Hinduism
World Saiva Council stands for progress and welfare
Kalabhooshanam Chelvatamby Maniccavasagar
The World Saiva Council (Sri Lanka branch) held a seminar at
Wellawatte Ramakrishna Mission hall, Colombo - 6 recently.
Pon Vallipuram, Trustee of Mayurapathy Bathrakali Amman
Devasthanam hoisting the Nanthy flag. President of the World
Saiva Council (Sri Lanka branch) K. Thayapasan, Dr. M.
Kathirgamanathan, Secretary of the WSC (Sri Lanka Branch) and
“Vidaikody Chelvas” Sinnadurai Dhanabalan look on. |
It was presided over by K. Thayaparan, President of the World Saiva
Council (Sri Lanka Branch) on this occasion Dr. K. Somasundaram,
Consultant of the National Institute of Education, Nithyawathy
Nithyanandan, Research Officer of the Department of Hindu Religious and
Cultural Affairs, Pon Vallipuram, Trustee of the Mayurapathy Bathrakali
Amman Thevasthanam, A.R. Surenthiran, President's Counsel and President
of the Vivekananda Society, Dr. K. Nageswaran, Senior Lecturer of the
University of Sabaragamuwa, M. Shanmuganathan, Assistant Director of the
Department of Hindu Religions and Cultural Affairs, "Vidaikody Chelvas"
Sinnadurai Dhanabalaa, K. Mahananthan, former Secretary of the Ministry
of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs addressed the gathering
pertaining to several subjects with the view to promote Saivism and
Saivasiddhanta philosophy for the progress and welfare of the Saiva
community not only in Sri Lanka but throughout the world.
Dr. M. Kathirgamanathan, an indefatigable Secretary or the World
Saiva Council (Sri Lanka Branch) made elaborate arrangement for the
success of this seminar.
Being born in this world of material pursuits, the Divine purpose of
life is often forgotten and needs to be constantly reminded of the
original purpose and path. Inforactical terms when we do not lead a life
of spiritual pursuit, then we are merely prolonging the sufferings by
choosing to remain in a life of ignorance.
Therefore, in addition to fulfilling our responsibilities, one should
also be constantly involved in the quest for God's grace by performing
our duty righteously, reading spiritual literature, spiritual
discussions, doing service and most importantly reflecting upon life's
experience and constantly seeking His grace for illumination.
K. Thayaparan, President of the World Saiva Council (Sri Lanka
Branch) addressing. |
Dhanabalaa, Vice-President of the World Saiva Council (Sri Lanka
Branch) who addressed the gathering on "hoisting of Nanthy flag on Maha
Sivarathri Day said that Nanthy flag symbolises Lord Shiva or Dharma. He
further said that Saivites from time immemorial were told to govern
their lives by the Norms of Dharma which comprehends all the excellences
which make for an ideal humanity. In fact, the hoisting of Nanthy flags
in temples, religious organisations, schools and working places will
definitely make everyone to receive the Divine blessings of Lord Shiva.
As such, the hoisting of the Nanthy flags particularly on Maha
Sivarathri Day will undoubtedly bring all the religions of the universe
under on umbrella for peace and prosperity.
Pon Vallipuram, Trustee of Mayurapathy Bathrakali Amman Devasthanam
emphasised that Social service is of paramount importance on the part of
the temple authorities. It is through social service only we will be
able to receive the Divine blessings of Almighty God. That was the only
reason the great "Swami Vivekananda" said that before flooding India
with political ideas, it is better to deluge the land with social,
cultural, artistic and spiritual ideas. Vallipuram further said, that
Hindu Araneri Schools are rendering yeoman service to the children by
way of teaching religious ideas and Dharma which are very essential for
the moral, spiritual and physical development of the child.
Mrs. Nithyawathy Nithiyanandam, Research Officer of the Department of
Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs explained very clearly the
development and promotion of Saiva Religion in Sri Lanka (Ceylon) and
the great scholars who sacrificed their life for the spread of Saivism
in Sri Lanka. She explained even great Sinhala kings were very much
involved in the promotion and propagating of Saivism in Sri Lanka and
they gave due place for all the religions of the country. These kings
were highly respected and held in high esteem by the people since they
believed in Dharmic way of life.
A.R. Surenthiran, President's Counsel and President of Vivekananda
Society explained in detail the laws and regulations pertaining to the
Temple administration. Indeed, he enlightened the audience on the laws
governing the administration of the Temples which was greatly
appreciated by everyone. Dr. K. Nageswaran, spoke "whether Archanai
could be done in Tamil?" He said that it could be done in any language
as long as it is done with devotion. He quoted various examples to clear
the doubts of the devotees.
The seminar was of great success since the World Saiva Council stands
for the truch that pati, pasu, pasam are eternal and uncreated. It also
emphasised that all over the world that saivites should come together to
bring about the renaissance in Saivism, so that it is suitable to the
modern world.
U n d e r s t a n d i n g H i n d u i s m - 9
Is Life an Illusion, Dream?
K.S. Sivakumaran
Iam trying my best to the best of my understanding to explain the
non-Hindus certain essentials of the great religion Hinduism.
Hinduism, as we know could be broadly divided into two categories.:
Vedantam and Siddantham, as they call in Thamil. Most South Indians and
Lankans and others in other countries belonging to the Thamil community
are Saiva Siddanthis.
The major six sects as pronounced in Hinduism are: Saivam ( those who
worship Siva), Vaishnavam (Vishnu), Saaktham ( Shakthi), Ganapathiyam (Ganesh
or Pillayaar), Kaumaaram ( Kumaran or Murugan or Kanthasamy or
Subramanian), Chauram (Choorian). There other minor deities in Hinduism
like Lakshmi, Saraswathi and others.
Most of us belong to either one religion or the other. We try to be
religious people, but only a few are truly religious. We cannot expect a
person who is worldly in living to be genuinely religious. I for I could
not afford to be wholly religious.It would be suicidal. I have no
alternative but to ignore the society and lead a life without conflict
within me and without it.
But all religions preach morality and ethics. They say renunciation
in and out is absolutely necessary. Is it possible for all? But sages
have succeeded in this sphere.
First of all internal renunciation is essential. If that happens it
would be automatically reflected externally. External renunciation
without internal renunciation would breed hypocrisy. It will not serve
any purpose. However, the more we renounce, the less bondage we have.
All bondage hangs on Ego. If we drop the ego, every conflict ceases.
We then lead a natural and contended life facing and solving problems
as they appear. To the person who has renounced there is hardly any
problem to solve. Problems crop up only when there is dual feeling
depending on a past and future. When that feeling is completely absent
incidents become incidents only.
To the truly religious person there is no past or future. It is the
present that matters. Such a person will only be a witness unaffected by
any kind of event. Enjoying a sunset or even starving for a day will not
have lasting impression on his mind.
Let's digress for a moment.
We are responsible for the evils in the society. We suffer on account
of them. All imaginable evils are embedded in the very society we
create. In another level, from birth to death life is an eternal
conflict for all of us. Conflict in mind and conflict in the material
world. We deceive ourselves and the world at large.
It is a life of hypocrisy. If we are not prepared to reform
ourselves, it is impossible to reform the evil society. This society is
making impossible demands on us. The more particular a so-called
civilised society is the more evil are the people living in it. Even
when people know this, they do not have the moral courage to denounce or
condemn it. What does the practical person does? He condones everything
that is evil.
The practical person and the religious person remain unaffected by
all that we call good or evil. He finds no meaning in heaven, hell,
karma, rebirth and all that we are frightened of. Such persons think
that what happens around them are really wishful projections of their
own minds. A religious person continues existence as an individual
without any reality for him.
According to the Hindu, this is Maya (Illusion). But what is Maya? It
is primarily ignorance, a mist, a darkness, an illusion - one thing
appearing as another.
Once the source of every phenomenon is 'realised' he feels that there
is no purpose of studying the phenomenon in all details.
The Hindus claim that they have traced the appearance of everything
to one source. They call that Bramam. They have labeled the mind also as
a Matter. The only difference it has with other materials is that the
mind is finer.
Persons can identify themselves with their bodies, minds, souls and
yet transcend all the three stages of life when they could be
practically 'quality-less'
It is the identification with qualities that brings bondage. The
realisation that a person is none of these see them 'free'
The world and all its fascination hide the reality. But this
'Reality' disappear when the person is 'realised' or awakened.
That is why the sages called this life a ' Dream'. In a dream, do we
not perceive without eyes, hear without ears, speak without a mouth
enjoy, suffer without a body? Further do we not doubt, question, judge
and answer in a dream? Similarly life is a dream. And death is like a
slumber. So said the sages.
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Hindu Saints and the Bakthi Cult - 8 Vaishnava Saints
There are about 12 Vaishnava Saints who are referred to as Aalvars.
They are: (1) Poihaiyar, (2) Poothathar, (3) Peyar, (4) Thirumalisaiyar,
(5) Kulasekara Perumal, (6) Vittusithar, (7) Kothai Nachchiyar, (8)
Thondaradi Podiyar, (9) Thirupanar, (10) Thirumangai Mannar, (11)
Sadagopar, and (12) Madurakavi.
The subcontinent at that era boasted of seven leading cities, namely
(1) Ayodya, (2) Madurai, (3) Mayay, (4) Kasi, (5) Kanchi, (6) Avanthigai,
and (7) Dwarakay. Of these Kanchi was an exceptionally beautiful and
well developed city.
There were Siva temples and Vaishnava temples in Kanchi. Among the
Vaishnava temples was a holy shrine called Thiruvaha pond.
The Vaishnava saint Poothathar also manifested himself in a flower
called Kurukuththi flower. He grew up to be a highly learned persons,
but above all he renounced worldly life and spent all his time on
meditating on Lord Vishnu. He sings that his one purpose in life was to
serve God.
Peyar was another Vaishnava saint who is said to have manifested
himself in a blue lotus that was found in a well near a Vishnu temple.
Like the former two Vaishnava saints Peyar too was well versed in
studies. His heart was full of devotion for Lord Vishnu. He would think
of Lord Vishnu and shed tears of deep devotion. He was crazy over Lord
Vishnu. So he called himself Pitha (lunatic) and Peya (fool). He would
sing the praise of Lord Vishnu and dance in ecstasy.
It so happened, the three saints went each one on his own to a sacred
place called Thirukoviloor. At dusk, tired out after singing and
dancing, Poihaiyar went to a pilgrim's rest and slept in a narrow
corridor. Poothathar followed next. He also came to the same place and
requested for a little space for him to rest. For which Poihaiyar said,
"Swami, in this place only one can sleep, but two can sit. Let us sit."
So both of them sat down. The third saint Peyar also entered the resting
place and begged for a little space.
Poihaiyar said, "Swami, one can sleep, two can sit, if there are
three they can stand." So the three of them stood in that little space.
They got to know each other and were pleased to note they were all
ardent devotees of Lord Vishnu. Just then by the will of Lord Vishnu
there was a heavy rain, and Lord Vishnu too unseen by them joined them
making the place congested. The three saints didn't understand why it
was so uncomfortable.
They felt a fourth person there. The saints with their ghana tried to
find out the reason. To their great joy and happiness they saw before
them Lord Vishnu in all his glory. They forgot themselves and sang songs
in praise of Lord Vishnu. Their joy was boundless. In their ecstatic
state they kept singing and posey gushed out like an unceasing cascade.
Each one sang 100 songs. These songs are referred to as Pasarams sung on
Lord Vishnu.
Thirumangai Mannar
As the name suggests the fourth of the Vaishnava saints was a king.
There was in Chola country a young couple called Allinadar and his wife
Vallithiru. Allinadar was the commander of the Chola Army.
In due course a son was born to them. The parents named him Neelan.
From the time he was five years old, Neelan's father took unto himself
to educate him. He excelled in studies and also in the marshal arts. The
king having heard of his powers got him down and made him chief of one
of the army brigade.
There was at that time a pulavar - poet who had beaten all other
poets in his talent for composing poems and was ready to challenge any
other poet. Neelan with his deep knowledge of the Tamil language took up
the challenge and by his beautiful poems defeated him.
The old poet denounced his title as the leading poet in favour of
Neelan. The king too rewarded Neelan, for his poetic victory.
The Chola king was so taken up by Neelan's courage, and other
abilities that he gave one of his states Alli Nadu to him and made him
king. Neelan was of course a vassal to the Chola king.
Meanwhile a celestial nymph called "Sumankalai" was out with her
friends around the Himalayas. At open place Sage Kapilar was teaching
his disciples about Lord Vishnu. One of the disciples was of a freakish
build that "Sumankalai" laughed at him. Sage Kapilar was annoyed and
cursed her to be born a mortal and marry a man on earth. Sumankalai
begged him to forgive her. The Sage replied, "Do not take this as a
curse. A very good thing will happen by your being born on earth."
This beautiful woman with her celestial companions was bathing in a
pond and see ing a beautiful blue lotus stopped to admire it. Her
companions left Sumangalai who took the form of an infant and lay on the
blue lotus. She was found by a physi cian who took her home to his wife.
He thought it was a gift from God to him and his wife who were
childless. They called her Kumudavalli as she was found on the Kumudam
flower.
When she came of age, the parents wanted to get her settled. They
expressed their desire to her. She replied, "Father I'll reveal the
secret of my birth to you." She then proceeded to relate how she came to
be on a flower. Kapilar had told her one Parakalan (who was no other
than Nelson) would seek her hand in marriage. Then Kumudavalli should
agree to marry on two conditions. One is that Parakala should become a
Vishnu devotee and secondly daily he should feed a thousand Vishnu
devotees. "He will himself come to you", said Kumudavalli.
While this was happening in the physicians household, people who
heard of this young maiden have told Parakalar about her beauty and
sweet nature and suggested he should marry her. And Parakalar set out
with his retinue to the physician's house.
As he headed the mansion of the physician, he saw the beautiful
damsel in the balcony and concluded she be the woman he had come for.
Kumadavalli too saw his and decided no other but Parakalar would have
such a personality. Parakalar was received courteously by the physician
and his wife. He was introduced to Kumudavalli and the latter laid down
the conditions for marriage. The young king agreed to the conditions and
the marriage took place.
After a few days Parakalar went with his wife to Alli Nadu. The king
kept his word. He became a Vishnu devotee and fed a thousand minstrels
who sang the praise of Lord Vishnu.
While he was busy with this duty spending all the money in the
coffers to feed the minstrels he forget to send his bondage tax to the
Chola king. The king sent messengers wit an order. Parakalar chased them
away. The Chola King sent an army. Parakalar defeated them.
Finally the king himself came with the army. At the battle field
Parakalar fought them valiantly, and came to face the king. The king
asked him, "Is this the way you show your gratitude to me who helped you
and made you a king of one of my states." To which Parakalar replied, "I
believed as I should in a battle field. Hereafter I'll not fight" and
allowed himself to be taken prisoner. In the prison, Parakalar prayed to
Lord Vishnu to help him. Lord Vishnu appeared in his dream and told his
there was enough wealth at a place called Thirukachchi. Take it and pay
your dues."
Parakalar told the Minister who came to collect the payment, about
the dream. On hearing about it the king ordered him to be taken under
guard to that spot. When they went there and searched there was no
treasure. Parakalar was heart broken.
That night the compassionate Lord Vishnu appeared and told him the
treasure was at a certain place on the banks of a river called Vegavathy.
The next day the Minister and his retinue searched the place and found
gold, gems and many articles of value. When the king was given the gold
and gems, he was speechless. He knew that Parakalar had the grace of
Lord Vishnu. He got him down and apological for keeping him in prison
and returned all the wealth to him, and sent him back with his minister
and guards to Alli Nadu.
In the meantime, Kumudavalli and her parents and the subjects of Alli
Nadu were sad and unhappy and waited for tidings of Parakalar. When he
returned in glory, there was general celebration. The young couple was
reunited.
Now, he was back to his duty of feeding the devotees and soon the
coffers were empty. He consulted his minister and told them the only way
to got wealth to feed the devotees was to waylay rich travellers and rob
them. The ministers agreed.
Lord Vishnu seeing his great devotion to feed His devotees, took the
form of a traveller and with his consort Lakshmi dressed in all fineries
and jewels and came along the path where the king and ministers were
hiding. The couple and their retinue were stopped by the king and the
ministers who demanded the travellers to give all the money and jewels
in their possession. Then he noticed that the bridegroom had a ring. He
asked for it, and was told he couldn't take it out. Parakalar broke it
wit his teeth and took it.
Parakalar ordered the jewels and money to be bundled and taken to the
Palace. None of the ministers could lift the burden. Even Parakalar
could not lift the bundle. He was annoyed and accused the traveller of
having cast a spell and demanded that he be told of the mantra (charm).
Lord Vishnu in the guise of the young bridegroom called him and
secretly chanted the mantra in his ear alone. Then the travellers all
disappeared. The young king was overwhelmed that Lord Vishnu Himself had
intervened in his life and sang ten songs or Pasurams then and there.
This was the turning point in his life. He gave the kingdom over to a
responsible person and with his wife left to visit Vishnu shrines in the
North. Like the Saiva Saints, he too sang of the glory of God.
In one of his travels to holy shrines, he had the fourteen of meeting
the young boy saint, Thirugnanasombandar. They mutually appreciated each
other's posey and became good friends.
Thus Thirumangai Mannar or Neelan o Parakalar as he was called later,
renounced the material world and sought great bliss in the spiritual
realm. He was in constant communion with Lord Vishnu and felt His
presence wherever he went.
That was the true nature of saints - both Saiva and Vaishnava saints
who led the people into the Bakthi Cult, into leading a noble righteous
living.
In Bhagavatgita Lord Wishnu says, "If you are thus over in communion
with me in mind, you will overcome every obstacle." |