counter the heat. The disciple’s body shall generate heat due to yogic practices. Counter the heat by taking cooling stuff.
This has to go hand in hand with worship of the Siddhas.
Do prayers and breathing exercises. Pray at the abodes and dwellings of Siddhas. The Siddhas are happy to see the disciple pray to them daily. The Siddhas shall accept the disciple's pilgrimage and prayers. Happiness shall prevail through daily prayers to Siddhas. The disciple needs to be steady in his or her mission even when confronted with people who shall shake their faith. Do not give heed to their words but carry on the prayers. There is much good in prayers. Do research, practices, prayers, and rituals to the utmost satisfaction without any error. All the disciple’s problems shall be relieved step by step through prayers. Recite the Maha Mantra – ARUTPERUNJHOTI. Besides the mantra ARUTPERUNJHOTI, let the names of the Siddhas be the Maha-Mantra for the disciple. Repeat it daily. The disciple shall get the blessings of gurus and the wise. Chant Lord Murugan’s name for it is LIGHT. Bliss and joy are acquired by saying the lord’s name. Continue saying it. The Siddhas too is in the form of light in this world. Continue prayers. Light up the home. Pray to LIGHT. The disciple shall see changes. Appease the planets. Perform prayers at temples. Garland the gods for then they shall be pleased. The disciple shall spread the Siddhas teachings through prayers and service. Stay on this path. Stick to what he or she is doing currently. Continue consistently with the spiritual practices that the disciple currently does. Do not get distracted. Do not give up on prayers. Worship Siddhas and attained much.
All these are intended to bring us to their state.
Siddha Margam is THE path. Live your life as the Siddhas do. The disciple shall live like Sivam too. Miracles would take place. Miracles and visions shall take place at the abodes, caves, and Samadhis of Siddhas. The Siddhas shall give visions and conduct miracles JUST for their disciples. The Siddhas shall appear to the disciple. The Siddhas shall perform miracles. The disciple shall live like a Siddha in this world. God shall live in the disciple. The disciple becomes a true friend and is highly regarded by the Siddhas. The Siddhas shall love the disciple as much as the disciple loves them. The Siddhas shall test the loyalty of their disciples. Family members and others shall benefit from the disciple's association with the Siddhas. The family and others too shall have the blessings of Siddhas. The Siddhas shall grace their presence in the disciple's home. The Siddhas are greatly moved by the devotion of the disciples. Never miss the worship of Siddhas at home. Invite Siddhas to the home. Make them a part of the family too. Then great saints shall live with the disciple. The Siddhas are established in the home of disciples. When the Siddhas live with the disciple, he or she has no need to spend his life at an ashram. Siddhas and yogis shall visit the disciple’s home. The Siddhas shall care for the disciple and his family. The Siddhas shall not let down the disciples. When confronted with danger call out to the Siddhas and they shall protect. The disciple needs to establish himself firmly in the path of the Siddhas. The disciple shall witness miracles happen every day. Let God's name flow through the breath of the disciple. The disciple shall become one with the Siddhas. The Siddhas shall show the disciple the path. Siddhas shall live in the disciple. Admire the sages and decorate the Siddhas in the heart's eye. The Siddhas too shall decorate the disciple similarly. The Siddhas shall witness the disciple do Tavam and prayers. Let the thoughts revolve around the Siddhas. Be faithful to this path. The disciple’s aspirations shall be realized. The disciple’s asking shall be granted. The Siddhas shall provide the disciple the knowledge to spell away ignorance. The Siddhas shall be present in the disciple’s thoughts, word, and deed. The disciple shall realize joy and bliss each day. Let the thoughts be centered on Siddhas day and night. Once a disciple comes to this Margam, others around him too shall follow the disciple on this path. The disciple shall attain a sweet voice, youth, and clarity of thought through prayers to Siddhas. Follow the advice and guidance of Siddhas. The Siddhas shall send their messengers to deliver their word to their disciples. Follow the path of Siddhas and all the disciple’s wishes shall come true. The disciple shall see much progress come his way. All the disciple’s efforts will pay off. The disciple shall realize the reason for his birth. Research into the reason for taking birth. Let the Siddhas show the disciple his path. The Siddhas shall be a companion. Just as the parent takes care of the child, the Siddhas shall take care of the disciple. Live with pride that you, a disciple of the Siddhas, have chosen to follow the path of the sidhas. Receive the advice of Siddhas with devotion. Spread the Siddha teachings.