If all the texts and books on spiritualism and religion that I read in the early years only added further to my confusion, bringing more and more questions to surface, these same books bring a sense of understanding after having traveled the path and experiencing firsthand. Today I understand pretty well why Lord Shiva came in a dream and asks to hold all my questions to a later date, hence grinding to a halt all the reading, debating, the queries, and the worship too.
After 14 years when the planets were in perfect alignment; when I had successfully drained myself empty of all the knowledge, opinions, and beliefs gathered before; when I was an empty vessel waiting to be filled; Agathiyar through his network sends a message and a mantra to me through a nephew of mine, setting me back on track, this time on his track. Bringing me to his path, and then bringing me to appease the atrocities I had done in the past births, Agathiyar set me on a journey of discovery of temples, their deities, and the history or stala puranam behind the emergence of these temples. Then he sends me to my very first guru Supramania Swami to learn about his gurus, and his relationship and devotion to them and showing me the ability of the guru to materialize again even after going into samadhi. He then sent Tavayogi Thangarasan Adigal to my shores and I am given initiation and taken in officially as a student on the path of the Siddhas. Bringing him to accompany me on my second pilgrimage to India, I am brought on a journey of discovery of places related to the Siddhas and given quick glimpses of these Siddhas and their miracles or Siddhis. After the demise of both my gurus in physical form, Agathiyar and the deities come through others to teach us further, besides the very medium that started me off on this journey of discovery - the Nadi.
From showing their presence in the worldly realm, they moved inwards to show us that they could come to us in subtle forms too as a smell, odor or aroma or coming in a quiet and mysterious way without attracting attention, hardly obvious but perceivable and understood with a little bit of attention and concentration. These days they are asking us to go within and realize and experience their presence within, in the silent moments of meditation. From the many travels that they initiated on the path of Sariyai, to the many rituals that they initiated and had us done on the path of Kriyai, to the numerous practices and regimes they taught and enforced on us as in the path of Yoga, today we stand at the threshold of entering the gates to a whole new journey within that shall bring us fresh experiences that Agathiyar says shall come to be the true Jnana, varying from person to person. If Sariyai and Kriyai had accommodated the involvement of others, Yogam and Jnanam have to be a solo journey of self-discovery. If others can merely be participating in Sariyai and Kriyai as onlookers to gain its benefits, Yogam and Jnanam have to be undertaken by each individual to gain and reap its benefits. But the cornerstone or foundation of all these paths has to be either devotion to the deity, the guru, the path or the teachings.
From the Preface to the book "Narada Bhakti Sutras", published by Sri Ramakrishna Math, Madras, we learn that Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, echoing the experience and verdict of the saints before him, had stressed again and again that for Kaliyuga the path of devotion as described by sage Narada was indeed the best and easiest. What is devotion or bhakti? Supreme Divine Love and the steps towards it is called bhakti. Bhakti is classified into two; Aparabhakti and Parabhakti. Aparabhakti is the preparatory stage working on moral rules and spiritual discipline, that is a means to the realization of the actual goal Parabhakti, a stage or state of full maturation or achievement of the entire effort of Aparabhakti. Besides our efforts, we are always reminded that we need the grace of the divine, even to turn out sight on a temple or come to spiritual practice. The mind of the devotee once prepared and is ready to take the plunge, the divine illumination or jnana arises from within the self, again a result of the divine's blessings.
What does a Guru do? He brings others who are willing to listen and follow; who are willing to put in the hours and practice; who are ever-thoughtful that the guru is in charge of his life henceforth; to experience a similar state of lasting bliss that is attainable at the end of the journey shown. This is beautifully exemplified in the Preface to the book "Narada Bhakti Sutras." If I may borrow a few words, "The divine sage Narada declares to the entire humanity through his auspicious gospel, with the anxiety of a great savior, the existence of this immortal divine bliss as the birthright of all; admonishing them of wasting precious time and energy on trivial matters; waking us up from being ignorant of such a highly divine state; asking us to strive for it; instructing the seeking aspirant about the methods by which he may attain his goal; encouraging and motivating the seekers with the shining examples of the perfect devotees, and assuring them through his own experiences and finally standing as an exemplary person for others to follow."
Agathiyar tells us that we have to move on from Sariyai and Kriyai to Yogam and Jnanam. Rather than have us refer to the Yoga texts solely, he has asked us to revisit the techniques given and shown by Tavayogi several years earlier. He has asked us to put into practice the techniques that he shared in his Nadi readings and whenever he came through others. Putting into practice and having seen and experienced its effects, these days as we read up on it from the books we can relate to what is been said by the Siddhas. The many books that were a source of confusion then supplement our knowledge these days after having put in practice and experienced the teachings.
P.Karthigayan in his well-researched book "History of Medical and Spiritual Sciences of Siddhas of Tamil Nadu", Notion Press, 2016, states that Astanga Yoga can redefine a soul to attain a radiant spirit, attaining Spiritual Immortality or Atma Siddhi. How does that work? Astanga Yoga that is an eight-limbed Yoga brings the person to a new way of life with coming to its first two limbs. He then takes on a new style of life. Moving further he is brought into a new realm of perception preparing him now to receive the Siddhas wisdom.
Having good conduct and perfecting it (Iyamam), he takes on good virtues, extolled by the Siddhas (Niyamam). As Agathiyar told us that it was not enough to claim that we are his children but that we should live like him, taking on the qualities of the guru or Siddha, a transformation has to begin in us. Even this he has to initiate, we understood. Our part then is to put in the effort. As a result of "the aspirant practicing meticulously with unflagging zeal and unbroken continuity, the new changes that ensue and becomes predominant in him, enhances the behavior and character of the aspirant bringing on more blessings from the divine." (Source: From the Preface to the book "Narada Bhakti Sutras")
Bringing him to a new way of life, he then tunes his body through the practice of Yogic exercises or Asanam, respecting it as an abode of the divine. He moves on to worship "the breath" as Tavayogi said, "Breath is God." Through Pranayama the cosmos is tapped and its energies brought within. The body turns into the divine's abode. The negativity that is preserved in the mind and all over the body is negated through the withdrawal of our thoughts and conscience from all the sensual points by Prathyagaram. Agathiyar brushed aside the excruciating pain I had in my back telling me it was only sensual in manner and to ignore it. He helped me erase the past memories trapped in the body, releasing them as pain, asking me to bear with it. Agathiyar tells us that there are many ways to rid oneself of his karma or past memories embedded as vasanas that become the causes and the reasons to give rise to taking rebirths. We are blessed if the guru takes on our karma. Sadly no guru in physical form would willingly do it, with a couple of exceptional gurus that I personally have encountered who took on my karma and that of my family members. One can go for a Nadi reading and take the advice of the Siddhas who would spell out the remedies that would initiate us to carry out worship and charity. By personally taking on the rituals of conducting the fire rites or Yagam or Homam one can burn his karma in this sacrificial fire. Finally if one can bring himself into the state of Prathyagaram he burns the remnants of all past memories and karma effectively.
Agathiyar asks us to resume doing Nadi Suddhi prior to Prathyagaram. If Nadi Suddhi cleans the nervous system, simultaneously he gives his Kuzhambu to rid the body of the wastes and another magic potion to be taken daily to thoroughly cleanse it. He reminds me that it is difficult or almost impossible to train the mind hence asks that we cleanse the body ridding it of waste, toxins or kalivu. Agathiyar now brings us to Tharanai, and simultaneously introduces Kumbakam, asking us to bring to the fore our very first Diksa mantra, silently repeating it as we hold our breath. Ramalinga Adigal too came to lead us into Kumbakam.
P.Karthigayan translates Agathiyar's song, "The art of making the inhaled breath to penetrate into the roots of vital spots wherein the five Lords illumine their colors and making those vital spots to absorb the goodness of inhaled breath transformed into vital force called Vaalai. The breath that is inhaled through both nostrils will pass through the ladder of kundalini spot by spot and vitalize each spot in turn and finally hit at the topmost spot, the opening of which will elevate the dual force towards Sahasradhalam."
Karthigayan writes "Worshipping the lamplight at the end of worship is thus a symbolic representation of the above divine feat in our body the little cosmos." This is what Tavayogi has helped depict to devotees by erecting the Aaru Aaathara Peedham or Six staged Peedham at his Kallar Ashram.
Lord Muruga, Agathiyar and Ramalinga Adigal have kept telling us to go within or into meditative worship or Dyanam. Karthigayan writes, "In Ashtanga Yogam, Dyanam means worshipping the God in one's six vital spots, and practicing yogic breath in the prescribed manner while focussing the mind on the different vital spots of the spinal cord. The disciple should then pray to these Lords to bless him/ her with their powers and permit him to proceed further in his spiritual expedition." If earlier Tavayogi had physically brought me to the various abodes of the deities in Tamilnadu, after returning from this wonderful spiritual journey to all the vortexes or energy centers on the face of the earth, he blessed me with a Diksha in the confines of his ashram that addresses these deities at their respective abodes within the physical body. Here we are led to worship the deities associated with these spots or chakras.
Then as in Karthigayan's words, we capture the Heaven within or the state of Samadhi. A triangular fusion called Mukti takes place at the sixth vital spot or chakra, the Agnai, while his physical body goes into inertia. A spectacular luminary form of God or Arutperunjhoti as Ramalinga Adigal names it, is perceived, made possible by the heat of the fire or Tava Kanal, a result of Tapas done, that is kindled at the lowest vital spot and brought to arise through the various vital spots. As Karthigayan explained, this might take a lifetime or many births. Only Agathiyar can say. But with a yearning, determination or vairagya, proper and concerted effort and most of all his blessings it might just take place here in the future. Just as it is he who gives rise to the thought to someone to begin worship or visit a temple, Agathiyar says we can only show the way to others; we cannot tug, pull or drag them along. He reminds us that although many turn up at his door they are still mesmerized by the pull of Maya or the outside world and the pleasures it has to offer. They will eventually see through this veil of Maya or impermanence and come knocking his door again. He then tells us that he has not brought them to the path of Jnana, not as yet. Whether someone comes or leaves is determined by him. He reminds us again and again that it is all his doing.
I realize that it needs patience to be on this path. For those who seek immediate relief please look elsewhere. Many have stood before him expressing their dissatisfaction in Agathiyar not fulfilling his promise. For some his advice landed them in trouble and financial losses. Unable to accept the fact they confront him. I too was puzzled as to why his directives to them backfired. Touching on politics, his predictions never materialized too, puzzling me further. While some in the face of adversity left Agathiyar seeking solutions in other places, some scorning him, a few who went through and had their fair share of troubles, problems and financial losses came out unscathed by all the happenings, becoming much bolder and stronger, now holding even more firmly to Agathiyar's feet. One of them understood that her desire or vasana that she carried had to bear fruit through the efforts she took in building her business only to close it later, seeing it as the best option now. She understood that she needed the experience. But she has resolved to start anew in the future having learned some precious lessons now. Her devotion to Agathiyar has increased in manifolds and it pleases me to see her resolve and determination to go on with life. Similarly, when others had given up on life after going old and ailing, my mother has the resolve to live a healthy life until her last days. Her prayer is that she should not be a burden to her children. Her effort does not stop with prayers but she takes care of her diet and takes her medicine as prescribed. She engages in conversations and keeps herself abreast of the current happenings. I am grateful to Agathiyar to have kept her well to this day. I am grateful to him too for taking care of my late father who passed away peacefully. During his last moments, he found a spot for himself at home to sit in an Asanam and left his body instantaneously. He did not have any ailment nor did he suffer.
This path is not for the faint-hearted writes KP from South Africa. I had carried her full text earlier at https://agathiyarvanam.blogspot.com/2020/03/conversations-with-agathiyar-from-south.html. She says it beautifully capturing the cream of the Siddha teachings. She touches on the aforementioned subject too, Iyamam and Niyamam. For one who has gone through much pain, she understands fully what is taking place. Her love for Agathiyar too has grown tremendously, for she sees herself having a conversation with him.
It also plays a pivotal role in gradually abandoning unfavorable behavioral tendencies to be replenished with appropriate life-enhancing adjustments. Ambitious mission indeed; which undoubtedly cannot be achieved overnight and definitely not without varying levels of pain or suffering. The path can, therefore, be perceived as a platform where serious work is executed, by both the Siddhas and the learners. Learners are groomed; often-through acute experiences to produce extraordinary results. There are no games here. One has to be all in. Hence the burning question “Are you ready to surrender?” The entities that run this operation do not have the time or resources for time wasters or indecisive followers. Although not for the faint-hearted those that commit to the path are taken by the hand, guided, supported, encouraged and nurtured through their personal journey regardless of past karma, present karma, good days, bad days, daily challenges or successes.
This is exactly what Agathiyar implied to us several days ago. This is what he set out to do too, start us on building a mandala and having us destroy it to show us the impermanency of life and reminding us not to get hooked, hitched or attached to what is passing. It is a strong reminder to all his devotees that the honeymoon years are over. Her words have summarized his path.
A reader of this blog wrote in his say and opinion, agreeing on KP's observation.
So deep the conversation with Agathiyar Appa Anna. What I understood was he raise the questions within us and give the answer from us by asking us to seek the knowledge. He never answered to our question but he train us to get the answer by ourself.
If KP wrote, "My intention was to illustrate through worship, trust, faith and surrender how easy and simple it was to reach him in one's head", another devotee's love for Agathiyar brought her to add her fiance in a Whatsapp group and remove him immediately, leaving only her and Agathiyar. She now has a heart to heart personal conversation daily with Agathiyar in the group. This is the extent that some devotees go to make known their devotion to Agathiyar. I am amazed after each post is written and begin rereading it for the messages that are conveyed in these posts serve as a lesson to me too. This relationship with him only grows after being with him for years. Someone new to him will never understand our love for him.
As I wrote at the beginning of these posts on my journey, these sharings are not to boost my ego or to make an impression or a statement that I and all those who came along with me on this journey are special in the eyes of the divine. We are neither special nor are we the apple of the eye of Agathiyar. He loves everyone equally. It is just that we came to him earlier. Others will come to him in good time. The idea of sharing them is to make known to readers how simple it is to get the grace of the Siddhas by way of worship to them. What was required of us was just attending to their worship; they took care of the rest, including our inner spiritual development and advancement and the family too. One's experience will kindle another to travel the way. That is all we are doing here. To make progress each one has to put in the effort. The Siddhas promised a better future and a silver lining, both in the materialistic and spiritual world and sense. Although I have seen through much of what has been revealed to date, there are many other revelations that have yet to take place. Only the future will tell.
