Meeting My Gurus

A Chance Meeting with Supramania Swami Or Was It Ordained?

After lunch that day at 12 noon I went back to Ramana Maharishi’s ashram and sat at his samadhi. Later I left for Yogi Ramsuratkumar’s ashram which I did not get to visit earlier during the Girivalam. Unfortunately Yogi Ramsuratkumar’s ashram was closed for lunch.

Just before I left Malaysia for India, my wife reminded me that we had not consulted an astrologer on the astrological chart for our daughter. Since I was going to India she asked me to check it out once I was there. Since I had the rest of the day to myself, I decided to go eight kilometers out of Tiruvanamalai to Devendran’s uncle’s home. I was told by Devendran,my driver, his uncle was an astrologer. [1]

Devendran introduced me as a tourist from Malaysia who was there for his (my) daughter’s astrological chart reading. I mentioned my name to Devendran’s uncle. He immediately took me into his prayer room, lighted the camphor, hovered it in front of all the portraits of the deities in his prayer room, and blessed me.[2] We sat outside the house. I prepared myself to listen to the astrological revelation of my daughter’s future. But what he actually did was to talk about my future and me.

The first thing he mentioned was, “Now since you have arrived in Tiruvanamalai,  all is over for you”.[3] I didn’t ask what he meant by that. He stressed this a couple of times. He reminded me I had to put effort on certain practices which he elaborated later. [4]

I did not question him nor interrupt him. I just sat there listening, waiting for each word to break out from his lips.

He mentioned that he had been going around Mount Tiruvanamalai on full moon days, for the past thirty years now, but could not do it the night before due to ill health. [5]

He told me, I might have all the relations with me but would still be alone. The only company for me is the company of Lord Siva. This he mentioned twice. He implied as did Saint Ramalingam that there was no death for this body reassuring me that I was right with my stand that this body was not meant to drop dead.

He mentioned his masters. He had had five of them. Amongst them was his own father, Jayaraman Pillai, Pundi Mahan (Atru Swami), Sathanandha Swami, Kolli Malai Swami and Yogi Ramsuratkumar (Visiri Swami). The Yogi, he said had placed him under ‘house arrest’. He was asked to meditate at the Yogi’s residence for five days. The Yogi had asked him to stay at his (Yogi’s) place but later decided that he be with his family. Swami did mention another incident where once Yogi Ramsuratkumar tapped the door of his home at 11 pm one night. Swami woke up to be given a poster of the Yogi himself and the Yogi left laughing. He tried to keep up with the Yogi but could not. [6]

Swami also narrated the story of Guhai Namasivayar and his disciple Guru Namasivayar, where Guru Namasivayar drinks the vomit of his guru when his guru ask that Guru Namasivayar disposes off the vomit in a place out of bounds of human.

Supramania Swami mentioned that the following activities have to be done in secrecy: prayers (pooja),[7] consuming food (bhojanam), and sex (maithunam).

Swami Nithyananda,  refers to Saint Ramanujam, on food intake in his book ‘SIX DAYS TO TOTAL TRANSFORMATION’ :

‘Ramanujam writes that food can be contaminated in three ways[doshas]

Jaati dosha where the food itself is toxic by its very quality;

Food prepared unhygienically and contaminated with hair or dust has nimitta dosha. ;

The person who cooks or handles food leaves the imprint of his thoughts upon it thereby contaminating it with Aashraya dosha.

Swami Nithyananda compares eating to a sacred religious rite. He says, "Just as we make offerings to the sacrificial fire in a ‘yagam’, we make this offering of food to our inner fire, the digestive fire - jatar agni."

Eating is equivalent to a yagam. Be careful what things we put into the sacrificial fire which turns into ‘amirtham’ for the Devas [in the body]

Supramania Swami gave me ‘mantra teecha’ to be recited which was the 'guru upadesa' . He asked that I chant the mantra for half an hour each day. “Just as a silversmith polishes his wares we too shall slowly work on IT till we achieve IT”, said Swami. Swami did ask me to get a mat made of tharbai grass for use as a seat during meditation.

As we sat there together Supramania Swami revealed new happenings that were about to take place in my life. He could tell a number of intimate things about the life and mission I was to face. As he was narrating all this happenings to be I could not help but break down. I cried like a child. I cried for the amount of blessings I had received from God till that very moment. I realized how much God loved me then. As I cried Supramania Swami added that I would be coming back again and again. Then he surprised me further when he mentioned that I would build a temple[8] right here in India - in Tiruvanamalai; set up a Peedham and that I will have a place here too. I cried aloud again.

“Take him back with you”, he said refering to Lord Annamalaiyaar. Supramania Swami was by now seated up erect, in a meditative state as those words crept from his lips. I did not ask for clarifications.

When Devendran did mention to Swami that it took me nine hours compared to three hours for others to go around Mount Tiruvanamalai (Lord Annamalaiyaar), Swami replied, “Of course it would take that long for he (referring to me) had been stopping over at all the places of worship and ashrams”.[9]  

As we left his home he stood there, hands together in prayer for me. I in return stood there with my palms in prayer to him too, not knowing what was appropriate for the moment. [10]

He was praying for my safe journey. We left him as night fell over this small village known as Nacha Ananthal. I reached the hotel at 8 pm.

Sacred Moments With Swami Nithyananda Of Dyana Peedham, Bangalore

While reading through a book entitled ‘A Garland of Memories’ on Swami Nithyananda of Tiruvanamalai by his devotees in my brother’s house, I happened to see a leaflet  with the program of his talks. A friend of my brother had passed the book to him to read.

I attended the talk given by the Swami at Bangi with my friend on 15^th July 2005. It had been raining that evening. We arrived early. While waiting for Swami’s arrival the organizers ran some video clips of the Swami and his organization. We were given a free edition of the Tamil magazine VAANAMPADI that carried the biography of Swami.

Swami Nithyananda stepped into the hall at 7.40 pm.[11] He was looking so divine, dressed in orange robes with a headgear, young and handsome just like the photos of Swami Vivekananda. I could see that he was in bliss. Swami Nithyananda was only 28 years of age, tall and elegant, with some feminine gestures. University and College students ushered him in as this event was being held in an institute of higher learning. The swami stopped awhile when a few devotees fell at his feet. No one stopped the devotees nor refrained them from doing so. He walked up the aisle to the stage where he sat on a settee.

The talk was addressed specifically to teenagers. He talked on the problems faced by them and linked it to lack of spiritualism. He talked about the influence of television and movies on the students. He says in his book, SIX DAYS TO TOTAL TRANSFORMATION, “Modern civilization can be psychologically classified into two ages; the pre-TV age and the post-TV age. That is the importance given and influence of this ‘box’. Know when to switch it off”. He also means the internal TV that is constantly playing in our minds.

He talked on the process leading from the senses to the subconscious (samskaras). “We need to reduce this involvement of the subconciousness. One who depends solely on the subconscious lives a live based on instinct. One who depends on the conscious rather than subconscious lives a life based on intuition. When samskaras are reduced, buddhi sets in. Meditation is the only way for samskaras to die a natural death”. Swami Nithyananda in his book, SIX DAYS TO TOTAL TRANSFORMATION explains beautifully the meaning of subconscious:

’Subconscious is nothing but the collective term for all the suppressed desires, suppressed emotions [unfulfilled desires-samskaras]. When energy is not allowed to flow, to take its natural course, it stagnates in your system. All these repressions are stored in your subconscious, and ultimately they can destroy the being. Whatever you suppress in the waking state appears strongly in your dream state. When you really get fulfillment you don’t store even the seed of the desire inside anymore. But we never get real fulfillment because we never enter into anything fully. If we get into anything fully, we will be out of it.’ 

When thought arises, we suppress it. “You can’t give expression to the desire; nor should you suppress it. Simply drop the desire” he says.

He also mentioned, “Do not be born in a church and die in a church”.[12]

He was using the computer and a Power Point presentation as a medium of instruction. He was practical, and down to earth and got his message across to the audience in an educational way.

At 9.15 pm Swami started giving blessings. We were told Swami would autograph books and posters purchased at the hall. I bought a book written by Swami ‘SIX DAYS TO TOTAL TRANSFORMATION’ and stood in line to get his blessing and autograph. My friend was right in front of me.

Swami  was seated in a sette on the stage in the hall. We were queuing up on the floor of the hall, the line winding its way to the stage. When I came up to him, it was very obvious that he was in bliss. I saluted him with the Vanakam gesture and called out “Swami,” Immediately he became attentive like as if he had come out of the bliss state he was in. I started again, “Let me experience the bliss that you are experiencing now”. As I uttered the words in Tamil, he took his right hand and moved it over my head. I closed my eyes. I could feel his hand on my head. Swami blessed me with this words: “Your wish will come true. Meditate”. I opened my eyes and worshipped his feet. Then I reached for his book that I had bought and handed it to him to be autographed. He took the book in his hands, paused for a moment, and wrote on a blank page. He handed out a card to me. I stepped back, my body was shaking, filled with joy. I walked away. I took a seat. Upon looking into the book that he had autographed, it was signed as ‘L.M.’. [13]

The Swami was holding a two day meditation course – Ananda Spurana Program - on the 16^th and 17^th. Although he had asked me to do meditation when I approached him for his blessings, he had not asked that I attend his classes. To attend the class one had to make a deposit and settle the amount of RM400, which includes food and accommodation at the Gold Course Hotel in Klang. I had only RM60.00 with me then. Although I did not sign up for the course, I did buy his book ‘SIX DAYS TO TOTAL TRANSFORMATION’, which was about this course too. Murali and I stayed till Swami left.

When Swami Nithyananda blessed me he asked that I meditate; Supramania Swami always reminded me to mediate; even Tavayogi who does not instruct told me once to meditate. Why was so much importance given to meditation? Much has been written   in books on meditation, but Nithyananda puts it simply in his book, “If you don’t know how to look inward, the outer world will reduce you to madness, sooner or later. We need meditation the way we need oxygen”.

Swami Muktananda in ‘KUNDALINI - THE SECRET OF LIFE’,

‘Why should you meditate? Why should you awaken your inner Shakti? The answer is, to see this Blue Pearl. This is the goal of your spiritual journey. It is the Blue Pearl[14] which puts an end to your bondage and makes you realize your own perfection.’

‘We do not meditate to attain God, because we have already attained him. We meditate so that we can become aware of God manifest within us’.

Only when I reached home did I glanced at the card that was handed out by Swami. In it was written, ‘I want you to know the power of Bliss (Ananda) which liberates you from the dilemma of the mind and depression of your Being, which gives tremendous freedom in the inner and outer worlds – Swami Nithyananda’. I realized then that I had wished for the right thing - Bliss (Ananda) when I approached the Swami and asked that he make me realize it too. He assured me it will be a reality - provided I meditate.

‘SIX DAYS TO TOTAL TRANSFORMATION’ was a beautiful book. It was the first time a saint had given explanations on the various chakras in the body in a different perspective; one more practical and feasible for one to follow and less complicated. He associates the chakra with emotions, beliefs, and behavior rather than with deities, color, and mantras as was the normal explanations by others. The emotions related to the chakra as described in his book are as follows:

Table 1:The Chakras And The Corresponding Emotions.

The Swami teaches us to be punctual. “Just by being punctual- we are showing respect to each other.”

“Come with a fresh mind. Listen without comparison. You will be able to receive my message totally” he says. When I met my gurus, Supramania Swami and Tavayogi, I went with an open mind. I did not carry questions with me. Neither did I voice my opinions. I just remained in their presence. They talked, I listened. Nithyananda says, “If you already have some ideas, some understanding, those ideas are going to be confused with my own. Too much logic and reason will come in the way of your receiving me into yourself”.

He says, “When we talk, most of us are just vomiting ideas.”

The Guru - Disciple Relationship

Supramania Swami always asks if I was meditating. He once told me, “Meditate my son, only then will my meditation be realized”. Later when I saw the nadi in 2005, sage Agathiyar says something quite similar, “Live with pride my son, for then I too shall live in pride”. I did not understand these statements then. Then Swami Nithyananda clears the air when he explains in his book ‘SIX DAYS TO TOTAL TRANSFORMATION’ that the child has given you the honorable status of a father.

I am the father because I have this child. When the child appears in the world it gives birth to the woman - ‘into motherhood’. Similarly the wife has given you the status of a husband; the parents have given you the status of son or daughter; respect each of them. In a similar way the disciple raises the status of the guru too. Thotapuri and Ramakrishna helped each other. The guru and the disciple pray to the higher energy, one illuminating the other. There is transformation both ways. I have affected my gurus to a certain extent; and they have affected my life tremendously. As I left Nachaananthal to return to Malaysia, Supramania Swami brought his hands to his chest in prayer. He stood there, looking at me hands in prayer. I did not know what to do so I returned the gesture. When I left the kudil on my return to Malaysia on my second trip he did the same. Nithyananda explains there is no ego at all in this relationship between the guru and disciple. He says, “There is just a beautiful mutual respect”.   

Meeting My Second Guru [16]

I had happened to come across articles, consecutively over a few days in the local Tamil language papers, about the opening of an organization called the Sri Agathiyar Gyana Peedham. Accompanying that article was a photograph of Tavayogi Thangarasan Adigal of Kallaru, India. I do not buy Tamil papers but surprisingly during this period my neighbor, Augustine sends us a complimentary copy everyday. I called Perumal whose telephone number appeared in the papers, and enquired about Tavayogi. I mentioned to him I had a leaflet carrying Tavayogi’s name that was given to me when I read the nadi in 2002. He referred me to Appana Nagappan for an appointment. I called Appana and asked to see Tavayogi Thangarasan Adigal.

I reached the Peedham in Batu Caves at 10.40 am, twenty minutes earlier then the appointment. Tavayogi, Appana, and Perumal we already there at the office. Appana welcomed me while Perumal introduced me to them saying Tavayogi’s name was mentioned in my nadi (a misinterpretation on the part of Perumal that I did not care to correct).

Tavayogi was dressed in the traditional saffron colored cloth (kaavi) of saints and gurus. He was bald with hair flowing on the back of his head and spotted a gray mustache and beard and wore glasses. Appana told us to go ahead as he had some office matters to settle with Perumal.

Tavayogi immediately lead me to the adjoining room and he sat down on the carpet. I followed him into the room and settled in front of him. The first thing Tavayogi spoke was, “Son, I have no connection with them – referring to Appana and the Peedham”[17].

I took out the leaflet, which had his name on it and told him I received it from Sentilkumar when he read my nadi in 2002. I asked if he was the one mentioned in the leaflet. Tavayogi answered, “Its mine”. The leaflet had mentioned plans for the construction of a temple cum ashram for sage Agathiyar in Kallaru, Coimbatore, South India. I asked if the temple in Kallaru was completed. He answered “No. We are still looking for a proper site”. He didn’t elaborate further. Neither did I dwell on the subject. [18]

I started narrating some portions of the nadi to Tavayogi: I told him that I was told in the nadi  sage Agathiyar was my prime master (moola guru). I read certain portions and questioned what it meant. Tavayogi asked me to read further. I continued. On listening to the nadi rendition, Tavayogi said that I had come to the right place. “Sage Agathiyar has sent you here,” he added. I asked him how I was to worship the sidhars. Tavayogi answered that I should frequent this Peedham where all that I am yearning to know would be taught under the tutelage of Appana.[19] I read a portion of the Gnana Kaandam of my nadi to Tavayogi. Tavayogi again reiterated that I had come to the right place.

I told him about my trip to India in 2003, meeting with Supramania Swami, and engaging in building the kudil for Supramania Swami in Tiruvanamalai. Tavayogi asked me if I came to Kallaru during my first tour of India. I replied I didn’t, to which Tavayogi said, “I (He) didn’t know”. Later he tells Appana we (Tavayogi and me) should have met in 2003.

I mentioned to him my visits to Rengaraja Desigar in Turaiyur, South India, Agathiyar Sanmarga Sangam in Dengkil, and Agathiyar Sanmarga Kurukulam in Kampong Laksmana looking for guidance on the worship of sage Agathiyar; and quite recently meeting Swami Nithyananda.

He fetched into a pocket in his clothing, took out a packet of sacred ash (vibhuti) and blessed me by applying the ash on my forehead, and gave me some.

He took down my address and phone number too.

I told him I had been asked to see the nadi again but could not locate any reader in Malaysia then. Tavayogi immediately gave me a telephone number of one nadi reader Ramesh.

Appana and Perumal joined us at that moment. When Mr. Appana and Perumal enquired of me about the nadi, Tavayogi immediately replied that I was sent to learn breathing practises and told themthat he (Tavayogi) shall give 'Teecha'. Appana briefs me on his meeting with Tavayogi, which was destined and written, in his nadi. He talked about the Peedham that was newly set up. 

Appana handed a portrait of sage Agathiyar and another of all the Sidhas to Tavayogi to have it blessed and given to me. I received THEM. Those were the same portraits that Appana had enlarged and placed at the Peedham meditation hall.

I then noticed a pair of sandals placed on a pedestal in front of the portraits. I looked at Tavayogi and Appana and looked back at the sandals.  They must have understood me for they nodded. I placed my hands on the ‘feet of my guru’ and grabbed on to them firmly. After that I don’t know what came over me as I was in tears, crying aloud. This went on for a while. I had no control over myself. The tears seem to pour on its own. Finally I moved away from the pedestal and lay flat on the carpeted floor, faced down, showing my respect and salutations to the guru. I heard Tavayogi mention to Appana, "We too did cry this way back then”. [20]

Andrew Harvey in HIDDEN JOURNEY-A SPIRITUAL AWAKENING, writes on his meeting with Mother Meera:

“As she said my name for the first time a sob arose in me and shook my entire body. I tried to control it, but my whole being started to weep before her. The grief of my life’s loneliness, guilt, and sexual pain seemed to seize me and pour itself out at her feet. I wept for a long time. Slowly, in the huge and healing silence of her presence, I began to feel calm.’

“I came before you with question. But now I understand I only wanted to weep before you and sit with you”

I asked Tavayogi if I had done much ‘karma’ since I had only got to know of the nadi and sage Agathiyar when I was 44. Tavayogi consoled me, “Be grateful that at least you got the opportunity and come to this realization now at this age. [21]

Tavayogi asked that I drop the past and narrated the story of the guru-sisya on their journey where they meet a young attractive girl who would not cross the river for fear of drowning. So the guru lifted her on his shoulders and crossed the heavily swollen river with the disciple following behind. On reaching the other shore, the guru left the girl behind and continued the journey. The disciple was very disturbed by what he had seen and eventually blurted out his uneasiness and unhappiness at what the guru had done just some time ago. He questioned his guru. The guru replied, “I had carried the burden on my shoulders and left it behind as soon as I had reached the shores while you have been carrying it with you until now”.

I fell at the feet of Tavayogi to which Appana and Tavayogi told me I should only fall at sage Agathiyar’s feet and no one else. I asked Tavayogi to pardon me for doing so since I was ignorant to which Tavayogi, replied, “Ignorance has left you. Body of Grace has replaced your Delusive body.”  

When Tavayogi mentioned those bodies I went back to my collections of books for more information as to what he meant. I knew Saint Ramalingam (Vallalar) had sang on the various bodies but the songs were incomprehensible. I looked towards translations of them.

When one gains illumination of effulgence (Arutperunjhothi) his body becomes a pure or golden body. Swami Saravanananda in his English translation of Saint Ramalingam’s  ARUTPERUNJHOTI AGAVAL says:

‘At whatever age the aspirant gains illumination or the effulgence enters in him or emanates from within, some remarkable changes take place in the body-frame. The Divine Light seems to change the very cell of the body, with the result, that they seem to function in the opposite direction. Consequently the old body becomes middle aged, then to youth of eighteen years, to twelve years (pure body), to eight years and finally five years (Pranava body). After five years the body grows to the size of the universe to become casual body or a body of gnosis (Gnana deham) which is the natural abode of the soul.’

‘With the descent of sufficient Divine Light the psychic head begins to emerge. According to Vallalar this psychic head (a crown or diadem of light) is made up of a special and highly refined type of brain called Omkar brain. As soon as it emerges, it draws more cosmic light; the more the light the greater the growth of the psychic head. With the advent of psychic head more and more changes take place in the already purified body. The cells and thence the whole body begins to transcend the limits imposed on them by impure Maya (the grosser principle of nature) and try to break one more of its veils. The cells undergo alternate condensation and expansion for an unspecified period and the body slowly emerges out of its bondage and begins to grow. This expanding and ever prospering body, is called the subtle body or the body of Omkar or Pranava body.’

Swami Saravanananda adds;

‘With this perfection comes perfect knowledge. He (Vallalar) also seemed to have been bestowed with the third eye, after his body had attained perfection. This third eye enabled him to gain knowledge of the whole universe and all the individual beings contained in it. He assets that his knowledge penetrated and pervaded layer upon layer of the varied types of universes. , With the functioning of the third eye, the transformation of the Pranava body is completed and the next and final stage of transformation into the Gnostic body (Gnana deham) starts. As explained by Vallalar, the person whose third eye is active is verily God Himself because he can raise the dead into life and perform the five fold primordial functions.’

‘According to Vallalar, it takes a long time to perfect the Pranava body; the minimum period required is twelve years and the maximum is 108 years’ writes Swami Saravanananda.

‘The transformation of the Pranava body into a Gnostic body begins with the functioning of the third eye. With the advent of this eye, the body sheds whatever subtle impurities it possesses; consequently it becomes nearly invisible. The third eye enabled Vallalar to have tier upon tier of divine experiences. ‘

‘Slowly his body through the intensity of concentration of the mind begins to generate the flame of lapses, popularly known as psychic heat. Slowly the quantity of psychic heat is increased due to intense meditation and concentration on the universal effulgence. The extreme heat generated in the body produces smoke at first; this smoke gathers up in volume and escapes through the junction of the parietal bones of the skull (Brahma Randhra). During this period, the body and mind undergoes untold stress and strain. Vallalar often mentions about the sufferings that he had undergone since he was twelve years old. The psychic smoke clears off and enhanced illumination results. This light (Tegas) is also called as the aura or nimbus.’

Marshall Govindan in his book BABAJI AND THE 18 SIDDHARS KRIYA YOGA TRADITION (Govindan, Marshall, Babaji and the eighteen siddha Kriya Yoga tradition , 1991,KRIYA YOGA PUBLICATIONS (REG), 196 Mountain Road, P.O.Box 90, Eastman, Quebec, Canada, JOE 1PO, reproduced with permission via e-mail),says,

‘Ramalinga (Saint Ramalingam) described several successive transformations:

the transformation of the mortal human body into the perfect body (suddha deham), achieved by universal spiritual communion and devotion to god;

the transformation of perfect body (sudha deham) into the body of grace and light (pranava deham);

and the transformation into the body of wisdom (Gnana deham) and into the body of god supreme.

In many verse [in the Tiru Arutpa] Ramalinga sings of how his ‘impure body’ of ‘impure elements’ was transformed into a pure body of pure elements, called a golden body of immeasurable carats (swarna deham). He sings that one has to think incessantly, till he feels and melts with love for god. In such a melting mood one bursts into tears and sings praise of god and soothing warmth is produced in the aspirant. When this universal love and sacred warmth develops, the body as well as the soul became prepared for the descent of the grace, in the form of light. When this occurs, the material body of impure elements is transformed into a ‘body of pure light’, emitting a golden hue. This ‘golden body’ appears to be about twelve years of age. The body of grace (pranava deham) according to him can be seen visually but it cannot be touched. It appears to be a heavenly child of about five to eight years of age. The ultimate and greatest transformation in human evolution: a transmutation into the godhead, which he referred to as merging with the body of supreme wisdom- the body of god supreme (Gnana deham).

In the foreword to Kumara Devar in Marshall Govindan’s BABAJI AND THE 18 SIDDHARS KRIYA YOGA TRADITION (Govindan, Marshall, Babaji and the eighteen siddha Kriya Yoga tradition , 1991,KRIYA YOGA PUBLICATIONS (REG), 196 Mountain Road, P.O.Box 90, Eastman, Quebec, Canada, JOE 1PO, http://www.babaji.ca, reproduced with permission via e-mail ),it was stated again,

‘This saint, Kumara Devar, [the author of Sudha Sadhagam], has sung of the progressive transformation of the darkness abounding human body (Irul deham) into delusive body (Marul deham) then into the Pranava Deham which could be seen and felt. In an advanced state it is transformed into body off grace (Arul deham), which could only be seen as a mirage or a rainbow, but with his grace, it merges with Shiva and enjoys eternal bliss in shivadvaita union’.

Dr C Srinivasan, in his foreword to Ramalingam Swami, in the same book says:

‘Accordingly, the impure human body, susceptible to disease and death, can, by the grace of god, be transformed into a pure and perfect body of love, then into a celestial body of grace and ultimately into an invisible body of bliss and merge with god supreme’.

In the foreword to ‘AN INTRODUCTION TO THE PHILOSOPHY OF SAINT RAMALINGAM’ by Dr C Srinivasan, Rao Saheb K. Kothandapani Pillai BA, says:

Swami Nithyananda says we have seven bodies, which corresponds to seven ‘chakras’. The dream body (suksma shareera) and causal body (kaarana shareera) meet the physical body at seven points or chakras along the length of the physical body.

In an article in the net, the author of the article says:

‘As an individual begins to be liberated from the influence of the mind-stuff, the divine attributes of the atman or self manifest in the very subtle sheath of bliss (ananadamaya kosham) that surrounds the  soul (atman.). When the transformation of that very subtle part of the being has been given fully to the divine, the individual becomes literally a beacon of bliss-light. Simply being in the presence of such a being is uplifting. Such an elevated individual is often acknowledged as a saint.’

‘Anyone whose spiritual practices have thus resulted in the awareness of the divine working through them has already begun the transformational process and surrendering of the sheath of the intellect (vinjnanamaya kosham). “When the analytical or intellectual component of the being is fully informed by the divine light attributes we may through the divine grace be in a position to recognize such a being as the sage that they are. Such an individual is truly a muni or one who has had their accumulated experiences and knowledge enlightened by the higher deeper aspects of self. Such sage has digested and integrated the informed divine light into the analytical aspects of the being.‘

‘As the intellect undergoes this transformation, the mental sheath (manomaya kosham), associated with the senses, is similarly transformed. This is, of course, an individual who is fully aware of the Divine as the prime mover. Since the ego has been given to the divine, every action related to the senses is observed and understood to be none other than the indwelling god or goddess doing the experiencing and enjoying. Such a buddha can enjoy all the senses without fear of confusion or being lost spiritually in them. For the great tantrics who have attained to this state, conventional rules which guide and provide stability, safety, and structure are irrelevant.’

‘As the divine light descends into the sheath of energy (pranayama kosham) the entity becomes a siddha in the truest sense of the word. As defined in the Upanishads , a siddha is one who has progressed from the exalted ‘state of freed while living’ (jivanmukta) to ‘supremely free with full power over death’ (para mukta). This state is referred to in siddhantha literature as soruba mukti or soruba samadhi. This para mukta will rarely retain the transformed physical frame and when so, remains as an avatar. The physical body of the siddha glows with the fire of immortality.’

G.Vanmikanathan in his English translation of the TIRUVASAGAM  says,

The temple has usually five prahaarams i.e. courtyards separated by high walls and inter-connected by entrances, four in number, on the East, West, North and South in the outermost wall, and only one on each of the other walls, usually on the eastern section therof.

These five courtyards represent the five sheaths of a human body viz., the aanamaya kosaa, the praanamaya kosaa, the manomaya kosaa, the vignaanamaya kosaa and the aanandamaya kosaa.

Tavayogi then lead me outside and showed me photos of his hut cum ashram in the mountain region of Kallaru near Ooti in Coimbotore, India. Tavayogi was running the mission at Kallaru, feeding the aboriginal children who had settled at the surrounding spot.

Tavayogi began to mention a list of things to be acquired for teecha when Perumal interrupted that he would get everything ready for that evening. Perumal told me I need only be present. Perumal asked me to dress in a light color so that I could absorb the full benefit of the teecha when receiving it. Tavayogi asked me to come back in the evening with the family.

I went back to the Peedham at 5 pm with my wife and my children. When Tavayogi joined us I asked him why we do not remember our last birth for won’t that be helpful for us to pick up from where we left in the previous life. Tavayogi said the reason we forget is due to Maya. Only those who are in the way of meditation will know their past. Children often remember said Tavayogi. But they lose all trace of memory of the past life, as the thin piece of skull on top of the head grows thicker and closes up as years go by.

Tavayogi then told us his past. In his past life he was a sheppard boy looking after goats in India. He had the opportunity to meet sage Agathiyar and was of assistance to the sage. As a result the age gave him a Mantra. This boy, who wanted to test the effectiveness of this mantra, tried it on two horses. These horses were burnt to ashes. When sage Agathiyar enquired what had happened, the lad lied that he had been doing 'Yagam' and had sacrificed the horses in the fire pit. As a result of this karma Tavayogi was temporarily blinded in the present life. During this period he stayed at a Mariamman Temple near Mettupalam and eventually regained his sight after a year.

Tavayogi asked me which Kaandam of the nadi I saw earlier. I replied, Podhu Kaandam, Karma Kaandam, Teecha Kaandam, and Gnana Kaandam. He asked what was mentioned in the Gnana Kaandam? I told him I was to worship sage Agathiyar, Lord Siva, the Sidhas. Tavayogi asked to see the ninth Kaandam where there would be mention of my guru.[22] Tavayogi said he had received numerous nadis from people where his named was mentioned. I asked if we could keep the nadi after each reading, Tavayogi replied, “Yes if the whole life’s prediction has been said”. If the reading was not complete, or if you were told to see again at some other time or to continue the reading at a later date, then the nadi would not be returned. He showed me a nadi that was destined for the Agathiyar Gnana Peedham kept at the present premises in a glass case. This is the kind of respect that is given to these nadi. They are revered as the spoken words of the Sages.[23]

I told Tavayogi my daughter had asked me a rather difficult question. I asked my daughter to repeat the question to Tavayogi. Her question was: Why the soul kills the body? Tavayogi was surprised and commented how many of us actually ponder this question? Tavayogi asked her if she wants to retain this body and see God or drop this body and the soul goes to God. She replied she wants to live. She was seven years old then.

My wife narrated her dream where she saw Saint Ramalingam and sage Agathiyar. Saint Ramalingam said in the dream, “We (THEY) are here”. Tavayogi explained to Mages, “The saints are ever protecting you and they have brought your husband to the worship of sidhas and are convincing you too of their existence.

By this time other devotees started to trickle in for the evening prayers and talk. [24]

Tavayogi gave Kara teecha to my wife and me that evening. Mages didn’t need much coaxing, as Tavayogi only wanted her to refrain from taking meat, which she agreed to adhere too. There were about ten of us in the room. All of them were ladies except me. The teecha was given behind closed doors. All those who didn’t have reason to be there were asked to leave by Perumal. Perumal handed each one of us a slip of paper in which was written a mantra to be recited and meditated on. I was surprised to see the 'moola mantra' of sage Agathiyar written on the paper. I had received this mantra from astrologer Krishnan back in November 2004. We had to take an oath of promise to sage Agathiyar we would not reveal this mantra to anyone and refrain from taking meat from that moment on. As I approached Tavayogi last after all the ladies got the teecha, he blessed me by touching my shoulders in a peculiar way. He then blessed us all with a good future.

Tavayogi during his stay at the Peedham mentioned on numerous occasion, to let things be. Swami Nithyananda too says:  “Tell yourself nothing can be done about it. Don’t allow yourself to react. Drop your resistance, drop your negativity, and drop your reaction”

Tavayogi invited us to the opening of Agathiyar Gnana Peedham on Saturday, 23^rd July 2005.

Reading The Nadi Again

I called Ramesh -the nadi reader Tavayogi had asked me to contact. I introduced myself and said I wanted to have my nadi read. I told him it had been 2 ½ years since I last saw the nadi with Sentilkumar. I told him Tavayogi had asked to see him. He said Tavayogi had called in the morning and mentioned I would be coming in to see the nadi. He said he shall call me later to inform of a date when I could see the nadi. [25]

My friend came over to my house immediately after seeing his nadi. He played the tape for me. He has the blessings of Sage Agathiyar and sidhas. To our surprise, sage Agathiyar mentions my friend taking teecha the day before from Tavayogi Thangarasan, in his nadi. [26]

Since there was no call from Ramesh, I called him again on 13^th August 2005. He apologized for not calling earlier. He gave me an appointment on Monday evening at 6pm.

I arrived early in Brickfields at 5.20 pm. I went over to the Sithi Vinayagar temple after which I stood in front of Ramesh apartment door. I waited for Ramesh to appear. After awhile Ramesh came out from one of the rooms and crossed the hall. That’s when he stopped suddenly. He looked at me and he appeared startled.  He asked if I was Shanmugam and let me in. As he was serving a client at that moment I waited at the living room. When his client left, he called me into the room.

He apologized a couple of times for not calling me to fix an appointment. He asked if I was mad or angry. I told him I had surrendered to the lord. I will see the nadi when HE wants me to see. But I added that I also wanted to see the nadi before Tavayogi leaves for India that weekend.

We talked about half an hour on various matters related to Tavayogi Thangarasan, Appana and the Peedham. He played the earlier reading of my nadi that was recorded on tape by Sentilkumar. When I saw Sentilkumar, he took my thumbprint to enable him to find my nadi. But Ramesh did not do so. He played back the end portion of the tape. He asked for my date of birth and time and lagna. Then he went out of the room into an adjacent room to get my nadi. He asked if he should transcribe the reading. I told him to do as he wished. He then taped the whole session. Throughout the reading I was in tears. Sage Agathiyar was so kind and generous to me. HE pardoned me for the past mistakes, removed the guilt I had saying all was HIS doing and he added that I needed those experiences too; HE accepted me into HIS circle; blessed me for a better future.

Andrew Harvey writes:

‘Over and over , with dazzling variations and images, the voice said” You cannot transform what you have not blessed. You can never transform what first you have not accepted and blessed” ‘

I could never repay HIS kindness. HE was extremely pleased with me. And as promised HE was delivering this reading.[27] I had performed the prayers well said the sage. THEY are pleased. I had the blessings of Lord Supramaniam and Saint Ramalingam too. [28]

I was to make a trip to India within the next year. I was to spend three days at Tavayogi’s hermitage in Kallaru. Then I was to go to Palani. I had to see Tavayogi for another Kara teecha and ask him to accept me as his disciple that night itself.

Ramesh did not want money. He only told me to pay for the price of the cassette. Ramesh asked me to call Tavayogi immediately and inform that I was on the way to see him. I did just that.

Pooja was going on for Lord Vinayagar at the adjacent temple as I stepped into the temple again.

I left the temple at 8.30 pm to get some fruits and flowers and made my way to the Peedham. I reached the Peedham at 9.15 pm. Tavayogi was in the midst of a discussion subject with the other devotees in the living area. I entered the meditation hall and waited to see Tavayogi in private.

When Tavayogi stepped into the hall, he asked, “Son, what is the matter you wanted to see me immediately”. I handed over the flower garland and fruits. I told him I had just seen the nadi and asked of him to take me as his disciple to which he replied, “I had already taken you in that day”. I told him sage Agathiyar wanted me to see him and receive kara teecha again. He looked at me and said, “Hmm.. Right…. I have clearly understood. Have you understood?” I nodded my head.

He picked up the flower garland that I had brought and placed it around my neck. Tavayogi gave me teecha again. He asked what was said in the nadi. I told him ‘lots of things’ . But at that moment I only told him that I was asked to go our to his hermitage in Kallar. He also asked if there were parikaarams mentioned in the nadi reading. There was no mention of any parikarams. He said I would have to rough it out for he could not give me the pleasures I was used to right now.

I asked Tavayogi what I should do now. He asked to follow Mr. Appana’s classes and he would guide me too. I said, “No”. I later thanked Mr. Appana for bringing Tavayogi to Malaysia and giving us and opportunity to be with him. I was back home at 10.15pm. That day was the 15^th of August 2005.

On reaching home I played back the cassette recording of the nadi reading. To my surprise after a few minutes into the recording, nothing was heard except for the loud hiss of the audiotape. All that was heard was the crackling sound of the tape. How could that be? I was puzzled since Ramesh had recorded a small portion and did rewind the tape and played it back so as to ascertain that the recorder was functioning and the audio level was acceptable. Even after taking such care and caution, the recording ended blank. I called Ramesh to inform him and he was equally puzzled and asks that I bring the casette back to him.[29]

Seeing Swami Nithyananda Again

My friend asked me to accompany him to collect the book SIX DAYS TO TOTAL TRANSFORMATION from Sam in Shah Alam. He was hoping he could get another darshan of Swami Nithyananda as the Swami was conducting a class for healers before leaving for Bangalore that afternoon. Upon reaching Shah Alam we were told that Sam and Swami too where at the Gold Coast Hotel in Klang. We rushed to Klang. We arrived at 12 noon. Swami was conducting a close door session for healers who had taken ASP and NSP with him, on the eighth floor of the hotel. His bags were being brought down and we were told he had to leave at 2 pm to the airport to catch the flight at 4 pm. We bought a red sandal rosary (utraca malai) each to have it blessed by Swami. His assistants told us they would assist in getting us an audience with Swami and have the rosary blessed.

At 1.45 pm, Swami came out of the hall. He was looking down as if in deep thought. He started walking towards the lift bay immediately. We were astonished that Swami didn’t look up at the devotees who had gathered there to have his darshan. The devotees, seven of us I think, started following him in silence and hoping he would turn around and stop to bless us. But Swami went up to the lifts and stood there facing the lifts. None of his assistants were around to introduce us to him. I was pondering whether it was right to approach the Swami afraid if we might intrude on him. Surprisingly I found myself edging slowly to the lift bays. I finally stood towards his left at the other end of the lift bay. [There were three lifts. Swami was standing at the far right lift and I stood at the far left lift. Slowly Swami moved towards the center lift and I paced towards him with my rosary beads in my hands. That is when Swami looked up and saw me. His gaze moved towards my upheld hands. Immediately he approached me as I too start walking towards him. He picked the beads out of my open palms with his right hand and placed it over my head and my neck. I closed my eyes. I heard him say, “Be Blissful”.

Upon opening my eyes I saw my friend already on the floor in front of the Swami and was picking himself up. Then the thought ran in my mind that I too should fall at Swami’s feet. I fell at his feet. By the time I picked myself up, he was blessing the others; a couple of women, another women, a couple, and Rajandran whom we met while waiting for Swami. He exchanged a few words to the two elderly women, one of whom had a neck support. Then the crowd dispersed just as it had gathered, and Swami was left alone for a moment or two, and he stated moving slowly away from the lifts, turned a corner, and disappeared.

We were overwhelmed. The couple that had the darshan and blessing of Swami were in disbelief and practically in tears. The wife approached me saying, “He saw us!”. They exclaimed in excitement, “Swami blessed us”. They cried in disbelief. I replied, “Not only that he blessed us with bliss”.

Rajandran asked us to follow him down to the lobby of the hotel as Swami was leaving for the airport. We told him to go ahead and we shall join him shortly. We turned back towards the seminar room looking for Sam. We could not meet Sam as the participants were still in the room. We then decided to go down to the lobby and catch up with Swami. We stood at the same lift bay that Swami was standing earlier to take us down to the lobby.  Then the lift opened and two Indian gentlemen came out asking if Swami had left. We told them he has just gone down to the hotel lobby and we were also going down to see him off. The men told us that those three lifts did not go down to the lobby of the Hotel. These lifts took one from the eighth floor to the top; it does not go down.[31] They told us we had to take the lift around the corner and lead us to it.

We followed the two gents around the corner where Swami disappeared. There was a single lift going down to the lobby. So this was the lift Swami took after blessing us. Swami had already settled in the front passenger seat of a four-wheel drive by the time we reach the entrance to the hotel. After his disciples  packed the luggage into a couple of cars, the entourage left. Swami raised his hands to us as he was driven by. We walked back to Murali’s car feeling joy at having got another moment with him. This was on the 18^th of July 2005.

After receiving Swami’s darshan and blessing, I was pondering as to what actually took place. I was still in a daze as to what transpired that day. The next day I asked my friend to narrate what actually took place. He told me we were all worried that Swami would walk away without blessing us. He thanked me for stepping in front of Swami; after which Swami started to bless all those present. He told me after Swami had placed the rosary around my neck, he placed his hand on my head saying, “Be Blissful”. According to my friend, Swami and me were both smiling away, looking at the other as if in communion. My friend was getting impatient, he told me, since I was taking took much time with Swami. He was afraid that the lifts would open and Swami would step into it even before he (my friend) had a chance to be blessed. Then it seems I fell at Swami’s feet and that’s when Swami turns his attention to my friend. Did I take up so much time? I do not remember a thing. I realized now that I had lost a few moments there. I do not remember Swami touching my head nor me falling down at his feet. I only came to my senses when Swami said ‘Be Blissful’ to my friend and he fell at Swami’s feet. That’s when I came to my senses and fell at Swami’s feet AGAIN!

Tavayogi Visits My Home

31^st July 2005 - I made preparations to receive Tavayogi at my home. I did spring-cleaning and kept the home spotless to receive Tavayogi. I had been informed by Appana that no one was to fall at Tavayogi’s feet. Neither were we allowed to do ‘Patha pooja’-the customary ceremony where the feet of the holy one is washed in milk before he steps into ahome. Tavayogi does not approve of these I was told.

I left with my nephew behind the wheels to fetch Tavayogi at Appana’s house in Kampong Laksmana, Batu Caves at 10.45 am. Appana could not come. We picked Perumal on the way from the Peedham. I told Tavayogi how glad and happy I was that he agreed to come to my home. I had never had the opportunity arise where a swami visited my home and Tavayogi was the first one. I mentioned this to him. Tavayogi replied, “ You are caught in Maya, my son. You think this safron clothed swami has got something hidden within his cloths. There is nothing in me”.

My brother , my sister-in-law , their son ; my friend and his family had all gather at my house waiting in anticipation for Tavayogi. I had requested each family to prepare some food so that they too got the privilege of feeding Tavayogi.[32]

Tavayogi got down from the car and walked briskly into my home. I had asked my daughter to shoot the arrival of Tavayogi on video. When Tavayogi saw her he said this was only for politicians and he does not need this much coverage. I had placed a white sheet of cloth on one of the chairs for Tavayogi to sit on but he chose to sit on another chair. He then requested the others to take a seat. My family and friends began to sit on the floor. Immediately Tavayogi got up from the chair and sat on the terrazo floor. My mother came down from upstairs. Seeing my mother, Tavayogi said, “Only now I am seeing my mother”. I invited Tavayogi to the prayer room to start the prayers for sage Agathiyar. Tavayogi took water and circled thrice the offerings. [33] He then showered the potraits I had at my altar with flowers. He sang five songs while lighting the camphor and holding the flame  at the altar. He held it out to all those who had gathered around the room too.

My wife and I wept. She suddenly swayed to the side.My nephew’s wife had to hold her. Tavayogi asked her if sage Agathiyar had appeared? Tavayogi knelt at the alter and worshiped the painting of sage Agathiyar. My wife later tells me all she remembers was seeing the picture of sage Agathiyar swirling round and round.

Then food was served. Tavayogi enjoyed the food asking for more helpings. My brother asked Tavayogi to explain some verses from the GNANA KOVAI. Tavayogi immediately took him to the prayer room where he started explaining to him. My friend, brother, and I gave Tavayogi a small token with fruits and flowers. On the way back I asked him, if  all was satisfying. He answered, “Yes”. While driving him back, I narrated my dream where I was given a fruit but had dropped it only to pick up later. I told him I was asked to build a temple for Sage Agathiyar in the nadi. Tavayogi replied, “We too are trying to put up a temple”. I sent him back to Appana’s house and sent Perumal to the Peedham.