DOING NOTHING

It is only when the guru stops teaching that the student becomes realized. If he continues speaking and preaching and filling his student it shall never happen. The separation between a guru and a disciple shall exist forever until the guru puts a stop to it. A wonderful story is told of Lord Dhakshanamurthy preaching to his four students under a tree. But speaking and trying to enlighten them made them only more curious to know more and they kept asking further questions. The moment the guru realized that his students' realization was not taking place as intended and as he had aspired, he turned within and remained silent. In this silence, his students became realized. There was now no separation between the guru and his students. They were all one. All the knowledge of the guru was that of the students too. This was beautifully narrated by Acarya Gurudasan too during his recent visit to AVM where he said that Bhagawan Ramana did not initiate anyone, for he never considered anyone as not realized. In his eyes we are all realized souls, the reason being he saw everyone and everything as one. So when he was realized, everyone became realized in that instant too. 

Acarya Gurudasan says further, "Ramana always says that in his eyes nobody is unrealized. Because he sees only one soul in everybody. He doesn't see anybody outside him. That is why he doesn't give Diksha because in giving Diksha you need a guru and then a disciple too. With him, there was no place for duality. He was pure Advaita. He is in the state constantly. Everybody is one. Everything is one in his view."

How wonderful. 

Tavayogi who came to Malaysia to officiate several Peedhams in the name of Agathiyar beginning in 2005 never suggested that I start one. But beginning in 2013, Agathiyar began to send many youths over to my home after their Nadi readings to witness my home puja. Soon he had us conduct charity programs too. For the sole purpose of coordinating these activities and events, there was then a need to have a name and a location. I picked Agathiyar Vanam Malaysia (AVM) for my home for it was also the name of the hamlet where Tavayogi's ashram was located. AVM flourished over the years until Agathiyar had me close its doors in the wake of the pandemic. At its core, he did not want me to start a Peedham, or have a following though he did throw these ideas at me through his devotees, testing to see if I would take the bait. The AVM WhatsApp group remained a loose congregation of followers and seekers that made it easy for it to be dissolved when the time came and we could move on. Similarly, they tested me by throwing in the suggestion that I build a temple for Agathiyar initially in 2002 that was later joined by Lord Murugan in 2018 wanting one for himself too. To teach me that it was not what was my priority, they came as a stranger and questioned my guru Supramania Swami as to why he was building a temple that is seen as being in the path of Bakti when he was already a Gnani. He too dropped his desire. Eventually, Agathiyar told me to let go of even my hold on him for how else could we become one he said. He was moving me from Dvaita to Advaita too, as did Bhagawan Ramana conduct himself with his followers. 

In coming to us through a devotee recently Agathiyar offered to make me a guru. Finally wanting to please him, considering all the many previous wishes he had for me, which I had turned down, I relentedly gave in to his wish. The very next moment he told me "No, No, I shall make you a Siddha instead." He then had me sit at home doing nothing. Who can possibly comprehend the Siddhas?

CONNECTING 2

Just as a stray came up to the saint Pattinathar and stayed on with him, a stray who became friends when my second 4-year-old granddaughter and I were walking in the neighborhood, comes knocking on my door daily, shaking the gate and once inside shaking the grill and once did jump onto the window sill wanting to get in and I had to push him off, and again once inside the home, I had to practically drag him out by his neck. He runs to me or surprises me by coming up to me from behind, jumping onto me, and licking me all over the moment he sees me walking. He yelps, whines, and calls out to play with him. But surprisingly he never eats whatever we give him. As I am vegetarian even if we serve him meat he takes a sniff and walks away. We wonder what he eats then. What is this newfound bond that has come to be I wonder? But I cannot possibly take him in for it would become a new attachment since Tavayogi and Agathiyar had taught me to be detached from all things. 

I guess another milestone in becoming detached is the current separation from my wife. If I had started the worship of the Siddhas after Agathiyar called me to do so in my Nadi reading in 2002, if after my retirement in 2016, I could focus completely on the Siddha puja that I initially began alone and later with my family joining me, and actively involved with doing charity with the coming of several youths sent be Agathiyar to my home in 2013, if Agathiyar brought a stop to all our puja and charity programs and brought a close to the AVM chapter and had me go within having me sleep in his prayer room in 2019, Agathiyar practically has separated me from my wife now. For the past three months, my wife has been back home in her parent's place caring for her parents. The father is almost ninety while her mother is approaching eighty. Surprisingly this turn of events happened after Agathiyar carried out our 60th wedding and told my children to drop their hold on us and told us a new phase in our lives was to take place. Did he mean this separation? Who can understand the divine play? 

These days I am very much occupied with my thoughts. My thoughts accompany me every moment. Or rather my existence accompanies me. Or to be precise I simply exist. Occasionally the outside world and its noise would intrude into this space. Otherwise, it is quiet and peaceful most of the time. My attention moves to the quietude and peace and the sounds of the birds and the crickets chirping and frogs croaking. At other moments the attention moves to the breath or the crown and everything stands still. There are also those moments where my attention goes within and shuts out the noise outside. I guess to help me be still and silent, Agathiyar has created the ideal environment for me to remain in this state. When both he and Lord Muruga in having me drop everything external and nudging the dormant energies within to arise, told me that there was nothing further to do and to remain doing nothing, they helped me drop the very veil of illusion or Maya that covered and tainted my consciousness. What remains now is pure consciousness. What remains now is awareness of the breath. What remains now is awareness of my very own existence, something that the visiting Acarya Gurudasan and we concluded during our recent meeting.

CONNECTING 1

Just as we have trapped the deity Karupanasamy in a form and image that the son of Rama took for a mission to rid the Asuras, we have trapped God and the divine energies prevalent in the Prapanjam into forms, images, and idols and worshiped them for our daily needs and fulfillment, desires and wants. Similarly, the part of the bigger Atma that is the ParamAtma that came away, designed, engineered, and supervised the building of this gross material body taking its raw materials and components partly from each parent's body and the rest from the existing Prapanjam, to carry out its divine purpose was overthrown by our ego, arrogance, and ignorance that came to veil it. This JeevAtma that resides and watches silently has to be freed to reign again and help align our lives for the purpose it came. The Siddhas can help us with this. 

While many of us flock to gurus of whom some have never had certain experiences but took up the portfolio through legacy, to hear them speak and reveal life's mysteries, many individuals have attained an insight into life and live it out fully in the moment, away from the limelight. These individuals have indeed arrived there where it all began. The YouTube channel "Reflections of Life" reflects the lives of these individuals and captures nature with such beauty and clarity bringing the very essence of life before our eyes. Theo from an episode says "One is closer to God in a garden than anywhere else. Gardens are heaven". 

Justine and Michael write "We have so much to learn from each other, and our connections run so much deeper and stronger than we think. The more that we understand and believe in this interconnectedness, the more we will treat ourselves, one another, and planet Earth with a greater sense of compassion"

Watch more at https://youtube.com/@reflectionsoflife?si=NZmYxZ8ljIM3OJU8

It is with a similar purpose that I interviewed many seekers who stepped into my home out of either curiosity or shown to by others or Agathiyar himself brought them here. I also took the opportunity to interview the masters who dropped by my humble home. Indeed just as Justine and Michael write, we learn from each other. The other brings the missing puzzles in our lives and we get a better and more comprehensive picture and understanding of life.

THE GAME

Writer Balakumaran wrote a conversation between Mani and a force that called itself Atheenam, in his "Thirupoonturuthi," by Visa Publications, Chennai, 1995, that also sent a strong message to me. I have had this book with me for some time now gifted by a devotee but never managed to read more than a few pages. Thinking that I would read myself to sleep this afternoon, I opened up a page that captivated my attention and had me read further. This is what stole my attention.

கோடியில் ஒரு மனிதனுக்குத் தான் இது கிடைக்கும் மணி.

One in a crore shall receive this.

உனக்கு இது கிடைத்திருக்கிறது. 

You have received it.

மனிதரின் வாழ்க்கை முறைகள் வேறு. 

Men's lifestyles vary.

இங்கே உனக்குக் கிடைத்த வாழ்க்கையில் விதிமுறைகள் வேறு. 

Yours is different.

தொடர்ந்து பயணப்படு  மகனே. 

Continue to journey, my son.

நெல் முனையளவும் கர்வம் கொள்ளாதே. 

Never let Arrogance in.

எல்லாம் தெரிந்து விட்டது என்கிற இறுமாப்பும் வர வேண்டாம். 

Do not let the thought of having known everything in.

நீ உழைத்துக் கற்றதில்லை. 

You did not work for it.

உனக்கு கிடைத்தது. 

It was given to you.

இறை உன் மடியில் மனம் நெகிழ்ந்து இட்ட பிச்சை. 

God placed it in your lap.

ஏன் உனக்கு இட்டார்கள் என்பதற்குக் கரணம் இருக்கும். 

There is a reason for doing so.

உன் மூலம் அவர்கள் ஏதோ காரியம் செய்ய நினைக்கிறார்கள். 

They want to work through you.

உன்னை மீறி உன்னால் நடக்கிற அதிசயங்களில் மூல்கிப் போகாதே மகனே.

Do not get enchanted by their doings that are beyond your control.

உன் கர்வத்திற்கு வளமைக்கு அதிசயம் நிகழவில்லை. 

It does not happen to your dictates and likes.

எவருக்கோ உன் மூலம் உதவி கிட்டுகிறது. 

Someone gains through your actions.

எனவே அமைதியாய் இரு. 

Hence be quiet.

என்னவொ உனக்குள் நடந்து விட்டது என்றுதான் உனக்குத் தெரிகிறது. 

Know that something is happening around and within.

என்ன எதனால் என்பது தெரியவில்லை.

What and why is an unanswered question.

தெரிய வேண்டுமெனில் காத்திரு. 

If you want to know you shall have to wait.

மிகச் சரியான நேரத்தில் உனக்குச் சகலமும் தெரியவரும்.

You shall know at the right time.

தெரியவரும் முன்பே எல்லாம் தெரிந்து விட்டது என்கிற கர்வம் வராது பார்த்துக் கொள்.

Do not let the arrogance of thinking you know it all get to your head even before you arrive there.

உனக்கு நீயே பொய்யாய் இருந்து விடாதே. 

Do not cheat yourself.

எல்லா நேரமும் விழிப்பாய் இரு. 

Be Awake (Aware) always.

உண்மையோடு இருக்க விழிப்பாய் இருக்க வேண்டும். 

To stay truthful you need to be always Awake (Aware).

மூளை உறங்கினால் ஏகப்பட்ட பொய்கள் சொல்லத் தொடங்கும். 

Lose your Wakefulness (Awareness) and your mind shall begin to lie to you.

இதுதான் ரொம்ப முக்கியம். 

This (Wakefulness and Awareness) is truly important.

நெல் முலையளவு  கூட கற்பனை செய்யாத மனம் வேண்டும். 

Do not let imagination run wild.

சத்தியத்தை உண்மையை இறுக்கிக் கொண்ட உடனே அதற்குச் சோதனைகள் வரும். 

One who begins to hold on to honesty and truth shall be tested.

உள்ளும் புறமும் பொய் சொல்ல வேண்டிய நிலை வரும். 

He shall be cornered to tell lies.

மனம் மிகச் சக்தி வாய்ந்த விஷயம் மணி. 

Mani, the Mind is truly powerful.

இது மனிதர்களுக்குத் தெரியவில்லை. 

People do not realize it.

மிக பெரிய சோதனைகள் இனிமேல் தான் உனக்கு வரும். 

You shall begin to face great chalenges.

உன் மனோசக்தியின் பலத்தை அடர்த்தியை இறை சோதிக்கும்.  

God shall test your perseverance (to uphold honesty and truth).

All that took place in recent times that had me wondering what the heck was going on, where Lord Muruga came to caution me of the divine play of Lord Siva, Indran, Bhogar, and Agathiyar that was running its course and not to fall for the deceit and game, asking me to be watchful and aware and to know to sieve and separate the truth from the false, and that came to light eventually giving me a better understanding, now has been confirmed by the writings of Balakumaran. Agathiyar also reminded me to watch my behavior, lest the energies or Sakti released drop back to the lower regions. Then all his effort on me shall go to waste, he warned. Both he and Lord Muruga have ordained me to be still and do nothing, சும்மா இரு. So too did the force in Balakumaran's story tell Mani.

"சக்தியின் அசைவில் கோடியில் ஒரு மானிடருக்கு இப்படி விழிப்பு வரும்."

Awareness that comes with the movement of Sakti happens in but only one in a crore."

"என் விழிப்பு எதற்கு?"

"Why me?"

"காரணமின்றி எதுவும் நிகழாது." 

"Nothing happens without a reason"

"என் காரியம் என்ன?"

"What is mine?"

"சும்மா இரு. விழிப்பு கொடுத்ததே வழியும் கொடுக்கும்."

"Be still. That which awakened you shall show you the way too."

This is exactly what Agathiyar told me when I asked him if there was anything further by way of practice that I should adopt or carry out. He replied that there was none. "The energy in you shall do its work", he replied. I guess I have done enough both good and harm. It was an age of exploration wanting to know what was there in drinking beer and liquor, and smoking tobacco, and what men saw in women. I left it all behind after I found it did not give me any pleasure as made out to be. As I had much time on hand as a bachelor back then I picked up reading about culture and tradition and the reasons we follow them. These readings brought me to look at the age of Puranas or mystical stories of Gods and their triumphs. Learning from these books, I took up home puja to these deities and Yoga. It became a daily routine and regime then, with the daily dash of a temple visit added. Then there was a 14-year gap where I was asked to drop all the questions that arose in me. The Vasudeva mantra I received which was supposed to break the knots in us, brought an end to my self-exile. The calling came to see the Nadi the following year and as I was called to the path of the Siddhas I took up the call to worship them. I began to explore the Siddhas and their path. This was made more fruitful with the coming of Tavayogi. Just as the temple priests call out to the temple Gods to turn towards us and bless us in our lives through hymns, chants, and songs, when one comes to the Siddha path he connects with Agathiyar when he takes up Kriyai personally. The Siddhas draw the bridge down to come across traveling within, following the breath or Prana. The breath connects with the Prapanjam then. After Tavayogi's demise, Agathiyar took charge completely of my life. Today I stand indebted to them. Through their tutorship, and grace the JeevAtma eventually connects with the ParamAtma. Once connected both are one. Dvaita gives way to Advaita to become One, the Yegan. 

RAMALINGA ADIGAL

Why was Ramalinga Adigal different from the other Siddhas? For one, he did not beat around the bush. He explored and experienced and gave us the way and the means to attain all that he reached. If Siddhas are said to have hidden many secrets as Paripasai or hidden codes that only another Siddha could decipher, Ramalinga Adigal brought these ancient secrets to the common man in his own language. 

Though he lamented at the beginning that he did not know the many secrets, means, and methods, once he discovered them, having the grace of Arutperunjothi shower on him, he rejoiced and called out to the masses to take up the call and follow him.

There can never be another Siddha who was sincere and genuine and never hid anything from us. Neither did he play tricks or the divine play nor tested us. He was there to give, give, and continue to give. His teachings are condensed in the collection of songs the Thiru Arutpa which he gave mankind to emulate and follow.

THE JOURNEY IN TOTALITY

If I had traveled, what I guess must have been an out-of-body experience in my sleep as a kid, recurring over several days, towering close to the ceiling in my family home where I grew up in the sixties, watching myself, my father, and brother sleeping in our room from above and watching my mother and sisters in the adjacent room, before swinging from side to side and plunging down, reentering my body back then, traveling on my maiden pilgrimage to India as a tourist later in 2003, and again accompanied with Tavayogi in 2005 who brought me to retrace his path journeying to Siddha sites, abodes, and caves, the final lap unknowingly began in going within and traveling the Chakras beginning 2007. Life is all about traveling initially and coming one whole round back to lying on our backs and on our deathbeds. But the Siddhas somehow found the means to overcome death, taking on Samadhi, where the soul in us, the JeevAtma merges with the ParamAtma not upon leaving the gross body but while still in it, alive and witness to this divine marriage of Siva and Sakti, the merging with and in the Jothi or Light. If I had very much wanted to witness this merger take place before my eyes through Tavayogi, he very humbly told me it was too late for him to achieve as he was in his late sixties and that he had to come back again. But Dhanvantri who came later in 2018, told me that he had merged in the Light. Agathiyar later told us that as Tavayogi was looking into the Siddhas' matters in their realm, Agathiyar had to come personally and guide us. Later when Jnana Jothiamma came along and Agathiyar personally took her under his wings and tutored her on the path and the means, I wanted her to achieve this. As she was in her sixties too her body gave up on her and could not take on the magnitude and extent of the drastic transformation that took place. She told me that she would yet have to take another birth, a princely one in Europe as foretold by Agathiyar. Lord Muruga who wanted to reveal the secrets to his youth after Agathiyar who was then a commoner like us took care of the former's needs as he roamed the face of the earth as Supramaniar, told the latter that as he was in his sixties, it was not possible and that they shall meet in the next birth. Now Agathiyar wants me to be living proof that Siddhahood is possible in this age and at my age as I step into my 66th year. Most recently, he came to us through a devotee and asked if he should make me a guru but immediately retracted his suggestion saying, "No, No, I shall make you a Siddha instead." What else would one want? Thus he asked that I do nothing and that the energies in me shall do their work. 

15 September 1959, that is the day I was born in the early morning hours of 3.53am at least that is what I was told and the hospital records show. But Agathiyar threw in a surprise later in 2002 when I went for my Nadi reading for the very first time. He revealed my horoscope based on my thumbprint and came up with a different set of planetary positions at birth. Now which was true and what was I to follow? Going back to Dr. Krishnan, a medical astrologer and Siddha physician and friend, who spoke to me about Agathiyar and the Siddhas and their Nadi for the very first time in 1996, he worked back, from the planetary positions that Agathiyar gave at the time of my birth. I should have been born after sunrise at 9.25am. He asked me to ditch his assessment, readings, findings, and predictions based on 3.53am and follow the Siddhas. I was to find out from Lord Muruga in a Nadi reading very much later in 2018 that he had rewritten my fate.

The puzzle as to why this famed astrologer's predictions that worked well with others never materialized for me was cleared. Agathiyar also confirmed the doctor's possible reason for the stars not working in favor of my destiny. I had screwed up in my former birth and earned the wrath and curse of many back then. These took shape as Karma that stood in the way of me gaining the benefits in material life and also my spiritual practices as in taking up Yoga learning from the books and the hours of worship that when into it. 

Several months after my birth, I was said to be purging badly. As my parents had lost two children due to this they rushed me to my neighbor this time around rather than the hospital. Our Chinese neighbor used to go into a trance and heal people. And so was I saved that day with the promise undertaken by my parents that they shall give me in adoption to the Gods. So I came under their watchful eyes beginning that day.

1977, as I entered college, reading a book that I cannot remember its name and author, changed me dramatically. I learned to so "NO" to others. I was previously the timid and shy boy who would agree to everything said by others and follow. 

1980 saw me stand on my own feet as I took up my first job which I devoted to in dedication through some 36 years before retiring at the age of 56 in 2016. I had so much time on hand as a bachelor that I indulged in home puja, praising the Gods and Goddesses of the Hindu pantheon at dawn and dusk in the privacy of my bachelor house. Soon what I saw differed from what I read and was told. If God was supposed to be all loving and compassionate, it was not so in reality. I saw many around me suffer before me, often the reason given that it was God's doing and who was punishing them. I could not accept the fact that God would punish us. I would have gone cuckoo figuring out the truth of the matter until Lord Siva came in a dream and asked that I drop all the questions till a later time.

That later time came in 2002 when I went for the Nadi reading and Agathiyar in speaking about Karma and pointing out mine made me understand that it was the work of Karma of each individual and that they were responsible for all that comes their way. The Gods only were facilitators and supervised the planets which coming together shall bring on the respective effects in our lives. 

1989 was the year I got married and had a life partner followed by two wonderful daughters, the first in the same year and the second some nine years later in 1998. Agathiyar later told me that the latter was the reason both me and my wife took birth again, as she had wished for it in her last birth. 1998 was also the year I began to revisit the path of Bakti which was kept on hold for some 14 years. I and my wife who was carrying her in her womb would visit the newly inaugurated Murugan temple in our vicinity each night. Later Agathiyar revealed that she was the reason I came to the Siddha path. 

2001 was the year the doors to self-exile that were shut were reopened fully and I stepped out into a new world of mysticism. My nephew surprised me by bringing me a message from his Paramaguru Gopal Pillai, that came vis a trance as I sat before him. It was the Vasudeva mantra, that I learned later, that breaks all the knots in us and sets us off on a mystical journey.

The following year 2002 I stood before a Nadi reader, reading and revealing Agathiyar words written supposedly thousands of years ago on palm leaves which are carefully transcribed and copies made as the previous leaves deteriorate with time. It was my very first Kaanda Nadi reading where I was surprised to know someone else besides me knew everything about me and knew even further the things I could not remember having done in my past birth and who knew my future that I could not possibly know. I saw the Nadi revelations and the Siddhas words as the Gospel and followed every word in it.

As promised during the transmission of the Vasudeva mantra that came through my nephew, which I learned later was from Agathiyar, it paved the way for me to meet my guru. I came to my very first guru Supramania Swami of Tiruvannamalai on the last leg of my pilgrimage to India in 2003 to carry out the remedies given in the Nadi. The 5 hours I spent with him was a life-changing moment in my life for I had my very first experience of God coming as a guru, something that I had read in Paramahansa Yogananda's Autobiography back then in 1994. He who was an astrologer too foresaw my future and narrated even the things that Agathiyar spoke in my Nadi, without me sharing the Nadi readings with him and without calling for the details of my visit to India, or charting my horoscope. These were divine revelations that came to him as he sat on his deer skin and spoke about my past, present, and future. He took me as his sole student. Before he saw the Jothi and left his gross physical body in 2007, he already gifted me all the merits of the years of austerities or Tavam or Tapas that he did as I revealed my selfish intent in helping him with his dream of building a temple. Just as Agathiyar saw the light and became it after he had selflessly provided food, lodging, and assistance to Lord Supramaniar in a previous birth, I too told him that this drove me to help him. Without a second thought, he passed on his merits telling me that one has to leave it all behind. I believe this skyrocketed me to where I am today. 

If I had gone looking for Supramania Swami earlier in 2003, 2005 was the year I was sent to Tavayogi Thangarsan Adigal who was in Malaysia to officiate an Agathiyar Peedham. My journey on the path that began after I took up the calling by Agathiyar in my Nadi reading in 2002, flourished under the guidance of Tavayogi. He broke me. He showed me to Agathiyar rather than have me worship and depend on him. He molded me. He had me drop my hold on a nine-gem and jewel studded ring, the mercury bead or Rasamani that I wore on me, the Rudraksha bead even before the thought came to my mind, and rosary and other amulets and all other accessories that one comes by in walking the spiritual path. He made me who I am today. He gave me what Agathiyar would later reveal as the biggest treasure. A set of Yoga practices that began to transform me both externally and internally in the years to come, without my knowledge of its mysterious working in me.

If the other centers in the name of Agathiyar carried on with the backing of senior devotees, Agathiyar sent youths in their late twenties and thirties to AVM in 2013 to learn the Siddha worship or puja. Soon he had us do charity too. My humble family home took on the name Agathiyar Vanam Malaysia (AVM) which came to be the talk of the town where we conducted regular puja and charity programs. 

Never did we anticipate that Agathiyar would deal a blow to it all at the height of these activities. Many years on in the wake of the pandemic in 2019 he would have me close this loose association of seekers and devotees and have them go their way giving them the tools and the means and the ways and the methods and the practice to carry it out in the safety of their home as the virus lurked outside our homes. Soon he had me reach out to my Self not before having me engage fully in the activities of the spiritual world that everyone else conducts too but sadly is caught in and remains in. Agathiyar had me wind up the group and AVM shut its doors. Those who were governed by their Ego were the worst hit and could not take the blow. They never came back. 

The years during the pandemic were spent in isolation and carrying out certain practices given by Agathiyar who began to come through other devotees in the absence of the Nadi readers who packed their bags and left for India. In the years post-pandemic, Agathiyar educated me further by creating insane, absurd, and unbelievable scenarios and staged numerous plays or divine Lila, from which I could experience and learn the good, bad, and ugly of life. 

Agathiyar told me the practice that Tavayogi gave me and several others in 2007 was a treasure house or Pokisam and a potent tool that activated the Muladhara without my knowing until after Agathiyar came to reveal in 2012 the reason I was having lower back pain for some 2 1/2 years. He told me to lay down the tool. When he asked me to go within giving me certain practices to adopt and follow beginning in September of 2019 and had me sleep in his prayer room the latent power that was the Kundalini aroused. Although the signs were there I could not correlate them with the awakening until Agathiyar came to describe them and confirm her movement. It sprang into action having me collapse thrice and wriggling in pain that surprisingly was blissful too. Later in 2022, he told me to pick up the practices that Tavayogi gave and that Agathiyar asked to put on hold. Just as he had the knot released and released me from the agony and pain in my lower back finally in 2012, Agathiyar this time gave a tug some two fingers below the navel and belly button that made me nauseous and numb all over. A swirling as in a whirlpool was sensed in the region of the belly. The next day I bore witness to what I presume was my own death as I watched my body go lifeless below the neck. I could narrate all that I was experiencing to my wife though. The next few days saw the rapid manner in which this energy traveled to what I presume were the other energy centers before it came to rest in the Sahasrara. But surprisingly none of these Chakras were lined up in a straight line as often depicted in diagrams, figures, and books. They were much way above and below and to the sides of the main axis that follows the spine. The energy seemed to briefly drop in on these centers before finding its resting place in the crown of the head. The swirling sensation akin to a whirlpool soon transformed into that which was alike the blooming or opening of numerous petals. I came to understand from him that as he saw these energies had begun to stagnate at the Manipuraka, he broke the banks of the pond and released Shakti to travel to her beloved Siva who came down to meet her at the palace of the 1000 petals in the crown of the head. He keeps reminding me not to sabotage his efforts in bringing me to where I am today by my actions for it would be a wasted effort if this energy were to fall back to its lower regions. 

What is it that we have come to learn from life? First, they take us through all that creation has to offer, having us engage with it fully, taking in its pleasures and also sorrows. We are told not to shut out, nor control the pleasures that Maya has created for our existence but asked to savor them for their full intensity though told never to get stuck or addicted to them for life. All these shall be seen as clothing or dressing and one has to be ready to drop them and move on or rather move within later in life. Finally, they bring us to realize it is all but a dream and Maya or an illusion before bringing us to the pure awareness of our existence or being in those sacred moments of silence. Though the external world is mysterious in many ways, the true mystery lies within, not in the organs and other gross and physical stuff, but in a timeless space whose precise location cannot possibly be pointed out. All that can be given as aids to reach this place are directions and directives, practices, and methods. One watching out for these signboards soon arrives at this spot. Internal experiences would help him identify and locate it. He shall know that he has arrived at his destiny. The Self knows it all. It knows that it has arrived home. It resides in the bliss that is its very nature. As one chapter comes to an end another begins. Today Agathiyar gave new life to AVM with Mahindren and his wife steering the group of kids bringing them to learn Siddha puja, Yoga, and Sangeetham for starters. The legacy lives on.

A BIG THANK YOU

What can I say? Readership has hit 9.07 K in the past week. It is pretty obvious that Agathiyar is the driving force behind this blog and its posts. Some gurus claim ownership of all the powers they exhibit. Instead, they should reveal that nothing moves without divine consent. When I was on the verge of falling in love with Tavayogi at first sight and later fell for him on his first visit to my home, he broke my heart. Although he broke my heart, he showed me to a bigger lover, Agathiyar instead. I am glad he jilted me. 

The human species is gifted with heightened pleasures of taste, sight, smell, sound, and touch. Those who push the paper pen like me and the priestly class can take up vegetarianism but not those in the workshops and construction industries for they need the strength and stamina to work. Live life but never forget the underlying existence beneath each birth that has come to gain experiences and learn from these for it has either desired them or is back to make good the wrongs. Very soon we shall come to realize that destiny is what our soul has in store for us but sadly our ego follows what is fated. Agathiyar often comes to bring us back on track to reach our destiny but the stubborn, confused, and arrogant ego often turns a deaf ear. Here is where he then faces the full effect of fate beyond return. 

Then again on the other hand, when my wife requested something on behalf of her parents, Agathiyar told her he had to get Lord Siva's consent. Agathiyar did not dish out any miracle. The Siddhas never do magic. If there is an avenue for a miracle to take place then it shall happen. One has to have sufficient merits and obtain his grace first to bring the desired change. They had to study the situation and consequences of bringing any change and study one's past karma before doing something about it. But at least they try rather than shutting all possibilities to bring a change as do heads of missions intent on following tradition or the masters doing. We are caught in the respect and honor that is given to these robes and standing in the public eye. When we look for others to praise us and garland us, Agathiyar asked me to stop praising him and garlanding his statue. Instead, he asked me to look within me for the Agathiyar in me. Sadly many of us adorn the robe of a guru, master, or head and choose to remain behind doing what comes to us easily carrying on the tradition not wanting to break the hold of Maya. 

The Siddhas came to know God's divine play. That is why they dismissed it all as Maya. They saw through the divine game. Ramalinga Adigal saw it all and dismissed all his earlier understanding. He was moved to worship the very source, giving it the name Arutperunjothi. They escaped the trap. And so it is their sincere wish to help others understand it all and escape, too. Tavayogi broke my hold on him even before it could develop further. Later Agathiyar did not even allow me to fall into the trap of a guru deciding the role was unnecessary. Instead, he offered to make me a Siddha. It brought to my mind the vision that Supramania Swami had seen back then. In telling me that he saw the Arunachala as a fiery mountain, he said he saw Siddhas, Rishis, and Munis go about their work too. Then he surprised me saying I was there too amidst them. A devotee had a dream just after Tavayogi passed away where she saw him being ferried across a waterway by Lord Siva himself. In the distance was a mountain and on it were  Siddhas, Rishis, and Munis going about their work. This is what Agathiyar and my gurus desire for me and to be my destiny. But I can easily screw up my life and fall into the hands of fate anytime by my actions and speech. Though I desire to pass away peacefully without becoming senile, losing my mobility, or being a burden to another, I could die in a road mishap, a freak accident, a disease, or in a catastrophe among many others. Even the greatest of saints suffered in their last days. Be ready to accept what comes our way if all our moves do not bring us where we desire to be or what we desire. It is then either his will or our fate in action.

SANGEETHAM CLASS

The New AVM hosted a Sangeetham class conducted by Vimala Shanmugam and Praba Shanmugam this morning. A small group of children and adults participated. This is the third class after the first, which covered Siddha puja, 

and the second, which taught Yoga. 

It was a day of fun, joy, and learning.

ACHARYA GURUDASAN

Acharya Gurudasan whom we lovingly call Master Gowri, is back in town. He is here to conduct an initiation course in Babaji's Kriya Yoga. He who left Malaysia in 2016 after working here for several years used to come back to conduct these classes, held this time over the weekend beginning today. Upon landing having rested for a while he came over to Agathiyar Vanam Malaysia (AVM) and conducted an abhisegam and spoke extensively about his favourite subject and his journey in pursuing it. 

Sri Gowri R Varadhan was introduced to us at AVM by Sri Balachander Aiya. Master Gowri used to speak at Satsangs organized by Sri Balachander for the local chapter of Babaji's Kriya Yoga. When we invited Gowri to teach yoga to members of AVM, he accepted readily and started a beautiful relationship between a master and his disciples. He has patiently conducted numerous classes for us.

Master Gowri was initiated as an Acharya on Sunday, March 6 2016 in Bangalore, conducted by Acharya Satyananda. Acharya Satyananda read a bio-sketch of Gurudasan from MG Satchidananda who originally initiated Gurudasan (Gowri) into Babaji's Kriya Yoga during the induction ceremony. 

"Born as Gowri Varadhan in Salem, Tamil Nadu (India), to parents Shri. Radhakrishnan and Shrimati. Kalavathi, Gowri obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Information Technology and works as an investigative data analyst. His study of spirituality began during his teen years when he was introduced to the writings of Swami Vivekananda and he grew especially drawn to the teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi and Seshadri Swamigal of Tiruvannamalai. Being from the Tamil culture, Gowri greatly appreciates the various Tamil Siddha traditions and their perspective potentials in the context of God Realization. He is also initiated into Sri Vidya Sadhana. Understanding Advaita through the eyes of Ramana, Gowri was able to also understand and appreciate other schools of philosophy such as Dvaita and Vishishta Advaita as different perspectives of the same truth."

"In the early 2000’s, Gowri found the Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahamsa Yogananda, which introduced him to Mahavatar Babaji and Kriya Yoga. This, along with Babaji and 18 Siddha Kriya Yoga Tradition, by Marshall Govindan convinced him that Kriya Yoga was a perfected, scientific and authentic lineage of teachings of the Yoga Siddhas available for mankind to attain Self-realization. He was initiated into Babaji’s Kriya Yoga by Marshall Govindan Satchidananda in the year 2008 and has been practicing ever since."

"In 2012, while living in Canada, he was initiated in all the 144 kriyas, which were taught in three initiations and also took the intensive Babaji’s Kriya Hatha Yoga Training at the Quebec Ashram. Gowri has been studying, practicing and training to be an acharya for many years. He has served as translator in a number of Kriya Yoga initiations in India for the benefit of Tamil speaking population not comfortable with English. He married in 2014, and he and his wife Kiran currently live in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He offers free Kriya Hatha Yoga classes every week there and leads Kriya Yoga Satsangs where group sadhana is practiced followed by discussions on spiritual matters."

"Gowri is deeply grateful for the support, guidance and encouragement received from MG Satchidananda ji, Durga ji, Satyananda ji, Nandi Devar, Vyasa and above all Sadhguru Babaji and Paramaguru Agasthiar. Gowri also feels the blessings of being born to parents who have supported him so whole-heartedly every moment of his life."

(Source: A post from Sadhana Yoga Shrushti.)

Currently, he works and lives in Kerala.

SHORT NOTES

I am wondering how something I wrote in a previous post was experienced and expressed by a reader who wrote in after reading it. I guess this is how the Prapanjam works. Tavayogi used to say that when he was extremely hungry once as the shops were closed for some reason that he did not elaborate on, a couple came with steaming food and offered it to him. When he was on the verge of collapsing on the steps to Sathuragiri out of hunger, an old man appeared from nowhere and offered him a piece of bun. He regained his strength and continued his hike up to the temple. When Asokhan was separated from his team and lost his way in the jungles leading to Sabari temple, a kid appeared from nowhere and guided him to a river and disappeared. From there a couple of elders who spoke Tamil led him to the temple grounds where they took a rest. Asokhan who wanted to repay their kindness began to massage the legs of the man. He was shocked to see a tail and stopped immediately. The man who addressed the lady as mother, left shortly with her. I believe their thoughts had reached out to the Prapanjam. Ramalinga Adigal taught us to raise our arms toward the sky and connect with her, during the numerous times he came. 

Just because we have Agathiyar or for that matter, the entire Prapanjam with us does not mean we are immune from diseases or spared or shall escape accidents. Tavayogi used to ask us not to pray to remove obstacles but to give us the strength to fight off or overcome them. He too was knocked down by a bus while riding his motorcycle. He recovered fully from his injuries with some assistance from a Siddha Physician after a couple of months. He accepted it as his Karma. The car in which a famed Sivachariyar traveled turned turtle just moments before I and my family crossed them. He broke his arm. My elder daughter broke her leg after a car hit her while traveling pillion. She was in a fiber cast for nine months. I am truly proud of her for being patient and letting nature do its work with some assistance through a procedure known as Autologous Conditioned Plasma (ACP) where three weekly intra-articular injections were administered as opposed to the need to operate and place a plate. My other daughter had to have surgery for her retina detachment. I am truly proud of her for being brave and believing in Agathiyar and the medical team. We both were warded for dengue fever too. My wife had to remove her gallbladder, upon the doctors' advice and Agathiyar's blessings. The Siddhas hastened the appointment for her procedure. A family who was involved in a head-on collision survived the horror. Though the mother and son had broken bones, they could walk and go back to work and attend school respectively. Though fate dealt them a blow when the tragedy took the life of her mother-in-law, I am truly proud of their faith in Agathiyar. So no one is spared. There is no escape from what is fated. What the Siddhas do is guide us to the right person who then treats us. They make it less troublesome and painless or reduce the pain and anxiety. They shorten the duration of our wait to get treatment. These are the benefits of having the Siddhas with us.

There is joy in taking a long walk. Our mind settles. The anger settles. Peace prevails. Being one with nature does wonders. There is joy in meeting a smiling face. It is contagious. There is joy in giving too. There is joy in feeding another. Before God screens our premier show upon dying it is best we run through the movie now while alive and make the necessary amendments, atone for our acts and stupidity, and pass on the edited version once the light in us goes out. Agathiyar in running us through our past karma does the same allowing us to make good the bad deeds done in earlier births. 

MUSIC HEALS

I watched the documentary on how music and singing could help those with Dementia today. 

Earlier we saw how, speaking about the magic of music in the YouTube series "Songs of the River", Shantanu Moitra learns that the singer Bombay Jayashri has been caring for children with autism for some 17, to 18 years, using music to heal their souls. Jayashri narrates how she came to care for them. Expecting the audience to sing words of praise as usual after one of her shows, she was taken aback when a kid walked up to her and told her repeatedly that she had sung wrong which hurt her. She came to know the next day from his mother that he had autism. True to what he had said when she received the recordings of the show later she saw the mistakes she had made without realizing it. She says that that boy Prakash that day actually cared for her performance. This changed her perception of many things she tells Shantanu. "Then one thing led to another. My student Abhinaya and I spoke about it." She told her student Abhinaya, "Maybe we could share music with children inclined towards music." They started visiting schools where they had special children and singing for them. She tells us that she has been doing it for about 17, to 18 years (at the time of the interview).

We also saw the documentary "America's Musical Journey" which spans the whole origin and evolvement of American music. Here too we are told that children with autism who have trouble connecting with anyone connect with music better than with people. "Music has a profound power. And today doctors are finding out that music is a powerful tool that helps kids with autism. Words are a challenge for children with autism. They often find music easier to understand because music is processed by a different region of the brain", narrates its host Morgan  Freeman.

Similarly, my daughter pointed out that those who stammer to speak, sing wonderfully though because they use a different part of their vocal cord. I told her that a short film covered the same. 

Agathiyar who was shown to us as God in the skies and heavens, crossed the bridge and came into our lives as a Guru lighting up the path. He was both Father and Mother caring for us with love and compassion before becoming our Companion on the journey. Now he is our beloved. A devotee and reader shared her favorite song that she would relate to Agathiyar. 

I too could relate Agathiyar to the lyrics and music of the following song.

Indeed music is known to pacify and calm us.

DOING HIS WILL

In all the chaos and turmoil, I feel a sense of peace. In all the inadequacy in the eyes of others, why do I feel complete and satisfied? If one moment I am angry and agitated at what goes on in society, the nation, and elsewhere, the next moment just as a breeze comes to cool us in the heat of the day, a peace and calmness that makes the breath still descends on me. So is it when watching a movie, the breath stills. What could that be? Meditation in action without the need to sit to meditate. Spontaneous meditation where the senses though occupied in an activity, bring their attention to the breath that is stilled. How amazing. It is truly a gift as I cannot bring myself to go beyond my attempt in sitting and trying. This has to be what Agathiyar mentioned as I need not do anything and the energy aroused in me shall do its work. Peace dwells all around me though there are brief moments of agitation and disturbances. Agathiyar had told me to bear with them in the initial years of my trying to sit to meditate. He told me that these trials and tribulations exist even if I were to head into the jungles to meditate. 

Nothing is my doing for sure. Agathiyar sees to it that it all falls into place at the right time. I asked Tavayogi why I came to the path only at 43 years of age and not earlier. He snubbed me as he would in the years of tutorship to him in the years to come, telling me to be grateful at least I came then. Going by what he said, many I believe never see this path in their lifetime. There was always a time for everything to take place I understand now. Why did Lord Siva come in a dream to stop my questions and have them put on hold till a later date that came some 14 years later when I understood the reasons for people's sufferings from my personal account of Karma revealed in my first Nadi reading in 2002? Why did some 15 candidates reject me until my present wife agreed to marry me? Why did my second daughter come after some nine years after our elder? Why did I drop taking meat, fish, and eggs overnight in 1998 and became a vegetarian after she was born, for no reason? Who can answer all these mysteries? There was always a time for each event to unfold which is a mystery indeed.

None of these words is mine. It just keeps coming to me as I begin to type them. I end up reading it again and again for it is a teaching for me too. It is as if Shanmugam Avadaiyappa has stepped aside and Agathiyar is writing these posts. What is happening now? How is this possible?

Sri Daya Mata writes in the Preface to "God Talks With Arjuna: The Bhagavad Gita", by Paramahansa Yogananda.

He was completely absorbed, completely at one with the truths he was perceiving within and expressing outwardly.

“I dictate scriptural interpretations and letters all day,” Paramahansaji wrote to a student during this period, “with eyes closed to the world, but open always in heaven.”

She writes in the Afterword.

One day, after many months of work on the Bhagavad Gita at the desert ashram, Paramahansa Yogananda was staying for a time at the Self-Realization Fellowship Hermitage by the ocean in Encinitas, California. It was nearly three o’clock in the morning; for many hours that night, he had been intensely concentrated on his Gita translation and commentary. Finally, he turned to the disciple who had been sitting silently nearby. 

“You have tonight been greatly blessed to witness the end of the work I came to fulfill. I have finished the Gita. That task was given to me, and I made a promise that I would write this Gita — and it is done. All the Great Ones [i.e., the SRF Gurus] have been here in this room tonight, and I have conversed with them in Spirit. My life now is conditioned by minutes, hours, days — maybe years, I don’t know; it is in Divine Mother’s hands. I am living only by Her grace.”

Years earlier, Sri Yukteswarji had told him: “You perceive all the truth of the Bhagavad Gita as you have heard the dialogue of Krishna and Arjuna as revealed to Vyasa. Go and give that revealed truth with your interpretations: a new scripture will be born.”

“I have written this Gita as it came to me,” he said, “as I was united in ecstasy with my great Gurus and the originators of the Bhagavad Gita. The Gita that has come through me belongs to them. And I know what my Master said: ‘A new Gita, hitherto only partially exposed through centuries in the many lights of various explanations, is coming out in its full effulgence to bathe all true devotees of the world.’”

(Source: Yogananda and the Bhagavad Gita)

Yogananda Paramahansa's "Autobiography of a Yogi" did make a great impact on a lot of people including me. He was the first to introduce me to so many masters and saints, whose stories he covered in his autobiography.

I remember in the days when Velayutham Karthikeyan Aiya used to pen his blog "Siththan Arul", we used to message each other on FB Messenger. He used to share many things that were not posted on his blog. One of them was how he was instructed to write the blog. He was instructed by Agathiyar to post every Thursday. He would sit before his computer in the early morning hours before dawn waiting for a subject to write on. He would then feel a divine presence and hear the sound of breathing. Agathiyar would stand by his side and dictate the post. 

Yogi Ramaiah and his partner V.T. Neelakantan too similarly had many visitations from Babaji dictating what to write and share. 

Devi Ma revealed how Ramalinga Adigal came as a brilliant light with a form. He offered his hands and hugged her. It is understandable that when we hug each other we feel the other and their limbs and body. But here the moment he hugged her she was in the light and Ramalinga Adigal was formless. There was no form of him. The moment she took a step back, he was there in the form and shining bright. 

How amazing. All these go beyond logic and understanding. There is obviously more than what we see, hear, touch, sense, taste, and smell. We shall never know until we step into the shoes of these great souls or arrive at the spot where they once stood. How many of us actually dig up the history of the temples before their visit? How many actually stop to remind themselves of the arch where the saints of the past had passed through and the corridors, sanctums, and temple grounds they treaded and on which we stand today?

And so when I traveled to India in 2016 with the AVM members I took them to the Uthiyur hills on the long and winding path that Tavayogi took me on instead of a shorter path that some in the group had used earlier. It brought back fond memories to be to walking the path that my guru Tavayogi had walked and bringing others on the path too. 

As I am drafting this post a devotee of Agathiyar and a friend and part of the AVM family writes to me the following.

Vannakam aiya. OMG aiya, today's post "seeking eternal bliss" resonates 100%. The pleasure (with god), the pain, the weeds, suffocating, suffering, seeking safety perhaps a cave, endangered species, fighting for survival, harsh reality indeed. Aiya in the horrendous cage I am currently in (my reality which you wrote about), I  find so much peace and solace in the things and people you write about...my heart bursts with joy...sometimes even tears. You were instrumental in my journey aiya...father came through you to bring me on the path back to him, you, and swami (Tavayogi). 

What can I say further if it isn't Agathiyar's hand at work behind me? Agathiyar has chosen to bring solace and comfort to his devotees through these writings. I am but a tool only. After posting this, I messaged her "I shall be the first to read it."

SEEKING ETERNAL BLISS

Once you know the truth, you realize that you have become helpless for the weeds have spread so fast and deep in this world and it has gone beyond our ability to keep pace with weeding them. We need a larger measure or action to eradicate these weeds. It was unimportant to us when we were amongst the weeds. But as the seed was sown and it grew, and it had a clearer view of the grassland ahead, it could now see to some distance. Can it stay clear of the onslaught of the weeds or shall it perish in its hands? Likewise, the onslaught of speech and action is affecting this soul. It fears to leave the confined space as in its mother's womb once, in which it finds solace, calm, and peace. It is coped up in the safety of its cocoon. What brightens its day is the ongoing conversation it has with its God, Guru, Father, Mother, and now lifelong Companion. It is because of his love that this soul still lives to see the light of the day. Once in a while comes a soul calling on it, or over the phone, who brightens up the day for they share the same yearning. An hour passes in joy speaking about the divine energy that sustains them to this day. They share their love for him. 

Seeing him and feeling him in the tender touch and smile of a child, the babbling and later astounding things they say and share. He sees and feels him in the animal that wags its tail upon coming up to him asking him to give it a pet. He sees and feels him in the exhilarating breeze that blows across his face. He sees him in the aroma and taste of food prepared with love and care. He sees and feels him in the sound and music that reach his ears. The divine is in all of this. 

Then the next moment all these vanishes and he is back in this harsh reality. He needs to escape from the horrific sights and sounds that are encroaching, enveloping, and suffocating him. He has become an endangered species. Where does he find this place that is safe, sound, and healthy for his continued survival? He turns to the divine to be at his side and change the entire surroundings to accommodate this soul and for its continued existence. He prays that many more shall find their way here to this paradise.

He soon finds out that when the senses go out he loses his peace. In shutting them he shuts the outside world too. The peace stays within. But how do we go within? It is much more difficult than walking through a jungle I believe. Man who has accomplished much might not be able to accomplish this. I speak for myself. But I still pursue trying. Some day I shall step into that region and state of continuous bliss too I believe.

THE SEED

The guru comes to plant the seed and moves on or we come to the guru and having the seed planted in us are sent away. Only then can we grow. If we are under the shadow of the guru or shade of the tree we shall never grow. We can never gain experiences and learning that we can call our own. We shall forever be a servant to the guru. Agathiyar and Tavayogi are gurus who want us to explore and develop independently. They just give us the tricks of the traits and expect us to fish, never giving us the fish. But we come to them wishing for the fish. It does not happen that way. 

It is quite apparent that Agathiyar is working on several souls concurrently to take the role of guru and preach the way of the Siddhas throughout the globe. He has made known potential souls around the globe. It is just a matter of time before they are exposed. I am looking forward to this day.

Agathiyar told me that he needed to spread his teachings and the way, hence he had Tavayogi step out of his Kallar Ashram and make his maiden journey across the ocean to Malaysia in 2005 to preach the same. I became Tavayogi's student and followed all that was taught to me. Agathiyar now wants the preaching to continue in the absence of Tavayogi.

He tells me the reason too.

"Because we have to spread these. You have seen the bliss for generations right? Should not others see this too? It will end with you. Who shall then come? It will die away. It shall end with you. Who next? Do you understand? Should not others too see the bliss that you saw?"  If you want to do me a favor spread this path in this soil. It would be a big favor. The doors to Gnana shall open. This (AVM) is not a burden. It shows the way to Siddhahood. The reason we are reopening it is to relieve others' burden. A soul that has attained clarity has to help another. This path should stay alive and reach its zenith. Not to praise me (but) for your (the souls') good. Pass on the wisdom or Gnanam (to others). And sharing one's wisdom or Gnanam (gained from experiences). Do not keep it within you. You shall lose it eventually. You have been in touch with me for crores and crores of births. You have accumulated the bits of Gnanam gained throughout these births."

ஏன் என்றால்,  இவை பரப்ப வேண்டும். தலை முறை தலை முறையாக நீ இன்பம் கண்டாய் அல்லவா? பிறர் காண வேண்டாமா? உன்னோடு போய்விடும். பின்னர் யார் வருவார்? அழிந்துவிடும். உன்னோடு முடிந்துவிடும். பிறகு யார்? புரிகிறதா? நீ கண்ட இன்பம் யாவரும் காண வேண்டாமா? இனிமேல் இங்கே ஞான கதவுகள் திறக்கப்படும். இது சுமை அல்ல. அனைவருக்கும் மார்க்கத்தைக் காட்டுவது. சுமையை இறக்கத் தான் இதைத் திறக்கிறோம். தெளிவு பெற்ற ஆன்மா இன்னொரு ஆன்மாவைத் தெளிவு படுத்துகிறது. இந்த வழி தழைத்து ஓங்க வேண்டும். என் புகழ் பாட அல்ல. உங்கள் நன்மைக்கு. எனக்கு செய்யும் தொண்டு என்று ஒன்று இருந்தால் இம்மண்ணில் இம் மார்க்கத்தை பரப்புங்கள். இதுவே எனக்கு செய்யும் பெரும் தொண்டு. பெரும் தொண்டு இதுவாகவே இருக்கும். ஞானத்தை அளியுங்கள். மற்றவர்களுக்கு  ஞானம் பயிலுங்கள். உன்னுள் அடக்கிவைத்து கொள்ளாதே. அது வீண் போகி விடும். கோடி கோடி பிறவி நீ என்னுள் தொடர்பு கொண்டு உள்ளாய். (ஒரு கோடி என்பது, எண்ணிக்கையில் நூறு இலட்சங்களுக்கு சமமாகும்) நீ அதில் பெற்ற சிறிது சிறிது ஞானம் பெருகி உள்ளது.

He spoke on the role of a guru and a student.

"A disciple has to be like a camphor. He should not dispute the guru's speech. He gives no reason. There is humility. There is a manner for even questioning. Divide your time wisely between your family, work, and for me. You should come together as couples into worship. You should travel as a couple. You won't end up cuckoo worshiping a Siddha. You shall gain divine and spiritual wisdom or Gnanam. No one needs to go to the jungles (to meditate). You can see all that is to see by merely sitting where you are. Be greedy for divine wisdom or Gnanam. I shall salute you. They shall keep it (Gnanam) within themselves and take it to their graves. Is this the reason I taught them? If I had not taught them, they would not come this far. There is much Gnanam to be gained in a married life. Much Gnanam shall dawn. You will understand when you come to experience them. Be an example to others." 

ஒரு கலையை ஒருத்தருக்கு ஒரு குரு கற்பித்த பிறகு, அவனுடைய தர்மம் அக்கலையைப் பரப்ப வேண்டும். அவனுள் தேக்கி வைப்பது குரு துரோகம். ஒரு குருவின் பனி ஞானம் தருவது. மாணவன் என்பவன் கற்பூரம் போல் இருக்க வேண்டும். குரு பேச்சுக்கு எதிர் பேச்சு இருக்க கூடாது. மறு பேச்சு இல்லை. காரணம் கூற கூடாது. பணிவு உண்டு. அதற்கு என்று முறை உண்டு. இருவரும் ஒன்று இணைந்து தம்பதிகளாகவே வணங்க வேண்டும். தம்பதிகளாக பயணிக்க வேண்டும். சித்தனை வழிபட்டால் பித்தனாய் ஆகமாடிர். ஞானம்  பெறுவீர். யாரும் வனத்திற்கு செல்ல வேண்டாம். இருந்த இடத்திலே அனைத்தையும் காணலாம். பேர் ஆசைப் படுகிறீர்கள். ஞானத்திற்குப் பேராசை படுங்கள். கை கூப்பி வணங்குகிறேன். உங்களில் தேக்கிவைத்து மடிந்து விடுகிறீர்கள். இதற்காகவா நான் போதித்தேன் அதை? நான் போதிக்காமலிருந்தால் நீங்கள் இவ்வளவு கடந்து வந்திருக்க மாட்டீர்கள். மண வாழ்க்கையில் பல ஞானம் உண்டு. அதிக ஞானம் பிறகும். அந்த அனுபவம் வரும் பொழுது உணர்வீர்கள். மக்களுக்கு உதாரணமாக இருங்கள். 

He speaks about our relationship with God too.

"Siddha's path and worship are to be natural in all manners. Experience is Gnanam. You can talk to God. We listen pretty well. God is in all. Once the doors to Gnanam are opened all shall realize this. Today I come through my devotees. Is there any other better means to convey the message clearly? Does anyone do this? When one reaches God, he shall realize that he is God himself. That is the reason the enlightened ones or Gnani remain in seclusion and silence. A Siddha comes to deliver Gnanam. There is rebirth as long as you do not go within. The cycle of birth shall come to a close when you go within. This is dispensing Gnanam. When you quiet down, Gnanam arises in you."

சித்தன் வழிபாடு என்றால் இந்த இயற்கையோடு ஒன்றோடு கலப்பது. அனுபவம் தான் ஞானம். உரையாடலாம் இறைவனிடம். நாங்கள் நன்றாக கேட்கிறோம். நேரத்தை வகுத்து வைத்துக்கொள். குடும்பம், தொழில், எனக்கு ஒரு நிமிடம். அனைத்துள்ளும் இறைவன் உள்ளான். ஞான கதவுகள் திறந்த பின்னர் யாவரும் உணர்வார். இன்று நான் உடலிலிருந்து அளிக்கும் தெளிவு விட வேறு உண்டோ? இது போல் யாரும் போதித்தது உண்டோ? இறைவனை அடைந்த பொழுது, தான் இறைவன் என்று உணர்வான். அதனால் தான் ஞானிகள் மௌனத்தில் செல்கிறார்கள். நீ மௌனம் கொள்ளும் பொழுது உன்னுள் ஞானம் வரும். சித்தன் வருவது ஞானத்தைப் போதிப்பதற்கு. உள்நோக்கி பயணிக்கும் வரை, பிறப்பு எடுகிறார்கள். எப்போது உள் நோக்கிப் பயணிக்கிறார்களோ அப்பொழுது முடிவடையும். இதுதான் ஞான போதனை. 

So he puts us through the grinding mortar or machine to see how we fair. Some survive to tell their tale while others perish. Life is a battle for many. It brings on experiences and with it learning. Take it in your stride. Take the pulp and throw the seed. Do not go looking for the cause of every action, you shall not have peace of mind. Neither should you go looking for trouble for you shall have sleepless nights then. Live life as it comes to you. Take the hand of whichever God you prefer for guidance, not to pray to remove the obstacles but to give us the strength to walk past them.

BECOMING A CHILD AGAIN

When I shared my desire to become Light with my then 4-year-old granddaughter back in 2021, she replied she did not want that but instead wanted to remain a child forever. She is so right. Poet Kannadhasan wrote the following lyrics mentioning that he wished to forever be a child too, இன்னொரு பிறவி நான் எடுத்தால் என்றும் குழந்தையாய் வாழ விடு.

We are forever chasing dreams. Even the spiritually inclined too just like the materialist seems to do so. It is a never-ending chain of dreams, ambitions, desires, wants and likes. In doing so the grown-up has outgrown his inherent child-like nature and connection with nature, God, and Prapanjam. One who learns to observe a child reconnects with his source. Sadly an adult cannot bring himself to the level of a playful child getting on all fours and giving them an elephant ride or playing silly games. He puts on several masks that do not include that of a child. 

My grandchildren spent a couple of days with us. It was fun to have them around. One cannot fail to observe the amount of energy they have that drives them to continuously engage in play. We tend to wonder why our carefully planned nutritious diet cannot sustain us through the day. Are they tapping the energy from the Prapanjam, the energy source? Have we lost touch with our source? The Atma that was connected to the ParamAtma by a thin thread eventually is disconnected as the child begins to adapt himself or herself to a world of adults, taking on their thoughts and speech, desires, wants, likes, and dislikes, becoming a clone. He or she loses his or her innocence and purity. Henry Wei in his book “The Guiding Light of Lao Tzu”, Synergy Books International, writes that both Lao Tzu and Jesus consider reversion to the state of a child as necessary for salvation for entrance into the kingdom of heaven. In the eyes of Lao Tzu, “the infant with its pristine purity and innocence is the perfect symbol of Tao itself.”

If the Tatvas are the building blocks of the vehicle or body, energy is the fuel that drives it, and the Atma is the passenger, thrown in the boot, at least for a large period, until the realization of the higher being or ParamAtma dawns, bringing the Ego to its heels and giving the Atma or JeevAtma the freedom to take over the wheel and steer towards the source or Light. Agathiyar says of the soul or Atma that it keeps both the body or Udal and breath or Uyir under its control in a secretive, subtle manner. This subtlety stays from 1 to 5 Varagai with the child before it's veiled. "I cannot tell you the reason for it to be veiled now. Nevertheless, the Atma will return unto him depending on his actions."

ஆன்மா உடலையும் உயிரையும் தனது கட்டுப்பாட்டுக்குள் வைத்துக் கொள்ளும் ஒரு சூச்சமம். இந்தச் சூச்சமத்தை பிறந்த குழந்தைகள் 1  முதல் 5 வராகை வரையிலும் உடன் இருந்து மறையும். மறைத்தலின் காரணம் இன்னதென்று இப்போது உனக்குச் சொல்ல இயலாது. ஆனபோதிலும் ஆன்ம ஒருவரின் செயலைப் பொறுத்தே மீண்டும் அவனை வந்து சேரும். 

From https://mentalhealthdaily.com/ we learn of delta waves. "These are the slowest recorded brain waves in human beings. They are found most often in infants as well as young children." Ervin Laszlo in bringing us an insight into the mind of the child tells us, "Young children up to the age of 4 or 5 are permanently in the open region of activity, alpha region or theta region. Children are in that region until they are 8 or 9 years old."

From https://mentalhealthdaily.com/2014/04/15/5-types-of-brain-waves-frequencies-gamma-beta-alpha-theta-delta/ we learn further that 

"Throughout the day in your waking state, your EEG will display all 5 types of brain waves at the same time.  However, one particular brain wave will be dominant depending on the state of consciousness that you are in."

"The Delta Waves are the slowest recorded brain waves in human beings. They are found most often in infants as well as young children. The Theta Waves is involved in daydreaming and sleep. Theta waves are connected to us experiencing and feeling deep and raw emotions. The Alpha Waves bridges the gap between our conscious thinking and subconscious mind. In other words, alpha is the frequency range between beta and theta. The Beta Waves are known as high-frequency low amplitude brain waves that are commonly observed while we are awake. They are involved in conscious thought and logical thinking, .. The Gamma Waves are involved in higher processing tasks as well as cognitive functioning. Gamma waves are important for learning, memory, and information processing."

From http://www1.cbn.com/Devotions/being-a-child, we learn to take a step at being a child again.

Imagine being like a little child again and believing everything you hear. There is something so wonderful about that trusting, open-hearted naivete that God loves. The more I have grown up, the more I realize that maturity in Christ is all about “growing down.” It is about becoming a child again. Not being childish but being childlike in our ways and our thinking.

Mary Jo Rapini experienced a divine encounter with God. She says, 

"God was holding me and he said "It's not your time" and I was so disappointed because I wanted to be there with him. And very different from what I ever expected the love was not human and comparing it to human love would be plastic like a credit card whereas this was really deep."

"He said let me ask you one thing, "Have you ever loved anyone the way you've been loved here?" I said "No, that's impossible I am a human", just to remind God of my humanness and then the sensation was a closer hold from God and he said, "You can do better".

I guess the reason we have come to take numerous births, as in my case crores of births according to Agathiyar is to learn to love and do better each time. It is to learn to forgive. The movie "Meiyazhagan" teaches us to forgive. The saints come to teach us to emulate them and show compassion. Like Supramania Swami said we shall polish and polish, coming back taking numerous more births, till we glow like these saints.