ARUTPERUNJOTHI AGAVAL
SWAMI SARAVANAANDA
Swami Saravanaananda of Dindigul has written many explanatory note to Vallalar’s Thiru Arutpa poems. Arutperunjothi Agaval is one among the Thiru Arutpa Poem which contains 1,596 lines. Swamiji also wrote explanatory note to Arutperunjothi Agaval, long back. But the whole translation is not available. From the manuscript copy, it has been typed and presented here.
Hence, the available portion which starts from the lines (111-120) out of (1596) are given below.
At intervals, the remaining portions will be posted here … ..
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56. Never separable parents in One Form
எம்மையும் பிரியா அம்மையப்பன்.
111. Emmaiyum enaivit tiraiyum piriya (thu)
112. Ammaiyap Panumam Arutperunjothi
111. எம்மையும் எனைவிட்டு இறையும் பிரியாது
112. அம்மையப் பனுமாம் அருட்பெருஞ்ஜோதி
God Almighty is our mother and father in one form. This divine truth of god is exposed in the word 'Ammaiyappan' (அம்மையப்பன்.). Truly god Almighty is above all form and sex. The most supreme god is one, and there is none but Himself expressing out from the innermost into all forms of things, persons and different entities. When we keep ourselves in oneness of god in the Chitrambalam (சிற்றம்பலம்) , by His grace, we will perceive only the Divine Self around us all in all. From the physical and mental planes we cannot see the One god everywhere but see the multifarious universe around us.
We must hold fast the truth of one god and try to trace that divinity through everything and everybody. Now let us consider the truth of our mother and father. A certain soul had taken and developed into the form of a woman to whom another soul with a male body had been brought and sexually connected to impregnate for a child bearing. To that child, the woman who loved is the mother and man who was the cause of the impregnation is father. Thus, we in a child form have a mother and father. For knowing the truth of inner divine life let us make some spiritual enquiry. By this grace we have come to understand that everyone of us is but a soul divine. In other words the one supreme god Himself has come to live in different bodies which are held and praised as each one of us. Let us view our true being from the divine soul point.
God Almighty from a certain soul atom makes Himself appear firstly in the semen of a man who becomes the would-be-father of the child. The soul particle from the semenal drop is ordained by the inner divine to get in contact with an ovum in the uterus of a lady who becomes the would-be mother of the child. In the womb of the mother, the soul atom develops into the embryonic form of the child. Thus the supreme god Himself as our soul form, lived for sometime in the father's sperm, then reached the womb of the mother, developed into child form, and after that, He has been born on the earth as ourselves. Thus from the beginning He Himself is living through different stages and now He has come to live as our whole being. It is the Eternal truth that He, as our soul form, was living in all past lives, and is living in this present bodily life, and will be living for eternity.
In another view we can acknowledge His presence everywhere for all time. At preset the man as a divine soul, realising in oneness of Him. Though He is Omnipresent. He must be in the form of each soul living anywhere in this world. But we do not practically experience Him elsewhere except in our Inner Self as the soul only. The god who is now understood to be in oneness of us, in expressing Himself out from say four hundred million people living on this earth at present. And this in dweller-the god-alone is expressing out through all people born to live upon this earth till this time. And again our soul god only will be coming to live in any number of people in endless future. Thus we must establish ourselves in the soul form and make our new divine life of grace from this soul abode.
Now let us see the meaning of the two lines taken here: god Almighty's never separated oneness of our Self or Soul is spoken in the first line. Emmaiyum (எம்மையும்) means at any time, in past, present and future and anywhere His Eternal presence is revealed here. 'Iriayum' (இறையும்) means a small split of time. That is, our god is always with us without separation even for a very little moment. This Eternal truth of god is experienced by our Vallalar. In the second line it is explained that god Arutperunjothi is one in experience and that one is both mother and father also. Whenever he praises anybody it actually refers to Him (the god) in those particular forms. He never wants to praise others for their fame and name in the vain glorious life.
The worldly life must be renewed from the inner divine level. We must be firm in the soul abode and we must be working as per demand, and results will be coming around us by the will of god When the divine life develops from the innermost, the physical bodily life will change and a complete transformation of immortalised life will ensure. This is what exactly happened in the Swami Ramalingam who became Thiru Arut Prakasa Vallalar to live and work to fulfil the Divine will of Arutperunjothi. The Eternal god Arutperunjothi becomes Thiru Arutprakasa vallalar and through this Vallalar we see the god's work is continuously going on.
57. Indivisible knowledge of knowledge
பிறிவறியா அறிவுக் கறிவு.
113. Pirivutru ariyap perumporu laiyen
114. Arivuk karivam Arutperunjothi
114. பிறிவுற் றறியாப் பெரும்பொரு ளாயென்
115. அறிவுக் கறிவாம் அருட்பெருஞ்ஜோதி.
Ex
In the foregone lines we were told that the soul and god were eternally in one form. And there was no separation between them at any time and place. Eternally existing in the soul-atom the Almighty god was ever ordering to encircle it by some form or other for its final divine enlightenment At last in this bodily life we have come to know that we have been living in non dualistic form of god.
It is the truth that god and soul, non separably existing in one form was continuously receiving all sorts of life's experiences through all different lives. In this developed human life we have understood our inner divine soul and outer physical bodily life. This soul and the body are not of same nature but completely of different nature. The inner divine is unseen and changeless; on the other hand, the outer bodily form is seen and ever changing. At the full development of the inner knowledge the surrounding body is found to be the out come of His graceful light. Thus we see only the Arutperunjothi is completely full in and out of the soul-atom. While the grace of the light is commanding from the Innermost of the soul, the light itself was undergoing many many changes from the material stage to the gracious stage. Thus the Divine Arutperunjothi alone is complete and full in the whole space. It is only different in appearance that is the inner stage of soul is grace and the outer light. In fact it is one gracious light both in and out. Just like sugar, its sweetness is full everywhere, but that taste will come to experience only after tasted and expressed by a person. It does not mean that the sweetness of the sugar was concealed inside the substance. In the same way our Arutperunjothi is not in the form of Jothi only outside and Arul inside. It is fully Arutperunjothi everywhere but the grace of it comes to experience after so many external changes.
Hence the Divine Arutperunjothi is ever and everywhere complete, it is never divided by anything; it is indivisible. It is said 'Pirivutrrariyapperumporul' (பிறிவுற் றறியாப் பெரும்பொருள்). One supreme entity which is externally existing in the whole space of the universe. This one Arutperunjothi filled everywhere is always complete never to be broken or changed to form some other things. But when we see the multifarious universe around us we think all are other than Arutperunjothi, which has changed itself into all these various objects filling the world. The fact is otherwise. Arutperunjothi is not changed into anything. It is only Arutperunjothi for ever. But that Arutperunjothi cannot be seen anywhere outside; it is working from the innermost only to come out at the gracious stage. The outer state of this Arutperunjothi is appearing into five forces which are the basic cause of all different appearances of the universe. Therefore all shows of external appearances are nothing but the Arutperunjothi alone, meant only for producing the practical experience in the end. Thus we can acknowledge that one Arutperunjothi itself without undergoing complete transformation, is extending its forces to appear into all things.
In the personal experience the Arutperunjothi is realised from the soul temple. This soul is but an atom of whole Arutperunjothi. This atom is not actually divided by anything; Just like a drop of water imagined in the deep ocean, our particular soul-atom in the boundless space of the universe is supposed. We know the very same sea water alone is existing as a drop, and the in and out of it too is but the same. To this particular soul atom, the Arul or grace has enabled its light to form into different kinds of appearances and finally in this human form of gracious knowledge, where Arutperunjothi has its realisation. Therefore, this indivisible Arutperunjothi is ever in completeness. At any one point of this completeness Arutperunjothi may reveal the inner experience, when the surrounding light becomes the knowledge of grace.
Arutperunjothi is self effulgence or graceful, and that grace itself is ever working for its self expression. In the atomic stage the force of grace was only atomic nuclear and electronic forces, which develop into gravitational and cohesive forces in material bodies. In the biological lives the divine grace appears as the life energy and sensuous feelings. In the human life, that grace has developed into the mental and reasoning power and soul knowledge by which some spiritual attainments also would be had by the power of that grace. In this final development the full grace itself has come to realisation. Thus, the Arul or grace of the Divine light was naturally and fully in the indivisible Arutperunjothi. And that Divine grace was till now appearing as different powers, at last in this hour that grace has become our knowledge of grace by which it is realised. This truth is put clearly in this couplet in a nut shell. The epitomised meaning is this; the great Arutperunjothi which is the knowledge of all knowledge is ever indivisibly existing here.
58. Unknown to caste, religion and sect
சாதி மதம் சமயம் காணாதது
115. Sathiyum Mathamum Samayamum Kana
116. Athiya nathiyam Arutperunjothi
115. சாதியும் மதமும் சமயமும் காணா
116. ஆதிய னாதியாம் அருட்பெருஞ் ஜோதி.
Ex
The divine Arutperunjothi is Eternally and indivisibly existing in the whole of the unlimited space. So it has no beginning nor end. Hence the eternity is one attribute of god Arutperunjothi. This state is said to be 'Anathi nilai' (அனாதி நிலை) or beginning less state. From this beginning less state as the basic one, all the creations of the whole universe have been evolved. Therefore this basic state of Divine Arutperunjothi itself has become the beginning state of all objects. Thus our Arutperunjothi alone is both the beginning less existence and the beginning for the universe.
All that have a beginning must have an end also. Every thing in the universe has beginning and ending. But in Arutperunjothi which has no beginning will have no ending also. Such an eternal divine Arutperunjothi is not so easily comprehensible to the mankind.
The human race has been endowed with the reasoning mental faculty which is enabling him to probe into in and out of everything. In search of finding out the truth of the universal creation and the basic cause and the final fruit of all the action, the man is yet trying without good success. A great force which is governing the whole universe is thought to be of Almighty one. To that Almighty all supreme attributes were ascribed. But all the mental imaginations of different religious thinkers varied very much and so the results of their revelations to their followers did not give the true object of this life. The unimaginable Almighty was spoken as god, Brahman, Sivam, Chaithanisam, Satchitanandam (சிவம், சைதன்யனிஸம், சச்சிதானந்தம்) and so on. In explaining and giving the clear ideas about each of these Divine representations, nothing are definitely understood by the followers. Therefore different religions, sects and caste systems came and spread in every country.
The old masters who brought out all religions, sects and castes and some rituals and rites, formerly thought, they would help the humanity to lead a prosperous life and to reach the happy goal in the end. But nothing good dawned by following all those ways and means. It is because the One Supreme Almighty is beyond all these religious paths, sectarian dogmas and internal caste systems and the truth was not understood and observed to establish one world community of humanity. At one stage, the suggestion of universal brotherhood was given to the peoples of the world. But it was not comprehended and accepted by all the public. So no good resulted.
Now the gracious grand sun, Arutperunjothi has risen in the inner divine space of soul. And this great light is inviting all to enjoy the highest blissful life. This Divine Light was firstly realised by our Vallalar. He sighted it in his pure soul of divine grace. Though it is there for ever without rising and setting it has come to knowledge now only. Therefore it is metaphorically noted here as the Arutjothi sun has just risen in the inner heaven. This Omnigracious sun is eternally shining in the highest gracious space and this is completely filled up with the gracious light. Therefore everyone who transcends to this plane is entitled to see the divine light and by Its Omnigrace he can live the eternal life of Bliss.
In nature people of the world in different climes and surroundings appear variedly and their manners and customs have separated the one human community into many fragments. Thus all the religious and other man-made barriers are preventing the humanity from coming under unity. Therefore these false motions and hindrances must be avoided first and then, by the Omnigrace of one supreme god a new life of gracious socialism can be established upon this planet.
To this gracious socialism, our Arutperunjothi is the supreme guiding light. This light is above all the caste, religion and sect systems. And this highest plane of grace is our real region from where we are living along with Him in oneness. Till this day we were in delusion so we were living in the carnal sensuous plane. What all we experienced in these lower planes have made us fit for the higher life on the highest gracious plane. Therefore all people of the world are kindly requested to come to the gracious soul plane where we will see the Eternal Arut perunjothi, which, without disappearing and reappearing ever helps all to reach the highest blissful life.
59. The experience above the body and mind etc.
தநுகரணாதிகள் கடந்த அனுபவம்.
117. Thanukara naathikal thaangadandhu ariyumoar
118. Anubava maahiya arutperunj jothi
î117.தனுகர ணாதிகள் தாங்கடந்து அறியுமோர்
118. அநுபவ மாகிய அருட்பெருஞ் ஜோதி
118. அநுபவ மாகிய அருட்பெருஞ் ஜோதி
Ex
Of all the lives upon this earth, the human bodily life is very valuable. Because in no other life the true cause and effect of the universe come to light and make the man live perpetually in Bliss. This body is called Thanu (தனு) (î¸): this also means a bow in the Sanskrit pronunciation of Dhanu (தனு). With the help of a bow, an arrow may be shot at a definite point. In this manner with the help of this body (bow) the arrow of pure love can be shot at the divine point which is our goal. But the man cannot attain the goal so easily as anyone thinks. Because one is to traverse a very long distance before he reaches the goal point. In this life's journey he is not travelling so easily as a world tourist.
Every day life of man is a continuous journey in which he is carrying along with him body, mind and soul, experiencing all the good and bad effects. Without stopping even for a moment he is moving on as his heart continues to beat. If the heart beating stops, his journey too stops; this is only for a while; then it continues the travelling with a fresh body of next birth. So the journey will be continuing till the final goal point is reached. When and how the goal will be reached? As per law of birth and death to a man making his journey on this earth, there is no time and place to end; it will be continuing on eternally. But by the Omnigrace of god, a breakthrough takes place in the long journey of man. Such a good occasion is ready to come to any one who earnestly tries to transcend all his bodily and mental planes etc. Those who do not make endeavour to rise up to the soul plane, won't have the chance to reach the goal at any time and place.
Our Vallalar says here, the Arutperunjothi is to be experienced by the knowledge of one who has subjected the body and mind etc; What is etcetera meant? Above the bodily and mental stages there are intellectual and spiritual stages; these also are to be transcended. All the clingings of these lower stages must be reversed and without egoic spirit the man stands in the gracious stage in oneness of Arutperunjothi. In this supreme divine stage one experiences himself in non dualistic form of god. From this divine plane his experience of grace spreads down in all lower planes and transforms the whole being into eternal gracious blissful form. Indeed there will be no disease, decay and death to this divine man of grace. Thus the goal is reached and his long journey of life and death comes to an end. Above all these life and death stage, he is in the experience of Suddha-Prana, Gnana dega (சுத்த பிரணவ ஞான தேக)state doing the Eternal gracious work of god wherever and whenever necessary.
It is a must to everyone to reach the goal at last. Those who are wasting the life and waiting for time and circumstances can never have them unless they make a breakthrough in their endeavour. Leaving all the personal longing and hatred one is to do enlightening service to the fellow people, and by such service, an experience of Divine grace will be felt as spreading and filling his whole being. This will be the experience of Arutperunjothi which will make the man to live in blissful life for ever.
60. Above mental sensuous feelings.
உன்னும் உணர்வு கடந்தது.
119. Unumunar unarvai yunarvelam kadandha
120. Anubhava thitha Arutperunjothi
119.உனுமுணர் வுணர்வாய் உணர்வெலாம் கடந்த
120. அநுபவா தீத அருட்பெருஞ் ஜோதி
120. அநுபவா தீத அருட்பெருஞ் ஜோதி
The life energy is the cause of all sensuous feelings and mental knowledge. When this energy is diverted internally towards the divine soul, it will be enlightened according to the grace development in that life. Therefore the life experience spontaneously spreads on sensuous side while it is to be thrust up on the spiritual side. When we divert our feeling towards the soul it will be like uphill tracking; so we have to move on cautiously. The divine gracious feeling in the life energy will develop to the same degree as our merciful loving service to the fellow beings.
In all the inanimate and animate beings there is life feeling; but it is varying in degree according to sense development. In the one sensed vegetable lives the life feeling is not so much felt and experienced by them; on the other hand the life feeling is too much felt and experienced in all other lives of developed senses. In human life alone the feeling is felt to the maximum and experienced for a long time and it is to be directed and connected with the divine soul or the highest experience of Blissful life. By the merciful law of god the higher sensed living beings and lifeless and under developed inorganic substances. Especially the humanity is endowed with sense of divine love and grace. So, it must select pure and live saving food that will help to reach the fully developed gracious level. Animal food or flesh taking is not the will and order of god to man. Through vegetarian diet man will get the true knowledge of divine grace which in turn is due to become his life elixir that will give him Eternal divine life of Bliss. Without this gracious ambrosia no man in no way can obtain salvation in this life.
The true divine experience can not be felt by any amount of thought of man who is on the merciless sensuous plane. Above all thoughts conceived by man, is a state, where any thought cannot reach the grace existing. Therefore, it is beyond the reach of thought. This is said as 'Anubhavathitham (அனுபவாதீதம்) '. But that unapproachable state of Arutperunjothi is now experienced by our Vallalar because he is now aware of himself being in oneness of that Arutperunjothi itself. This is the highest experience awarded by the Arutperunjothi itself. Hence, this experience is 'Athitha Anubhavam' (அதீத அனுபவம்) , not the 'Anubhavathitham' (அனுபவாதீதம்). This Arutperunjothi or Omnigracious experience is above all and no one can approach it by any other means; but that omnigrace makes a man to be aware of himself and itself as one and the same. Thus it becomes clear that this stage of gracious experience can not be approachable, but not, cannot be obtainable; that means it can be obtainable by this Omnigrace. Therefore, we are to develop the spirit of grace by living a merciful life from the higher plane upon this world. First, by means of spiritual enquiry, let us realise ourselves severally existing as a soul-atom in the middle of the head. Becoming that soul particle, let us then develop a merciful life upon this earth. As we live by pure vegetarian food and merciful deeds, the inner divine will blossom from the innermost to fill all the life, body and the whole universe at large. In other words, it may be said again, "Don't live upon merciless food and merciless deeds". Eventually, our Arutperunjothi experience itself will be our food and deeds and total life of Bliss for ever.
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