10th World Saiva Conference

Redeem millions from violence and lead to international peace

M. Kathirgamanathan, Secretary, World Saiva Council (Sri Lanka)

CONFERENCE: The 10th World Saiva Conference was held at Sydney Murugan Temple (Tamil Educational and Cultural Hall) recently.

In fact, more than thousand delegates from the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, France, India, Malaysia, Mauritius, Singapore, South Africa and Sri Lanka participated at this conference and contributed immensely in order to bring about a renaissance in Saivism in the context of the 20th century challenges by the implementation of well thought out action plans both long-term and short-term.

The World Saiva Council was established on 29.2.1992 and it is the international educational arm of the London Meikandhar, Aadheenam, the UK and has branches in countries where there is sizable Saivite population.

More than thirty-six delegates from Sri Lanka headed by Mr. K. Thayaparan, Secretary-General of the World Saiva Council and president of the WSC (Sri Lanka) attended this historical and memorable conference.

In the final day of the conference the trustee of Colombo Mayurapathy Bathrakali Amman Temple Mr. Pon Vallipuram, president of the Colombo Women's Hindu Association Mrs. Yamuna Ganeshalingam, Dr. Arasakone, Dr. M. Kathirgamanathan and M. Thambirajah were felicitated for their tremendous achievements in their respective fields.

The World Saiva Council President and Chief Executive Yogananda Adikalar (Meikandaar Aatheenam) inaugurated the conference with the hoisting of Nandhi Flag which symbolizes Dharma. Further, this august assembly was greatly attended by Thirupperunthiru Santhalinga Ramasamy Adikal, Srilasri Somasundara Thesika Gnanasampantha Paramachchariya Swamigal (Nallai Aatheenam) and several other spiritual leaders.

Peace and prosperity are the prerogatives of human beings. In fact, all over the world religions must bring forth inner tranquillity and outer peace. Aiming at peace involves not only averting violence but also subjugating covert violence.

Though we have to eliminate social evils such as exploitation, corruption, injustice and inequality which are menace to human development, we have to fight with the psychic evils which hampers the growth of individual personality.

Only when the individual leads a calm and controlled life both internally and externally, we can think of a world order. Indeed, Saivism, as a religion, will bring forth peace and harmony.

Saivism, though contains rich devotional literature and vast philosophical texts in Tamil language, is a religion par excellence since its message is for the mankind. Besides, parochialism, authoritarianism, ego-centrism are unknown to Saiva Saints and Sages.

Indeed the ultimate goal of life is to relinquish the life of earthly pleasures and elevate oneself to the level of Divine perfection and enjoy the unallayed bliss of Siva by becoming one with Him.

This unity and oneness alone will make the person realise the essential unity of all living species. This is the unique contribution of Saivism to the world. Further, one of the cardinal principles of Saivism is the belief that there is a spark of the Divine in every person. Each individual encapsulates the Atman or the soul which is intrinsically Divine.

"You and I are one because we are of the same Divine source, is the Upanishadic teaching. If one accepts this cardinal principle then there cannot be any distinction on the basis of caste, creed, gender or language. Equality of persons is ensured by this spiritual bond.

In this 10th World Saiva Conference several delegates spoke on the greatness of Saivism and also released a souvenir consisting of several articles written by international and Sri Lankan Tamil scholars.

In fact, the present day world is confronted with economic instability, social disturbances, racial discriminations, political

turmoil, linguistic fanaticism, regional prejudices, national turbulences. As such the panacea for all human woes and afflictions lies in realising for oneself totally and simultaneously the supreme reality, the guiding spirit and the inner controller. To achieve this ultimate goal of life the philosophy of Saivism suggests valuable means.

The great saints and sages have painted out that there is no religion above Saivism since it is claimed to be universal. It also recognises the four paths namely Saria, Kiria, Yogam and Jnanam for the attainment of true love and service.

Undoubtedly, to a world lost in error, beset by illusions of time, weighed down by perplexities, trials, tribulations, conflicts and contradictions, Saivism is a religion which can redeem millions from violence and tension.