SWAMI SIVANANDA OF RISHIKESH

“Is there not a higher mission in life than the daily round of official duties, eating, and drinking? Is there not any higher form of eternal happiness than these transitory and illusory pleasures? How uncertain is life here? How insecure is existence on this earth-plane, with various kinds of diseases, anxieties, worries, fear, and disappointments! The world of names and forms is constantly changing. Time is fleeting. All hopes of happiness in this world terminate in pain, despair, and sorrow. Such were the thoughts constantly rising in my mind", wrote Swami Sivananda in his autobiography.

The doctor’s profession gave me ample evidence of the sufferings of this world. For a Vairagi who has a sympathetic heart, the world is full of pain. True and lasting happiness cannot be found merely in gathering wealth. With the purification of heart through selfless service, I had a new vision. I was deeply convinced that there must be a place - a sweet home of pristine glory and purity and divine splendor - where absolute security, perfect peace and lasting happiness can be had through Self-realisation.

Rolling back the years, Swami Sivananda wrote,

I decided to try my luck in the Straits Settlements of Malaya, and wrote to a friend, Dr. Iyengar who had his establishment next to Dr. Haller sometime ago and later settled in Singapore. I wrote to Dr. Iyengar that I was planning to go to Malaya.

I left Madras by S.S. “Tara.” I was unaccustomed to such long travels. I had no idea of the food I was to take on the way, of what preparations I was to make to begin my career in Malaya, and how much money was needed. I packed my things and did not forget to take a good consignment of sweets which my mother lovingly prepared for me. I belonged to an orthodox family and was frightened to take the non-vegetarian food on board the ship and so I carried a good quantity of sweets. In youth I liked immensely sweet preparations. Throughout the voyage, I managed to live with the sweets and drank plenty of water. Being unaccustomed to this diet, I reached Singapore almost half dead!

It was a bold adventurous bid to throw oneself on the high seas of uncertainty. I had no money to fall back upon in case of a reverse in my expectations. However, I had tremendous hopes and took a plunge to test the mettle of my destiny. Strength of will and a fiery determination played a lot in moulding my life and spiritual career. No easy-going prospect was awaiting me in the distant swamps of Malaya, as I was altogether unknown and friendless, with no financial safeguard whatsoever. I had to start from the very scratch and encounter disappointing setbacks in the beginning. But the later events turned out much in my favour and I felt my position secure.

Immediately after disembarking I went to the residence of Dr. Iyengar. He gave me a letter of introduction to an acquaintance of his, Dr. Harold Parsons, a medical practitioner in Seremban, the capital of Negri Sembilan.

When I reached Seremban, I found that Dr. Parsons was absent. By this time, the little money I had was spent away. I was highly optimistic about my getting a job. Dr. Parsons himself did not need an assistant. I was able to impress this physician in such a manner that he took me to Mr. A.G. Robins, the Manager of a nearby Rubber Estate which had its own hospital.

Fortunately for me, Mr. A.G. Robins was just then in need of an assistant to work in the Estate Hospital. He was a terrible man with a violent temper, a giant figure, tall and stout. He asked me: ‘Can you manage a hospital all by yourself?’ I replied: ‘Yes. I can manage even three hospitals.’ I was appointed at once. I had been told by a local Indian resident that I ought not to accept, in accordance with their policy, anything less than a hundred dollars a month. Mr. Robins agreed to give me one hundred and fifty dollars to start with.

The doctor who was in charge of the Estate Hospital had just then left. Moreover, I was told that he was not very competent. I quickly acquired a good knowledge of the hospital equipment and the stock of medicines, and found myself absorbed in the job. Here again hard work awaited me. I had to dispense medicines, in addition to keeping accounts and personally attending on patients as I did for Dr. Haller in Madras. Unusual handicaps began to tell upon me and I felt like resigning the job after some time, but Mr. A.G. Robins did not allow me to go.

I served in the Estate Hospital near Seremban for nearly seven years, after which I joined the Johore Medical Office, Ltd., at the instigation of Dr. Parsons who had by then returned from war service. I served in Johore for three years before renouncing the world.

In Malaya I came in direct contact with hundreds of the poor natives and indentured labourers as well as the local citizens. I learnt the Malaya language and conversed with the natives in their own tongue.

I served the workers of the estate nicely and endeared myself to them all. I gained the esteem of the employer and the employee alike. I was always fond of service. This moment I would be in the hospital; and the very next moment in some poor patient’s house to attend on him and his family. Dr. Parsons who was a visiting physician to the estate hospital, loved me very much. I used to assist him in his private work also. Off and on I gave my earnings to help friends and the patients. I even went to the extent of pawning some of my own valuables.

I was a friend of both the management as well as the labourers. If the scavengers went on strike, the estate manager would come only to me. I would somehow run about here and there and bring them back to work. In addition to my own work, I would go about visiting other hospitals and acquire special knowledge in bacteriological and other subjects.

There was not a single available English medical book at that time that I had not read and digested. In addition to all this I would help my assistants too and train them for sometime daily, and then send them to other hospitals with a recommendation letter, providing from my pocket their railway fare as well as some emergency money. Soon I became well-known in Seremban and Johore Bahru. The Bank Manager would oblige me at any time even on holidays, by honouring my cheques. I became everybody’s friend through my sociable disposition and service. I got rapid promotions and with that my salary and private practice increased by leaps and bounds. All this was not achieved in a single day. It meant very hard work, unflagging tenacity, strenuous effort and indomitable faith in the principles of goodness and virtue and their practical application in my daily life.

I specialised in microscopical study and Tropical Medicine. Subsequently I moved to Johore Bahru, near Singapore, to join Drs. Parsons and Green and lived there for three years. Doctors Parsons, Green, Garlik and Glenny complimented me as highly competent for the medical profession and admired me for my agile, nimble and efficient nature. I was happy, cheerful and contented. I carefully attended on all patients. I never demanded fee from my clients. I felt happy when they were free from disease and trouble. To serve people and to share what I have is my inborn nature.

I used to cheer up people with my wit and humour, and elevate the sick with loving and encouraging words. The sick persons at once felt a new health, hope, spirit, vigour and vitality. Everywhere people declared that I had a special gift from God for the miraculous cure effected in the patients and acclaimed me as a very kind and sympathetic doctor with a charming and majestic personality. In serious cases I used to keep vigil at night. In the company of the sick, I understood their feelings and endeavoured to relieve their sufferings.

I was liberal in my views. The spirit of Sannyasa was ingrained in me. Crookedness, diplomacy, double-dealing, are not known to me. I was very candid, straightforward, simple and open-hearted. I trained many young persons in the Hospital where I worked and fixed them up in various Estate Hospitals. I spent all my energy and time in relieving human sufferings by serving the poor and the sick, day and night, with a sympathetic heart. This kind of selfless service gave me purification of heart and mind, and led me to the spiritual path.

Swami Sivananda chose to bring a change into his mundane life.

I gave up the life of ease, comfort and luxury, and reached India in search of an ideal center for purposes of prayer and contemplation, study and a higher form of service to the whole world.

In 1923, I renounced the life of ease and money-making and took to the life of a mendicant, a true seeker after Truth. I left my luggage in Malaya with a friend. A School Master in Malaya who came to the Ashram in 1939 told me: “Mr. S. is still keeping all your articles intact, awaiting your return!”

From Singapore, I reached Banaras and had Darshan of Lord Siva. Then I proceeded to Nasik, Poona and other important religious centres. From Poona I walked to Pandarpore, a distance of seventy miles. On my way I stayed for a couple of days in the Ashram of Yogi Narayan Maharaj at Khedgaon. Then I spent some four months in Dhalaj on the banks of Chandrabhaga. During my incessant travels, I learnt how to adjust and adapt myself to various types of people.

I learnt a lot from the lives of Yogins, Mahatmas and great men. The spirit of service ingrained in me enabled me to lead a smooth life of peace everywhere. The life of a mendicant during pilgrimage helped me to develop in a great measure Titiksha (forbearance), equal vision and a balanced state of mind in pleasure and pain. I met many Mahatmas and learnt wonderful lessons. On some days I had to go without food and walk mile after mile. With a smile, I faced all hardships.

I led the life of a wandering monk, just for a short period, in search of my Guru and of a suitable place charged with spiritual vibrations, for spending my life in seclusion and to do rigorous Sadhana.

In search of a Guru, I reached Rishikesh and prayed to the Lord for His Grace. From the sacred hands of Paramahamsa Viswananda Saraswati, I received Holy initiation on the bank of the Ganga on 1st June, 1924. The religious rite of Viraja Homa was done for me by my Acharya Guru, Sri Swami Vishnudevanandaji Maharaj at Kailas Ashram.

I came to Rishikesh in June 1924 and found it my destination. My Guru gave me initiation and enough spiritual strength and blessings. I found Rishikesh an ideal place for intense and undisturbed spiritual practices true for all seekers after Truth. I had the goal of my life as Self-realisation and determined to spend every bit of my energy and time in study, service and Sadhana.

Service of the sick and the poor and the Mahatmas purifies the heart. This is a field for developing all divine qualities such as compassion, sympathy, mercy, generosity. That helps to destroy the evil qualities and impurities of the mind such as egoism, selfishness, pride, hatred, anger, lust, jealousy, etc. Mahatmas and the poor villagers who were sick did not have proper medical aid. Thousands of pilgrims to Badrinath, Kedarnath also needed medical help. Therefore I started a small dispensary, Satyasevashram, at Lakshmanjhula on the way to Badri-Kedar, and served the devotees with great love and devotion. I arranged special diet for the serious cases and provided milk and other requirements. Spiritual evolution is quicker through service done with proper Bhav and attitude.

For maintaining a high standard of health, I practised Asanas, Pranayamas, Mudras and Bandhas. I used to go out for long brisk walks in the evenings. I combined physical exercises such as Dand and Bhaitak also. I paid special attention to simple living, high thinking, light food, deep study, silent meditation and regular prayers. I loved seclusion and observed Mauna. I did not like company and futile talk. From the Ram Ashram Library in Muni-ki-reti I used to get some books for my study and devoted some time to study every day. I kept always a Dictionary by my side and looked up the meaning of difficult words. Rest and relaxation gave me enough strength to carry on intense Sadhana. I moved closely with some Mahatmas but I never indulged in discussion and debates. Self-analysis and introspection were my guide.

With a view to devoting more time to prayer and meditation, I moved to the Swargashram. I lived in a small Kutir, 8 feet by 10 feet, with a small verandah in front, and depended on the Kali Kambliwala Kshetra for my food. Now the Kutir is numbered as 111 with some additional rooms by its side. I continued my Sadhana and service to the sick persons of the place. Just for an hour daily, I used to go from Kutir to Kutir to attend to the sick Mahatmas, enquire about their welfare and supply their requirements. I spent much of my time in meditation and practised various kinds of Yogas in my Sadhana, and my experiences have all come out in many of my publications as advice to aspirants. I quickly sent out my thoughts and experiences to help the world and struggling seekers after Truth. 

My joy was indescribable when I spent hours in the evenings on the sand banks of the Ganga or sitting on a fine rock and gazed at wonderful Nature. I became one with Nature. During this period, I established the Swargashram Sadhu Sangha, to obtain redress for the grievances of the Mahatmas, and registered the Institution. I invited great Mahatmas and organised weekly discourses and daily Bhajan and Ramayana Katha for some time. For some months, we had discourses on the Yoga-Vasishtha, Tulasidas Ramayana and Upanishads also. I trained my students in organisational work through the Swargashram Sadhu Sangha.

I had no ambition to become world-famous by any extensive tour or thrilling lectures from the platform. I never attempted to be a Guru to anyone. I am not pleased when people call me: “Sat Guru” or “Avatar.” I am dead against “Gurudom.” That is a great obstacle and has caused the downfall of great men in the spiritual path. “Gurudom” is a menace to society. 

I am only a common Sadhu. I may not be able to help you much. Further I do not make disciples. I can be your sincere friend till the end of my life. I do not like to keep persons by my side for a long time. I give lessons for a couple of months and ask my students to meditate in some solitary places in Kashmir or Uttarkashi.

I never said or did anything to tempt people with promises of grand results like Mukti from a drop of Kamandalu water or Samadhi by a mere touch. I emphasised the importance of silent Sadhana, Japa and meditation for a systematic progress in the spiritual path. Invariably I asked all aspirants to purify the heart through selfless service to mankind.

Do not give me titles as ‘World Teacher’, ‘Mandaleshwar’ and ‘Bhagawan’. Lay bare the truth, Truth will shine, I lead a simple and natural life. I take immense delight in service. Service has elevated me. Service has purified me. This body is meant for service. I live to serve everyone and make the world happy and cheerful.

Excerpts from Swami Sivananda's "Autobiography of Swami Sivananda", a Divine Life Society Publication, Sixth Edition: 1995. 

SIVANANDA PARAMAHAMSA

Gnana Pitha Sivananda was born in 1879 in Vadakarai to Karunakara Kurupp and Mathavi Ammal and was named Raman Nambiar. At the age of 9, he left home and reached the madam of Kanoor Swami. But he was brought home again. He ended his schooling and served as a teacher in Kalaripayat in Malabar. Again he left home. His relative Ananthan Nambiar got him a constable's job at his station. He was 17 then. When he returned home from his duty one day to find his wife had died at their home, the incident made him re-think hard about life and its impermanence. This was the starting point of his spiritual conquest. A new leaf began for him. He was soon to become Gnana Pitha Sivananda Paramahamsa.

After performing the last rites for his wife, he headed for Tunjathu Ramanujar's Samadhi and sat in meditation. Then he furthered his meditation at the Panjavarna cave in Palani. After Bhogar appeared in front of him and gave him initiation, he left on a pilgrimage to the Himalayas on 5th January 1910. He returned from the Himalayas in 1913 as Swami Sivananda Paramahamsar. 

In 1914 he took a pilgrimage throughout India, stopping over at Pavanagar, Peshawar, Thirusoor, Savakadu, and Kadathanadu before establishing the Samapanthi Bhojana Sangam in 1921. This was later renamed Siddha Samajam. 

Gnana Pitha Sivananda came to Malaya in 1937 and established the Siddha Vidhya Sangam to spread the teachings of Siddhas in Setapak in Kuala Lumpur. He started an Ashram on a 7 ½ acres of land in Tasik near Kroh in Perak which devotees had donated.  

It is said that prior to the independence of Malaya, he gathered some of his followers and left for India. His remaining devotees started the Swami Sivananda Paramahamsa Dhyana Mantram in Bagan Serai, Perak. 

(Source of information: "SIDDHAVEDA SINTHANAIGAL" by Pa. Subaiyah, Published by Sivananda Paramahamsa Dhyana Mantram, Malaysia and Govindasamy Sivapalan of the Department of Indian Studies, University of Malaya, from his paper entitled "THE SIDDHA WORSHIP IN MALAYSIA: An Introduction" presented at the 32nd All India Sociological Conference held at Chennai, India in 2006).

Amal Raju fills in more details about the Swamigal. He was born on 8 December 1879 on Karthigai Deepam day. He was an exponent of silambam, varmam, archery, and in sword-wielding. It is said that he had helped tame a runaway horse that carried a British officer on its back. The officer who was much relieved from that startling incident and who escaped near death, offered him a job as a constable.

When his austerities (tavam) at Palani were not fruitful, Swamigal decided to end his life by jumping off the cliffs of the hill. Miraculously he was caught by an angelic figure who appeared in the sky and laid him down on the ground. He revealed himself as Bhogar and signaled him to follow. Bhogar brought him to the Panjavarna cave. Swamigal continued his tavam there for such a long time that snakes den and anthill covered him. A forest officer Kalam realizing the fact that there was someone sitting beneath the earth mound in meditation cleared the mound and exposed Swamigal.

Upon completing his tapas in the Himalayas from 1910 to 1913 he was instructed to leave for the Sharadha Peetham in Sringeri and receive certain items. At the same time the Sankarachariyar of that time, the 32nd, Narasimha Bharathi had a dream in which he was instructed to pass certain items belonging to Adhi Sankara that was in the possession of the Peedham to the ascetic traveler who would turn up at the door of the Peedham shortly. These possessions of Shankara were handed over to Swamigal ceremoniously. He was conferred the title of Sivananda Paramahamsa by the Sharadha Peetham.

Swamigal came into the limelight when during his travels beginning 1914 he stopped over at Peshawar among several places and took up a debate with 48 German pandits. He released his book Siddha Vedham the same year.

Swamigal introduced the Siddha ways to his followers. He revived the Sathini program where food is cooked and served to all immaterial off their caste and faith. He fought for the rights of the deprived community who were barred from drinking and using water from a common water tank. Upholding ahimsa and remaining passive, they ended up being beaten. But miraculously the beatings were felt by the ones carrying out the atrocity.

A person with elephantiasis on the streets of Nagore, seeing the Tejas of Swamigal, falls at his feet begging to bring relief and cure. Swamigal picks up a pinch of soil from the ground and asks him to consume it and apply it on his feet. The man was cured. He came to be Swamigal's disciple Sarananandar.

Several thugs who tried to abduct a couple of girls while Swamigal was addressing a large crowd at Madurai, were made to squirm in pain and plead for mercy before they were let free.

While addressing a crowd in Chennai, Swamigal foiled an attempt by a person who had hidden a knife behind the large garland of flowers to stab him. Swamigal by just his mere stare in the direction of the person made his legs be rooted to the ground, un-abling him to move further.

Bhundasi Vaidyar of Seruvanur was rid of his ego in the presence of Swamigal at Otrapalam, at the same time bringing the realization to him to heal the Jeeva rather than the disease.

Besides Malaya Swamigal was in Afghanistan too. He is said to have mentioned that he had planted the seed of Siddha Vidya on 5 continents. He started 5 Siddha Samajam.

Raman who later came to be called Bhagawan Nithyananda was identified and brought to the path of the Siddha by Swamigal.

Swamigal attained samadhi on 21 June 1949 in Palani. His devotees from Vadakarai rushed to Palani to bring back his mortal body to their Ashram. On the way back a devotee thought that the one who preached deathless-ness eventually succumbed to death too. At that moment the vehicle they traveled in hit a pothole and Swamigal's mortal frame, in turn, hit the car door. Blood oozed from the cut on his forehead. His devotees realized that moment that he was indeed alive.

TAKING A STAND

Whenever people who know me and my blog speak to me they quickly add a reminder not to post what was being said. They obviously knew that I would share it on my blog. I followed their asking. 

But I do know what to share and what not to share. There are many things spoken, discussed that I have refrained from sharing.

There are many revelations made by Agathiyar with a note saying that it was a secret and was to be kept close to my chest. I followed his asking. There were many things he said, that I have yet to share, thinking it was not the right time yet or refrained from sharing if it could cause further confusion and the likes. Then Agathiyar once told me that I was good at keeping secrets. I immediately had a question in me. Was what I did right keeping the secret? Or was I to reveal it which I did not? Then he clarifies that I did right by not revealing. There were many instances when he would say certain beliefs and practices were not right but would add, "Let it be." He does not change things unless very necessary. In short, he does not mess around in another's life. He lets the cycle of life go on without disturbing the flow. Both Ramana and the Yogi took on the illness without seeking remedies until their disciples forced them to look into it. They let whatever appeared to take its course. It is said that an author wrote the biography of Ramana and sought his approval. The saint read through the draft completely and gave his consent. An aid while flipping through the draft later questioned Ramana how was it he had approved it when there was mention of him having married? The saint replied, "Let it be." 

Agathiyar once told me, "Nee perumaiyudan valnthaal naan perumaiyudan vaalven", literally asking me to, "Walk tall with dignity and pride." 

I took up his offer to follow his path some 15 years back. He has kept me and my family and friends well till now. We are grateful to him. If at all I am thrown into the dungeon tomorrow or come down with a critical illness or were to meet with an accident let it be known that it is not because of coming into this path. The path has kept us well until this very moment. If I was to leave this mortal frame this moment I shall leave satisfied and at peace. Agathiyar has kept me hale, healthy, and alive 58 years which is a miracle. Sorrow came sweeping and went by but we survived those moments with his help. Danger came confronting us but he was there to protect us. Confusion set in slowly bringing disillusion but he was there to clear it. Illness crept unknowingly but he was there to check it. The sadness appeared momentarily but he was there to cheer us up. Above and beyond these momentary trying moments he blessed us with bliss and joy, bringing us to states of exaltation. That would suffice for this birth. That itself is a blessing. We expect nothing else. 

Isaignani Illayaraja wrote a song in which he questions if it was because of a desire having cropped up in him, while in the kingdom of Shiva, that he was reborn here. Then we go on accumulating new desires that take hold of us bringing us to create fresh karma while in pursuit of these desires. Then these unfulfilled desires will be the very seeds or vasanas for another birth again. The cycle goes on and on. Drop those desires for they are the reason to be born again and again. Be satisfied with what comes your way for the Lord has provided for you and your family according to what you deserve. Do not take another's share but instead share your stake with him. He has placed us here for a reason to find out why we are here and live that life well. That is all there is to it. 

LITTLE LESSONS ALONG THE WAY

I came to know Segaran just as he was leaving for India to become a monk. Prior to his decision to leave his government job to become a monk at a renowned ashram in India, he had traveled and stayed at the ashram five times before coming to this life long irreversible decision. It was a bold move on his part and a well-calculated one, having tried out the life at the ashram several times before deciding to leave the material world for good. After submitting a 24-hour notice to his department head he left passing me a copy of the masterpiece book "Autobiography of a Yogi" and a beautiful painting of Lord Siva. 

He came back one last time to settle his belongings and assets and other relevant documentation and matters. Just as he left his ashram for Malaysia, the ashram head called him up. He received a sound and appropriate advice from the wise spiritual head. The senior monk told him, "Now since you are returning to Malaysia to settle all your dues, do keep some money for yourself. We here at the ashram can provide you lodging and food but in the event, you need a knee surgery we cannot provide the funds for that." 

Segaran returned to the ashram permanently after getting the blessings of his mother and siblings.  

Seekers in their haste to venture into the spiritual realm go with several expectations only to be disappointed. They go seeking a set of ideas and pre-conceived notions and take along all that they have read, the textbook knowledge, expecting to see these applied or shown to them. They would envision how the spiritual head and his establishment should be. They go as a full vessel. The spiritual head can only fill you up if you go empty. Many want quick results, not willing to be patient, and wait. But they fail to understand that immaterial of whatever the master passes on it is the effort of the individual that determines whether he would excel in the technique or practice. A master might initiate and give a mantra, but the student needs to allocate time for his practice and practice diligently. There is no magical formula or short cut to achieve advancement in spiritualism.

Many forget to take notice and imbibe the valuable message imparted to them during the stay but rather get distracted by the personality of the master and politics at the ashram. When things do not work their way, they end up moving out and searching further. Some begin to bad mouth the previous establishment once out.

An aspirant in his eagerness to harness the power of Kundalini met a visiting master in the public playground who messed with his chakras leaving the poor soul in pain and agony. If that wasn't enough the poor chap had his chakras blocked purposely by another master of his. No amount of pleading by his wife could soften the heart of the master.

I had an email from someone in New Delhi who have learned various techniques from numerous masters ended up in a state of pain and agony as a result of energy blockages. After eight years he was still in pain, none of his masters could help.

I had a young and energetic aspirant who was disturbed by an abnormal flow of energy in him and sought aid, having practiced a technique given by his master. The master too had turned cuckoo.

A true master would monitor the progress of his disciple and also be able to heal him if in the event something goes wrong.

Once when a devotee of another saint in Kerala, stopped by at Tiruvannamalai for a blessing from Yogi Ramsuratkumar, the Yogi refused to bless him. When a disciple of the Yogi enquired why the Yogi had refused to do so, the Yogi said that the devotee had the full blessings of the saint of Kerala and that he did not want to mess with the energy.

I received a message from someone saying that he could make me a Siddha; I had another devotee eager to teach me meditation, and I had a Swamiji who showed interest to conduct a yagna in my home for a fee. I am glad I ignored all these proposals.

The masters too are not capable of showing God, keep their disciples shackled, and lay many restrictions, not giving them sufficient avenue to experiment and learn, not allowing their spirit to grow and expand. A true master would rejoice in seeing his students grow and blossom into a master too.

An irony in the spiritual world is that much is said and written about the attachment to the material world and seekers are asked to shun away from them, but these very seekers are sought out for donations to build majestic ashrams, to feed its inmates, and to carry out ashram activities.

A particular community that runs and manages temples both in India and Malaysia, does it very efficiently without sourcing for funds from the public. The community contributes money towards the daily running of the temple rituals and other administrative expenses including maintenance. Each household does its share in contributing besides allocating a fixed amount monthly from their profits. They are self-sustaining in regards to the items used for the daily libation of the murthys and other rituals by growing the necessary trees and rearing cows in the vicinity of the temple. There are very minimum purchases done for these rituals to carry on smoothly without any hitches. They have been doing it for ages. We could learn a thing or two from them.

I believe both these worlds need to co-exist together, helping each other and moving forward. No marga or path is superior to another. Everything has its place in society.

I have very high regard for the AVM family. They all make an honest living. They care for their parents, in-laws, family, siblings, and relatives. They find time to do service to the unfortunate and allocate a small amount of their earnings for this purpose. Agathiyar has guided them regularly, bringing them under his care and attention directly rather than place them under a living master's care. Occasionally he brings along a master to teach or show a thing or two. Never has he mentioned in our Nadi reading that we are to leave our responsibilities towards our family,  society, and nation behind. He has asked us to divide our time equally between carrying out our daily chores and spending some time in quietude with God. There is no conflict of interest. I find the teachings of Agathiyar are sound and appropriate for us at AVM. We are grateful to him for defining the path clear for us to follow.

MOTHER NATURE MINUTE BY MINUTE

KARMA

FROM HOMELESS TO HAVING A HOME; FROM RUBBISH TO EARNINGS.

Many have taken to the streets for various reasons. They live in uncertainty. They live by the minute, from minute to minute. I was surprised to see the people in this video and their reasons to leave their homes.

Then help came in the form of certain samaritans. They are homeless no more.

Watch another good soul serve the old at https://www.theatlantic.com/video/index/415809/a-story-of-growing-old/

I came to know about the extent of Malaysian Chinese volunteers who gathered and recycled things that went to the bin and converting it into money to be donated to Chinese temples, when a patient who occupied the bed next to my wife in the general hospital narrated her involvement in this programme some time back.

Getting a cue from her, I suggested in our Amudha Surabhi (AS) Whatsapp group that we too could take up this venture and donate the revenue towards AS's fund that goes into feeding and purchasing groceries. Sharmanan and Sharmila took up the idea and were the first couple to donate their collection towards the fund.

In this following video I was amazed to see an organization go big scale in recycling items for their charitable programmes. 

Be grateful you have a home and a family to go back to; be grateful you have friends to keep you company in your moments of need; be grateful for the food laid out at your dining table; be grateful for being able to doze off into a deep slumber; be grateful for the many dresses and shoes you could buy for yourself; be grateful for your eyesight and vision to see things clearly; be grateful for a healthy and fit body - you came hale and healthy, make sure it stays that way.  

THE LESS TRAVELED PATH

I just came back from the dentist having filling between by teeth done in a jiffy and without much discomfort or pain. It took me just 2 1/2 hours from my arrival till I was sent home with a new dental filling. I am grateful to receive this treatment in a government clinic without any cost. 

When I browse through http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/video/remote-area-medical-serving-underserved-20043556, I begin to shudder reading how people queue up 24 hours just to get the dentist to look at their teeth and receive other medical treatment and attention. 

Elsewhere two nurse practitioners provide free medical care to the working poor at https://www.cbsnews.com/news/60-minutes-overtime-on-the-road-with-the-health-wagon/.

"To see hundreds of people line up before dawn just because they have a chance to see a doctor about something that's probably been bedeviling them for years-- it's enormously moving," says Scott Pelley of 60 Minutes Overtime.

Browsing the net and the social medias we come across numerous noble souls out there serving the needy and unfortunate daily through their expertise and skills bringing a ray of hope to those who stood at their doorway.

Roel Cagape, is one such soul, a Filipino doctor serving the poor for free in Mindanao. Read more at https://asiancorrespondent.com/2017/08/roel-cagape-filipino-doctor-mindanao-poor/#wlR8hjkg4V1iR4e1.99

Dr V Ramamurthy, 83 serves the poor only taking 1 Rs from them for examining them and dispensing sample medicines at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bvh7Tk02cCA&index=65&list=PLZjYaGp8v2I-t78qxsEJm1oh2Sj9_AoUa

Two eye surgeons deciding to do something about an apparent blindness and partial blindness epidemic, took up the noble tasks of restoring eyesight to more than 150,000 patients in 24 countries at https://www.cbsnews.com/news/fighting-preventable-blindness-in-burma-and-beyond/

One by one the patches are peeled away and the world comes back into focus – you're witnessing the moment when the people in this room realize they can see for the first time in years. Their eyes and their faces begin to light up with a quiet sort of joy and wonder at the gift of sight.

My late father was a very charitable person. My mother used to mention many incidents where he went out of his means to help those who came to him. I believe all his good and noble acts have kept us hale, healthy and alive. Let us give back to society in our own small way, using whatever resources and knowledge we have.

MUKTHI VENDI SIDDHI VENDI

Song: Maname kanamum (@ 21.53 minutes)

---

Maname kanamum

Composer: Paapanaasam Shivan

Pallavi

Maname kanamum maravaadhey

jagadheesan malar padhamey

Anupallavi

Moham moozhgi paazhaagaathey

maya vaazhvu sathama...

Caranam 1

Naadhan naamam nee bhaji indre

naalai enraal yaar athai kandaar

aadhalaal bhava roham ozhindida vey...

Caranam 2

Nadayum thalara deham odunga

naavadhu kuzhara kangal manga

enna seivaai thunai yaar varuvaar indru..

(Source: http://www.karnatik.com/c1406.shtml)

SERVING OTHERS

Agathiyar has been reminding us continuously to feed the poor irrespective of race, religion and faith. Both Pothigai Meals on Wheels and Thondu Seivom went to the ground to distribute food parcels to those on the streets yesterday at different times. It is promising to see that the coverage on these events in several previous posts and other social medias has garnered the interest of many good souls and Samaritans. Many have congratulated this noble act; many have shown interest in joining and many more arrived to help out. 

See https://www.facebook.com/sri.krsna.73/videos/1972261303061189/

https://www.facebook.com/sri.krsna.73/videos/1972249046395748/

https://www.facebook.com/sri.krsna.73/videos/1972242786396374/

https://www.facebook.com/sri.krsna.73/videos/1972191646401488/

See https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1864702950513306.1073741876.1645689349081335&type=1&l=ef061784c1

FINDING INNER PEACE

The moment I went for a Nadi reading for the very first time in 2003, Agathiyar revealed the reasons for taking birth. He asked me to carry out the atonement or remedies (parikaram), come to his worship, and come back for another reading in 2 years time. Just as I was true and committed in carrying out his instructions, he too kept his word. 

In 2005 after meeting Tavayogi Thangarasan Adigal in Malaysia, he showed me to Nadi Nool Aasan T. Ramesh. I had my second Nadi reading experience. Agathiyar told me that he had already began guiding me in the last Nadi. He tells me that karma was the reason I needed to be born again. The most compassionate father told me that he had already forgiven me. He surprised me saying that my actions in the past were all his doings too, that I needed those experiences too. He asked me to forgive myself and others and move on. 

Since then he began to guide me, following me as my shadow would, and covering me as a force field would. When Tavayogi told me to speak and cornered me into doing it at an opening of an ashram in Banting affiliated to his Kallar Ashram, I spoke a mere few words about my Guru and switched to singing the Arutperunjhoti mantra which the rests followed chanting too. Just as Tavayogi told me to speak about the Siddhas to others, Agathiyar too gave me a task, that of spreading his fame through this blog. I don't know if I have done a good job at it, but he keeps encouraging me on. 

Along the way both my gurus, Supramania Swami and Tavayogi taught me several lessons. This was not transmitted to me in the traditional way where the students sat at the feet of the Gurus day in and out, but these were things I picked up watching and observing them. Lives lessons were shared as we took a walk in the neighborhood or went on a journey. Most of what was said then only made sense now. 

Just as Agathiyar regularly complimented my efforts on this path Tavayogi complimented us the very first time when I was there at his Kallar Ashram in 2013 with my family.  "The seed I sowed in Malaysia has began to grow", he told us. This brought joy to us and we were even more determined to bring the word of the Siddhas to the masses. 

With the coming of the AVM family together and carrying out Agathiyar's directive, Tavayogi who arrived in Malaysia for my daughter's wedding spoke about his yearning and desire to see the Siddha path grow and flourish on our home-ground and complemented that it was fulfilled. The AVM family stood proud of belonging to this ancient path, holding on to it steadfastly and were in joy on receiving this compliment from the Guru. Agathiyar too kept us going through his numerous messages through the Nadi for the entire AVM family.

Lately I asked Tavayogi for further direction and he replied as usual with another question, "What is there to direct, Agathiyar is directing you."

I found my inner peace at the feet of my beloved guru, Aasan, father, mother, buddy, savior and Erai. I am humbled by his love and compassion towards me, my family, AVM family and all others. It is only proper that I return this love to all of his creation in which I am a part too. I think that is the least I could do for all that he has given me. A garland won't suffice, a dress won't suffice, for all these were provided by him in the very first place. It is indeed an irony to realize that we end up proud of having appeased him with all the massive offerings of things that he has provided us with in the very first place. 

KRIYA HATHA YOGA

Courtesy of http://www.babajiskriyayoga.net/english/teachers.htm

Courtesy of http://www.babajiskriyayoga.net/english/teachers.htm

AVM is blessed to have come into contact with this great master of KHY. He taught AVM family the science of Yoga and its practice over several weeks when he was serving in Malaysia. We thank him for his time and service.

MAINTAINING THE PEACE WITHIN

We have been repeatedly reminded not to question the source and end of creation for we would not comprehend. There are episodes from the Puranas that show us the futility of such a venture. The story of both Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma racing against time in opposite directions to reach both the feet and crown of Lord Shiva respectively denotes this. Yet we keep on trying to understand and comprehend God's work. Much has been spoken and written about it. For instance when deliberating on the age of this universe, we learn more about these mysteries. But there is never a common stand to all these revelations.

A well researched article By Joseph Morales on time,

At the end of Brahma's daytime period, the Three Worlds (Bhuloka, Bhuvarloka, Swarloka) and the seven underworlds (of the nagas) are temporarily dissolved (pralaya); that is, the same folks can be reincarnated when the next day of Brahma begins.  The souls of individuals also continue to exist to be reincarnated in the next daytime of Brahma. 

At the end of the life of Brahma, all worlds are completely dissolved (mahapralaya). No one is reincarnated from these worlds ever again.

In the Hindu theory, life follows a downward trend most of the time, from the finest age to the worst. At the end of the worst age, Kali Yuga, divine intervention rapidly destroys the wicked and restores everything to its pristine state.

- Source: http://baharna.com/karma/yuga.htm)

See Stephen Knapp's explanation at https://www.stephen-knapp.com/timings_of_the_four_yugas.htm

While we try to analyse and understand these mysteries, https://www.gurbani.org/articles/webart265.htm, points out to us that all these attempts are futile. Many pertinent and logical questions are put forward with the final questionnaire, "How all of this can help any one in his spiritual progress - becoming the Gurmukh (enlightened being)? Other than fanning one's Haume (ego) and his love for Maya, they really do not serve any meaningful purpose. All accounting is in egotism, in these, there is no Peace (sggs 36)."

The Gurbani time and again reminds us that the Infinite Lord can neither be scaled, nor His infinitude be in any way altered — He cannot be confined within the limits of the finite experience of our limited body-mind-intellect apparatus. In other words, man's calculating mind can never hope to catch the Infinite. Let alone the Infinite Lord, the Gurbani declares that no one can even describe the limits of a God-conscious being! No matter how much one may describe the Lord, His limits still cannot be known (sggs 421).

Thus, the Gurbani repeatedly tells us that the Unlimited Lord can neither be projected nor his limits be calculated. Because, in reality, we ourselves are a projection of the Lord's Nature (Joti-Svaroopa)! Can a shadow look for the object that is responsible for its existence? Therefore, the Gurbani repeatedly asks us to overcome the calculating mind (Haume and duality) and to just accept the Divine Hukam (Will or Bhaanaa) — "Only He Himself knows His state", and leave it that way. It's not that the Gurbani wants to strangle the growth of our thinking faculty, but the fact remains that such mental circus of the ego- and Mayaic-mind has no real contribution to one's spiritual growth or one's being the Gurmukh. 

The Gurbani says that the Lord "is incalculable". Perhaps one can appreciate now as to why the Gurbani seems to suggest refraining from such futile exercise. For such exercise does not offer any real inner Peace, spiritual vibration or spiritual benefit. Neither it can eradicate one's Haume (ego) nor the veil of Maya. To the contrary, it only adds fuel to the fire! The Gurbani further claims that no one has ever realized the Infinite God by clever calculations. To realize Him, one has to become the Gurmukh. Who through the Shabad, transcends, Maya (duality and relativist consciousness), primitive ego (Haume) and all calculations.

Hence, as indicated by the Gurbani, to speculate God's limits or to treatise Him is not only impossible, but also pointless and unnecessary. 

(Source: — T. Singh, www.gurbani.org)

Which brings us to the constant reminder from Agathiyar, "Of what use is certain questions and what are you going to do about it?". I tend to believe that this cosmos, and all of creation, and all occurrences is only but a dream of Erai and will end (dissolve) once he wakes up. As is stated, ".... to become Enlightened while alive, here and now - not after death", I believe too that this is the ultimate mission and purpose in live and it has to happen here and now.

And as written, "The Eternal comes and settles down in the house, i.e. the Almighty can be found within the mind, quickly by following the guru’s teachings.", rather than try to know everything under the sky, I shall remain contended that Agathiyar has come into my life and shall henceforth reveal what is necessary on a need to know basis, as and when required. I shall maintain my peace that way.

UNEXPLAINED MYSTERIES IN LIFE

When I was asked to worship the Siddhas by Agathiyar in my very first Nadi reading, I looked towards organizations linked to Agathiyar in Malaysia. Making no headway in these venues, I began to seek the knowledge I wanted from books. If before coming to this path I was reading about our agamas, customs, music, traditions etc, now I was asking around for Siddha literature. I managed to lay my hands on many books that spoke about the origin of Siddhas and their lives. But I could not buy it, not that I could not afford it but the contents were unbelievable. I soon kept aside these books not that I could not comprehend the language but refused to accept these stories. It was not logical, neither was what was written, reasonable. It was mythical and legendary in nature and beyond my logical thinking. Some of the stuffs written were ridiculous.

But what I thought as ridiculous and beyond logic that was written in the books still keep taunting me. For in a brief chapter of the history of Agathiyar there were so many instances of the Maha Muni cursing others. Similarly going through the Puranas it was curses being hurled by Gods at each other. The Rishis too were portrayed as short tempered and fond of cursing others. I just could not bring myself to accept these stories. I knew pretty well that Agathiyar and Erai are the most compassionate. So how can they bring themselves to curse others? They are the Prapanjam: they are in us and we in them.  I am waiting for Agathiyar to tell me that it is all a lie or to bring me to see these things in their light. 

Agathiyar told me in my very first Kaanda Nadi reading that I had to go through this birth and serve my karma as I had hurt many in my past lives and carried their curse. Tavayogi too in recalling his past live told me that he had misused a mantra given by Agathiyar and hence was cursed by him to go blind. The effect of that curse transcended to this birth where he was blind for a year before recovering his sight.

When I was questioning the logic of these Puranas and Ithihasa, certain things began to take place in me that turned out to be beyond logic and beyond my senses. Over the years as I did prayers and worshiped the Siddhas without fail I began to feel certain sensations and began to perform certain acts beyond my control. I could not comprehend them. Now again my logical mind was questioning me if it was my mind or a part of me doing these wonders or was I putting on a show for others or was it some divine intervention indeed. My family was witness to these moments. Later some AVM members came to witness it. I took it as a passing fade and prayed that it would stop for I did not want to be a medium in trance, a shaman or medicine man just as when Tavayogi introduced the ritual of performing homam I did not want to end up a priest. But Agathiyar later told me to keep doing the rituals for it was for the common good of all and to accept what was taking place without any reservations. I followed his words and Lao Tzu's, "Go With the Flow."

I told my wife if only I could share those brief moments of bliss with others by either a touch or in some way, I would be very much happy. Then I thought why should that not be possible. Soon we began to join hands together at the end of our joint prayers. I was told that it felt good. 

If my logical mind was telling me that it was an auto suggestion on my part, what took place was more likely a result of dwelling on the thought of the divine hence bringing on these changes within me. Most of the time my actions were contained and I was aware, voluntarily giving access to a super being or power house to do its thing. What broke my opinion that it was my minds work was when I was lifted and thrown off my feet while visiting the inner caves of Sungai Siput, at the place where it is said that Tavayogi's guru Chitramuthu Adigal had meditated. I could not and would not perform that feat on my own accord. That incident told me it was all the Siddhas doing and I had nothing to do with it. Then I began to believe that all the earlier incidents that took place at the Sri Jaganatha Swamigal Sivalayam at Tapah, the Nattukottai Chettiar's Sri Thandayuthapani Temple in Penang, the Sri Siva Subramaniam Temple at Kampong Kepayang in Ipoh, and across the seas in India at Tiruvanaikaval, in Trichy were all true and beyond my actions even if I wanted to.

I guess if I could accept these experience in me then I should take heart in all the numerous tell tale like stories that we have heard since young till Agathiyar himself enlightens me on this matter. During the 14 years akin to Vanavasam or exile where I stayed away from all forms of worship after Lord Shiva seeing me being tormented by so many questions and shaken with disbelief came to save me from turning cuckoo, telling me in an early morning dream to keep all my questions for a later date, one question that I really needed an answer to was, when I saw a wife of a close friend suffer while carrying his child. The deities told him through a trance that it was their doing. I questioned Eraivi, should not she take care of his children especially one who was completely devoted to her cause and temple. Off course all the reading too disturbed me a lot for there were too many contradictions.

I cannot have a mentor in Agathiyar going around cursing others. When Agathiyar expects us to uphold noble thoughts, words and deeds it is only natural that we expect our mentors to fill that definition first. When he wants us to change and be a better person taking up good moral practices and build a good character, taking rein of our temper as he had preached me earlier for an hour on anger management in his Nadi, I refuse to believe that Agathiyar, the Rishis, Munis and Erai could bring a curse upon us. Only time will tell and reveal the truth. I pray that I shall get to know these answers before this mortal form falls to the ground.

Amidst the many unexplained phenomena and mysteries of life and its questions that cropped up often, I still am firmly anchored on the worship of the Siddhas, a path showed to me by Agathiyar in the Nadi. Although it would be nice and proper to know his origin and all related things about him, I could still go along and take this walk with him without knowing him. What was important was his message that comes as a blessing and gift in times of our needs. Just as gravity was in existence before Sir Isaac Newton discovered it, and will be in existence till the last moments of this cosmos, whether science proves it or otherwise, all the laws of nature was in existence and will be around, functioning perfectly well and timely. Similarly whether we chose to belief or otherwise all the laws of Erai were there and shall be there ready to be executed and delivered irrespective of our faith or belief. But in order for us to find a solution we need to belief in it first and work on it. 

THE GURU