THIRUVARUT PAYAN
  -UmaPathi Sivachariyar

    The English translation for Thiruvarut Payan was done by Saiva Thiru  J.M.Nallaswami Pillai , Dr. G.U.Pope. and Saiva Thiru V.A.Devasenapathi.

For one who worships Ganesha, the arts and philosophies are not things
Which he need labour to learn.                         -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

To one who approaches Vinayaka who, as the young elephant, is the embodiment of Grace, works bearing on Philosophy and Religion (Scriptures) will not be difficult to understand.

[The Deity with the head of an elephant is generally invoked at the commencement of any work for its completion.  Approaching Him means worshipping Him in thought, word and deed.  A total dedication to Him enables one to grasp philosophical truths with ease and clarity of understanding.]

-V.A.Devasenapathi.

THE NATURE OF THE SUPREME LORD

1.

Like the letter "A", the incomparable Lord is all intelligence
and pervades without change.              -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai        

Like the vowel A, wisdom's self, the matchless King, everywhere
abides, and all things fills.    -Dr. G.U.Pope.

What is Siva's essential nature?

Like the vowel a, the Lord Who is incomparable, pervades and abides everywhere in the form of wisdom.

[The Lord cannot be compared with anything.  He is matchless.  Yet, to enable us to have a glimpse of His Nature, He is compared with the letter a which is involved in the utterance of all other letters.  Though associated inseparably with other letters, it is distinct from them.  So, also, the Lord Who pervades all existence (animate and inanimate) is distinct therefrom.

    In the form of wisdom, the Lord knows by Himself without any extraneous aid) and enables souls to know.  Even as the first vowel pervades other vowels and consonants, the Lord pervades sentiment and non-sentient entities.  Thus He is the Supreme Being owning all existence.] -V.A.Devasenapathi.

2.

The eternal souls will attain Divine Nature by his Arul Sakthi (Grace or Love),
which is one with our Lord.                                        -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

That souls may reach His state, His Energy gathes them in.
Our Lord is (nevertheless) One and Indivisible.        -Dr. G.U.Pope.

If Siva is neither without form(arupa) nor with form(rupa) how can He perform the five functions to enable souls to get rid of their impurity?

Our Lord is inseparable from His Sakti(Energy) in order that souls which are eternal may attain His state(may become like unto Him)-all the same, the Lord is One and Indivisible.  -V.A.Devasenapathi.

3.

In his greatness, in his subtely, in His boundles Grace in the priceless benefit
He confers on man, He is beyond all comparison.     -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai        

In greatness, subtile nature, exceeding grace, and precious boon He grants,
He is the Incomparable.                  -Dr. G.U.Pope.

Is there any one comparable to Him?  Is there anyone, apart from the Lord, capable of thus helping  souls?

He is the Incomparable in respect of His greatness (in bringing everything under His pervasion):- of His subtle Nature (in being at the heart of even the minutest of things); of His exceeding Grace; and of His state, difficult of attainment (by others without His Grace).  -V.A.Devasenapathi.

4.

He it is who originates everything, sustains it and when everything is destroyed
and resolved into its primordial Mala, He alone remains,
the last refuge from which there is no return.     -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai        

He creates, preserves and to the power of Maya all consigns.
He is the refuge that ne'er departs.           -Dr. G.U.Pope.

Why call Him the Incomparable? Is He not one of three? As Destroyer how is He greater than the other two, namely the Creator and Preserver?

He creates and maintains everything.  He removes totally (all) impurity.  He is the Refuge that never fails.  -V.A.Devasenapathi.

5.

He is a Rupi (one with form), an Arupi (formless) and
He is a Ruparupi (one with and without form).
To the wise, He is Pure Chit, Gnana or Intelligence.   -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai        

He is Formless and has Form.  To those who know Him He has the Form of Wisdom.
                                                                                                      -Dr. G.U.Pope.

What is the form of such a Lord? Is He formless or has He a form?

He is formless.  He has form.  To the wise, He has a form of wisdom. (Verily such a One exists.)

[Siva, Sakti, nada and bindu are said to be His formless aspect.  Mahesa, Rudra, Visnu and Brahma are His form-aspect.  Sadasiva is form-formless aspect.  The Lord is beyond all these, as existing in the form of wisdom].  -V.A.Devasenapathi.

6.

Our Lord like the souls which can only understand with His light,
has no one superior to Him.     -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai        

Innumerable souls through His indwelling fulness attain to know.
There is none above our King who to Him can thus impart        -Dr. G.U.Pope.

If He has a form of wisdom, is there one above Him to give Him this form?

Souls which are many, know (as informed by the Lord).  There is none above Him ( to impart knowledge to Him likewise).

[In other words, He is unlike souls which, though intelligent entities, can have knowledge only if He illumines their understanding.

As per couplet one, there is none to equal Him.  As per this couplet (6), there is none to excel Him.]

-V.A.Devasenapathi.

7.

To the wise who approach His feet,
He dwells in their hearts inseparably as the Supreme Intelligence.
He has not been comprehended even by the Devas.    -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai        

As unfailing wisdom He never withdraws Himself from His servants;
though He is the King, whom the HEAVENLY ONES SEE NOT.    -Dr. G.U.Pope.

Where does such a Lord, Who has none to equal or excel Him, abide?

The Lord Who cannot be known even by the celestials, abides in the intelligence of devotees, without ever departing from them.  -V.A.Devasenapathi.

8.

He is one with Chit and Achit (soul and non soul) like heat in hot water;
yet He is not one with them.     -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai        

Everywhere through all He dwells pervasive, like fire in heated water;    
yet with none identified, abides alone.      -Dr. G.U.Pope.

If He abides in devotees (alone), how could He be all-pervading?

The Lord Who abides everywhere and in everything (animate and inanimate) as one therewith (invisibly), like heat in (warm) water, is yet apart from them (different from them and unaffected by their limitations and defects). -V.A.Devasenapathi.

9.

He will not to be good to those who approach Him not.
He is good to those who approach him. 
Yet, He has no partiality likes nor dislikes. 
He is called Sankara as He is beneficient.     -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai        

To those who draw not nigh.  He gives no boon: to those who draw nigh,
all good: the great Sankaran knows no dislike.      -Dr. G.U.Pope.

Does the Lord manifest Himself to all in the same manner?  If He is present everywhere, why should souls be subjected to births?

The Lord's name is Sankaran (one who does good).  He is not good to those who do not approach Him.  He is good to those who (do) approach Him.  Yet, He is free from partiality (and thus is true to His name). -V.A.Devasenapathi.

10.

Yes. Love and contemplate on Him you can know him without doubt.
He will never be separated from your heart. 
He is the supreme panacea
which will cure you of your birth and rebirth.  -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai        

Ponder well! doubtless there is a Wisdom, all-pervading-balm-that
clinging malady of 'Birth' unfailing heals.      -Dr. G.U.Pope.

Does He manifest Himself to those who worship and serve Him?

There is a medicine in our own understanding (as its informing principle) which will remove (the disease of) births (ceaselessly following us).  There is no doubt about this.  Think of this (medicine, viz the Lord and worship Him in love). -V.A.Devasenapathi.

 

THE STATE OF SOULS

11.

The number of those who have been freed and of those who are yet to
attain Mukti (liberation) will equal the number of the days that are past
since creation and of the days that are yet to come
i.e. their number is endless.  -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai        

Days past, and days to come, are numberless so is the company that have renounced,
and hereafter will renounce.     -Dr. G.U.Pope.

Could those who having taken the medicine overcome births and have attained His feet by worship, be counted?

Like the number of days that have already gone by and (the number of) days yet to come are (the number of) those who have renounced (wordly attachments) and (the number of) those who are yet to renounce. -V.A.Devasenapathi.

12.

The souls are divided into those who have three malas,
those who have two, and those who have one only.   -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai        

There are those with three impurities; those set free from one of these,
and those who have but one.       -Dr. G.U.Pope.

If souls are countless, could these be classified, to enable us to understand their nature?

There are those with three impurities, those freed from one (of the three) and those with only one impurity. -V.A.Devasenapathi.

13.

All those three classes possess the Mula Mala, Anava; the sakalas alone are not
conscious that they are in the bandha (Bound) condition.  -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai        

All the three classes are subject to the original 'impurity' to those
who cling to Him the unseen Lord is Help.      -Dr. G.U.Pope.

If souls differ thus in respect of the number of their impurities, is there any subservience of one to another among them?

All these three groups have the original impurity.  Those in the grip of maya are not aware of their bondage and of God as their Help.  (They are all subservient only to the Lord, not to one another). -V.A.Devasenapathi.

14.

Of what avail is that power which confuses in dreams
its experiences during walking state?  -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai        

Things seen daily are mingled confusedly in dreams!
What can men do whose might of intellect is such?    -Dr. G.U.Pope.

Why speak of subservience of souls?  Why not take them to be the Absolute-Brahman?

Things experienced everyday are perceived confusedly in dreams.  What can persons of such 'mighty' intellect do of their own accord? -V.A.Devasenapathi.

15.

The name "Intelligence" is really appropriate to the Soul which cannot understand
except in conjection with the senses!   -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai        

Without organs of sense reason comes not into contact
with the objective how then can soul be said to know?     -Dr. G.U.Pope.

As souls have the capacity to know everything, can they not know, unaided?

How totally 'appropriate; the name of intelligence to those who cannot know anything without the aid of sense-organs! -V.A.Devasenapathi.

16.

What can the light of the Sun and its absence, and the world affect,
if there is no light in the eye.        -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai        

Light and darkness and the phenomenal universe are not perceptible
to the eye obscured by cataract.     -Dr. G.U.Pope.

Has the soul no knowledge whatever?

If wide open eye does not have the capacity to see, of what avail can light, darkness and the world be? -V.A.Devasenapathi.

17.

The Sat (reality) cannot perceive Asat (unreality).
 Asat cannot perceive anything.  That which is united to both and
understands both is Sat-Asat or the soul.  -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai        

The "REAL" draws not nigh the "UNREAL".  The unreal knows nothing.
Soul that takes congnizance of both these, must itself be both.     -Dr. G.U.Pope.

Of the three, the Lord (Pati), soul (pasu) and bonds (pasa), which exercises it knowing function?

The Real does not draw near the non-real.  The non-real cannot know (anything).  The souls which applies its intelligence to (know) both (the Real and the non-real), must (therefore) be both. -V.A.Devasenapathi.

 

18.

Are there not objects in this world which become
dark in darkness and light in light?  -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai        

In this world are there not things which are
dark in the darkness, and light in the light?     -Dr. G.U.Pope.

Is there any object in the world having a double aspect like the soul?

Are there not in this world things which are dark in darkness and bright in light? (examples are the eye, crystal and akasa) -V.A.Devasenapathi.

19.

Like the owl which cannot see even in bright sunlight,
the souls (though present in God) cannot perceive God,
owing to its connection with Anava Mala.   -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai        

To the eye of owl light itself is dense darkness,
so are they whose eyes behold not Vaman.     -Dr. G.U.Pope.

Why, then, does the soul not know Siva? Since light too is with the soul from eternity, why should the soul have any connection with darkness? Can light and darkness co-exist?

Souls which do not see the Great Intelligence (though beginninglessly in association with It) are like the owl to whose eye light also is intense darkness. -V.A.Devasenapathi.

20.

Oh! when will the long suffering lose their sufferings and
enjoy Bliss by reaching His Arul or Gnan.   -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai        

From eternity until now souls bear the load. Alas!
when shall they know the grace divine?
Ah! abiding woe!     -Dr. G.U.Pope.

When is the soul to overcome its ignorance? When shall it obtain Grace?

From eternity souls bear (the load of) measureless suffering.  Alas! When are they to know Grace?

[The ignorance is beginningless, not endless.  It is from eternity but not to eternity]                                                                                        -V.A.Devasenapathi.

 

THE NATURE OF THE IMPURITY OF DARKNESS

21.

The everlong misery of death and birth and Eternal Bliss
and the presence of Divine Grace are all veiled from us
by Anava Mala without making its own presence felt.   -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai        

That which denies the grievous round of unceasing embodiment and bliss, and means of help.
is ever existent though ever hidden.     -Dr. G.U.Pope.

What is the hardship caused by the impurity? What is the sorrow that clings to the soul?

The sorrow of (ceaseless round of) births, the joy (of being released from this round), the means of help, maya, karma and God)- these can, in no manner, be denied.

[If they are denied, the denial is due to the operation of anava, the impurity of darkness]                                                                                                     -V.A.D<evasenapathi.

22.

That which hides all objects and makes them appear as
one is nothing but darkness (Pasa or Ignorance)   -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai        

Nothing except Darkness while showing itself,
hides all else, so as to make them one with itself.    -Dr. G.U.Pope.

How does anava obscure souls?

There is nothing except darkness which hides everything else by making them one with itself. -V.A.Devasenapathi.

23.

The darkness, though it hides everything else will show itself.
But this Anava Mala will neither show itself nor anything else.   -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai        

Darkness hides objects of vision, but shows itself;
Anavam hiding all else itself also remains concealed.    -Dr. G.U.Pope.

Is the obscuration caused by anava like the one caused by physical darkness?

(External or physical) darkness hides everything but shows itself.  This (internal or spiritual) darkness hides both itself and the objects. -V.A.Devasenapathi.

24.

This darkness lasts to this day covering the soul only though it is present
eternally with the supreme Light in the soul.     -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai        

This darkness exists from eternal ages, permeating the soul
together with the inner light, and abides till now.    -Dr. G.U.Pope.

Is this spiritual darkness beginningless or does it have a beginning?

Darkness, existing from eternity abides till now.  Though it permeates the soul, it is subservient to the soul and its Inner Light. -V.A.Devasenapathi.

25.

Though this dark damsel embraces everybody,
its want of virtue is not perceived by anybody.    -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai        

"My Lady Darkness" has an infinity of lovers,
but hides herself from even her spouse with strictest chaste reserve!    -Dr. G.U.Pope.

How is it that souls do not realise the fact of obscuration?

The dark lady has a chastity which makes her ever hide herself even from her husband while she carries on with several others. -V.A.Devasenapathi.

26.

Why waste many aord? It is by this darkness, we are not able
to perceive the Truth (of the distinction of the three Padarthas)   -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai        

No need of many words! This ignorance of all that souls
should know is the gift of the "Sons of Darkness"     -Dr. G.U.Pope.

How are we to know the existence of this impurity?

Of what avail, many words (to indicate the nature of darkness)? The state of souls not realising their nature as intelligent entities is bestowed by darkness. -V.A.Devasenapathi.

27.

Why is there human suffering if there is no darkness?
If it is the souls' inherent quality (it cannot be removed); 
If God can remove it, the soul itself will perish.   -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai        

If there be no darkness, why sorrow?  If it be nothing but soul's essence it departs not;
or, when it departs the soul must perish too.    -Dr. G.U.Pope.

What, if the principle of darkness is denied?

If there is no darkness, how can there be sorrow (of births)? If darkness is the naure of the soul, when there is an entity to remove darkness, the destruction of darkness will bring about the destruction of the soul also. -V.A.Devasenapathi.

28.

If the Anava is not eternal and became connected with the soul
at any intermediate time, how did the soul get it?
Such darkness may cover it even in mukti for no reason.   -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai        

If this impurity had a beginning, how explain its appearance?  and may it not
silently reappear even in the realm of release?     -Dr. G.U.Pope.

Did the impurity have a beginning in time?

If the defect (of darkness) had a beginning (in time) what was the reason for its association (with the pure soul)?  If there was no reason, the defect would seize the soul again. -V.A.Devasenapathi.

 

29.

Even when the dark Anava increases, the light of the lamp (Maya) will remove it a little.
If it cannot, then the darkness cannot be removed at any time.   -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai        

Though darkness grow and spread, light will disperse it. 
If not, it never can leave the mind.    -Dr. G.U.Pope.

Will the impurity never cease?

Even if darkness abounds, if the soul does not (gradually) realise the light, darkness will never depart from the soul.  -V.A.Devasenapathi.

30.

Like the lamp which loses its brightness at days break before the Bright Sun.
So Maya enlightness the soul but its various forms of body, senses etc.,
as long as the night of Karma lasts.   -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai        

Like a light that illuminates till the dayspring arise "delusion"
takes form and associates itself with deeds.    -Dr. G.U.Pope.

Does maya cause obscuration? Why attribute it to anava?

Body and other accessories, arising from maya, according to the karma of souls, are like a lamp (that dispels darkness) until dawn. -V.A.Devasenapathi.

 

THE NATURE OF GRACE

 

31.

There is nothing superior to Arul in this World, as there can be nothing
superior to the supreme object of man's desire.   -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai        

Than Grace is nothing greater; as in this world
nothing is greater than that one's soul requires.     -Dr. G.U.Pope.

Is there any thing greater than Grace?

Even as nothing is more important (or greater) than what is considered indispensable ( at a given time), nothing in the world is greater than Grace. -V.A.Devasenapathi.

32.

Like the action of the Sun upon the earth, Arul is the great Light
which illuminates everything (Chit and Achit) and causes souls
to perform Karma, and to enjoy the fruits of each Karma.    -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai        

Grace as the Sun appears, and sheds everywhere great light for deeds and their effects.  
                                                                                                     -Dr. G.U.Pope.

How does Grace operate?

Like the great external light of the sun enabling persons everywhere to do work and reap its reward, Grace is the great (inner) light, enabling souls to engage in action and experience its fruits. -V.A.Devasenapathi.

33.

The body cannot know anything as it is Asat;
the soul cannot understand of itself being ignorant:
then how can the soul understand, 
unless the Supreme Arul illuminates its understanding?   -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai        

The flesh knows nothing, and the soul knows nothing of itself
since these know nothing; who of himself, can know?      -Dr. G.U.Pope.

Can the soul of man do its own work without the aid of Grace?

The body can never know; the soul (by itself) cannot know anything (without the body, sense-organs etc).  So, who can know unless Grace brings these two together?                                                                             -V.A.Devasenapathi.

34.

Like the fish in the milky ocean, the souls, instead of partaking
of that heavenly joy (Which Surrounds it) wallow in the misery of Maya.   -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai        

As fish in the sea of milk conduct themselves, though with Grace endowed,
souls sink back in the sea of bewilderment.      -Dr. G.U.Pope.

How is it that souls are in ignorance of the Grace which thus guides them?

Souls, immersed in Grace, refusing to experience it, return to immerse themselves in the sea of delusion, in the manner of fish in the sea of milk going after the insects therein instead of drinking the milk. -V.A.Devasenapathi.

35.

Like the person who walks his way without knowing that
his protector is following him and like the five senses
which do not understand the soul, the soul does nor know its Lord.   -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai        

A traveller knows not the helper drawing nigh. 
The five senses know not the soul to which they are instrument of perception.
So the soul does not know its LORD.       -Dr. G.U.Pope.

How is it that souls know not His gift of knowledge?

Like a traveller being unaware of help (from a guard coming behind him) and like the five senses being unaware of the soul guiding them, the soul is unaware of the Intelligence (which is Grace dwelling in the soul). -V.A.Devasenapathi.

36.

Like the persons who walk upon the earth without knowing that the earth
it is that supports them, the Souls do not understand that it is the
Lord that sustains and supports them.   -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai        

Men know not that earth upholds them as they tread;
so embodied souls know not grace that inspires.    -Dr. G.U.Pope.

What illustrates the soul's ignorance of the way it is guided?

Persons walk about (engrossed in life i.e. in their activities) without realising that the earth supports them.  Even so, souls get absorbed in objects of experience without realising that it is Grace which makes such experience possible. -V.A.Devasenapathi.

37.

Those who do not know themselves go and search for the Allwise elsewhere, just as the
person who, being on the top of the hill, searches for the hill, who, walking on earth,
 tries to discover it, and to discover the Akas, while he himself is in it.  -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai        

Those who have lost the mountain, lost the earth,
lost the sky and lost themselves are alkie!    -Dr. G.U.Pope.

Can they, by seeking, discover Grace?

Those lost to a sense of Grace are like those:

1) Who have lost the mountain (that affords protection against invasion)

2) Who have lost the land (on which they walk or which yields its harvest) and

3) Who have lost the here-after in which they can enjoy the good that it offers( or lost the sky or space in which they move about).

They spell their own ruin. -V.A.Devasenapathi.

38.

The deceitful are like those who feel thirsty being in waters up to
their neck, and who do not see even after day-break   -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai        

The way of men under the tyranny of falsehood is like that of him
who stands in the flood with parched tongue;
or like his who after the dawning is in darkness still.    -Dr. G.U.Pope.

How is it that men wander ignorant of Grace?

Because of the action of pseudo-leaders, what ensues is similar to (feeling intense thirst) standing neck-deep in water, with parched tongue and to feeling it still dark though the day has dawned brightly. -V.A.Devasenapathi.

39.

Rest the soul on the Blissful Love after subduing your active passions.  As the cat while on the milk pot, flies at rat. (thy passions hanker after small pleasures)  -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai        

Hear with undistracted mind! this folly is that of the cat standing
on the milk-pan, and springing at the insect on the wall.    -Dr. G.U.Pope.

What is it lime, to be ignorant of Grace?

Listen, avoiding distraction (by the senses).  This (eagerness for sensory experience, missing the joy of Grace) is like a cat jumping from the top of a milk-pot to eat a cockroach. 

If the cat succeeds in catching the cockroach, it is but poor feed in quality and quantity compared with richness and large quantity of milk.  Likewise, going after sensory pleasures may result in the frustration of missing them, or if attained, the enjoyment will be of short duration and poor quality.  On the other hand, the joy of Grace is everlasting and of increasing richness. -V.A.Devasenapathi.

40.

It is too much to expect Moksha for the empty soul which though in contact
will Arul till the day, has not become familiar with it.  -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai        

How can 'deliverance' be attained by empty souls that have no real
sympathy with grace, though theirs from eternity.    -Dr. G.U.Pope.

Is it not possible to know without overcoming distraction?

Release is superfluous for hollow souls which, though associated with Grace (from all eternity) until now, have not practised presence (or awareness) of it.

 

THE FORM OF GRACE (AS MANIFESTED IN THE GURU)

41.

The same Lord who never seperate, was sustaining you, unseen, in your
bandha condition, appears as the visible Guru.   -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

Guru that in the times of ignorance abode within now made manifest
by visible signs, the King who departs not.    -Dr. G.U.Pope.

Who comes when twofold deeds are balanced?  Who grant release?

The Lord Who manifests Himself in a visible form( as Guru when souls have spiritual maturity) is indeed the same One who, abiding concealed within them (when they are in a state of ignorance and immaturity) gave them help. He never departs from them.

[His help is there all-through, whether it is availed of with awareness or not].

 

42.

Will any persons other than intimate relations know the secret
disease afflicting a person.  -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

None can know the disease within but those of the household.
Can the outer world discern it too?    -Dr. G.U.Pope.

Is it so very necessary that He, the indwelling Lord Himself, should come as Guru?  Will not learned men suffice?

Can others in the world know the illness that only those in the household are aware of?

(Likewise, only the Lord Who dwells within them knows the spiritual malady of souls-not others). -V.A.Devasenapathi.

43.

How can the world know Him who without being
known, came down to breathe His Grace.  -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

Who born on this earth is able to discern such a Divine
Dispenser of grace not ever given before?  -Dr. G.U.Pope.

Can all recognise the Guru Who thus appears?

The world does not know the Guru as the Lord Himself, coming in human form to grant Grace. -V.A.Devasenapathi.

44.

The ignorant with dark thoughts cannot feel the Arul and
see the Arul Guru.  -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

Souls immersed in the false darkness of sense-perception
cannot see the two:
teachings of Grace divine and the Teacher.  -Dr. G.U.Pope.

How it is that inferior souls know not the Guru?

Those whose understanding is darkened by anava and who, hence, lack wisdom, - know not fully the two-(1)(2)Grace as wisdom and the Guru as its embodiment.                                 -V.A.Devasenapathi.

45.

The world cannot know that His human form, like a decoy;
is assumed for snaring man.  -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

The world does not discern the bodily form as the cloak
assumed to take and hold men fast.  -Dr. G.U.Pope.

Is it necessary that His sacred form should be visible like ours?

The world does not know that the human form of the Guru is a cloak hiding the Lord to entice souls to come under His sway in the manner of using a decoy to catch wild animals.                                                                                                                 -V.A.Devasenapathi.

46.

Cease thinking "of what use is He to me? Who can learn anything,  as the shastras
themselves require the Divine Guru for their education.  -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

What would thus accrue?  Who knows anything?  Seek him, and be freed.
The true meaning is known only from Him.  -Dr. G.U.Pope.

May not any teacher be thus a cloaked image of 'Sivan'?

It is natural to go to that person who is competent to impart the required knowledge.  What will happen, if we, requiring spiritual knowledge, fail to take the help of Guru?
                                                                                            -V.A.Devasenapathi.

47.

The magician who chants the mangoose mantra, not the mangoose itself,
will remove the effects of snake bite.  Accordingly, the look of the Divine
Guru dispels spiritual darkness.   -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

When snake poision has entered the system, not the mere presence of the
"Mangus" - A skillful physician is necessary to remove the poison.  -Dr. G.U.Pope.

Is it not enough that Divine Grace is the core or your knowledge? Must He come as Guru too?

Snake poison will be removed by one who has contemplative identification with a mongoose, not by the mongoose coming in contact with the body of the bitten one.  Even so spiritual darkness can be removed by the Guru (not by God as such-although God and Guru are the same, He must appear as Guru.) -V.A.Devasenapathi.

48.

To the Vignanakalas and the Pralayakalas the Lord will show His Grace without
 assuming any form.  To the Sakalas who have got rid of their mala.  He will show
 His Grace assuming a form.  -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

To those become a-kalar He gives precious gifts for grace, and cancels
deeds.  To those still ca-kalar as a Guru.  He gives His grace.   -Dr. G.U.Pope.

Is His Gracious manifestation as a Teacher for all or for one class only?

The Lord by His Grace removes the ignorance of those with one mala (vijnanakalas), removes the bond of ignorance and karma (of pralayakalas).  To those with the bond of maya also ( in addition to anava and karma) -viz to the sakalas, He grants Grace by appearing as Guru.

As vijnanakalas and pralayakalas are free from the bond of maya, they are called akalas, unlike the sakalas who are bound by maya.

The Lord bestows His Grace without appearing as Guru to souls without the evolutes of maya.  To those associated with these evolutes, He appears as Guru.                                                                          -V.A.Devasenapathi.

49.

Who will Know the Truth if the Bliss Conferring All-wise
does not come down (as the Divine Guru)  -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

Who can know unless the gracious Revealer of the wide extended way,
the great knower, shall appear?   -Dr. G.U.Pope.

Can He not be invisible and still, instruct? Cannot salvation be effected without the coming of the Guru? Why should He appear in a form?

If the Lord-the Great Intelligence-does not come as Guru and grant Grace, who can have the knowledge that can be had only after the bonds are removed?  -V.A.Devasenapathi.

50.

Gnanam can arise without the Divine Guru, if the pure sun-stone
(crystal) can emit fire without the sun.  -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

Mystic knowledge may visit us without His intervention
when the fair crystal kindles fire without the sun!  -Dr. G.U.Pope.

Should the Lord come as the Guru? Cannot the soul know everything by itself?

Wisdom can be had without the Guru-if the sun-stone can emit fire without the rays of the sun.

THE WAY OF KNOWLEDGE

51.

When the unequal good and evil become balanced (Iruvinaioppu),
the Lord's Grace descends on him.  -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

When the vast mass of twofold deeds is balanced,
the "Energy" of the King shall exert its power.  -Dr. G.U.Pope.

When will He come as Guru? At what stage does He appear?

The stage for reception of God's Grace is reached when the consequence of the long-drawn karma (twofold deeds-good and bad) are seen to be alike ( in their binding effect on souls).  -V.A.Devasenapathi.

52.

The one God, the many souls, the dark Anava, Karma, the Suddha
and Asuddha Mayas, all these six are eternal.  -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

The one, the manifold, darkness, deeds, twofold Mayas these
He will show us as entities from everlasting.  -Dr. G.U.Pope.

When the Lord appears as a Gur, what will He teach?

The One (the Lord), the many (souls), darkness (anava), karma and twofold maya (suddha and asuddha)- these have no beginning.  -V.A.Devasenapathi.

53.

To be saved, understand you have got to face the
soul performing Karma, the performed Karma, and
their effects and the Lord who actuates Karma.  -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

DOER; DEEDS done; FRUITS; LORD, who brings
deeds home to soul; these belong to thee to know,
O disciple!   -Dr. G.U.Pope.

Of the six entities which have no beginning, which must you know?

Realise that for your salvation there are  (1) the doer (2) the deeds (3) the fruit(s) of the deeds and (4) the one who apportions) the fruits to the respective doers).                                              -V.A.Devasenapathi.

54.

As the soul vivifies the body, so it is that the embodied soul
is vivified in union with the Supreme Intelligence.  -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

Flesh lives through its connection with the living soul.
Understanding souls live through union of the embodied soul with Divine Grace.  -Dr. G.U.Pope.

How-in what manner-does the soul abide in Grace?

The manner in which the soul living in a body has the Lord as its Soul is like the union of the soul with a physical body.  -V.A.Devasenapathi.

55.

As the crystal reflects itself and several colours in the light of the Sun,
so the world is related to the Light bears of the Lord.  -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

Crystal retains its own clear brightness.  The sun shining on it
show also many varied hues.  Thus earth bears the colours of its King!  -Dr. G.U.Pope.

How does Grace operate upon souls? Is the Guru affected by the pleasures and pains of the soul, by abiding in them?

Even as the capacity of the crystal to show its own colour and the many colours (of adjacent objects) is given by sunlight-the capacity of souls in this world(to reflect their environment) is given by the Grace of God.

[Though the sun gives the light which enables a crystal to show its own colour and to reflect the colours in its environment, sunlight is not affected by these colours].                                                                                                              -V.A.Devasenapathi.

56.

The intelligent soul can see through the eye only in union with the
Supreme Light.  Otherwise it cannot understand.  -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

Easy the way of vision: but twixt eye and object light must be.
Without the light of Grace twixt soul and KNOWN, soul sees not!  -Dr. G.U.Pope.

May I not say, 'I do not need Grace to see by: I myself will see'?

The capacity of the eye to see arises from the light that exists between the soul and the eye.  Without that light there can be no vision. (Grace is to the soul, what physical light is to the eye).  -V.A.Devasenapathi.

57.

As the senses obey the lower passions so consider
your acts as those of the Lord.  -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

In your feeble perception by the senses, the soul's instruments,
learn how the soul itself is the instrument of Grace.  -Dr. G.U.Pope.

Understand that even as the sense-organs function as guided by the limited intelligence of the soul, the functions of the soul are guided by Divine Grace.  -V.A.Devasenapathi.

58.

Don't try to fathom out the Supreme Intelligence.
Don't try to think out the one in your mind.
Don't try to see it before you (as an object)!
Then perceive the Light which enlightens you.  -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

Ponder not! Think of nothing! See not thyself in the fore ground!
What thou beholdest, Let it be THAT.  -Dr. G.U.Pope.

How are we to know the help given by Grace?

Search not.  Do not think of any object by merging yourself in it.  Without projecting yourself, behold the Grace (which illumines knowledge)  -V.A.Devasenapathi.

59.

Feel the resulting Bliss as they only sensation and
lose thyself in the only light of Wisdom.  -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

Regard that joy itself as the one object of contemplation;
and hide thou thyself in the mystic light of wisdom.  -Dr. G.U.Pope.

Shall I obtain joy by thus contemplating the Divine Grace?

Regarding the joy of contemplation as the highest object, conceal yourself in the light of wisdom as the (Supreme) Light.  -V.A.Devasenapathi.

60.

Perceive the light as It manifested itself to you:
and that so, the darkness may not cover you again.
Remain as you were lost in the Light.  -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

See, as thou has seen!  The unseen seek not to see!
As thou hast been taken, rest!  -Dr. G.U.Pope.

When shall we part with these intuitions of sense?

Beholding that which Grace has illumined, preventing the recurrence of primal ignorance and submitting yourself to the operation of Grace, abide in Grace.  -V.A.Devasenapathi.

THE SOUL'S PURIFICATION

61.

None need advise any one to seek the cool shade.
This is the way the Soul becomes one with That.  -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

Those in pure shade need not bid one in noontide glare come hide himself;
the fainting soul will resort to the shadow of Grace of its own accord.  -Dr. G.U.Pope.

When comes perfect resignation of the soul so as to be immersed in Wisdom?

No one need invite a person to a cool place: even so in regard to the matter of abiding in Grace.

[A person exposed to the heat of the sun will, of his own accord, go to a cool place when he sees it.  Likewise those who have suffered from life's fitful fever will joyfully resort to Grace] -V.A.Devasenapathi.

 

62.

The sweet milk will taste bitter during bilious affection.
The tongue will recover its taste on recovering from the malady.  -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

To jaundiced taste even sweet milk is bitter;
when tongue is cleansed the bitterness is gone.  -Dr. G.U.Pope.

How is it that this Grace is not enjoyed by all alike?

Even milk, sweet in taste, will be bitter-but after the tongue has recovered from biliousness, sweetness is restored.

[In a bilious state, milk will taste bitter.  After recovering from this state, the tongue will once again find milk sweet]. -V.A.Devasenapathi.

63.

Oh! for the day, when the Atma will lose the sin of fancying itself
as the the seer, while it sees only in its surroundings darkness
with the aid of the light.  -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

Though light amid the darkness is to the see-er shown he still
regards a vain phantasm.  When will this cease?  -Dr. G.U.Pope.

What is the need for Grace? Can I not know by myself?

Light enables a person to see in darkness. If, (on the other hand) he claims to see by himself (without the aid of light) what will this sin lead to?  -V.A.Devasenapathi.

64.

To the enlightened and the ignorant, the distinct
light and darkness are one and the same thing.  -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

Both light and darkness make all things seem alike,
to distinguish between unity and multiplicity is the work of the enlightened.  -Dr. G.U.Pope.

What are the respective activities of the enlightened and the unenlightened?

In light as well as in darkness, the world of plurality appears alike - i.e. without its plurality.  The difference consists in the former being a state of enlightenment and the latter of ignorance and delusion.

[Light is state of Grace.  Darkness is state of primal ignorance]  -V.A.Devasenapathi.

65.

Except the really loving who could approach Him now,
who carries all the burdens of others?  -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

Save in the case of the good and loving ones doth it ever happen
that one is found to bear the whole burden you would impose?  -Dr. G.U.Pope.

Is not mystic union available for all at once?

Except for those with good friends, is there any one who will take all the load on his own shoulders?  -V.A.Devasenapathi.

66.

When a thief fraudulently walks away with a treasure trove,
say, was the other sleeping or awake?  -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

One placed a treasure in your charge; deceitfully someone with guile appropriated it.
Say, were you asleep, had you gone elsewhere?  -Dr. G.U.Pope.

Is He who imposes the burden different from him who bears the burden?

Is not all Brahman?

Say whether a person who has laid by a treasure is asleep or is gone from that place, if the treasure happens to be taken away by stealth.

[The Lord neither sleeps nor slumbers nor dissociates Himself from His Grace, for souls to obtain that Grace by their own effort.  Besides, the soul, subject to lapses in knowledge, cannot be Brahman.] -V.A.Devasenapathi.

67.

As the crystal pillar throws no shade when it comes wholly under the rays of the sun,
loose yourself in That, and your darkness will disappear.  -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

As the crystal pillar receives the sun's light, with no shadow at all; so no darkness
remains to lay hold on him.  -Dr. G.U.Pope.

To the wise who have become 'servants', do not 'impurities' arise?

How are impurities to be overcome?

Like the crystal pillar which at noon, is wholly pervaded by sunlight (without reflection in it of other objects) when the soul is wholly pervaded by divine light, (spiritual) darkness cannot persist.  -V.A.Devasenapathi.

68.

As the holder of the lighted torch intent on finding a thing stands behind the light,
so, to stand behind the Arul, is the true path of uniting thyself to the Arul.  -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

Those under the influence of Grace stand Behind the light of reality, like jewelled
hand that bears a gleaming torch.  -Dr. G.U.Pope.

How may one abide so that 'Impurity' shall not appear, but Grace remain?

Even as in looking for an object (in darkness) one stands behind the torch held in one's lovely hand.- till the Real manifests Itself, one must stand behind Grace, identifying oneself with It.(Grace). -V.A.Devasenapathi.

69.

If that is perceivable by you, by your five senses, where are you and where are the
senses in the presence of That?  -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

If it be not anything one can perceive by the Five Senses deprived of This what can
Five Senses perceive? What can self perceive?  -Dr. G.U.Pope.

Can one know by oneself?

If the Real cannot be perceived by the five senses, unless Grace reveals It, what is the competence of the senses and the soul to know It?

[It is Grace that enables one to know: In other words, Things spiritual can only be spiritually discerned']  -V.A.Devasenapathi.

70.

Could a man fancy that he had himself forced one who is able to confer a benefit Himself?
What is he before the Lord (Whose grace he attains?)  -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

Those that freely give must not be thought of as those forced by us to give.
Think rather: Who are we to obtain this boon?  -Dr. G.U.Pope.

Is it necessary for Grace to show Itself? Do I not myself see It?

Is it proper to think that one took by force what a person has given of his own accord?  Even so what right has the soul to Grace (attempting to obtain Grace by force)?                                                             -V.A.Devasenapathi.

THE STATE OF BLISS

71.

He who places his self behind the light of Truth arising  out of darkness, attains, Bliss.
he who places his self before it endures pain.    -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

Those that put Before them the light that arises in the darkness enjoy bliss; those that
put it Behind them endure suffering.  -Dr. G.U.Pope.

In what way can the soul obtain bliss?

Those who walk behind the light that arises to dispel darkness experience joy - unlike those who walk, putting the light behind them.

[In the state of bondage or spiritual immaturity, souls put themselves before Grace.  In the state of release, they follow the Light of Grace] -V.A.Devasenapathi.

72.

How can two women attain pleasure?  Pleasure is derived in the mutual love of man
and woman.        -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

Nothing results when souls and Grace are without the Known, when the soul and
the Known combine is bliss.  -Dr. G.U.Pope.

For this, is not Grace sufficient? Over and above this, what need of the 'known'?

Of what use the mating of two women?

Joy arises when a man unites with a woman.  -V.A.Devasenapathi.

73.

The Lord Confers Ananda on those who reach Him As He is Ananda-Maya He
does not enjoy Himself.        -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

He gives bliss to those that draw nigh to Him.  His Form is perfect blessedness
nor can this be enhanced.  -Dr. G.U.Pope.

When the soul is united to the known, does the known through the soul, obtain bliss?

The Lord grants bliss to those who draw unto Him.  Since His form (Itself) is bliss, there is no experience of bliss for Him.  -V.A.Devasenapathi.

74.

As the two words composing "¾¡¼¨Ä" appear as one, so consider your union with
Supreme Bliss as one.       -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

As in the compound Tadalai, by combination of letters L+T=D, and these do not remain
but coalesce; so know thou, that in the supreme felicity thou shalt be one with the Lord. 
                                                                                                                    -Dr. G.U.Pope.

Does the soul, then, obtain that bliss as one alien to the Supreme like sugar and one who tastes it?

Like the combination of the words tal and talai (into tadalai, where the individual differences do not appear) take it that oneness consists in the blissful union of the soul with the Lord.  -V.A.Devasenapathi.

75.

If the Paramatma and Atma are one, then there is no union in Moksha.
If they are two, no such distinction is perceived in Moksha. 
Therefore, they are neither one nor two.  -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

If they become one, both disappear; if they remain two there
is no fruition; therefore there is union and non-union.  -Dr. G.U.Pope.

Do they not yet obtain absolute unity? Are the Lord an soul one or different?

If there is only one entity, there could be no union.  If there are two (opposed to each other in their very nature) there could be no talk of union.  If this is the position, (we have to take it that) as entities, the Lord and soul are not one-but because of their union, they are not two either.  -V.A.Devasenapathi.

76.

Those who attained to Moksha, and to the Samadhi can never be seperated
from the Supreme.  Those who have lost their speech have attained to
freedom from births.                -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

None say we have drawn nigh; and none say we have obtained; in speechless rapture
when bonds are loosed, embodiment returns no more.  -Dr. G.U.Pope.

What then is the mode of the soul's approach to the Supreme and unity with Him?

Those who have gained the wisdom leading to bliss and those who have attained the bliss never for a moment lose their touch with the Real.  They are birthless.  Even so - (birthless) are those who have taken the first two steps- listening to the spiritual message and meditating on it- but have not taken the remaining two-viz gaining clarity of understanding and getting established in the Real.

[Birthlessness includes speechlessness in both cases]. -V.A.Devasenapathi.

77.

Till you become like a man possesed of the devil,
do not perform any actions (of your own will).    -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

Till you are in a state like that of one possessed,
remain destitute of all action.  -Dr. G.U.Pope.

What is meant by the speechlessness above?

(Speechlessness of those who have gained the wisdom leading to bliss and those who have attained the bliss).

Till you attain a state like that of one possessed, stay without any action of your own(absorbed in contemplation of the Real).  -V.A.Devasenapathi.

 

78.

Those who have attained to the Glorious Truth, feel nothing but the resulting
Bliss and not the means by which they attained to the end, just as the sleeper
drops (unconsiously) the thing held his in hand.    -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

To those who obtain that resplendent possession that again alone suffices;
all else is as something in the hands of those that sleep.  -Dr. G.U.Pope.

What is the cessation of action on the part of the absorbed mystic like?

To those immersed in the Real everything apart from bliss is like the object in the hand of a person fast asleep.

The object in the hand of a person in deep sleep will be dropped.  Likewise the preparatory stages with their respective benefits cease.  -V.A.Devasenapathi.

79.

Lo! the Bliss which results when the relation of Gnata, Gneya and Gnana are
completely lost and all become one! who can describe it? -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

Absorbed in the delight of the state when the three appear not,
what can tell the bliss?  -Dr. G.U.Pope.

Does not a third entity appear apart from the knower and the known?

When the two (Siva and the soul) are intimately associated, the resulting bliss is such that the three factors here the enjoyer, the object of enjoyment and the enjoyment itself) do not stand out (there is only Siva or bliss).  Of what avail, words (to describe this state)?                                                                                               -V.A.Devasenapathi.

80.

The Supreme Happiness of Moksha one will attain even now, if he possesses
(undying) love as love is its very form.    -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

The bliss that is named as above all bliss is the bliss which the abiding
in divine love bestows?  -Dr. G.U.Pope.

Can that bliss be enjoyed in this very life?

If a person gains the understanding to attain the supreme joy in the present birth, it is but the love that he cherishes for the Lord.  -V.A.Devasenapathi.

THE STATE OF GRACE OF THE FIVE LETTERS

81.

The Agama and the Veda and other Shastras only
explain the truth of Panchakshra    -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

The systems of grace, the Vedas, and other sacred scriptures,
have as object the mystic meaning of the Five Syllables.  -Dr. G.U.Pope.

If the unutterable rapture has not been gained by the means already explained, is there any other method?

If we study carefully, it will be seen that the work of Grace (the Saiva Agamas), the Vedas and other works are elaborations of the sacred Five Letters. -V.A.Devasenapathi.

82.

The Lord, His Sakti, Pasa (Anava), Maya and Soul are all
comprised in the Pranava.    -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

The King, the Energy, the Bond, fair Maya, Soul
all these are contained in the Om-garam.  -Dr. G.U.Pope.

What does this pentad of letters (syllables) declare?

The Lord, His Energy(sakti), bond(anava), dynamic maya and soul are the import of the omkara. -V.A.Devasenapathi.

83.

The Lord's manisfestation in nature is on one side and His
Divine manifestation on the other side; and look for the
self in the middle.    -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

On one side mystic dance of 'Weakness', on the other dance
of mystic 'Wisdom' - Soul between the two.  -Dr. G.U.Pope.

What is the order in which the 'Five Letters' stand?

On one side the dance bringing about birth with its attendant ignorance; on another side, the dance of wisdom with the soul in between the two. -V.A.Devasenapathi.

84.

The Self is pulled down by its Mala and Maya and when it
gets rid of its Mala it will attain Divine nature. -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

Ma and Na Prevail over the mind; thus it returns not to Him;
whenever it obtains Ci, its deeds are cancelled.  -Dr. G.U.Pope.

How is it that by means of the 'Five Letters' the soul does not (at once) obtain the known?

Owing to the operation of the Obscuring Energy(Tirodhana Sakti), maya and karma join the soul and anava starts functioning- the soul being thus in the firm grip of the bonds- is prevented from returning to the Lord.  With the cessation of the connection with the bonds, the soul returns to the Lord.  -V.A.Devasenapathi.

85.

Pronounce the Panchakshra with si as first Syllable; you cannot
get rid of Mala by pronouncing it with Na as first syllabe. -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

While bewildering powers of the veiler and Impurity stand first,
how can it depart?
Not unless the dominant Anavam changes it place.  -Dr. G.U.Pope.

How is it that, though there are these 'Five Letters' anava (Impurity) does not depart?

If 'na' and 'ma' signifying the deluding obscuring energy and anava respectively occur first (in the meditative utterance) will there be release from bondage-unless si signifying the Lord comes first?

The order of letters for salvation is with Si coming first not na, coming first.                                                          -V.A.Devasenapathi.

86.

The habit of Pronouncing it with Na as first syllable is alas! begotten
by not considering what is the true support.   -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

Ah, worship; but if the foundation be not known, since Si preceeds
not, Impurity will assert itself.  -Dr. G.U.Pope.

Will Impurity depart from those who repeat the 'Five Letters'?

Worship Siva, Who is the support for everything.  What a pity that owing to worldly attachment, the correct order is ignored, (persisting in the order with na as the letter)!                                                                     -V.A.Devasenapathi.

87.

If you pronounce it with Siva as first syllable your births will cease.
This is the proper way of pronouncing it. -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

If Sivan come first, and thou so receite it,
embodiment will cease.  This is your method.  -Dr. G.U.Pope.

Why is the pentad of Letters recited thus?

If the order with Si and va is understood and followed birth will cease.  Follow this order for your salvation.  -V.A.Devasenapathi.

88.

The syllable "Va" will lead the soul (Ya) to the Lord (Si) and confer Bliss.
This Arul(Va) is the spotless form of the Lord.  -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

Va will in grace give Si, and bring prosperity.  To such
souls this is the spotless Form which will appear.  -Dr. G.U.Pope.

What benefit accrues from this order of recitation?

Va is the Grace that enables the soul (ya) to attain Siva (Si) immersing the soul in bliss.  In that state, Grace becomes the blemishless form of the soul.  -V.A.Devasenapathi.

89.

The soul (Ya) will not stand between Thirodana sakti (Na) and Arul Sakti (Va)
By the Grace of God, its proper place is between God's arul (Va) and God (Si) -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

No longer placed between the spotless Na and Va, the soul will stand
in grace between Va and Si.  -Dr. G.U.Pope.

How will that soul exist in the heaven of liberation?

The correct procedure is for ya to avoid the position between na (standing for obscuration) and va, ya must be between va standing for grace) and Si (for Siva)

[The different ways of uttering the Letters must be learnt from the Guru]                                             -V.A.Devasenapathi.

90.

Thus all the various means (Sadhana) are declared so that the self may not be separated from the Lord's Grace. -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

The sacred writings teach in every possible way to fix the mind on path
that leads not away from Him.  -Dr. G.U.Pope.

Why should different ways  of recitation of the pentad be given?

In view of the need for enabling the soul to get rid of the bonds, all the ways (of uttering the sacred five letters) are set forth.  -V.A.Devasenapathi.

THE STATE OF THOSE WHO HAVE ATTAINED THE LORD

91.

They Sleep, hid in the bosom of the Supreme Intelligence the Supreme Bliss
hid in their hearts, Why need more words?    -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

Sinking in the Supreme Understanding, while delight sinks into their souls,
they slumber in sacred peace.  What other words are there?  -Dr. G.U.Pope.

What is the thought of the knowers who never forsake the known?

Immersing themselves in the transcendent wisdom with joy filling their minds, they slumber.  (They are asleep in this world as they are awake in Reality).                                         -V.A.Devasenapathi.

92.

They will not attain to the powers of the Supreme Lord, nor to the powers of
the Trinity, nor will they lead the path and actions leading to their enjoyment
in the Devaloka.                        -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

Assuredly they perform not the "five great works", nor the casual works;
nor the employemnts of any abodes of pleasure.  -Dr. G.U.Pope.

Will those who have attained this state desire higher stations of felicity? Or desire ot perfom the five functions?

Those who are close to the Lord do not like in the least to perform the five functions of the Lord, the function of each of the delegated agents and the experience of the fruits of their past deeds with feelings of desire and aversion.                         -V.A.Devasenapathi.

93.

The Jivan Muktas though possessed of omniscience will have no cognition
of all others but The One        -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

Though they have attained to the knowledge of everything; these "Knowers"
here know nothing but the "Known"  -Dr. G.U.Pope.

Do these attain to omniscience and the other attributes?

Even though in the state of release they come to be endowed with the capacity to know everything, they never engage in knowing anything except the One (Siva).                                                                                          -V.A.Devasenapathi.

94.

Just as the thortoise draws its head and organs into itself when meeting any passers-by, so the Jivan Mukta will, when meeting any sense experience, withdraw himself from his senses and enter into the Supreme Self.        -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

 They restrain the organs of sense; and entering, sink into their Source. They fellow not the senses, but act as the tortoise does on land.  -Dr. G.U.Pope.

When objects of sense present themselves to the knower of this kind, how do they act?

Like the tortoise, controlling their senses they enter within themselves (to be poised in the Real) - they do not go out to experience the external world.  -V.A.Devasenapathi.

95.

In that all that exist, He is present.  There is no such thing either in which the freed spirit, which has become Himself, is not present.   -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

There is no place or world where the Lord is not.  There is no place to which men can withdraw from Him.  -Dr. G.U.Pope.

But are there any who have left the 'Known' and departed from Him?

There is nothing (no world) apart from the Lord.  Even so, there is nothing apart from those who have drawn close to the Lord with Whom they have become one.

[Those who have attained the Lord are also all-pervasive like Him].  -V.A.Devasenapathi.

96.

To them everything, outside and inside, will appear as one (as gnanamaya) They will not look down on anything as inferior.   -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

Within and without the same Divine Grace stands revealed.  Those who possess this mystic union despise nothing.  -Dr. G.U.Pope.

Have these persons then seen that Existence within (themselves) or without?

Nothing is an object of contempt to those in whose vision the outer and the inner are of the same nature.  -V.A.Devasenapathi.

97.

The wordly pleasures are the proper result of actions done by the self.  The actions done to those who have lost their pride of self, lead them to the truth.  -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

To those who engage in the world's work comes wordly requital.  To the absence of such work the result is the True.  -Dr. G.U.Pope.

What is the benefit of cessation of activity, if the knowers are immersed in the known?

The fruits of deeds, good and bad, done with a sense of 'I' and 'mine' are pleasures and pains of this world.  For deeds done without a sense of agency and proprietorship, the fruit is enjoyment of the Real.  -V.A.Devasenapathi.

98.

Prarabdha Karma will cease with the death of the body.  Agamya Karma arising now will be burnt up by the Divine Arul.            -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

Old deeds disappear with the body; if in the interval deeds accumulate, Divine Grace burns them up.                                       -Dr. G.U.Pope.

As old deeds are consumed (eaten), does not the effect of new deeds accumulate?

The Karma to be wiped out in this life will be experienced on the level of the body ( as physical pleasure and pain).  If in this process, fresh karma accrues, Grace will scorch it.
                                                                  -V.A.Devasenapathi.

 

99.

No Karma which induce births will attach to the Gnani.  To Him this life and the next makes no difference.                -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

To men of matured knowledge the works that yield the three return not; to them this world is absolutely as that world.    -Dr. G.U.Pope.

Is the infinite liberation obtained when the body dies?

To those of ripe wisdom, there will be no upsurge of karma arising from thought, word and deed- (or karma yielding its fruit in this life, the next one and the life beyond birth and death).  To them the hereafter is already here.  -V.A.Devasenapathi.

100.

Out of the depths of their Love, they are troubled and tossed about for the sorrows of their erring kind.                -J.M.Nallaswami Pillai

Reflecting upon the sorrows of those under the influence of deceit, they are agigated by a flood of compassion.    -Dr. G.U.Pope.

Have these no desire to save others? Have jivan-muktas, no concern for those still in bondage?

Deeply concerned when they behold the sorrow of those falsely claiming agency for themselves, those who have drawn close to the Lord move about a lot in the sea of compassion.     -V.A.Devasenapathi.