Thathwamasi - what is it?

[Query] What is Thathwamasi that is insribed in front of Sabarimala Sannidhanam ?

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How many of the pilgrims, who reaches the Sanctum of Ayyappa, reads this message there?

Thathwamasi - has nothing to do with the word "Thathuwam"..

It is one among the four Mahavakyas of the Vedhas...  Mahavakyas are the grand utterances of the Upanishads. The Final truth expressed in the Vedhas.

They contain the essence of the Vedanta and the ultimate truth. There are mahavakyas for all the four vedhas and everything convey the same meaning of Advaithic Truth.

The term Thathwamasi appears in the Samavedha - in the Chandogyopanishat.

Its a combination of three words

Tat Twam Asi = Thou art you. ie That is you

Tat - That

Twam - You

Asi - becoming / is

Here "That" refers to the Supreme being... ie Iam same as the supreme being

Understanding that we are not ordinary mortals - but we are the ultimate; this is Thathwamasi.

Tatvamasi is the fulfilment of spiritual knowledge. There is no second - "Iam that Supreme Entity"

This complex adwaithic wisdom is made simple in Ayyappa Thathwam... The State of Oneness... Thats the reason, once we wear the maala, we are taught to see everything as Ayyappan and everyone as Ayyappan.

Though we just call it outwardly and most of us never try to put the theory "everything is Ayyappan" into practice..

Just imagine the situation if it is in reality... "Every being is Ayyappan" "Every Devotee is Ayyappan" "Every piece of rock and mud is Ayyappan"...  Now there is no question of "I" here... because even "Iam Ayyappan..." ie  "Iam that Supreme Entity" ie "Thathwamasi"

Actually this (Thathwamasi and other) Mahavakyam is given as upadesham only while taking Sanyasam... Kanchi maha Swamigal said:

"It is to attain this highest of states in which the individual self dissolves inseparably in Brahman that a man becomes a sannyasi after forsaking the very karma that gives him inward maturity. When he is initiated into sannyasa he is taught four mantras, the four [principal] mahavakyas."

But Ayyappan is in Yoga Peetam at Sabarimala; He is a gurunathan there. Thats the reason he explicitly teaches this Maha Vaakya Saaram ie Thathwamasi with his Chinmudra...

Mahayogapeeto jwalantham mahantham 

Mahavaakya Saaropadesham Sushaantham

Maharshi Praharsha pradham gnana kaantham 

param jyoti roopam bhaje bhoothanatham

Qualification of getting Moola Mantra upadesam

Query :-

Swami sharanam,

Some of our friends asked, what is the qualification of getting Moola Mantra upadesam. (Sastha  or any god)

I have not answered to them, since I feel you are the right person to answer authentically.

According to me if the person is ready for this it comes automatically, but  I I say this they may not believe and they expected detailed answer.

Can you explain in your blog please.
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I have already given a note here
http://shanmatha.blogspot.com/2011/05/guru-mantra-upadesham.html

Moola mantram is the very form of the God... U may be called by one name today (in this janma) and another name tomorrow.. But God's name is permanent... Thats why people are suggested to do Nama Japam and Naama keerthanam...

If Nama japam itself can bring so much glory just imagine how powerful the moola mantram will be? Nama is God's name... whereas Moola Mantram is the very form of God himself.

First of all the Moola Mantram has originated from the Lord Himself. It's the most sacred one in the world.  Right from the start of the creation the moola mantra is used by countless number of Rishis to do the Mantra japam to please the Lord and to get his blessings.

Moola mantram upadesham may happen in two (and rarely three)  ways....

This is what is prescribed in various Tantras like Kularnavam...

1.
First a person is totally immersed in devotion towards a particular God and want to do the upasana...

He surrenders to a particular person - identifying him as his Guru.

Then one has to plead to the Guru for upadesham... And Guru has to observe the sishya and carefully watch his actions for a period of time... Only of he is satisfied he may consider him for giving the mantra upadesham.

For some people only some mantras are suitable; So if a person voluntarily asks for mantra upadesham, his horoscope has to be assessed to check whether this mantram will suit him. Or Siddhari Shodhanam may also be conducted. Most of the Gurus do this and exception from these tests are there for a few mantras.

After this over a period of time, gradually various mantras right from ganapaty (as per the sampradhaya) are given to the disciple

2.
The second case happens due to a divine will - a Mahan or Guru due to his compassion towards the Sishya, gives him the upadesham. Even without asking, one may get the mantra upadesham. This one is actually superior than asking. Its a momentary decision or intuition which makes the Guru to give the upadesham...

Prahalaadha, was given Upadesha of moola mantra from Narada even when Prahalaadha was in the womb.

Iam forunate enough to have personally witnessed few such incidents at Pampa, Veliyanavattam, Karimala and Sannidhanam. Just while sitting in the puja, meditation or Sastha Preethi, the Guru calls someone and gives him the treasure.

3.
The third case, When the Guru parampara order - is in disorder, some divine intervention takes place to set it right... Either the giver should have the blazing fire or atleast the receiver should be a dry log... but in todays case - both are very difficult to find. So for a few very very rare cases mantra a divine force may manifest in dream etc to give the upadesham....  This happens only for one in a million.

.......
So if one is really interested in doing moola mantra japam, one has to catch hold the feet of his guru. Anyway - the qualification for getting a moola mantram - is decided by Bhagawan himself. So one has to sincerely pray to the Ishta deivam to show the proper Guru and to give him the upadesham through the Guru. So once the time comes or rather when "He" feels you are qualified, you get the mantra upadesham.

A very very fortunate person will get to know the moola mantra through proper upadesham. And the person who is now a Shishya of that Acharyan must not at any cost disclose the mantram openly to anyone. These Secred Mantras only when got through an Acharya from a true sampradayam and Guru Parampara, will the power of the potency of these mantras. Only mantras obtained through proper Guru will earn the grace of the Lord.


{The Sishya has to salute the Guru with Dakshina and the Guru has to acknowledge it. This has to be done very clearly... I was wondering why this step is insisted so much?  On pondering over this, it  reminded me of three famous (rather interesting) phrases
1. "Pusthaka Guru" ie Reading the moola mantram from a book and start doing the japam on his own....
This method is not allowed and when practiced, it will not give any result....

2. "Mantra Thiruttu" ie When the Guru is giving upadesham to a sishya, a person making an eavesdrop on them and start chanting on own
This method is a great sin and will give negative result....

3. 2. "Mantra Sweekaranam" ie The person instigating a guru very cleverly and somehow make him utter the moola mantram - and even without the knowledge of the Guru, they themselves consider this as upadesham and start chanting.
This is a worst crime
)

Guru Krupa - the Golden touch

You are going to a temple casually... What will you do if a complete stranger casually stops you, come to you and says, “You are a Brahmin belonging to _______ gothra. You were not born for this purpose . . . Your lifetime purpose is different. Learn Sanskrit and enter the Upasana Marga”?

99% reaction will be - you come to a conclusion that you are dealing with a madman or yet another way to make money. 

But Ambika Dattan,a young school boy did not leave... He stopped and listened or.... something made him to stop... The face of the mysterious man was very very familiar.

Ambika Dattan was actually in a confused mind set - for the past few days... He was unable to come to a conclusion. Life bound him to disown responsibilities but renunciation was equally enchanting.

It so happened that one tuesday evening, during the month of Maasi he was casually moving inside a temple entrance. Ambika Dattan was encountered by this person... He stopped the boy and started questioning him...

The boy actually didn’t know what to do. Out of sheer desperation, he stood up, thinking of running. But, he heard a voice which clearly ordered, “Iam a Parabrahma vasthu and Ive manifested here just for you ! Iam here to answer your prayer ! be here !” 

Ambika Dattan was perplexed as he couldn’t make out anything. But the person soon started narrating many personal instances, "His" connection with the boy's family for generations.. Still Ambika Dattan was very hesitant in staying back.. Finally he spoke about one personal prayer made by the boy at an Adhishtanam - during his childhood. Finally he revealed his identity and started explaining the reason for his visit. What was heard only in stories -was happening in reality. Divinely inspired, the boy even forgot to salute the great person standing in front of him.  

The person spoke to the young boy for more than half an hour and explained him the reality of the Mahavakhyams given in the four Vedas. He gave him few more insturctions to be carried out and finally He imparted the knowlege of Devi Upasana to Ambika Dattan. 

(There are many more highly miraculous incidents and informations which was imparted, but due to their sanctity, Ambika Dattan requested me not to publish it here.)

He instructed Ambika Dattan to return home and continue the upasana and assured rest will automatically happen.

When the parting moment came, the boy was totally awestruck to say anything... The mysterious person stood there, blessed him and walked away!

Ambika Dattan then returned to his place, and lives happily embraced by the person’s blessings. This became the turning point in Ambika Dattan's life. 

The ‘person’ who stopped the young boy is actually not a "mere person". He is more than that. The main purpose of this post - is intended to show the glory of a compassionate gurunatha who came to lend a helping hand to the boy whom he had promised janmas ago... he had come back after 70 years of his Maha Samadhi...

Yes ! 70 years after the Maha Samadhi - the person who came there was none other than the Great Mystic -  Shri Seshadri Swamigal.  

Sri Seshadri Swamigal is one of the greatest Indian saints who lived Thiruvannaamalai. He was beyond the description of a saint, a reality that cannot be clutched and clasped by the mind leading one to realization.

Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi, Maha Periyaval of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam said once "will I attain a state like Seshadri Swamigal?". Such was the greatness of Gurunathar Sri Seshadri Swamigal

Yesterday I had a golden chance of going to Thiruvannamalai and had a blissful stay at Seshadri Swamigal's Adhishtanam. This reminded me of the above encounter of Ambika Dattan and Seshadri Swamigal. 

Seshadri Swamigal, well known as Hiranya Bahu - "Saint with a golden hand", whose touch can bring fortune even to an ordinary mortal.

Ambika Dattan is a living example as to what Guru Krupa can do to a person... 

Naasti Thathwam Param Gurum

There is no thathwam other than Guru 

Guru is a father, a friend, a guru and a savior, all in one. 

Guru - Mantra Upadesham

After the reply to Mr.X regarding mantra upadesham.. Iam receiving many mails and messages personally from people expressing their doubt regarding this "Mantra Upadesham" and Upasana...

1. How to Get Mantra Upadesham

2. How to approach Guru for Upadesham

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Let me throw some light in this Area...

But before that read my following articles (Read in Once again... EVEN IF YOU HAVE ALREADY READ IT)

Guru - Sishya Relationship

http://shanmatha.blogspot.com/2010/06/guru-sishya-relationship.html

Guru - Sishya Relationship Part 2

http://shanmatha.blogspot.com/2010/06/guru-sishya-relationship-part-2.html

Mantra Upadesham goes two way - The first one is for exceptional cases where a Mahan or Guru takes Karuunya towards a Sishya and gives him mantra upadesham even without asking. - please note this happens only for exceptional cases due to the accumulated merits of upasana of Purva Janma and this cannot be examples.

The next way  -

a Sishya has devotion towards a particular God and he identifies himself with a particular person as his Guru. First he must openly declare his surrender to his Guru.

He has to literally plead to the Guru for getting a mantra upadesham. It is said that even the Guru has to wait until the sishya asks or rather beg for the upadesham at least three times. Once the Guru is satisfied that the Sishya is a "Sat Patram" he can consider him. (please note : Only Consider).

Because the guru gives mantra to a disciple and because she or he embodies the spirit and life of that mantra. According to the Kularnava Tantra, there is no difference between devata, mantra and guru. "Devata in truth is the same as mantra; mantra in truth is the same as the guru. The fruit of the worship of the devata, mantra and guru is the same."

Moola Mantram is actually going to take you to the divinity. When one is not ready to shed his Ego even for the sake of Mantra upadesham to his Guru, then how can one attain salvation?

I have personally seen both extreme cases of  "so called Sishya" either demanding mantra upadesham from the Guru or his ego preventing in surrendering to the Guru for asking Mantra upadesham.

(Here again the Age, Qualification or Status of a Guru is not a criteria. I wish to quote a real life experiece known to me personally. A 58 year old sishya was a very great devotee and wanted mantra upadesham. He developed a Guru Bhava towards 18 year old person. The young Guru in turn took the person to many other Upasakas including his own Guru.

But the Sishya was very clear... "All these Upasakas are great undoubtedly... But you are my Guru... and I shall wait till u give me upadesham". He literally waited for about a decade to get his first mantram from his Guru.

This is true Guru Bhakthi !!! )

So I come back to square one - Ultimate surrender to Guru is the best way to get mantra upadesham.

Tatviddhi Pranipatena Pariprashnena Sevaya 

Upadekshyanti Te Jnanam Jnanina Stattwadarshinah

Understand the true nature of knowledge by approaching a Guru. If you prostrate at their feet, serve them and question them with an open & guileless heart, those wise person will give you the upadesham of the divine. - says Krishna in Geetha.

However great a person may be, his close associates cannot understand his greatness, often they take him to be as ordinary human being like them. This is the effect of Maya.

A sishya must not get into this trap.

One has to really feel blessed for getting each oppurtunity to serve Guru,salute Guru, Pray to guru, doing namaskarams to Guru. "Whenever/wherever you see your  Guru do namaskaram - says Kularnava Tantram.

Even if you think over the feet of Guru (Guru Paduka) it gives  the result greter than puja or Khetra Darshanam. So if you can see him in person - never miss the oppurtunity to do Namaskaram to him.

Once you see you guru, even if it is a crowded hall or road - fall like a danda(stick) and do sashtanga namaskara.

I have seen many such sishyas doing namaskarams without even a trace of ego.

From my personal experience I can say - this act instantaneously kindles the Karunya of Guru towards the Sishya.

(Beleive me - the same person mentioned above is around 70 years now. He will still, at once , fall down at the feet of his much Younger Guru - wherever he sees him)

My association with many illustrious Gurus have taught me this basic lesson called Guru Bhakthi. So Iam really surprised or rather shocked to see the deteriorating form of Guru Bhakthi...

Many people approach me me for instruction, clarification and initiation. Most of them are sincere who are highly devoted. They need mantras to get their problems solved, achieve something or gain some material or rarely some spiritual benefit. Many other are interested in gaining powers and benefits in the society we live in today.

Only a handful of few are really having the mix of bhakti, inner drive and wisdom. I still find myself searching for a person "who crave to reach the Lord" and seek mantra upadesham for that purpose.

I pray to the divine lotus feet of Lord Bhaktaparipala who is the Lord, the mantra, the Guru, the Sishya, the question, the answer and everything.

Mantra Upadesham

Query :

Dear Aravind Guruji,  iam reading all your writings regularly and i have developed a guru bhava towards you... I consider you as my manasika guru and now i have a crisis from which only you can help me.

Can I get the mantra of Kirata Varahi? Can u give me the upadesham of this mantra?

You are the only person who can help... my astrologer has analysed my horoscope and said its full of problems and adviced me to do this upasana

.....................

It is actually very ridiculous and funny to hear that an astrologer recommends the "Upasana" of Varahi, that too specifically Kirata Varahi for a problem with one's horoscope. A mantra sadhana is not that easy as you think. You can directly ask me that you are in need of this mantra if you are interested -  I shall say yes or no.

Or If you are really telling the truth then take your horoscope to another proper astrologer who will guide you properly.

Please let me make clear.... Iam receiving many mails like this claiming that Iam their manaseeka Guru etc etc.... A Sishya is a person who must have one to one relationship with his Guru. And one must follow the words of his Guru without a second thought... Only if a person has this maturity he is fit to called to be sishya.

If one can follow 100% what the Guru says then this Maanasika Guru may work out.. But people leave out most of the advises and conveniently choose "selected areas" and claim to be Maanasika sishyas.

And I personally dont accept the concept of Maanasika guru or Manasika Sishya unless a sishya 200% follows his guru. Unless a Guru knows his sishya well, how can he guide him? Ofcourse there may be exceptional cases... But that doesn't happen always.

Similarly for a Guru - A person who cares for his sishya's upliftment without even a trace of selflessness is a Guru.

Today in both sides we have corrupt people....

Today there are sishyas who pressurize and demand upadesham from Guru.. "if are hesitating to give me this mantra upadesham I shall goto some other Guru." or they  make payments in the name of dakshina and get the mantra.

And on the other hand - there are Gurus who are having an inner fear that they may lose their sishya and so venture into dramatic actions.

A very popular person - may be known to most of Ayyappa devotees - claiming himself to be a Gurunathar - he gave a particular mantram as "Mantra Upadesham" to few persons.  The best part is this person has not even got any single mantra upadesham in his life time. A person who gives upadesha without the mantra adhikara is sure to face disasters.

And some more cases - Mantra upadesham thru Phone, thru email - what is all this ?

Many may accuse me of being partial and threatening. But what Iam speaking is truth and only truth. From many real life anecdotes ive seen - my sincere advise is to stay away from such uncalled practices.

When you have Guru Bhava towards a particular person - first shed your ego and hesitation with him. Approach your Guru directly  with utmost humbleness and surrender to him completely. Only then you are eligible for mantra upadesham.

A mantram  is a subtle form of the Lord himself... and the potentiality of mantram varies from person to person. So only a Guru can select a mantra that suits the capacity of the sishya to proceed in his sadhana. By this the Guru purifies the sishya's mind and pray to Lord to obtain the divine grace for the upliftment of the sishya  Not only this - the guru actually is now shouldering the karmic burden of the disciple ... Now it is also the Guru's responsible to take his sishya for salvation. So he takes up the sishya's Karmic burden and prays for its dissolution.

Please understand.. Until the Sishya gets the Gnana(wisdom) the Guru will not attain Moksha. Guru is such an embodiment of compassion. So, direct grace of Guru is vital in any mantra upadesham.

And so, mantra upadesham other than procedural krama order is not going to give any result.

Shishya and Guru

The shishya is expected to follow certain rules and regulations which have been detailed in the Rudrayamala:

1. He should never visit the Guru empty handed. He should carry with him fruits and flowers as marks of respect.
2. A shishya, who tries to disprove his Guru’s words and tries to prove his own words as truth, will attain the worst of the hells.
3. A shishya should never take his Guru’s name openly other than during Guru Paduka Anusandhana.
4. Leftovers of Guru’s meal should be consumed as Prasadam by the shishya.
5. Whenever Guru is nearby, that day or that time should be considered as very auspicious.
6. A shishya should never neglect or insult the parents, wife and children of Sri Guru.
7. While performing Pooja or Japa, if Guru or Gurvamba arrive, the shishya should halt his Japa or Pooja and welcome the Guru and his Shakti.
8. While walking with Sri Guru, care should be taken to never stamp his shadow.
9. One should never sit with Guru on the same seat nor sleep in Guru’s presence.
10. Whenever the shishya sees the Guru, he should immediately stand up and prostrate full length at the holy feet of Guru.
11. One should never speak unnecessarily in front of the guru.
12. One should never lie to the Guru.
13. One should never ask Guru for loans or have any financial transactions with him.
14. One should never initiate another person in the presence of Guru. Also, one should not discourse in front of the Guru or try to exhibit one’s knowledge or talents.
15. One should give up one’s own bed, seat, grand clothes, ornaments and footwear in front of the Guru.
16. The same respect should be shown to Guru’s physical form as the deity in temples.

Courtesy : Shri Ramesh Kutticad, Chennai

Sadhuram Swamigal

Yesterday at Banglore, I met a devotee from Srividya Charities  - devotees of Arutkavi Shri Sadhuram Swamigal. This reminded me of my encounter with Sadhuram Swamigal- which happened some fifteen years ago at Oonjaloor, during the Aradhana of my Gurunatha Sri Seshadri Swamigal. The then small school boy and the Sanyasi - we both belong to same Guru Parampara... My Guru Seshadri Swamigal was his Parama Gurunatha. It was an unforgettable event.

He was a living example as to what is Guru Krupa can do to a person... His ability to compose divine hyms was amazing and was a scholar par excellence.
Please hear the Thiruppugazh rendered by him and enjoy

List of Veteran Guruswamys of Yesteryears

The following is the List of Great and Veteran Guruswamis who undertook the Sabarimala Yatra Since a long time (some 50- 60 years ago) and who lived as a Guiding Light to the clan of Devotees.

My Namaskarams to all these great men who have attained the heights in their spiritual experience and who have lived in all the ages.

Note : Iam presenting the photographs of the Guruswamis which are available. In case if you have any additional information or better photographs please do mail me(aravindsai@gmail.com).. so that we can add it immediately

Swamy Sharanam
V.Aravind Subramanyam
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Salutaions to all Guruswamis !!!

• Parvatheepuram Venkateswara Iyer
• Alapuzha Kameswara Iyer
• Perumbaavoor Kasthuri Ranga Iyer
• Ambalapuzha Ragava Iyer
• Thazhava Krishna Iyer
• Kayankulam Krishna Iyer
• Karunagapalli Harihara Iyer
• Mukathalai Krishna Iyer
• Kidankoor Rama Iyer
• Kidankoor Venkateswara Iyer
• (Trivandrum) Puthentheru Harihara Iyer
• Trivandrum Anantharama Iyer
• Paravoor Lakshmi Narayana Iyer (Kambankudi)
• Paravoor Shankaralinga Iyer (Kambankudi)
• Kanyakumari Sesha Iyer
• Kollam Krishna Iyer
• Kulathu Iyer (Kambankudi)
• Azhwarkurichi Subramanya Iyer
• Punaloor Subramanya Iyer (Punaloor Thatha)

Punaloor Subramanya Iyer (Punaloor Thatha)

• Suseendram Subramanya Iyer
• Sundaram Kulathu Iyer (Kambankudi)

Kambankudi Sundaram Kulathu Iyer

• Tharakadu Rama Iyer

Tharakadu Rama Iyer

• Kottayam Subramanya Iyer
• Chidambaram Krishna Moorthi Iyer (Prabhu)

Chidambaram Krishnamoorthi Iyer (Prabhu)

• Senkottai Shankara Iyer
• Kottarakara Harihara Iyer

Kottarakara Harihara Iyer

• Trivandrum V Neelakanta Iyer

Neelakanda Iyer

• CV Srinivasa Iyer (Chaami Anna)

Kalpathy CV Srinivasa Iyer (Chaami Anna)

• CV Krishna Iyer 

Kalpathy CV Krishna Iyer

• Perumpavoor Harihara Iyer
• Kambankudi Sundaram Iyer

Kambankudi Sundaram Iyer

• Kambankudi Harihara Iyer

Kambankudi Harihara Iyer

• KS Narayana Iyer (Kambankudi) (Periyaswamy)

Kambankudi KS Narayana Iyer (Periyaswamy)

• KS Harihara Iyer (Kambankudi)

Kambankudi KS Harihara Iyer

• S Meenakshi Sundaram Iyer (Kambankudi)

S Meenakshi Sundaram Iyer (Kambankudi)

Rajapalayam Harihara Iyer

Palai Baskara Iyer

Thiruppugazh Pappa

Guru Dakshina during Sabari Yatra

Dear Gurugaru,

We read about the Guru dhakshina in your article.
What is the procedure for Gurudakshina in sabarimala ?

Each and everytime we put down our Iramudi we need to pay Guru dakshina to guruswami. Is this right?

Rammohan Swami
Guntur
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The whole concept of Sabarimala revolves round Guru - without him no yatra gets fulfilled.

Here talking about the qualifications of a Guruswamy will lead to a spearate topic; so Iam just giving the details regarding Guru dakshina.

The Guruswamy takes you to the Lord; He is leading you towards the Lord. So in order to show your graditude towards him we need to pay Guru Dakshina to the Swami and do namaskaram to him.

Now we see many so called Guruswamys threatening the sishyas not to remove the Irumudi from the head wihtout him(Guruswamy) and demand dakshina for each time. This is not right.

This is what Iam taught by the elders. A sishya has to pay respects to his Guruswamy and pay him Guru dakshina 8 times during the sabarimala yatra.

1. The first time when the Guru formally accepts him for the sabarimala yatra
2. While wearing the Maala
3. While taking the irumudi - Kettu Nerai
4. At Erumeli after the darshanam while starting the yatra
5. At Azhudha river
6. At Pampa after the snanam and while starting
7. At sannidhanam after the abhishekam
8. While removing the maala

It is the duty of every Ayyappa bhaktha to follow all these rules strictly and earn the grace of Guruswamy and thereby get the blessings of Guruswamy's Guruswamy(Lord Ayyappa)

Swamiye Sharanam Ayyappa

Guru - Sishya Relationship - Part 2

In continuaton with our previous post on Guru Sishya relationship, we received the followed comment.

Excellent guidelines, but general query with every one is how to select Guru. what is the qualification to get Deeksha.

After seeing media, people are very sacred of selecting guru and some people argue why to have middle man to speak to god and will try to reach god directly with our own prayers etc.,

Also some people accepted there guru as Maha periava, Ramana maharishi, Rama krishna, Arabindo, Seshathri swamigal (Even the person never met him).

Also give some information regarding Thruvannamalai Giri vallam. some people says they could able to see SITHAR SWAMIGAL LIKE PAPMPATTI SITHAR etc., is it true. I never get opportunity to visit that temple and attend Giri vallam.

Can you clarify.
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Let me try to answer this one by one
General query with every one is how to select Guru. What is the qualification to get Deeksha.
How can one select a Guru?
Did we select our father or mother ?

The Guru Thatwa is an embodiment of karunya and it is he who select us as a sishya and not vice versa.

We may think that we are choosing a Guru. But in no way its going to happen.  Whoever may be the Guru, Guru is "Sakshat Parabrahma"

The Guru Sishya relationship doesnot happen by appointment or designation. It emerges automatically.
The first and foremost quality for a sishya is vinaya ie humbleness and 0% Ego.

When a person thinks of  choosing his Guru, definitely he may compare him with others (please read my previous post - which is a very great sin) And also this  shows he is egoistic and If one thinks that he is choosing his guru, Iam sure he is fooling himself.

When the sadhaka is ready and ripe - God sends the Guru in the right time.
"Thottu Kaatta Guru Thane Varuvaar"

Guru is not a post or position - its an eternal commitment and phenomena.

The qualification for deeksha is decided by the Guru alone. Right or wrong he takes up the responsibilities of the sishya (including his karma)

After seeing media, people are very sacred of selecting guru and some people argue why to have middle man to speak to god and will try to reach god directly with our own prayers etc.,
Again the question of selecting a Guru does not arise

I would like to quote from  my previous post - "Mostly we will try to judge and always make a wrong judgement."

This is what is happening today. Only a Guru has to select a sishya.
If you think you are selecting your Guru then you are not on the right track.  Your faith and Viswasa with the Guru is also not that strong. This ultimately leads to disaster.

Most of the people have a feeling that there is not need for a Middle Man to show God.
Each and every living being has to rise gradually in each janma after janma and only then reach a level of Jeevan Mukthi and only then attain moksha.  This can happen only with Guru's grace.


One has to make one point clear - the purpose of human birth is to attain moksha and for this guru is must. If one thinks the purpose is to get the blessings of God for a comfortable livelihood, luxurious life, wealth etc then Guru is surely a middle man.

The path to our destination called moksha is a forest  full of animals and we need a guide to cross the place. Guru is the only guide who can take you along with him safely and help you reach your goal.

Instant moksha and instant gnana is not at all possible. If a person says I doent need a middle man - its again sheer Ego and you cant expect anything more from that sort of a person.  (I know a person who has all the "Good Qualities"  including consuming alcohol but claims that he doesnt need a Guru and he is going to get moksha because his astrologer has said so)
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Also some people accepted there guru as Maha periava, Ramana maharishi, Rama krishna, Arabindo, Seshathri swamigal (Even the person never met him).

Also give some information regarding Thruvannamalai Giri vallam. some people says they could able to see SITHAR SWAMIGAL LIKE PAPMPATTI SITHAR etc., is it true. I never get opportunity to visit that temple and attend Giri vallam.

Some people consider Maha Purushas like Seshadri Swamigal, Ramana or Mahaperiyava as their Guru. This is a very great oppurtunity. But these Maha purushas bless us as a divine force and guide our life. But in case of upadesha or mantra deeksha what will be the case?

To a very rare and lucky few, they themselves manifest before them and give their blessing. YES !!!this is true and happens even today.  But its said vindavar kandilar - many people who claim this get carried away in the waves called publicity, self and benefits of the ocean called Ego. There are still few pure souls who are blessed with such rare opportunity.

But in most other cases the Mahapurushas again send some physical Gurus in order to guide the souls. One has to accept that fact. A physical Guru's presence is the most necessary thing and a guiding force for any normal aspirant.

So for a true sadhaka, the need of a Guru is inevitable.

Naasti Thathwam Param Gurum
There is no thathwam other than Guru

Guru - Sishya Relationship

Is it true that a person should always be under his guru and should not go beyond him? Will this not affect his 

individuality?  

Some people say one must learn from his guru and vacate the place and not be too close to his guru. 

Also is Guru Dakshina a must?

V.R. Rajaraman

Senkottai

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First let me make it clear that Iam talking only about Guru - who is for your Atma sadhana. ie who gives you mantra deeksha or upadesham and guide you towards the Lord. Iam not talking about your Music teacher or bhajan Guru.

Guror anugruhenaiva puman purna prashantaye

Only by the grace of guru can a person become a self realised soul

Any sadhaka when his devotion to his favorite god is ripe, its pulls the Guru towards the sishya. 

And please remember there is no lakshanam for a guru. He is not limited by age, education or relatioship. Mostly we will try to judge and always make a wrong judgement.

The significance of Guru and Guru Bhakthi is immesurable.

"Gurur Sakshat Parabrahma" - Guru is the Lord Himself. Generally people confuse among themselves with an acharya and guru. 

The person who teaches a subject or something like music etc is an acharya. But the person who gives the mantra of a diety is Guru - he is God. He may not be a person jumping from the sky; he may look very ordinary and move along with us; But please understand - unless you have a feeling that He is God himself,one can never get salvation. Even he is an ordinary person, once if you accept him as your guru - please dont forget He is God to you.

Today the mantra siddhi is very rare phenominon to see. This is because of lack of Guru bhakthi. 

Guru Santhushta Matrena sidyathi

One gets mantra siddhi - once the guru is pleased.

By giving you a mantra upadesham - the Guru takes you along with him to the divinity and actually is shouldering your responsibilty. Please understand - until the sishya get proper gnana - the Guru doesnot get moksha. For this debt - even if you serve him for the entire janma, it cannot be equated. 

Dos and Donts with a Guru

I dont want to give any more of my personal opinion. But i'l quote only one single paragraph from Lalithopakhyana - which shows the greatness of Guru

• A sishya must dedicate one's body, wealth and life to the service of Guru and always live according to his instructions. He must never try to supercede him.

• The most difficult thing in the entire world is getting a proper Guru.Once this Guru is happy with the sishya - Moksha Lakshmi comes to him within half a second.

• Even if he scolds - understand that it is a blessing.

• And analysing your Guru and comparing him with others is the most sinful act. And accepting one person as your Guru and changing to another Guru - will lead to eternal darkness.

• Before commencing any vaidheeka or Lowkika karmas, you must get his blessings/approval.

• One must never call his Guru in singular terms (like Nee, Vaa etc) and must never argue with his guru 

• The most sadhachara is Guru bhakthi and the maha papam is Guru Droham 

• Even telling a lie in front of your Guru is a great sin - this is more sinful than Brammahathi or Go hathi

• One who ponder overs the feet of Guru (Guru Paduka) gets everything that is good - this is greater that all maha yagas or pujas or temple worship

• Guru Vaakyam pramaanam - Even the mere words from Guru has to be follwed strictly. The mere words are shastras to the sishya

• Once you see you guru , fall like a danda(stick) and do sashtanga namaskara and do a pradakshina

• Worship your favorite God as your Guru's form

Most of the above statements may look "unfit" in today's world. But still there are persons who follow it strictly and are coming up in their life - both spiritually and also in worldly life. Iam seeing, admiring and wondering about the Guru bhakthi of these few persons (even today) and their attachment towards their Guru.

(Iam seeing all the following personally even today) Just imagine

• Not even uttering the name of his Guru
• Considering their puja moorthi as Guru and Guru Patni himself
• An officer and highly placed person falling at his guru's feet in the middle of the road
• A politician sitting on the floor refusing to sit on a sofa along with his Guru

Unfortunately, Ive also seen persons, who hesitate greatly even for doing a namaskaram to his Guru. There are worst cases ie when the sishya is in Guru's place, he keeps quiet while the Guru serve the disciple.  This is  a very great sin.

Once a Guru  named meykaNdAr took one pot of cellulose (kanychi) kept for the cloths and drank it. While he was drinking it, some of it dripped through his elbow. The ardant disciple umApathi chivAchchAriyAr drank that, which was dripping through the master's elbow. This is Guru Bhakthi. 

Today a poor Guru is carrying the tiffin plate of a sishya. ( A guru - out of his sheer kindness or affection may do this to his disciples; but a Sishya should NEVER allow this happen and infact he must grab each and every oppurtunity to serve his Guru).

Proximity to Guru

Now you might have understood the concept of being close to his Guru. Leaving one's Guru must never happen.

Lalitopakhyanam again gives the following list as to how a sishya should be close with his Guru and offer his namaskarams :

If a person lives very next to his Guru he must meet him and do namaskarams thrice a day.

If a person lives near his Guru within a Krosa (the distance at which a man's call could be heard) he must do this daily.

If a person lives near his Guru within half a yojana (6.5 Km) he must meet his Guru atleast during the 5 parvas of a month.

If a person lives more than one yojana (13 kms) to twelve yojans(156 Kms) he must meet him according to the distance( ie 13 kms - Once a month, 26 Kms twice a month to 156 kms atleast once a year)

Apart from this, whenver a person wants he can anytime come to his Guru and offer his pranams

Guru Dakshina

And coming to Guru Dakshina - there is a saying in malayalam

"Kriya Avasanam Dakshina" - each action gets fulfilled only with a dakshina

The Hindu tradition of guru dakshina is a means to show the sishya's gratitude. He is paying his respects to the Lord who has appeared as Guru covered by a human skin. 

In general at the time completing Gurukulam or during Mantra upadesham Guru Dakshina is a must. Only with the Guru Dakshina - he may get the result fulfilled.

Also during important occasions, rituals, poojas and Vijaya Dasami days is the duty of the sishya to submit his offerings to his Guru. 

The dakshina may not not always monetary. At times, the Guru may ask his sishya to execute an important task as his dakshina.

So please remember - No book or mantra can bestow the Knowledge of Self. Only by gurukripa a sadhaka can attain his self or reach his Ishtadevata

Guru and Guru Tattva

An Article written by me for  SRI VIDHYA CHARITES, BANGALORE , Who released Sovenier on occation of  10th Aradhana Mahostvam of SRI  SADHU RAM SWAMIGAL


V.Aravind Subramanyam
94 B, Third Street, Tatabad, Coimbatore 12
Email : aravindsai@gmail.com  Ph: 9994641801
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Who is a Guru? What is his role? Is he necessary for a human being?

       

The path to our goal is rugged, and is infested with hungry wolves and tigers and with yawning pits - and the necessity for a Guide is inevitable. Guru is the only guide who can make your travel safe and help you reach your destination. 

      

Guru is God. Guru is everything. He is brother, father, well-wisher, relative and true friend. A Guru is the vital part in one’s life… 

      

And the main problem with people is they even fail to understand the necessity and the importance of a Guru. A Guru’s prime job is to remove the ignorance of his sishya. But most of us seek a Guru – who, according to us is our “Problem solver”. Delay in marriage, Non-employment, family disputes etc etc we have a very long list, whenever we meet a Sage or Guru. Only a genuine seeker will know what it is to get attracted to an enlightened master.  

      

My Gurunatha,  Sri Seshadri Swamigal was beyond the description of a saint, a reality that cannot be clutched and clasped by the mind leading one to realization. Sri Seshadri Swamigal’s interaction with the world was very strange. Seshadri Swamigal's behavior was quite eccentric and unpredictable. He acted like a mad man at times to fend off worldly people, but to earnest seekers he was extremely gentle and considerate Often when people saw him in the streets they would prostrate before him and he would get near to enable them to touch his feet. But, he would never allow selfish or worldly people to touch his feet. He would run away and if they forced themselves on him, he would abuse them or even pelt them with stones. Seeing this, many people did not go near him. But when the person is a real pathra – seeking for the ultimate truth, he would himself call them and give what they want.

      

For a layman, a Guru is a form that bestows all the grace for a fruitful material and spiritual life. And the masters – out of Sheer kindness encourage us with all our worldly limitations and give us the helping hand. The Guru helps the sishyas in all aspects by solving their problems. They wait for a sathsishya to come – whom they can ignite. With this mentality when we get attracted to the Guru, sure we will recognize a new center unveiling within us. 

      

And who is a Guru? One must clearly understand that a Guru is not a person who jumps from the sky with four hands.  Anything that diverts the mind from the ultimate truth -is maya and the power which makes the mind ‘turn back’ and seeks to the source is Guru.

      

Though he may appear to be a normal person.. He may appear to behave like everyone else. But, Guru is something beyond comprehension and only when you have a direct experience of the Guru's grace, then you realize the supremacy of Guru.  

gurau manuShyabuddhiM cha mantre chAkSharabuddhikAM |
pratimAsu shilAbuddhiM kurvANo narakaM vrajet ||  - kularnava Tantra

      `One should not look upon his master as a mere human being, or the mantra that he gives as merely words. A person who does this, or commits the mistake of looking upon an idol (devatA vigraha) as a mere stone, will certainly go to hell'. 

       

A person who has ultimate faith in his Guru and His words – for him no sadhana is needed. The Moksha is very well assured for him. Ultimate trust in Guru - fully and wholeheartedly is the only sadhana.

      

You can never judge a Guru – who is compassion personified. Their acts may be dramatic – but they are deeply impressive and has a very great significance. Even the emotions which they show – is another vehicles to carry the grace. The ordinary words which come from them are a teaching thereby imparting guidance in a more profound way.

       

When Vallimalai Swamigal came to Thiruvannamalai in search of a spiritual path, he met Sri Seshadri Swamigal who said nothing but the following words

        “Thiruppugazh dhan Mahamantram” - Thiruppugazh is the Maha Mantra.  

      This words from Gurunathar- transformed the life of the disciple. Sri Sachidhananda Swamigal dedicated his entire life to highlight the glory of Thiruppugazh.

      

From the Ever compassionate Guru, even scolding had the effect of erasing self image and infusing grace. 

       

Seshadri Swamigal had the habit of picking up pieces of broken mud pots and throwing them at people sometimes. One day, one shepherd boy approached him. Seshadri Swami, for no apparent reason, began to beat him up with those pot pieces! Even blood began to ooze out of the wounds. A crowd collected around. Some of them were upset and some disconcerted. Two months later, one foreign couple came to Tiruvannamalai, saw the boy and adopted him. They taught him their family trade. He became a millionaire later! Even the anger of the Guru is a great blessing, if only we know how to receive.

      

Srividyopasana, the highest form of Upasana and highly secretive in nature. A Srividyopasaka’s daily routine starts - as soon as he gets up from his bed in the morning, the first thing to do is to meditate on the sacred feet of his Guru. This he must do even before he thinks of his Ishta Devata

      

The Guru Tatwa is an embodiment of complete Karunyam – compassion. The Divine force has Five distinct functions (pancakrityam)– and the guru tatwa belongs to the profoundest of the five divine functions ie. Srishti (creation), Stithi (sustenance), Samhara (destruction or devolution), Tirodhana (veiling) and Anugraha (grace).  

Guru is Anugraha mayam. What does anugraha mean? It is the power which takes a mature soul to the higher plane – by making him come in contact with the master and in turn lead to Gnana (self knowledge). Thus when the divine grace itself assumes a human form – and this power of grace manifests through the personality of the teacher – Guru.

      

Faith is the state of mind towards the all supreme. It is the surrender that gets the grace of the Guru. Once this state is attained, then the worldly issues will not bother the disciple. Now, it’s the responsibility of the Guru to take care of his Sishya – the helpless child.

      

But please remember – to a devotee who has made an ultimate surrender – the very need for a prayer itself comes to an end. The Guru takes care of all problems, burdens and even day to day activities. This continues not only for a particular period of time but till he attains Moksha.

      

It is this power of grace that emanates from the Guru that fascinates the seeker. When the sishya is ready, the Guru comes automatically to “take care” of his child and thereby show him the right path.

       

A Chintamani is a stone which can only convert the metal into gold. But guru does the greatest alchemy. He transfigures his disciple into his own likeness through the upadesham. The ultimate grace of guru gives a deathly blow to the disciple's ignorance and makes him understand the ultimate; thus now the sishya becomes a Guru for another seeker.

vinA dIkShAM na mokShaH syAduktaM shivashAsane |
sA cha na syAdvinAchAryaM ityAchAryaparamparA ||

`Without initiation, there can be no release from the phenomenal bondage; and there can be no initiation without a master. Hence the succession of masters 

      He who have tasted the bliss, hand it down to the next in line. The Guru can transform the disciple by a look, a touch, a thought or a word or willing. When this is passed down in this way, those whose desire for the ultimate - can do so by the grace of the lineage or ‘parampara’.

      Seshadri Swamigal initiated Shri Vallimalai Swamigal. Sri Vallimalai Swamigal – even after his Maha Samadhi, appeared to Sethuraman who had run away from his home and safely took him back home. He placed a composition called 'Hara HarO Haraa Kummi' in Sethuraman's bag. He appeared in the boy's dream and told them to sing the kummi and dance.  From then onwards Sethuraman became an arutkavi Sadhuram Swamigal with the ability to sing hundreds of songs and poems.  

      

Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi, Maha Periyaval of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam said once "will I become like Seshadri Swamigal". Such was  the greatness of our Gurunathar Sri Seshadri Swamigal.

       

A Guru is a manifestation of Karunyam. The Guru is like a Mother, full of Love and Compassion. He is none other than Parashakti - who is avyaja karuna moorthi who showers the grace for no reason.

      

This once unlettered boy, whom he took under his benevolent care, with the " Hiranya Bahu " - the Golden Hand which turned him what he is today, dedicates these few words with veneration and humility to the Lotus feet of Shri Seshadri Swamigal 

sharIraM surUpaM sadA roga-muktam
yashashcAru citraM dhanaM meru tulyam
guror aGghri-padme manashcen na lagnam
tataH kiM tataH kiM tataH kiM tataH kiM
"One's body may be beautiful and always healthy, one's fame may be wonderful and bright, and one's wealth may be like a mount of gold. But if the mind is not fixed on the lotus-feet of the Guru, then What is the use? What is the use? What is the use? What is the use?