Article sent from The Hindu on indiaserver.com

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Hari Om Advaitins:

 

This article describes "Thiruvachagam" a major Tamil Scripture on Saivam written

by Manickavachagar. Shivam and Vasihnavam represent the revival of Bhakti

movement in South India to drive out Jainism and Buddhism. The Shiva

devotees are called Nayanmars (63 in number)and Vishnu devotees are known as

Azwars.

 

regards,

 

Ram Chandran

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This article is emailed to you by Ram Chandran ( chandran )

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Source: The Hindu (http://www.the-hindu.com)

 

Pathway to God shown by Thiruvachagam

 

CHENNAI, JUNE 13. Many among us get distressed when confronted

with problems which seem to be difficult to overcome, not

immediately realising that they can be surmounted by sincere

prayers coupled with Divine grace. Life is a challenge which

ought to be faced. It will neither be a bed of roses nor of

thorns. But God has provided us with opportunities to go through

the journey without getting involved in worldly activities. The

guidelines laid down in scriptures should be strictly followed

and we should put in hard work and efforts honestly and

diligently and carry out the duties enjoined upon us. Tests

before us can be withstood by reposing faith in God when He will

surely extend His protection.

 

What has to be remembered in this connection is that God not only

presents Himself in the entire world but also sits in our hearts

guiding our actions and witnessing what is being done. How then

should God's presence be experienced within? For this, there are

``Mantras'' which, when uttered with faith, will enable us to

remain undisturbed by hurdles. One of these incantations extols

Lord Siva and recalls His mercy. Its constant repetition will

grant us the moral strength to remain firm in the wake of

troubles. ``Thiruvachagam'', a work of Manickavachagar, one of

the main pillars of Saivism, contains the pathway to reach God.

This immortal religious text has been compared to elixir. Like

honey, which when added will make other drinks pure and sweet,

this scripture will cleanse our thoughts and lead us towards the

goal of life. There will be no need to get demoralised even in

the wake of seemingly tough exercises.

 

In a lecture, Sri Kanagasubramaniam explained the codes which

devotees should adopt in their lives to obtain God's love towards

them. The Siva Puranam, besides being a prologue to this

scripture, gives the definition of God and also an

autobiographical account of the saint's (the author's) account of

the multifaceted aspects of his relationship with God and

particularly about God's kingdom within all of us. The devotees

on their part should do their duties without anticipating the

rewards because frustration will set in only when their

expectations remain unfulfilled. Another vital fact that they

should know is that God's every creation has some purpose. They

should keep their thoughts pure, conduct themselves with utter

humility and avoid indulging in gossips about others. Even when

all others desert us God will be with us. A study of this book

should make one shed ego, give up anger and other evils and

develop tolerance. The saint's work relates different stages of

spiritual life ultimately enabling one to attain ineffable Bliss.

 

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