MY JOURNEY

It is almost 18 years since I went for my very first Nadi reading, here in Malaysia itself, a reading that was to change me and my life and that of my family and friends too. Agathiyar in that reading revealed about me, my family, career, and went on to reveal my past birth. He also spoke about the future that was written for me. He gave me remedies to carry out. This he said will flatten the curve. Yes just as researchers are talking about flattening the curve as in the number of incidences and cases reported in the current COVID-19 pandemic, Agathiyar gave us remedies to satisfy the needs of the divine law in place that states we reap what we sow. He came to recommend ways to counter or cushion the effects of our past karma with minimum injury, suffering, misery, and ailment to us. He then threw all the sacred scriptures and books to us and asks that we follow the countless virtues and morals that are ascribed in them This helps dampen the force and velocity of the negative nature in us and propels the positive to greater heights, overshadowing the evil in us.  This accounts for the first two lessons or areas that need our immediate attention, Yama and Niyama, restraints or ethics of behavior, and observances, respectively, as listed in the eight limbs of Patanjali's Ashtanga Yoga. Meanwhile, he had me meet my very first guru in physical form at the end of my maiden pilgrimage to India to carry out the said remedies. Supramania Swami ignited and lighted the lamp of devotion towards the guru, which was a new subject for someone who knew only worship to the deities. 

Agathiyar waited three years to see if I followed his dictates before coming forth with my second Nadi reading. Soon, as said, he came through the Nadi at the exact moment Tavayogi Thangarasan of Kallar Ashram was in town. He told me to take initiation from him. Another journey began that of walking the path of the Siddhas, with Tavayogi literally taking me to the abodes and caves of the Siddhas in the jungles of India. Tavayogi then taught us the third and fourth aspects of Patanjali's Yoga Sutra, Asana, and Praṇayama, physical postures, and control of the prana or breath respectively in 2008, after we cornered him to teach us. 

In 2011 Agathiyar asks to stop doing all forms of practices as it had unleased energies within. With the opening of the chakras and by revitalizing them, the dosas in the body had aggravated and went off-balance. It was a period of partial hibernation for me with only puja and charity going on, as opposed to the full lockdown or hibernation in the years between 1988 and 2001, where for 13 solid years I had abstained from all forms of worship and religious learnings and questioning, a command that came through Lord Siva in a dream. Siva saved the day for otherwise, I would have gone cuckoo then with so many questions and doubts in me and so many inconsistencies between the scriptures and what we saw in reality.

  

Recently Agathiyar and Ramalinga Adigal came to revive the Asanas and Pranayama that Tavayogi taught earlier and asked to worship the light within. They have brought us to the fifth limb of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, Pratyahara or withdrawal of the senses and asking us go beyond, by going within, engaging further in the finer and subtle stages of Yoga namely Dharaṇa or concentration; and Dhyana or meditation. The journey traveling the path of Patanjali that is initially an external one working on the body, habits,  character, etc is a forward journey. Patanjali then takes us on a reverse path, or a return journey now moving inwards, from the body towards the soul, that BKS Iyengar terms as the true renunciation, contrary to the common belief and understanding of renouncing the world and all in it. Our thoughts, perspectives, and understanding changes as we journey within. We still live in this world but see things differently. We are not disturbed by all that takes place knowing the world to be a stage and us actors playing a role in it. They sit back and watch the movie that goes by on the big white widescreen of life. Finally, if we manage to enter these stages of inner absorption, Patanjali shows the way to Samadhi or absorption, that of knowing and realizing the seed of consciousness. He shows the way how one can reach the abode of the soul forever so that all the actions he performs in the world, will not create a counter-reaction, hence severing the fine thread of birth and rebirth. Hence the journey ends here says Tavayogi in a phrase he wrote in his book "Andamum Pindamum" when I asked for his autograph: ஆண்டவன் உரைகின்ற இடம் தங்கள் உள்ளம். அதுவே பயணத்தின் தொடக்கமும் முடிவும். God resides within you in your heart. This is both the starting and ending point of the journey. 

The "curve" researchers are talking about refers to the projected number of people who will contract COVID-19 over a period of time. (To be clear, this is not a hard prediction of how many people will definitely be infected, but a theoretical number that's used to model the virus' spread.) (Source: https://www.livescience.com/coronavirus-flatten-the-curve.html)

As is said that "The faster the infection curve rises, the quicker the local health care system gets overloaded beyond its capacity to treat people", similarly the effects of our karma is spaced out over several births so that we are able to shoulder just the right amount in each life without crumbling, breaking apart or burning out. For those who willingly intend and wish to hasten the process, they go through much suffering, willingly without complaint. The Yogis and saints are known to take on major illnesses without treating them. If it looks like we suffer the most, embrace yourself and tell yourself that God loves you and wants you back in his arms.

CONVERSATIONS WITH THE GURU

Tavayogi was a man of few words, except when he takes the stage to address a crowd. He never talked about anything at length. It was always brief statements or observations. Neither did he dictate things except for an occasional directive that comes with a stern note, telling us that there is no two way about it and that we have to follow. But these were rare and spaced apart. I am beginning to understand him well now. If he had listed the do's and don'ts, imagine we would have held on to his words as the Gospel and followed it out of fear that we would offend or go against the word of the guru and bring upon ourselves their curse or harm. He never intimidated us or controlled us but on the contrary, wanted us to explore on our own. He told me that the soul should never be caged but allowed to fly freely. Today I find Agathiyar too adopts the same approach or is it that Tavayogi was adopting Agathiyar's approach? Somehow I feel these Siddhas they all come with a standard script or dialogue just as we parents do, be it of any nationality, we tend to harp 24/7 on the same things to our children. All parents do come with a standard script. I find Agathiyar saying the same things that Tavagogi told me then.

Agathiyar says it is time now to revisit the asanas and pranayama that we learned from Tavayogi and put them into practice immediately. It was Agathiyar who brought a halt to this practice when I hurt my back sometimes back. It is very obvious that he is still living and monitoring our progress even today, contrary to gurus, devotees, and academians pushing him back into the pages of history.

Just as Yogi Ramsuratkumar refused to bless a seeker who had previously got a blessing from a guru before coming over, and just as Rengarajar refused to bless me as I suppose he knew that I was destined to meet my very first guru a couple of days later, Lord Murugan too refused to say anything to me when everybody else was waiting in line to hear his commandment on surrender. When he was asking each and everyone if they had surrendered, he simply told me that Agathiyar shall take care of you, "உன்னை அகத்தியன் பார்த்துப்பான்."

I jokingly told all those who had gathered to listen to Acharya Gurudasan from Bangalore guide us on the finer points of Yoga on Zoom recently, that Agathiyar too has kept his distance adhering to the call to adopt social distancing in the wake of the COVID-19 virus pandemic. Otherwise, he would frequent our home and say a thing or two giving us advice and guidance and commenting on our spiritual progress. He would ask that I stay by his side and listen on to the conversation between him and his devotees. I never did like to listen to others' problems for they were personal. But he replied that he wanted me to learn from its lessons. He wanted me to see and learn what others go through. He wanted me to listen to how he tackles their problems. The solutions he gave will add to my knowledge of the Siddhas and the mysteries of life. Of course, it has. Of course, he knew that whatever he said would be shared by me in this blog, unless he prohibited me. There were certain things he said and went on to explain its subtle meaning but quickly added, telling me not to share them as yet. He will give the green light later.

Some of these timely and wise advise and clarifications and the parting of knowledge are shared below.

Although the Siddhas are beyond time and space but as the divine's creation is subjected to it they talk on matters relating to time, places, and venues, for we can only perceive and understand things relative to time and space. For instance, Agathiyar says sternly that whatever done at the right moment will give the expected results or success, "குறித்த நேரத்தில் செய்யும் யாவும் ஜெயம்." A lot of factors come into play for an event to take place. Hence if Agathiyar asks us to do it, we should get on it. If we contemplate, hesitate, are doubtful, delay it, postpone it to another time or ignore it entirely, the factors change; meantime people move away, businesses close, contacts go missing etc. Hence when Agathiyar says its time to start or launch something, all things are in place for a conducive and successful venture. Any delay will turn otherwise. Similarly, at times he postpones our venture asking us to delay them, for the same reason that it is not conducive to start the venture immediately. Or a delay may occur beyond our means for the reason that the right surgeon to operate on you is not there, the planetary positions are not favorable etc.  

Agathiyar comes to give us more promising and motivating words in the hours of our need. At times he is soft and at other times he comes hard on us to make us realize the severity and seriousness of his sharings.

He says we are bound by ignorance and only when that veil is drawn aside shall we understand who we are and who he is. Agathiyar says that he is used to all that is taking place, meaning he has seen it through the ages. He brings us to understand that indeed he has lived, is living, and shall continue living throughout all the ages. Who could he be then if not the entity that is forever in existence? He is forever in the state of "being."

அனைத்தும் எனக்கு மிகப் பழமையானவை. நான் அறிவேன். நீங்கள் அறிய மாடிர்கள். என்று அந்தத் திரை விலகுதோ அன்று அறிவீர்கள்.

"I am always here. With you and in your hearts. I am about to take all of you to greater heights. I shall come often through many. Listen and carry out as I say. We are gathered here because of our merits. I know you well. I shall not desert you. If we miss the boat in this birth we shall meet up again in the next. I shall be there for you even then."

நான் வேறு எங்குமில்லை. ஒவ்வொரு வினாடியும் உங்கள் உள்ளத்திலும் உங்களுடன் நான் இருக்கிறேன். உங்கள் அனைவறையும் வேர் ஒரு நிலைக்கு எடுத்துச் செல்ல இருக்கிறேன். நான் அடிக்கடி வருவேன் பலபேர் மூலமாக. என் வாக்கைக் கேட்டு அதன்படி நடந்து கொள்ளுங்கள். புண்ணியம் செய்த்ததனால் தான் இன்று கூடி இருக்கின்றோம். நீங்கள் அனைவரையும் யார் என்று நான் அறிவேன். கை விடமாட்டேன். அப்படி இந்த ஜென்மத்தில் கிட்டவில்லை என்றல் மறு ஜென்மம் சந்திப்போம். அப்போதும் நான் வழி நடத்துவேன்.

I only see your soul. Making mistakes is usual for man. But one needs to have remorse for his acts and change his ways. Making the same mistakes over and over again is sheer stupidity. It brings on karma. The day you are remorseful for your acts your karma shall leave you. Each act adds on to your karma. Good acts will give good karma. Bad acts will give its appropriate results. But the moment you realize and change the karma leaves you.

நான் ஆத்மவை தான் அறிவேன். ஆத்மவை தான் பார்ப்பேன். தவறு செய்வது மனித இயல்பு. ஆனால் வருந்தனும். திருந்தனும். அதே தவற்றைச் செய்து கொண்டிருப்பது முட்டாள்தனம். கர்மத்தை சுமக்க கூடும். என்று நீங்கள் வருந்தித் திருந்துகிறீர்களோ அன்றே கூடி இருந்த கர்மா விட்டு விலகும். ஒவ்வொரு செயலும் கர்மாவை கூட்டும். நல்ல செயல் நல்ல பலனை அளிக்கும். தீய செயல் அதன் பலனை அளிக்கும். அனால் உணர்ந்த பின் அப்போதே அந்தக் கர்மம் விட்டு விலகிடும்.

Similarly, Lord Muruga who saves Arunagiri from falling to his death, tells him that he was forgiven the moment he realized his mistakes.

Agathiyar tells us to be focussed on what we came for. Only then shall we reach him. He adds it is a solo journey. The well being of the universe depends on the cumulative karma and the collective efforts in overcoming them.

அவர் அவர் கவனம் அவர் அவர் இலக்கில் இருந்தால் தனித்து என்னோடு இணைவார்கள். கர்மவினைக்கு ஏற்ப அவர் அவர் முயற்சிக்கு ஏற்ப எல்லாம் சுபம்.

Ramalinga Adigal came to ask us to open up our hearts and soul. Even before he came Lord Muruga came to instruct us to do the same. "You are on Agathiyar's path" Adigal acknowledges.

உங்கள் ஆத்மவை திறந்து வையுங்கள், உங்கள் இதயத்தைத் திறந்து  வையுங்கள். நீங்கள்பற்றிய பாதை அகத்தியனின் பாதை. 

What is obvious is that just as we have a  thesis supervisor to whom we are unanswerable, the Siddhas monitor us very closely too. For instance, Lord Murugan takes all of us to task for letting our senses lose; for not been committed enough to the cause etc. For instance, he tells us that whatever we are going through and receiving currently is a result of our past merits. It is we who chose this life and asks for it, without being compelled by others or other forces. But we have forgotten its purpose. He says to a devotee that she had lived this life before, thus it was time she surrendered to the divine and let him work in her. Having explained the circumstances, the most compassionate Lord waits for her to make a decision, again not compelling her in any way. 

நீ காண்பது உன் பிறவி பலன். இவ்வாழ்க்கை நீயே கேட்டுப் பெற்றது. வந்ததின் நோக்கும் மருந்து போயின. இப்போது கூறு. சரணாகதியா? உலக வாழ்க்கையா?

He reminds us that he is always with us. He asked to have faith in all our doings and have complete surrender to the will of the divine. Knowing us to be devotees of Agathiyar, Lord Murugan asked to continue to worship Agathiyan's feet. He tells us that in the face of troubles, understand that it is His test and an opportunity for us to learn a lesson from the incident. All that happens around us serves to educate us. Worldly happenings will teach us lessons. He brings us to understand the reasons for delays since it would not serve its purpose if gifted then, when our life and thoughts are in turmoil. Let it settle first before receiving these divine gifts. Only then would it serve its purpose that is in enhancing our soul.

உன்னோடு இருக்கின்றேன். செய்வதில் நம்பிக்கை வை. முழுமையாய் சரண் அடைய வேண்டும். அகத்தியன் பாதம் பற்ற வேண்டும். வாழ்க்கையில் துன்பம் வந்தால் அது நாங்கள் உனக்கு இட்ட படிப்பினை. உன்னைச் சுற்றி நடப்பவை உனக்குக் கல்வி. உலக வாழ்க்கை உங்களுக்குக் கற்று தரும் பாடம். குடும்ப பாரம் மன சஞ்சலம் இருந்தால் நான் எது தந்தபோதிலும் பயன் இல்லை.

But to another two souls, reminding the same that we are born because we ask for it, he tells them to go ahead and experience all that the world provides. He reminds them to engage in charity. Start small he says. It is a start to bigger things. Compassion will set in later and lead to bigger ventures. Step aside. All relationships with the world around us and its people are lessons for us. Keep on learning.

பிறப்பு கேட்டு வருவது. உலக வாழ்க்கையை அனுபவித்து வாருங்கள். சிறு தொண்டு பெருவெள்ளம். அது வளர வேண்டும். அதுவே முதல் கடமை. அதுமூலம் சன்மார்க்கக் கருணை பூத்து விடும். அது பின்பு வளரும். வழி விடுங்கள். உலக வாழ்க்கை குடும்ப வாழ்க்கை அனைத்தும் படிப்பினை. கற்றுக்கொள்ளுங்கள்.

Lord Muruga reminded another devotee and all of us too, that a guru comes to initiate the student in many ways. This might seem obvious to all. Besides the outward transmission of a mantra, the guru does at the same time initiate subtly the student who has the potential to grow or a sadhaka who is willing to listen, adhere, and follow. This could be by way of activating or giving a push to an otherwise sluggish chakra. The sadhaka then needs to continue the practice that comes with this initiation keeping the chakras performing at optimum. While some are here to make the world a better place for him and others, others are here to work on themselves and their souls. But the Siddhas let him finish and complete his responsibilities to his family and society before taking him away to work on his true mission or tasks.

We have been reminded time and again that we are here to live out the experiences that come about as a result of the fruition of our desires, vasanas, and karma. We need to go through it as it was our asking. We cannot possibly back off while in the midst of facing its results. If someone comes by to assist in lifting this burden, know that it is the invisible hand of the divine. If what we undergo now is a result of our past actions that have been registered as karma, and it needs to manifest again in this life; or if what we undergo now is a result of us not learning a lesson from experiences that came with our past actions and had us tagged as being defiant; and if these two factors are required to fulfill the criteria to take rebirth, we then better live through what we deserve now without any protest and learn from life's lessons to avoid coming back into the cycle. This is what the Siddhas came to know and did, abstaining from all forms of action and sharing the lessons they learned with their followers. Agathiyar has told us many times that he was sharing only what worked for them and expects us to follow suit. At http://agatthiyarjnanam.blogspot.com/2014/01/agatthiyar-meijnana-kaviyam-1.html, we learn that the Siddha marga is an experiential path, not a dry jnana marga.  It is a path where experience and knowledge go together.

When the completely unmanifested Divine took up a manifested form, due to the limitations it imposed on itself, some contradictions emerged.  The Divine corrected these mistakes by providing its experience. Experience is always correct.  When one tries to verbalize an experience, mistakes and shortcomings occur.  These mistakes can be corrected only by re-experiencing the original experience.  This is possible only by Divine grace.  Hence, Agatthiyar says that the Divine corrected the sastras. Also, the various incarnations of the Divine are said to occur to correct the mistakes that had crept in the scriptures and their practices.  Siva's Divine play or Tiruvilaiyadal are episodes that occurred for this purpose.

With Karma and "being defiant" registered and tagged to it, there is a need for the soul to come back into the cycle of birth and death to undo the knot that is left behind. The soul takes a physical body, again, to see through this. Just as "pure (24 karats) gold is usually alloyed with base metals for use in jewelry, altering its hardness and ductility, melting point, color, and other properties", we come with "impurities" that are required to take on a physical and material form. 

"Pure gold melts at 1,948 degrees Fahrenheit while it begins to boil at 5,173 degrees Fahrenheit. But if other alloy metals are present of which copper is the most commonly used base metal, then the temperature required to melt gold will vary. Alloys with lower carat rating, typically 22k, 18k, 14k or 10k, contain higher percentages of copper or other base metals or silver or palladium in the alloy. Gold is the most malleable of all metals. An ounce can be beaten out to 187 square feet. Gold leaf can be beaten thin enough to become transparent." 

The pure soul that is aware of its past karma and its idiocy in not wanting to learn, change and transform when it had the opportunity earlier, takes on new birth and another body that would facilitate its purpose in correcting itself. It selects the family and the surroundings it shall grow in. As a gold leaf is beaten thin enough to become transparent, the physical or material body, that is made of tatwas goes through much beating from the myriad of episodes in the physical world. Determined to learn this time around the soul is witness to a series of transformations that take place concurrently in all the rest of the bodies namely the etheric/electromagnetic body, the astral/emotional body, the mental body, and its very home the causal body. The guru comes to the aid of the one on the true path, bringing on this transformation successfully. His true nature and potential are revealed. He gains the Siddhis to heal himself and heal/aid others. And finally, he learns the technique to transform himself into the light. Is this what the Siddhas are doing to some souls that are ready to take the plunge?

What is the philosophy of the Siddhas? In "Secrets of the Siddhas - Health, Longevity and Enlightenment" post on Fb, R. Kuppusamy goes into the mind of Ramalinga Adigal to get a glimpse of this series of transformations.

Vallalar knew what the Body of the Future Man would be like. He said this impure body with all its excretions through the nine apertures in the body would be transformed into a pure body (Sudha Deham) with no waste matter at all. Instead the pure body will be producing its own food called nectar. It will not rely upon external food or atmospheric air for its breath or on books for its knowledge. This pure body can last for hundreds of thousands of years in an uncorrupt manner. This pure body belongs to a Siddha.

But this is not the final body. This pure body has to be transformed into a lighter body. It is also called Space Body or Pranava Body or Omkara Body or a Mantric Body or a Sound Body. This body belongs to the Gods and Goddesses. It can be seen and heard but not touched, for it has no physical substance. It can be sensed and perceived only by the mind’s eye. It can last for millions of years but even this is not the final body. This too could meet with death.

The deathless body belongs to God alone. It is the purest of the Pure Body. It is made up of pure light - not a physical light but a light emanating from total compassion or grace towards all beings in creation. This body is indestructible. 

Mataji Sarojini Ammaiyar, disciple and student of Tavayogi Thangarasan Adigal who now heads the Kallar ashram in the capacity of its Peedaathipati, explains beautifully and briefly regarding the path of the Siddhas in the following interview.

I was always saddened that since its inception in the late nineties, the number of devotees to the old ashram and the recent massive ashram built in 2016 on a 2-acre piece of land that lies on the fringes of the Kallar hill has been disappointing. It was envisioned and built by Tavayogi after going through many obstacles. I had always prayed that devotees should throng this place as we see elsewhere happen, as I fully understood that for an establishment of this scale it needs money to operate, maintain, and provide efficient service. With people coming over so does funding to maintain its existence. When a friend who knew I was planning to go to India the first time heard that I was going to spend a few days in an ashram (the old ashram) she quipped that it is free of charge. I had to make her understand that "Yes, of course, it was free because someone else before us had donated towards the upkeep of the ashram that saw us able to spend a few days having our lodging and food taken care of. Now would not it be the right thing for us to contributed an amount before we leave so that another person may enjoy his stay here, as she saw it "free of charge"? Anyway if we were to put up in a hotel, we would have to dish out some money. Why not pass that buck to the ashram as payment for our duration of stay although they do not charge for our stay? Agathiyar finally answered and told us the significance of Kallar Ashram and its future as Mataji too has mentioned in the above video clip.

அங்கு வருபவர்கள் உண்மைகாக மட்டும் வருபவர்கள். நான் அழைத்து வைக்கிறேன். அங்குக் கூட்டம் சேராது. ஆயினும் அது அழிந்து போகாது. அவை என் முலம் தவயோகி செய்தது.

Agathiyar says that that ashram will not be a crowd puller. Instead, it is only for the true seekers. It is only for those who have a calling from him. Although Tavayogi built it, it was initiated by Agathiyar.

P.Karthigayan writes in his book "History of Medical and Spiritual Sciences of Siddhas of Tamil Nadu", that the Siddhas believed that salvation or reaching the state of immortality was possible through the purification of both mind and body. The Siddhas he says asserted that immortality was two-fold or dual in nature. One needed to attain Atma Siddhi or spiritual immortality and Kaaya siddhi or physical immortality. In Atma Siddhi they preserved their soul with the spirit within and in Kaaya Siddhi, they preserved the body and soul.

While Yogis considered their body as a bag of sin suitable only for worldly life and rejected the same; the Siddhas considered the body as a holy abode of the divine and as a means to achieve exalted spiritual heights and finally immortalizing it by scientific means.

The Siddhas reincarnated their spirit with the soul within their own body by eliminating the worldly substances in it. The death without dying, or சாகாமல் சாகும் கலை, a status attained by the Siddhas is a loss of substances related to earth except for the form of their profile. Substances of perishable nature will get replaced by substances of cosmic nature and thus complete the transformation known as Kaaya Siddhi - retaining one's body forever. The Siddhas held the view that "if one "ate" the cosmic substance for immortality, the body will slowly acquire similar cosmic qualities and their mere touch can turn on miracles." For this purpose, the Siddhas discovered Karpam that was of dual nature, strengthening both the spirit and the body. This science is known in the Siddha circles as attaining Kaaya Siddhi or physical immortality or the deathless physical state which P.Kartigayan explains as "possessing the blood of Gods in a lustrous body. This state is attained by altering the natural physical fabric through science that prevailed then."

Acharya Gurudasan too did mention during our recent Yoga session on Zoom, that the herb Karisalai that Ramalinga Adigal advocates and in fact all the other herbs too have a positive effect both on the physical body and the subtle too. This surprised me for as I could see the effects of the said herb on helping dispel the phlegm from my throat and chest, I had no idea that it worked on the subtle too, although Ruzbeh Bharucha had written that healing the causal body will bring a similar relief in the physical too. This was miraculously shown when Lord Muruga came in the Nadi and through a devotee simultaneously and used the feathers of the peacock to heal my aching back by stroking it. Ruzbeh wrote that the Sufi masters were known to do the same, working on the causal body to heal its copy in the physical plane.

As we rid our body of this phlegm that Ramalinga Adigal says brings death to an otherwise healthy person, coupled with the Yoga asanas and pranayama practices, that we once learned from Tavayogi in 2008 which Agathiyar asked to do now as it was the right moment for engaging in it, the very nerve channels were opened up and all obstructions in its path removed. This brought in the prana in a tremendous quantity, on its own without the need to exercise it. Just bringing the thought to the breath itself and becoming aware of it, engages a sort of a valve to open up and let in all the prana from the surroundings. Even the pores of the skin have begun to breathe in the prana after the act of cleansing the body and its internals through Budha Suddhi with Agathiyar Kuzhambu and coupled with cleansing the nerve channels with the breathing technique Nadi Suddhi.

Karthigayan after explaining the means to attain Kaaya Siddhi now shows us the way of the Siddhas in attaining Atma Siddhi. The means to purify the mind was to meditate on the original abode of the mind, the center of the forehead, called Lalaadam. Concentrating on this spot soon one is led into a thoughtless mental state that of Mounam, says Karthigayan. Prolonging this state is Thavam. Probing the questions in Thavam is Gnanam. He says, "It is believed that such questions will be answered by our own conscience through our spirit's connection to the cosmic library." Agathiyar told us the same. "You had asked for Jnanam. It is not given by me but rather needs to be earned by learning lessons. When one goes within, as the journey brings upon these subtle experiences these shall translate into and become Gnanam. It defers for each person. As such I cannot possibly define it."

நீ என்னிடம் கேட்டது ஞானம். ஞானம் என்பது நான் தருவதல்ல. நீ கற்பது. ஒருவன் தனக்குள் உள்வாங்கி அவனுள் பயணம் துவங்கும் நேரம் அப்பயணம் தரும் பாதிப்பே ஞானம். அவை ஒவ்வொருவருக்கும் மாற்றம் பெரும். ஆகையால் அவை நான் இதுதான் என்று சொல்ல இயலாது.

Ramalinga Adigal says the same that there comes a time in the journey going within where words cannot express the experience. As Geeta Anand wrote, "When one tries to verbalize an experience, mistakes and shortcomings occur", Ramalinga Adigal stops at that and does not venture further to describe those realms of experiences.

Karthigayan refers to Bhogar on how one is slowly groomed on the Siddha path. He starts with the purification of body and mind first, only then is he introduced to the true wisdom distinct from the false that is short-lived.

If a seeker has genuine interest he stays to further himself, otherwise, he proclaims himself as a guru and leaves. For those who stay, the divine knowledge shall be revealed slowly based on their determination and merit. Finally, he is given a divine bead that serves as armor in his journey, writes Karthigayan.

It is amazing how when we heed Agathiyar's call to come to his path, he begins to lay all the groundwork and materials and techniques in front of us, couching us all the way till we excel in these practices that eventually on passing the test makes us a graduate of his school of philosophy.

Pranayama

ATTAINING SATISFACTION

Bringing us the treasure chest, not in the form of gold coins and gems but something much valuable, he gave us several asanas and pranayama techniques to follow through Tavayogi Thangarasan Adigal in 2008. Having put them into practice till 2011, Agathiyar asked to stop doing it after I developed extreme pain in my lower back. All my efforts have brought me to the second chakra Svadistana. As Tavayogi said, our effort is only until Muladhara and Svadishtana, my efforts could only bring me that far. I could not progress further. I began to stagnate there. Agathiyar has been closely monitoring us says that I have stagnated at Svadishtana, just as the flowing water of the stream stagnates into a pond.

நீ செய்தவை யாவும் சரி. இது நாள்வரை நீ கடந்து வந்தது இவ்வுலக வாழ்க்கையின் பயணம். இனி நீ கடக்க போவது உமது உள்பயணம். நீ செய்யக்கூடிய வழிமுறைகளைக் கூறவிருக்கிறோம். நாம் சொல்லும் வழிமுறைகளைச் செய்து வா. இப்பயிற்சியினை முதலில் மேற்கொள். இவை உமக்கு வழி நடத்தும். 

"What you did is all right", he endorses the approach, the practices, and instructions that he gave over time and which we had followed. After mentioning that all these while we have lived the worldly life, Agathiyar tells us that now we have to go within. And he went on to elaborate the ways. He gave more techniques. As Tavayogi said that upon reaching Svadistana on our own effort and perseverance, the Siddhas will give us a hand and lift us up from there, Agathiyar and Ramalinga Adigal came to give me a lift to the next level, breaking the bund and letting the stream flow again finding its way and creating a new path. Recently Agathiyar asked that I revisit these exercises and practice. Having said that he gave further techniques and directives that included taking his Agathiyar Kuzhambu or a purgative to cleanse the internals and bring the 3 dosas within their ratios. He had me continue a daily intake of a drink that he taught me to prepare and that he reminded me was specific to me and not to share with others, a drink that would do a similar job of that of Agathiyar Kuzhambu but with a milder effect. The pranayama and meditation techniques that he gave has burst the dam. Just as the bund that surrounds the pond is broken to create a ditch to let out the water that has ponded and stagnated over time, the prana that increases multifold by doing forceful inhalation and exhalation or bhastrika or bellows breath as taught by Tavayogi, comes within without effort these days Even the pores of the skin have started to breathe and take in the prana. The senses have been heightened too.

Picking up from the ground in Sariyai, following our ancestors' and parents' customs, traditions, beliefs, faith, and worship we came to carry on these practices and passed them down to our children. Coming to the path of the Siddhas, the guru brought us to Kriyai first and Yogam later. Learning and practicing rituals, mantra japa, yoga, and meditation etc, we were given credit hours to pursue further. In recognition of our efforts and with the coming of the divine, Agathiyar Vanam Malaysia that catered to new seekers hungry for information and knowledge on the Siddhas, took on a new name Agathiyar Tapovanam Malaysia. After having brought the seekers over to this small humble home of ours, Agathiyar brought the heavenly deities to grace our home. Now he is set to bringing us on yet another journey, this time into their world, going within into the deep recesses of the heart.  

Should I share all these personal stuff? Would not it amount to being boastful of one's achievement? Would not others think that I am showing off? Would it build my ego? But imagine if Pandit Gopi Krishna did not share his Kundalini experiences writing his book "Kundalini - Path to Higher Consciousness"; if Paramahansa Yogananda did not write his autobiography; if Ramalinga Adigal had not allowed for the publication of his personal experiences with God in the form of soulful songs compiled as the Thiruarutpa; if Nambi Andar Nambi had not compiled the devotional renderings, plea and praises to Lord Siva of Appar, Sampandhar, and Sundarar as the first seven volumes of the Thirumurai, we would have lost a lot in saving our souls and attaining salvation. These works have kept the flame in us burning, urging us on with the thought that if these saints could do it so can we.

Just as Yogi Maharshi Shuddhanand Bharati writes in his "Yoga For All",

"By so many experiments on myself, I have found out a way to live disease-free. I am obliged to tell you, my dear readers, how I lived in and out free from mental, vital, physical ailments. I do not know if I can conquer death but I can tell you that you too can live an ideal life free from disease and mental worries. I am giving you the science of the body before leasing you to yoga for the body. man can live beyond the present span of life if he knows the secret of the body which houses his eternal spirit - the god in the human", 

I too am obliged to share how Agathiyar came to give me yet another chance after many lifetimes, to come to his path and follow his dictates. Hopefully, one day or in some future birth we might join his ranks. I do not know exactly where Agathiyar is taking us, but we are grateful and satisfied for bringing us this far, grateful for all that he has done for us. The path was gifted to us; he sent two wonderful gurus and several upagurus; and Agathiyar himself has come as a guru bringing Ramalinga Adigal along to guide us further. They have been working on us earnestly and tirelessly. Even if it ends here we are satisfied. We do not have dreams of high achievement. Just like Ramalinga Adigal equates himself to the fly and the dog, we are realistic about it and know where we stand too. We stand with open palms waiting for their grace and handouts. We are beggars too as Yogi Ramsuratkumar called himself, begging for salvation of the soul. If he says "This is sufficient for this birth and let us come back" so be it. As Supramania Swami said we shall keep polishing it till it shines and Tavayogi said we shall come back to complete the mission and become whole, there is no hurry. We are prepared to wait. Buddha after attaining enlightenment or nirvana was shown a thousand faces. When he asked who they were he was told that that was his former births. Tuning the other side he saw yet another thousand faces. When he asked who were they, he received the reply that that was to become his future births. Who can comprehend and understand the divine play?

A NOTE OF APPRECIATION

The Star Online ran the following news today at https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/04/20/dr-noor-hisham-m039sians-staying-home-keeping-safe-will-be-my-best-birthday-gift

PUTRAJAYA (Bernama): "On the occasion of my birthday Tuesday (April 21), the most special gift for me will be if Malaysians remain staying at home and observe high hygiene standards", says Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah with a smile.

The Health director-general, who has been the focus of the media and Malaysians since the Covid-19 outbreak, turns 57 on Tuesday.

Every day, Dr Noor Hisham who was born in Sepang, Selangor, appears on television at 5pm, with much-awaited Covid-19 updates and related news. On the eve of his birthday, Dr. Noor Hisham brought good news on the outbreak, saying that the number of new positive cases recorded in Malaysia on Monday (April 20) was the lowest since March 12, with 36 cases and no deaths reported.

Dr. Noor Hisham and his staff at his Ministry of Health Malaysia have been tirelessly helping and assisting to combat the COVID-19 virus since day one of its emergences, while the Armed Forces and the Police together with several other government agencies have been maintaining law and order during these testing times.

Earlier the paper highlighted the story of a 9-year-old girl who wrote to him a letter of appreciation for what he was doing for the nation at https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/04/17/lass-9-makes-bracelet-for-dr-noor-hisham-to-thank-him-in-fight-against-covid-19

Lara Khadijah McAfee, from Kuala Terengganu, had made a loom band as a sign of friendship and sent it to Dr. Noor Hisham as a thank you gift for all the hard work in helping the nation combat COVID-19. Dr. Noor Hisham took time from his hectic schedule to reply to this young soul, thanking her for the lovely bracelet she made.

"My granddaughter is wearing it and she likes it! Your words are too kind but I am not doing it alone. I am lucky to have a great team with me to help our country. Fellow Malaysians like yourself, have been a wonderful help by playing your part by staying at home."

It is said that if a plant is poisonous, its antidote could be another plant growing nearby or another portion of the plant itself be it its leaf, stem, bark, flower, pod, seed or root. Similarly in the face of danger from this and other equally dangerous diseases, we turn to the medical team for answers, cure or relief. They are representatives of the divine placed on the face of the earth to attend to our immediate danger. After attending to us they tell us to let nature do its job or pray for a divine intervention to heal us or recover fast. Any profession for the matter that serves mankind is a noble profession.

My family and I too have sought the doctors from the simplest cold to surgery, delivery, fractures, and dengue, etc. We are very thankful to the medical profession for their care and compassion.

And to all the doctors and medical staffs in the frontline fighting to save lives and to control the pandemic and flatten the curve, and the scientist working round the clock to find a vaccine for it, all over the world, in every nook and corner, here is a note of appreciation to these wonderful souls. You are doing a divine and noble job in saving lives. Thank you very much. 

A WALK THROUGH MEMORY LANE PART 3

Our parents showed us the external worship of God at the altar at home and in the temples. We just follow without questioning much. We have priests to carry our wishes to God. There is no bond here. It becomes a regime that was followed by our ancestors that are carried out until this day. The sole light in his chamber lits his face so that we see him amidst the dark inner sanctum. The moment the arati or camphor flame is shown we see his full form for a second. Sadly man has placed God on a platform or plane beyond our reach. We are made to believe that God and we are separate and far apart. The Siddhas break this notion and belief and can bring themselves and the divine to live among us. 

When the guru comes he brings in the light that reveals God for some. For others, he lits up the light in him and nurtures it, so that someday he might see God in him. The guru brings us to understand the inner meanings of the rituals that are carried out. He engages us in these rituals too. He shows us the way and gives us the techniques. But it is we who need to put in the effort and pursue the cause. The guru is a beacon or a lighthouse that guides us from danger, showing us to a safe route by bringing us around the obstacle or danger. He never removes the obstacle or danger though.

The Siddhas, as they go beyond the hold of karma, are known to intervene with the divine laws and the laws of nature, if it brings about a greater good. The Siddhas could come in any way or form that they choose; as the wind, the rain clouds, as sunshine, in the flame, as an aroma, as a bug, an animal and in a human form, often for a purpose. Traveling with Tavayogi, he pointed me to their presence around us. Sadly I could not see. Neither could I comprehend his state. What he did not tell me and I suppose he waited for me to find out from experience is that they could come within us too as energies. They use us as their receptacles and tool for their divine work.  The Siddhas go a step further too. They make and mold us into them. That is their desire and wish too. 

In their venture to make us a Siddha too, they wait for the right moment to intervene and remind us of our true nature. At other times they could come at any time, without prior notice and sweep us off the ground. They work on our souls. Sending the guru to do his part; prepare the candidate; empty him of his karma by showing him the means; empty him of the loads of knowledge he carries, to receive new knowledge; replace the experiences that his subconscious had carried over the past births and the experiences that he picked up till the age of seven, with conscious actions on the path of the Siddhas; he becomes an empty vessel waiting to be filled to the brim with ambrosia.

நீ செய்தவை யாவும் சரி. இது நாள்வரை நீ கடந்து வந்தது இவ்வுலக வாழ்க்கையின் பயணம். இனி நீ கடக்க போவது உமது உள்பயணம். நீ செய்யக்கூடிய வழிமுறைகளைக் கூறவிருக்கிறோம். நாம் சொல்லும் வழிமுறைகளைச் செய்து வா. இப்பயிற்சியினை முதலில் மேற்கொள். இவை உமக்கு வழி நடத்தும். 

After mentioning that all these while we have lived the worldly life, Agathiyar tells us that now we have to go within. And he went on to elaborate the ways. Sending Tavayogi to prepare me; emptying my karma by showing the means; emptying me of all my self accumulated knowledge by forcing me into a 13-year hibernation; replacing my mundane experiences with new miracles and new understanding while on their path; I had progressed to the second chakra. Agathiyar says I have stagnated at Svadishtana, just as the flowing water of the stream stagnates into a pond. As Tavayogi said, our effort is only until Muladhara and Svadishtana, my efforts could only bring me that far. As Tavayogi continued that the Siddhas will give us a hand and lift us up from there, Agathiyar and Ramalinga Adigal came to give me a lift to the next level, breaking the bund and letting the stream flow again finding its way and creating a new path.

From traveling to India and trekking the hills and into the jungles and staying in the caves, after this external travel and pursuit, Agathiyar brought us to another realm or rather brought another invisible and subtle realm into our world through the numerous visitations of the Siddhas and deities. We were witness to the divine realm in our physical world, a mystical travel manifested by them. Heeding our call and prayers, the mantras and rituals, they came from their abodes in the skies and heavens, to this earthly plane and graced our homes. There is yet another travel up ahead for us. Just as the brakeman changes the direction the locomotive is heading Agathiyar came to ask us to go within. Then they prepared to bring us to go within on a new travel walking into their world this time. Agathiyar brings us to go within and journey internally using the breath as a tool to activate the sleeping giant and energize and bring completeness to all the chakras that are laid along its path. Ramalinga Adigal gives a detailed account of this travel within in his Thiruarutpa. 

1. ஆணிப்பொன் னம்பலத் தேகண்ட காட்சிகள்

அற்புதக் காட்சிய டி - அம்மா

அற்புதக் காட்சிய டி.

கண்ணிகள்

2. ஜோதி மலைஒன்று தோன்றிற் றதில்ஒரு

வீதிஉண் டாச்சுத டி - அம்மா

வீதிஉண் டாச்சுத டி. ஆணி

3. வீதியில் சென்றேன்அவ் வீதி நடுஒரு

மேடை இருந்தத டி - அம்மா

மேடை இருந்தத டி. ஆணி

4. மேடைமேல் ஏறினேன் மேடைமேல் அங்கொரு

கூடம் இருந்தத டி - அம்மா

கூடம் இருந்தத டி. ஆணி

5. கூடத்தை நாடஅக் கூடமேல் ஏழ்நிலை

மாடம் இருந்தத டி - அம்மா

மாடம் இருந்தத டி. ஆணி

6. ஏழ்நிலைக் குள்ளும் இருந்த அதிசயம்

என்னென்று சொல்வன டி - அம்மா

என்னென்று சொல்வன டி. ஆணி

7. ஓர்நிலை தன்னில் ஒளிர்முத்து வெண்மணி

சீர்நீலம் ஆச்சுத டி - அம்மா

சீர்நீலம் ஆச்சுத டி. ஆணி

8. பாரோர் நிலையில் கருநீலம் செய்ய

பவளம தாச்சுத டி - அம்மா

பவளம தாச்சுத டி. ஆணி

9. மற்றோர் நிலையில் மரகதப் பச்சைசெம்

மாணிக்கம் ஆச்சுத டி - அம்மா

மாணிக்கம் ஆச்சுத டி. ஆணி

10. பின்னோர் நிலையில் பெருமுத்து வச்சிரப்

பேர்மணி ஆச்சுத டி - அம்மா

பேர்மணி ஆச்சுத டி. ஆணி

11. வேறோர் நிலையில் மிகும்பவ ளத்திரள்

வெண்மணி ஆச்சுத டி - அம்மா

வெண்மணி ஆச்சுத டி. ஆணி

12. புகலோர் நிலையில் பொருந்திய பன்மணி

பொன்மணி ஆச்சுத டி - அம்மா

பொன்மணி ஆச்சுத டி. ஆணி

13. பதியோர் நிலையில் பகர்மணி எல்லாம்

படிகம தாச்சுத டி - அம்மா

படிகம தாச்சுத டி. ஆணி

14. ஏழ்நிலை மேலே இருந்ததோர் தம்பம்

இசைந்தபொற் றம்பம டி - அம்மா

இசைந்தபொற் றம்பம டி. ஆணி

15. பொற்றம்பம் கண்டேறும் போதுநான் கண்ட

புதுமைஎன் சொல்வன டி - அம்மா

புதுமைஎன் சொல்வன டி. ஆணி

16. ஏறும்போ தங்கே எதிர்ந்த வகைசொல

என்னள வல்லவ டி - அம்மா

என்னள வல்லவ டி. ஆணி

17. ஆங்காங்கே சத்திகள் ஆயிரம் ஆயிரம்

ஆகவந் தார்கள டி - அம்மா

ஆகவந் தார்கள டி. ஆணி

18. வந்து மயக்க மயங்காமல் நான்அருள்

வல்லபம் பெற்றன டி - அம்மா

வல்லபம் பெற்றன டி. ஆணி

19. வல்லபத் தால்அந்த மாதம்பத் தேறி

மணிமுடி கண்டேன டி - அம்மா

மணிமுடி கண்டேன டி. ஆணி

20. மணிமுடி மேலோர் கொடுமுடி நின்றது

மற்றது கண்டேன டி - அம்மா

மற்றது கண்டேன டி. ஆணி

21. கொடுமுடி மேல்ஆயி ரத்தெட்டு மாற்றுப்பொற்

கோயில் இருந்தத டி - அம்மா

கோயில் இருந்தத டி. ஆணி

22. கோயிலைக் கண்டங்கே கோபுர வாயிலில்

கூசாது சென்றன டி - அம்மா

கூசாது சென்றன டி. ஆணி

23. கோபுர வாயிலுள் சத்திகள் சத்தர்கள்

கோடிபல் கோடிய டி - அம்மா

கோடிபல் கோடிய டி. ஆணி

24. ஆங்கவர் வண்ணம்வெள் வண்ணம்செவ் வண்ணமுன்

ஐவண்ணம் ஆகும டி - அம்மா

ஐவண்ணம் ஆகும டி. ஆணி

25. அங்கவ ரெல்லாம்இங் கார்இவர் என்னவும்

அப்பாலே சென்றன டி - அம்மா

அப்பாலே சென்றன டி. ஆணி

26. அப்பாலே சென்றேன்அங் கோர்திரு வாயிலில்

ஐவர் இருந்தார டி - அம்மா

ஐவர் இருந்தார டி. ஆணி

27. மற்றவர் நின்று வழிகாட்ட மேலோர்

மணிவாயில் உற்றேன டி - அம்மா

மணிவாயில் உற்றேன டி. ஆணி

28. எண்ணும்அவ் வாயிலில் பெண்ணோ டாணாக

இருவர் இருந்தார டி - அம்மா

இருவர் இருந்தார டி. ஆணி

29. அங்கவர் காட்ட அணுக்கத் திருவாயில்

அன்பொடு கண்டேன டி - அம்மா

அன்பொடு கண்டேன டி. ஆணி

30. அத்திரு வாயிலில் ஆனந்த வல்லிஎன்

அம்மை இருந்தாள டி - அம்மா

அம்மை இருந்தாள டி. ஆணி

31. அம்மையைக் கண்டேன் அவளருள் கொண்டேன்

அமுதமும் உண்டேன டி - அம்மா

அமுதமும் உண்டேன டி. ஆணி

32. தாங்கும் அவளரு ளாலே நடராஜர்

சந்நிதி கண்டேன டி - அம்மா

சந்நிதி கண்டேன டி. ஆணி

33. சந்நிதி யில்சென்று நான்பெற்ற பேறது

சாமி அறிவார டி - அம்மா

சாமி அறிவார டி.

34. ஆணிப்பொன் னம்பலத் தேகண்ட காட்சிகள்

அற்புதக் காட்சிய டி - அம்மா

அற்புதக் காட்சிய டி.

Ramalinga Adigal composed and sang the following song to us and went on to explain the meaning of this song.

என் பெருமானே என்னுள் வந்து அருளிய ஜோதி அது....

என் பெருமான் அருளிய ஜோதி அது....

திரை எனும் திரை எனும் என் பெருமான் காட்டிய திரை அது....

என் அருள் அப்பன் அருள் ஜோதி அது...

சீர்ஜோதி அது பெருஞ் ஜோதி அது... ஏறும் பெரும் ஜோதி அது

என்னுள் அது ஏறும்போது திரை அது விலகியது...

என்னுள் அது ஏறும் நிலையில் ஜோதி அது ஜோதி அது...

திரை எனும் திரை அது அருட்பெருஞ்ஜோதி அது...

திரை விலக உங்களில் இருக்கும் ஜோதி அதனைச் சுடர்விட செய்யுங்கள் 

என் அப்பன் அகத்தியன் உங்களுக்குள் வந்து அத்திரையை விலக்கிவிடுவார். 

அதுவே இப்பாடலின் பொருள். என் அப்பன் அகத்தியன் உங்களுக்குள் இருந்து வழி நடத்தி வருகிறார். அவன் வழியிலே நடந்து வாருங்கள். அத்திரை விலக்குவதற்க்கு அவன் அருள் புரிவான். அருட்ஜோதி உங்களை ஆசீர்வதித்தது. அருட்பெருஞ்சோதி ஆண்டவர் உங்களை ஆசீர்வதித்தார். செல்லும் வழி சரி. அகத்தியன் அருட்ஜோதியை நோக்கி அழைத்துச் செல்வான்.

If originally we lit the brass lamp Kamatchi Amman as is commonly lit in homes, Agathiyar asks that I replace it with an earthen lamp many years back. Then he asks to continue retaining the Aganda Deepam that we had lit during his fest and worship it.  He then comes to asks us to kindle the flame to burn brightly. Ramalinga Adigal comes to asks us to kindle the flame within to burn with such intensity that it shall draw aside the veil or curtain that stands between us and Erai. There is a need to shed the veil or curtain. The means is to light the Jhoti or light or flame in us. "Our Father Agathiyan will come within you to draw the curtain aside. That is the meaning of the song. My Father Agathiyar is in all of you bidding his will. Follow in his path. He shall assist you to drop the veil. Arutjhothi blesses you. Arutjhoti Aandavar blesses you. You are on the right track. Agathiyan shall lead you to Arutjhothi.

Adigal reminds us of Tirumular's song. 

மனத்து விளக்கினை மாண்பட ஏற்றிச்
சினத்து விளக்கினை செல்ல எருக்கி
அனைத்து விளக்குந் திரியொக்க தூண்ட
மனத்து விளக்கது மாயா விளக்கே

S.Janarthan in his "Dhyana Yogam", published by Aruligu Amman Pathipagam, Chennai gives the gist of this song, "Lighting the Light on the topmost platform of Agnai, and subsequently kindling the other lights to burn with a similar intensity."

மேல் மாடமென்ற ஆக்ஞா ஸ்தானத்தில் ஒளி ஏற்றி, பிறகு கீழ் நிலையில் உள்ள மற்ற விளக்குகளும் அணைந்து போகாதபடி எல்லாவற்றிலும் திரியை ஒருசேர தூண்டிவைத்தல். 

Agathiyar continues to reveal what needs to be done.

நீ இதுவரையில் கண்ட ஞானம் உலக வாழ்க்கை ஞானம். இனி காண போவது உனக்கான ஞானம். தவராமல் வருபவர்கள் கூற வேண்டுமென்றால் அவர்களை அமைதி காத்து தியானம் மேற்கொள்ளச் சொல். இன்றய கணம் நீ தனிமை படுத்திக்க வேண்டாம். நீ பகிர்வது இன்னும் சிலருக்கு தேவை படுகிறது. நான் சொல்லும் நேரம் நீ அவற்றினை தொடங்கலாம்.

Agathiyar tells us that there is yet another knowledge apart from what we have learned thus far about the world and relationships. What we are going into now is Gnana that is customized just for the individual person, the knowledge that will be made known to each seeker when he travels within. Agathiyar tells us to lead others to meditation too. A family home that took the name Agathiyar Vanam Malaysia for easy identification of its location, catered for the new seekers wanting to know the worship of the Siddhas and its related rituals, and through its offshoot, Amudha Surabhi performed charity. By the grace of the divine, its performance was gauged and a new name was conferred on her, Agathiyar Tapovanam Malaysia by Lord Murugan. With the arrival of the Siddhas, it took on a new name Gnanakottam, conferred by Agathiyar. As its role changed so did the name change to reflect its state of affairs. Seeing that I am ever too anxious to drop everything and shut myself away, Agathiyar surprises me telling me to hold on for the time being as there are a few in need of what is being shared here. He adds that he will inform me of the right moment to pull the shutters down.

The Siddha way or Neri is one of direct transmission, through touch, look, or technique leading to direct discipleship or குரு சீடனுக்கு தொட்டுக் காட்டும் நெறி. It has indeed been an amazing journey of multiple travels: in the physical world, then having the Gods and Goddesses cross their plane and realm into ours and now embarking on a journey within into their world. What did we do to deserve this? Nothing. All we did was to take heed and listen to every single word of theirs. Then the magic took place. The stage was revamped. The backdrop was switched. The characters changed. A new play was staged. New happenings that were beyond our common understanding, beyond logic and reason took place. But one thing is for sure, that they are breaking our hold on all things, physical, and changing our perspective and understanding working on the mental plane and distancing us socially.

A WALK THROUGH MEMORY LANE PART 2

Coming to the path of the Siddhas, I started dwelling into the pages of books upon books on Siddhas trying to find them there in these pages. They were not to be found in them. They only spoke about the past, pushing them even deeper into history that bordered on myths and legends, where it was no more distinguishable as to which was which or what was what. It was a very vague picture and painting of the existence of Siddhas as their literature and songs were said to be heavily shrouded with tricky words or paripasai. Then Tavayogi came to take me away from the books into the real world, taking me on a physical journey, walking the physical plane in search of proof of the existence of the Siddhas. It was truly an enlightening exercise in getting to know the Siddhas and their abodes and their story. I was amazed to see miracles take place and shown to me in a bid to convince me of their presence. 

Coming back from this adventure in the ashrams, caves, and jungles in India, and as I continued on my own, executing all the directives given by Tavayogi and Agathiyar in the Nadi, there was simultaneously an internal journey taking place as I progressed on the path of the Siddhas. Besides bringing me to their abodes and temples, they also brought me to a variant dimension or plane that I could not make out or understand most of the time. All this while in these pages, I have shared this external journey that many have benefited from, but I too like many others before me have kept my internal journey under wraps for fear that it would be ridiculed or wrongly understood as blowing one's horns. But Ramalinga Adigal literally did that as expounded in all his songs, not that he was egoist about his achievements and his standing in society but to tell us that it was equally possible for us too to gain the grace and blessings of the divine and reach an equally elevated standing as he did. It was a genuine call from him to join him and his path, just as Agathiyar invited me to his path. 

After my return from my maiden pilgrimage of India, having done my parikaram or remedies for past faults and karma, and after having met Supramania Swami quite unexpectedly following a series of unprecedented events and a play of moving the dices by the mysterious hand of the divine, a couple of years later in 2005, I was driven to meet Tavayogi in Malaysia. Soon a journey of a different kind took place, one that was closer to home, my heart and the self. It was now the soul that was responding to his call.

• While at the Tiruvanaikaval temple in Trichy, the priest from Utamar temple who volunteered to accompany me there, brought me to Lord Dhakshanamurthy's sannadhi. I broke down and cried and cried and cried uncontrollably. I did not know why I broke down.

• When I was at the Ekambareswarar Temple in Kanchipuram, I was mysteriously invited into Lord Nadarajah's chamber where I shed tears of joy that came on automatically seeing the majesty and beauty of my Lord.

• Then when I was in the presence of Supramania Swami in his village home and as he revealed about me without charting my horoscope although he was an astrologer, I cried silently for the duration of our sitting, 5 solid hours till dusk. This time it was tears of joy and gratefulness to the divine in seeing me through and all the blessings he showered on me till that moment.

• Two years later, as I bid farewell to Tavayogi, having verified that a leaflet given to me in 2002 by the Nadi Guru Senthilkumar after my Nadi reading carried his name and intent on building a temple cum ashram for Agathiyar in Kallar, was indeed his, I fell at Tavayogi's feet. He moved back and told me never to do that, but instead fall at the feet of Agathiyar, pointing me to a pair of wooden sandals or padhugai, a representation of the feet of the guru to be worshiped and adored in Indian tradition. Until then I did not see it. Neither did I notice what was around the room in which we sat and spoke. The moment I touched the wooden sandal as Tavayogi told me to do so, I broke into tears and began crying aloud for reasons I could not comprehend then. It was not that I wanted to cry but it happened spontaneously. The cry came from within without my control or me initiating it. I cried my heart out.

• Later in 2010, when I was with Tavayogi at an affiliate Peedham of his in Seri Gombak, and as I stood in line with the other devotees to get his blessings, and just as I got on my knees in front of him, there was a sudden burst of laughter and joy that overcame me. Simultaneously he went into a state of laughter and cry too. I did not understand neither his action nor mine. Surprisingly nobody took notice of what had just happened. Later as I drove him to Bukit Rotan to visit a new temple that was under construction, I asked him what had taken place that day. He immediately hushed me looking back to the guide who was drowsing away in the back seat. I never got the answer. 

• Then this unintentional cry became quite regular as it happened in the places of worship that I visited. As I stood with my family at the Sri Jeganathar Sivalayam in Tapah, I was overcome by emotion and cried for reasons I do not know. Again surprisingly none of the disciples of the Swamiji who was residing in the temple with his entourage took notice of what was taking place amidst me, my family and Jeganathar.

• When I was with my family at the Sivasubramaniam Alayam, Kampung Kepayang that is housed in a cave, I was again overcome by emotion. 

• When my family and I had prayed at the Nattukkottai Chettiar Temple, Penang and stepped out, a man pointed us to the Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple, atop the hill where its temple tower was visible from where we stood. I went into a state of joy on seeing it.

• When my family and I were led by the temple Gurukal of the Sri Siva Shanmugar Temple in Sungai Siput into the cave I went into a spin and was thrown off balance and landed on my back in a ditch amidst the boulders. This was the pinnacle of these show of energy.

But I never prodded or investigated these happenings. I took it in my stride and moved one. Only my family stood witness to these strange happenings. But I guess it was time others took notice of these strange phenomena too for these happenings took place in the presence of AVM family members too.

• When the AVM family went on a tour of spiritual places in Malaysia, I found myself crying in joy at Lord Murugan's sannadhi at the Sivasubramaniam Alayam, Kampung Kepayang again. 

• Revisiting Tiruvanaikaval again, this time with my family and Jnana Jhotiamma in 2013, again I was overcome by an emotional outbreak of cry and joy. 

• In 2016 as the AVM family made its way to join the festivities for Agathiyar's Guru Puja in Kallar, we stopped over at the Mayuranathar temple in Mayiladuturai. As we sat in the presence of Lord Dhakshanamurthy, Lord Ganesha and Kuthambai Siddhar, I was overcome by a profuse energy that went through me and left me crying in joy. It refused to settle for a long time. 

• At the Arulmigu Meenakshi Sundareshwarar Temple, Madurai, I was overcome by emotion sitting at the Sundarananthar Vallabha Siddhar sannadhi while the rest of the AVM family recited the names of the Siddhas.

If all these while the Agathiyar and Siddhas spoke through the medium of the Nadi, we were taken by surprise when they began to come through people. As it took place in our home we begged that they should stop for it was a family home and we did not want word to get out and have the public wait in line to be cured. They stopped - temporarily until we were spiritually mature enough to understand that they were only using certain individuals and our premises to aid, help and heal the prayers of others. As soon as they made me realize this, they started bringing in strangers again and went about their business asking us to watch and witness. Then Lord Murugan came in the Nadi and told me to give way and allow them access and space to do their miracles. That is when we saw the heavens giving way to all the deities, Siddhas and other heavenly beings. That was the pinnacle of these strange happenings. 

These miracles happen till these days where we were told by Agathiyar that these were their divine play or lila or Siddhu Vilayaattu that will go one for some time. I was told to watch and witness and learn from it. As I was always his obedient servant, I stepped aside as he had requested. 

Although Supramania Swami had displayed acts of Siddhu or Siddhu Vilaiyaattu, Tavayogi never indulged in it though I realized certain miracles were initiated by him. For instance, it was only when he threw his shawl over to me and have me place it on the trestle at the entrance to Agathiyar's sannadhi at Agasthiyampalli before I sat down that Agathiyar opened his eye in the granite statue of his. 

These days with Lord Murugan, Agathiyar and Ramalinga Adigal asking us to go within, they come to guide and advise us on our prayers and Yoga practices, besides occasionally healing the sick and hearing out people's problems.

As I am trying to place things in its correct perspective, figure out and understand all that is happening with my rational and logical mind, and just when I think I have grasped it, thinking that I had acquired answers to these queries and mysteries of life, thinking that I had begun to understand and learn about the mystical Siddhas, I am brought to square one when something else happens and supersedes and overrides all the previous understanding that I held to. Besides this, we are told not to question. Although it looks like a losing battle trying to figure out the Siddhas and their workings, Agathiyar comes to console us that the experience we gain shall serve as an explanation to our questions and bring the necessary clarifications.  

This is an entirely different facet of the Siddhas. It is indeed a strange, mysterious and mystical journey. Could all these be possible we ask as we continue to witness their presence among us? To those who pushed the Siddhas back into the pages of history, the story of the Siddhas in the numerous posts of this blog Siddha Heartbeat and another wonderful and informative blog Siththan Arul will prove otherwise that the Siddhas are living and moving among us and come to our aid as and when the need is there.

A WALK THROUGH MEMORY LANE PART 1

My late father who hailed from Karaikudi/ Sivagangai district in India ventured in the years of travel on foot, horsecart, bullock cart unaware of the dangers and uncertainties in a foreign land, not knowing when would be his next meal if there was one, what was in store for him, where would he sleep, etc, arrived in Burma to keep accounts in Rangoon. Many years later saw himself in Ceylon, Singapore and finally Malaya. He sailed the ocean that separated then Malaya and the Indian sub-continent often on the S.S. Rajula, The State of Madras, and M.V. Chidambaram, ships that have gone out of service since then except for the Chidambaram that caught fire 500km off the Malabar coast of India on Feb 12, 1985. She was carrying 702 passengers and a crew of 186 then. "The stricken liner was a heart-rending sight when she finally limped into Madras harbor with bodies floating on her water-logged deck. The toll was 34 dead with 13 Malaysians among them. It proved to be her demise, too, and the once majestic Chidambaram was sent to the breakers and ended up as scrap in Mumbai", wrote A. Shukor Rahman in the NST.

My father was an accountant and a money lender in the days when there was little access for the commoner to gain the sympathy of the banks to grant him a personal loan. Coming to a moneylender, very few questions are asked. Ummadevi Suppiah writes in her paper, "History of Moneylending During British Era: A Case Study of Chettiars as the Major Money Lenders", that,

Chettiars were the major moneylenders during the era of British from the late nineteenth century until Independence of Federation of Malaya in 1957. Chettiars, a Tamil speaking business caste from South India migrated to Straits Settlements during the nineteenth century to make fortune in trade. Gradually, their long tradition and experiences as indigenous banking caste and trade on open market created opportunities for them to involve in the money transactions in the Straits Settlements. Lack of credit and bank facilities made the local and foreign traders at the the Straits Settlements to rely on the Chettiar agents.

The role of Chettiars became more prominent after the late nineteenth century onwards due to the development of commercial economy such as rubber and tin under British laissez faire policy in the Malay states. Yet, neither banking nor British credit facilities could cater/accommodate the fast growing commercial economy in Malay states. Thus, the local and Asian capitalists relied on loans from Chettiar for their investments to open up thick virgin jungles for rubber cultivation and tin mining. Large capital and liberal lending methods resulted Chettiars being known as leading money lenders in the Malay States. Through moneylending activities, Chettiars also played other roles in the socioeconomy development of Malaya.

However, borrowing became rife especially among the small capitalists (farmers, tin miners and petty traders) and low income civil servants during the recession period and reached alarming stage whereby the British realized the need to curb money lending activities of Chettiars. Thus, British implemented laws and administrative regulations which were later on proof to be unsuccessful until World War II. After the Japanese occupation, British became more tactful towards Chettiars until more stringent law was enforced to control money lending activities in Malaya. Apparently, The Moneylenders Bill, 1951 was the first of its kind/legislation and created greater dissatisfactions among the Chettiar moneylenders which they foresee as the end for their money lending activities in Malaya.

Our ancestors seemed to have such courage and determination that we seem to lack now. We want a comfy environment and a comfortable job, pushing pens. Even in times of difficulty, we want to be selective and choosy over jobs. Seeing the current trend of thought, Agathiyar asked a devotee who had lost his job after his company shifted its production unit to a neighboring country to make a choice, either he wanted to abide by his wishes and desire of an ideal career or take up what comes his way? The devotee settled to take up what comes his way. He is today reemployed.

I have to thank my father for taking the great risk of venturing to a new land and making it his home. This is a wonderful country, a country that Agathiyar calls Sukra (Venus) Bumi, or Bhoga Naadu, where milk and honey flows. As we are the seeds of our ancestors, all their acts of Dharma or Charity and the merits that they earned is showered on the generations to come. Hence we are leaving a good life as an outcome of their compassion towards all of God's creation. Taking on gurus be it in this life or the past adds on further to these merits, enhancing the soul in the form of gaining soul power or Atma Balam. The guru comes with his whole lineage, an added strength and boosts to us. And with our own part and efforts towards showing compassion to others, and devotion towards the guru and God, we are well equipped to take on a journey of self-discovery and leaving behind a name for ourselves, the ancestors and the Guru Parambara. Besides that the generations to come shall look up towards us.

Taking the skills I gathered doing presentations for the office department, I ventured to learn to animate my presentations to stand above the rest of the presentations. Indeed I managed to capture the attention of the participants through these visuals and videos till a department head told me not to be a showoff. But it did not deter me from learning and improving my work further. All this knowledge brought me to start the website indianheartbeat on several established and existing domains that were free of charge in the nineties. I began to gather all the artwork of mine that was in storage collecting dust, scan and digitized them and uploaded them to these numerous websites. This included my favorite old songs too that rarely were aired by the radio stations. I used to spent hours in the record shops flipping through the LPs and Eps and had them recorded into audio cassettes. After my maiden pilgrimage to India, I posted my experiences on my website. This was the years prior to blogging. With the advent of blogs, I joined the bandwagon as blogging was relatively simpler and easier than hosting a website. As I continued my journey in seeking and getting to know the Siddhas better, this blog began to carry more posts about them and the numerous miracles they performed in the physical world around us, I named it Siddha Heartbeat. These writings then began to capture the attention of readers as I began to receive emails from its readers. That is the story of the emergence of this blog.

But I haven't shared the internal journey that took place simultaneously, for the sole reason that I thought it was rather personal. Even the Nadi readings I had since 2002, was only posted on YouTube in October of 2015, after much contemplation.

The reason is not wanting to give a wrong impression of being boastful of our achievements or giving the impression that we were the chosen ones and god's child. Taking from Tavayogi, he never shared much except to stop for a casual line as we go on with our work. He never spoke about himself, his past and his gurus. I had his first talk about his guru Chitramuthu Adigal and his Paramaguru Jeganathar recorded during his visit to the Arul Oli Mandram in Ipoh during his visit to Malaysia in 2008.

The funny part was that while we were gathered at the Sri Jeganathar Sivalayam in Tapah in 2016, the head of the temple passed on an audio Cd to Tavayogi and told him that it carried the history of Jeganathar as narrated by a Swamiji. Tavayogi asked him to play the Cd. We were all surprised to hear Tavayogi speak. It was Tavayogi's speech at the Arul Oli Mandram that we recorded that came back to us in the form of a Cd for sale! Ridiculous right? Tavayogi never divulged much giving only scanty and brief statements about himself or about the mysteries that shroud the Siddha world. When once he felt he was revealing too much about the Jeeva Nadi of Agathiyar in his possession in an interview he pulled the brakes.

The temple has gone through renovations and new installations made losing its originality. History has to be preserved and not disturbed, manipulated or added on. We have seen this happen too often both in the West and the  East. Tavayogi lamented to me as we stood at the entrance of a cave at Kutralam hills. "See son, this is "Agathiyar's Cave." But they have named it "Avvai's Cave." People fail to understand that they have an obligation to preserve the historic, artistic and architectural interest of any monument or place for the sake of generations to come so that they shall not be misled by what they see later.

We were rather surprised to see a documentary on how the French take all the trouble to preserve even the charred timber roof trusses and every single bit of information was documented on the famed 800-year-old cathedral Notre Dame where a fire destroyed its spire and roof, on April 15, 2019. See https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/notre-dame-fire-melted-scaffolding.

Similarly, another 600-year-old structure, Japan's Shuri castle that was burned down on 31 October 2019, saw a second resurrection when public from all over the world sent in their photos of the building that they captured while on tour, which was then digitized and assembled together to recreate an image of the building before the fire, right down to its details, replicated in the precise image of its prior appearance. The wooden castle, built 500 years ago, was almost completely destroyed during World War Two. The castle was extensively restored and reopened as a national park in 1992.

APPRECIATION

Thank you for traveling with me on this journey of mine posted in this blog. In the days of my search, it was so difficult to find out the things you wanted to know especially in an age where information technology and the internet, online bookstores and courier were all absent.

Although ARPA was formed in 1958, in the USA to win the space race that Russia's Sputnik had started, with the emergence of NASA, ARPA diverted from space travel to computing. The 1960s saw computers owned by universities, the government or large companies. Seeing the potential of these machines not only being able to calculate they could be made to communicate too, Bob Taylor of ARPA requested for funds and hired people to build a network ARPAnet. By this time other networks began to appear. Stephen Bryant in his book "The Story of the Internet", Barg Bookshop, wrote, "The late 1970s and 1980s saw an explosion in the use of computers and networks. The fuel for this explosion was the arrival of the personal computer."

On the other hand, Cadabra, Inc. that later was renamed Amazon.com, Inc. came into being in 1994. Although Wells Fargo was founded in 1852 and rapidly became the preeminent package delivery company of that time, we still depended on ordinary mail services then for any purchases of books. Otherwise, the only means of getting to known things beyond the academic subjects was to walk up the flight of steps and step into bookshops hoping pathetically and praying that they should carry some interesting titles on spiritualism.

I had the opportunity to learn to use personal computers in my office in the late '80s. I began to read books on making media for the net which fascinated me. An officer who resigned to join the Yogoda Satsanga Sakha Math, in Ranchi gave me a useful piece of advice then. He said, "Here you will find people give you all kinds of work even those that are not related to your job scope. If you have the know-how and the time then take it up." I took his advice. Soon seeing my interest and keenness to contribute I was asked to do presentations and publications for the department which I did with total commitment. If I was to invest in this costly hardware and software I would have had to wait for ages. But as the department had the funds to purchase these costly machines and its brains, I had the advantage of learning to use them. Books came in very handy those days. There was a boom in IT books that helped me along. Another treasured gift he gave me before he left for India, was Yogananda Paramahansa's "Autobiography of a Yogi." This book filled the vacuum in my search for Godmen and their teachings. In this book were personal experiences of the author engaging with saints and gurus. With Swami Chinmayananda Saraswati having asked sadhakas to keep a spiritual diary, I began to take notes too. Soon after my return from my maiden pilgrimage and my second adventure in India I began to share my experiences on the websites. Soon it blossomed into this blog.

In these pages, I have shared whatever little experiences I have had not with the intention to boost my ego but to bring them to the attention of seekers, those who are frantically searching for any little bits of news on Agathiyar, as I did in my days of seeking. From what I gathered on Agathiyar in all the books and talks the authors and speakers only see him as having lived in the past, pushing him back into history. I wanted to tell his story not his history. I wanted to tell the story of Agathiyar in these pages, that Agathiyar is still living among us. He comes to our calling. He heeds our askings. He listens on to our conversations. He hijacks them at times, as experience has shown us. He has tapped into our thoughts, our telephone conversations, and even Skype.

Today we had a beautiful online Satsang with Acharya Gurudasan of Bangalore on Zoom. As most parts of the world are under lockdown, it was refreshing and energizing to finally come together in a discussion on spiritual matters. Today's subject was on Yoga and the individual experiences of each participant. As Acharya Gurudasan pointed out to us that a group meeting with multiple participants is capped at 40 minutes in length, and that we might be disconnected midway through the Satsang and will need to connect again, it came as a surprise to us when a message was relayed on the monitor that the app had been updated and that it was not limited in usage hours. As we would like to see miracles in all things, I guess Agathiyar had a hand and a part in it and saw us through a solid 3 hours of chat without interruption.

These days "Grammarly" corrects my posts, suggesting the correct words, "Google" helps me type in Tamil, Search Google for a word and it brings you to an online dictionary where you have other options suggested. It's all at the tip of our finger. So too is information on spiritualism. Reading all the stuff brings you to a sense of a spiritually elevated state. It's satisfying to know things. But there is danger lurking in the shadows. All learning brings a false sense of pride and ego. George Bernard Shaw had warned us "Beware of false knowledge, it is more dangerous than ignorance." From https://quotationcelebration.wordpress.com/2016/09/12/beware-of-false-knowledge-it-is-more-dangerous-than-ignorance-george-bernard-shaw/ we read the following elaboration on George Bernard Shaw's quote.

Some things we don’t actually know - but we think we know. This is what Shaw was referring to in his quotation. What he called false knowledge. 

"Many still believe that cold weather causes colds", which many nations assumed and took for granted, has today altered our knowledge as the COVID-19 too is known to bring about a bout of flu and cold.

But why would Shaw claim that ‘false knowledge’ is more dangerous than just plain old ignorance? Let me take a stab at 3 reasons. 

• When we’re ignorant and we know it, there’s usually an openness to attaining the knowledge we know we don’t have.

• False knowledge causes us to ACT AS IF what is NOT TRUE actually IS TRUE.

• False knowledge is often accompanied by arrogance and pride.

Tavayogi always tells us that we should substantiate all our writings or speeches with references to either our own experiences or that of others. It is through one's personal experience that all that is learned can be verified as true or otherwise. But one does not have the time and energy to invest in all these learnings. We opt to take the advice, opinion, experience of others who have come that way and continue our journey. But as one man's meat is another's poison, there will be some confusion and disparity when we compare notes with others. No two experiences will be the same. Even if two people were to see the same object, the vision and opinion might defer based on their upbringing, knowledge of the subject on hand and understanding. Perspectives differ. So Agathiyar tells us that there is no right or wrong. Our experiences and the lessons we learn from them shall show us either its right or wrong.

From "An Introduction to the Philosophy of Ramalinga Swami" by Dr. C Srinivasan, published by Ilakkia Nilayam, Tiruchi, 1968 we are given an idea of the many milestones one encounters on his journey of discovery in the path of the Siddhas and beyond. 

A normal human who leads a mundane life without even a thought of its transient nature might pass by a place of worship but will never think of entering. He would not have the urge to even explore what is behind the high walls. He is self-centered, happy with his life neither having the thought of the divine, the world around him and the many mysteries it holds. This is one of Irul deham.

His journey only begins when he becomes aware of the momentary nature of life. The first curtain is drawn aside. He becomes conscious of the world and its external objects. He believes in a creator and seeks his abode. He sees the sufferings of others and extends a hand. He takes his first step, coming into Sariyai. He comes out of Irul to Marul deham or Asudha deham or the delusive body, that is still covered by many veils of illusion.

When the yearning to see the Lord arises, the seeking then starts. A guru comes by. He feels inseparable from the divine. He steps into Kriyai. He prepares to attain a Sudha deham.

Coming to Yogam, he wants only God.  A spontaneous love for God is felt at all times. Once this desire is set aflame and burning in him the various veils covering the soul for generations are shed one after the other. The body transforms into the Pranava deham or body of Grace. He moves to "taste" prana, the energy prevalent and that drives all of God's creation and laws. Then the descent of divinity into the individual takes place. It is not over yet for the Supreme Grace flows and prepares the aspirant for the next stage. Once the Grace of the Lord befalls on him, he enters a state of ecstasy. If earlier he saw God with forms and had gained earthly experiences, beyond this stage, God is un-manifested and he begins to have heavenly experiences. His Soul is charged with Divine Grace. He attains self-realization or Atma Darisanam. He gains the Arul deham. He moves to "taste" God. This is the journey inwards where the experiences bring him to a state of Gnana acquiring the Gnana deham. His experiences are multifold. He perceives God in the form of light. The Soul becomes saturated with compassion and love. He experiences the divinity within moving into a blissful state and enjoying the sublime achievement and experience of the soul (Uyir Anubavam). Henceforth the extent of achievement is dependent on the grace of Arutperunjhoti. The soul enjoys in full the real and natural happiness it is entitled to without any restraint. The soul becomes divine and dwells in the Grace of the Supreme God. Dwelling under His shadow he enjoys His Supreme Grace (Arul Anubhavam). This transcendent plane of experience of the Grace is achieved by divine pursuit. The soul is to enjoy the Supreme Grace. The divine soul is entertained bodily as a part and parcel of the Supreme Grace and is permeated through and through. The body of the divine aspirant transforms itself into an incarnation of Grace.  Words fail to explain the different aspects of this blissful stage. The higher stages are heavenly stages and beyond human perception where the mind fails to conceive and all senses cease to function. 

The ultimate state of the aspirant is the complete realization of the God Supreme (Siva Anubavam) reaching the sublime and highest plane of the most auspicious Godhead (Sudha Sivam) that is all-pervading, all-knowing, all-embracing Super-Being. It is only at this plane that complete realization and complete merging with God is accomplished. Here and here alone the great realization “He thou art, thou art He, Ye enjoy in Him” is achieved. The Supreme combustion results in the inseparable monism of the highest order, the doctrine that only one supreme being existed. This plane of transcendence soars higher and higher into the most superior Godhead. It is inconceivable, uninferable and unimaginable even by the heavenly powers and divine beings and deities of a high order. This sublime achievement of the aspirant culminates in the complete union with the Lord Supreme that brings eternal enjoyment of Supreme Bliss forever and ever after.

As Agathiyar says the journey within that arrives at the doorstep of Gnanam will defer from person to person, this too might defer in each person's experience. But it serves as a guide on a strange terrain that might be hostile too. Rather than journey without any knowledge as our peers did then we could use these useful maps as basic guides and add on to it our experiences as in enhancing, improving or modifying open-source programs. Similarly whatever little I learn and share might help enhance, improve or bring change to another's perspective, outlook or understanding and serve to motivate, encourage and remove doubts and fear. The Satsang today had enlightened us and given new knowledge and understanding, bringing new perspectives and sharing among us. We look forward to more. We are here to gain salvation and at the same time help another. Even the tiniest contribution can go a long way in creating ripples in the cosmos, going beyond time and space.