Another post that was recovered.
Introduction To The Path Of The Sidhas
Sidha Margam, when translated into English, means the path of the sidhas. Who are the sidhas? They are men who strived to achieve godhead by means of performing austerities together with living a life of discipline. They then taught their disciples the way to godhead. Together with their students, they then laid out the teachings in writing for future generations to cherish and follow. They perfected the means to enable the body to remain alive for generations and eons to come, and to this date are believed to be living amongst us. Today, they communicate in writing through the palm leaves (nadi) readings by nadi readers from the Valluvar clan in India. They also appear to some disciples in person. Their writings are available in Tamil. Sage Romarishi, one of the sidhas, mentions in one of his writings the names of some of these sidhas. They are :
Karuvurar
Bogar
Agathiyar
Sathainathar
Konganar
Brahmasidhar
Machamuni
Nandhithevar
Korakar
Patanjali
Edaikadar
Chandikesar
Vasamuni and
Kamalamuni
The Teachings Of Sidhas
The sidhas regard this birth as very auspicious and rare. The sidha known as Avvai, in her writings, says:
'Rare indeed is it to take a human birth, Rarer than that is to be born with perfect human form, sight, hearing, and speech. Amongst those who are born with perfect sight, hearing, and speech, it is rare indeed to see one who does austerities and charity. When one does austerities and charity, the gates to godhead are opened.
The sidhas had searched the nooks and corners of this earth for god and finally realised god in them. But not all can realise god in themselves immediately. So understanding this, the sidhas paved the path where one would have to go through the four divisions of Yoga, namely:
1.Sariyai, 2.Kiriyai, 3. Yogam and 4 Gnanam.
The Importance Of Understanding Karma
For one to realise god without any hindrance, one has to know one's karma. A lot of importance is given, though in the initial stage, to karma by these sidhas. These karmas are revealed through the nadi readings by the sidhas themselves.
Know The Rights From The Wrongs
In the Karma Kaandam, the wrongs that we have done to others are spelled out clearly. For those who are blessed, I should say, are given an opportunity to perform appeasements and atonements (parikarams) to lessen and in some cases completely remove the particular karma. Remember, some are not that lucky to find a parikaaram in the nadi. They would have to undergo whatever sufferings that have been laid out. Saint Ramalingam, a recent sidha from Vadalore, in his 'Manumurai Kanda Vasagam' mentions the possible karmas committed that had made it possible for men to take birth repeatedly.
A New Beginning
Once the atonement for one’s sins is performed, a new leaf starts. The sidhas start to guide you according to your vision and mission. If you surrender unto them, they take hold of you, and there starts a new chapter in your life. The nadi is a comprehensive reading of what you are undergoing currently, what you have done in the past, and what to expect in the future, with lots of options thrown in. Our life, although it is predetermined, is not rigid. It is in a state of fluidity; every moment is created according to our thoughts and actions. Anything is possible. The options are put before you. The paths are numerous. The choice is yours. Each path we choose will determine a new fate, a new set of occurrences and experiences. The idea of having taken birth is to gain all kinds of experiences. If you set your mind on something, it will materialize eventually, unless the power above us decides otherwise, which happens rarely and only to some selected souls who have a bigger mission than they themselves realise.
Having understood karma and its domino effects, we are required to tread carefully so as not to incur more negative karma but instead increase the positive karma. One has to refrain from performing even the positive karma eventually, for that would result in being born again to enjoy the fruits of one's good actions. For one who is spiritually inclined, he would have to even forego doing good that results in good karma and having to take birth again to reap the benefits of the good done in the past life. So, to end this circle of birth would mean having to do nothing. When you do nothing, you do not tread on others' feet, you do not mess up others' lives, you do not change things and create happenings, and you do not resist changes. You do not actively participate in the happenings around you, but instead, you will be just watching. After a period of meditation and having receiving gods grace, one would, if required, be asked to go back to a mission to educate and bring more souls into the fold of god. This action by the person who would most probably by now be a renowned saint does not create bad or good karma, for he would be carrying out activities that would not enslave him but instead be for the betterment of the entire public that comes into contact with him. He would then choose to leave this body on his own will when the time is right.
Our Mission
Each one of us comes with a mission. Without realising it, we move on, creating blunders and creating more karma that needs more lifetimes of birth to undo. Once we surrender unto the sidhas, they take hold of our lives, show and guide us, often giving us options and advice. Our mission will then be revealed by the sidhas.
How Do We Approach The Sidhas?
Sidhas have tread the path. By holding on to them, we too can see and experience all that was seen and experienced by them. We need to get their attention, sincerely adhere to their instructions and guidance, and pray that they show solace and shower their grace onto us. The Sidha Margam is the simplest path amongst the many paths to godhead. When we call out the names of these sidhas, their attention falls on us. By following their teachings, we build up the body and soul to make it a suitable dwelling for god. Once god and the sidhas shower their grace, you are assured you have the blessing and strength to undertake your mission with an assurance of success.