Hindu Article-Easy spiritual practices

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Easy spiritual practices

 

 

CHENNAI NOV. 5 . The compositions of saints and

mystics form a unique class of sacred literature. They

embody their spiritual experiences and thus are more

important to a spiritual aspirant than the primary

scriptural texts. These works authenticate the

scriptural teachings by their personal expression of

what would otherwise be a mere abstract enunciation.

Further, they give simple and practical guidance about

spiritual life, which can be easily adopted by one and

all. One such work that has been accorded the same

status as the Vedas is the Nalayira Divya Prabandham

of the Azhwars. They were 12 in number and these

mystics gave vent to their experience of God in chaste

Tamil verse and Nathamuni codified their hymns into

one work.

 

Though all the Azhwars spoke in the same vein about

the basic tenets of spirituality each one had a unique

approach which was reflected in their hymns, said

Natteri Sri Rajagopalachariar in his discourse on the

occasion of the birth anniversary of Peyazhwar, one of

the first three Azhwars. Poygai Azhwar stresses the

glory of the Divine name in his hymn, Mudal

Tiruvandadi, while Bhutatazhwar says that one can

easily realise God by even such a simple act of

plucking a lotus and offering it to Him with devotion.

Peyazhwar is the one among them who has underscored

the importance of the Divine Mother in the Mundram

Tiruvandadi. He notes that the Supreme Being must be

always addressed along with His consort.

 

According to the Azhwars, She is the very

personification of compassion and hence it is through

Her mediation that man can approach the Lord. Her

grace condones man's countless sins, which stand in

the way of his redemption. He says that it is enough

if one constantly adores them and no other effort is

necessary for liberation from bondage. It is not

possible to nullify all the sins to become eligible

for divine grace. So if one surrenders to Her

salvation will be assured.

 

These hymns thus do not advocate elaborate rituals or

performance of difficult sacrifices but simple

exercises like cultivating the company of devotees,

revering one's preceptor and worshipping God in his

image form in temples. Tirumangai Azhwar says

categorically that the Almighty who incarnated in ages

of yore has now deigned to become accessible to

mankind in images in the temples and is ever ready to

grant salvation to those who worship Him.

copy right: The Hindu-daily

 

 

 

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