Is It About Life Or Is It About Death?

I continue to be baffled by people affirming or grumbling that “Life is too short, we should be…doing this or doing that”.  Some affirm it, insisting that others uphold and adhere to it as a rule while some groan about it repentantly,  like it is too late for them to do anything about it and others should not make the same mistake. I remain confused relative to one’s instrument of measurement to determine “shortness of life” or precisely how long life should be.  Metaphorically it means emphasising the value of time and the benefit of living life meaningfully.  It perpetuates the idea that life is a limited resource and should not be squandered on the unimportant.  By and large a significant number of people are aware of this concept, why then do we not see it play out?.  My novice view is that, life is as long as it needs to be, based on our individual journey.  

 

Robin Sharma’s, “Who Will Cry When You Die” (1999), reminded me of the essence of life and how far we appear to have digressed from our core purpose and inherent benevolence.  He articulated it profoundly as follows:

 

“Live your life in such a way that when you die the world cries while you rejoice. We live in an age when we have forgotten what life is all about. We can easily put a person on the Moon, but we have trouble walking across the street to meet a new neighbour. We can fire a missile across the world with pinpoint accuracy, but we have trouble keeping a date with our children to go to the library. We have e-mail, fax machines and digital phones so that we can stay connected and yet we live in a time where human beings have never been less connected. We have lost touch with our humanity. We have lost touch with our purpose. We have lost sight of the things that matter the most”. 

 

Putting a man on the moon is a big deal, firing a missile across the world is a big deal, innovations around e-mail, fax machines and digital phones are a big deal.  We are indeed capable of extraordinary achievements  but why have we lost touch with the simple things in life?.  Simple virtues such as love, kindness, empathy, compassion, humility, ethics, integrity or generosity are rare.  These values are simple to demonstrate and the benefits derived thereof are multi-fold.    Sadly the ensnare of the material world fuels the disconnect from who we truly are in order to survive within a highly competitive, rapidly changing, capitalistic structure.   A structure driven by desire, competition, achievements, wealth, ego, self-centeredness, social inequalities and reduced value of constructive human emotions.   An unfortunate state not easily avoidable.  Before we realise it, we find ourselves caught in a labyrinth, searching for ourselves, and the things that matter the most.

 

My late Labrador was an excellent example of living a life joyfully, prioritizing things that mattered the most.  He was the epitome of unconditional love, loyalty, friendliness and an exceptional host.  Everyone that knew him loved him and he loved everyone.  While out on his walks people would stop him to say hello and speak with him.  He was an adored and valued member of our entire family.  When family or friends visited he would invite them into the home, shake hands with them, give them a hug and show them into the living room.  He would then gesticulate to bring out refreshments. People loved being around him because of his warm, kind, loving energy.  He had a personality with very distinct characteristics.  He understood language so when spoken to he interacted accordingly.  His favourite snacks were apples and carrots.  Friends and family who visited always arrived with apples and carrots for him. When people were leaving he shook hands with them once more, gave them hugs and walked out with them.   His daily routine included walking around the garden, sniffing flowers, watching the birds have breakfast, enjoying the sun or shade amongst his other indoor activities.  His life was simple, eventful, healthy and happy which supported a life span of 14 amazing years (longer than usual for Labradors).  He departed 18 months ago and friends and family continue to speak of him fondly because of the impact he had on their life and the memories he left them with.  How many of us would achieve the same feat?

Another less endearing example of our disconnect from humanity was shared with me by a friend.  She recounted an experience where her sibling had ranted  some hurtful, offensive, disparaging insults at her over a family dispute.  Regardless of the context of the dispute I questioned if there was absolutely no other way to manage such a situation.  The problem was not resolved but appears to have escalated to an irreparable level.  Additionally she reported, after seeing her sibling some weeks later that he “looked like hell,  he looked weak, drained and ill”.  I was not surprised.  Cause and effect is not just a scientific phenomenon but  a karmic one as well.  Every thought, intention or action (cause) creates a reaction or consequence (effect) to bring about balance whether in this birth or in a future life.  Is it not wiser to take the route of least resistance by not challenging and testing the operations of karma?  This is an unfortunate indication that living a life in opposition to the natural order of who we are and the universe itself does not bode to end well.  

 

There is someone else in my midst; a soul who has gone through the ordinary trials and tribulations in life.  He used his free will and curiosity to seek, learn, comprehend, analyse, discern and engage all his senses to understand his inner and outer world.  He pursued his hunger and thirst relentlessly, despite challenges that may have driven others to abandon the quest.  With that intent, all doors in the universe tend to open to reveal our true purpose on earth.  

 

The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho (1988),  encapsulated this perfectly when he stated that:

 

 "the universe conspires in your favor… when you have a strong desire and are actively working towards your goals, the universe, or all of existence, will somehow work to help you achieve them”.  

 

The individual I speak of used his opportunity to find himself and his place in the vast universe.  He chose the path  of the siddhas.  He traversed a path varying in terrain and the unknown until he reached a more scenic, flowery, panoramic landscape.  With the guidance of the siddhas and his commitment he was led to a rich, extraordinary, insightful, mystical, adventurous, spiritually inspired journey for more than twenty years.  During that time he travelled to sacred destinations, experienced many divine encounters, participated in numerous rituals, coordinated several altruistic activities, mentored and guided many young people on their personal journeys and more.  He channelled his multifarious experience of life through his writing.  He endeavoured to share his knowledge, experiences, wisdom and virtues with all who were ready and open to it.  While doing so he gradually dropped his burdens, elevated his vibrational frequency and awakened to higher states of simply being.  Now in his sixties, he is happily retired, in pretty good health and free of all financial, material or social responsibilities.  He is content about his past, appreciative of his present and has no stress about his future.  He sees love in nature, animals, strangers, and everything around him.  He weeps when he feels to, laughs when he needs to and smiles as it arises. He has time to hear the birds sing, the sun set, the stars sparkle and the moon shine.  He also has time to hear silence and connect with the divine.  His days and his nights are blissful.  He has found himself and his place in the universe. An extraordinary achievement indeed.   His only wish now is to exit the world with a smile on his face.  This is not a fictional character, not AI, this is Shanmugam Avadaiyappa.

 

When he leaves, he will rejoice and the world will cry; tears of joy for having known someone who left a treasure of knowledge and wisdom; someone who lived to achieve his material objectives and his higher purpose.  This free will and opportunity is available to everyone.  Let’s not wait until the moment of death to think about life, let’s live life thinking about life, seeking the truth, realising the self and  discovering our purpose, after which death is no longer a foe but a friend. 

 

Self-Reflection

Looking back on your life; how many canines do you know of who live a content, healthy life?  Reflect on it.

 

How many individuals are you aware of who struggle through simple aspects of conscious living?  Reflect on it.

 

How many Shanmugam Avadaiyappa’s do you know of? Reflect on it.

 

Surmounting Toxic Surroundings

I awoke this morning to a “reality” in which we live, specific to the confines of my living environment.  I glossed over the daily news and there it was again; crime, violence, government corruption, poverty, high levels of employment, collapsed infrastructure, ailing economy, failed efforts at service delivery and more. This was just within the ambit of my small, little world.  On a global level we see extended patterns of poverty, economic inequalities,  political corruption, water scarcity, food insecurity, terrorism, political instability, conflict and wars, fear of more pandemics, serious levels of crime such as smuggling of drugs, human trafficking, murder, robberies, money laundering, the threat of artificial intelligence.  Not good news to wake up to on any day.

 

These are definite signs of a failed or failing societies. Is it realistic to expect anything different or would that be too much of an expectation?     A search for the root cause of these problems is likely to meander in several different directions as it is complex and multi-faceted.  Society can be viewed as a collective and when it deteriorates it is generally attributed to a combination of multiple factors and not a single entity.  Failing societies can be characterized by the lack of economic stability, ineffective  leadership,  poor governance and loss of confidence in organisations or systems which stimulates the erosion of key social structures,  important values, respect for the law and basic human rights.  While fingers may point to government, educational institutions, society, teachers, communities or parents, individuals too have a responsibility for their choices and actions and the life we create around us.  Ultimately a failing society is an expression of flawed thinking, poor choices and collective actions by it’s members.  Perpetuated over time, without corrective measures and appropriate mechanisms for change we see the indoctrination of thoughts, choices and actions that lead us away from who we truly are, both as individuals and society at large.

 

Depending on where one looks, there are numerous views with regards to this catastrophic state, however worthy of note, is that many appear to convey the same underlying message. Some Christians hold these failures to be the result of human sin and disregard for God’s law.  Judaism purports the situation to stem from the collapse of moral and ethical structures arising from disregard for gods commandments, compassion, truth and the principles of justice.  Buddhism asserts failing societies to be the outcome of negative choices, actions and beliefs such as greed, hatred and ignorance which results in conflict, misery, suffering and social disharmony.  Hinduism attributes the collapse of societies to the decline in moral and ethical conduct, deviation from the path of righteousness and the disregard for truthfulness, compassion and selfless service which disrupts the natural order of the universe, destabilises social harmony and fuels societal decay.  The Kali Yuga does not escape this enquiry unscathed with some literature claiming that we are still captured within it’s fetters of diminished morality, spiritual degeneration and the upsurge of vices while other sources purport that we have transitioned out of that “Age of Darkness” (Kali Yuga) but are still enmeshed in difficult times which is believed to continue for some decades. So where does it leave us?

 

On the upside Sri  Aurobindo inspires hope by affirming that “humanity’s role in the evolutionary process is to gradually evolve towards a state of pure spiritual realization, where the individual merges with the universal consciousness, free from the constraints of personal identity and material limitations. Humans are not meant to remain confined to their current mental, emotional, and physical limitations. Instead, they have the potential to break free from the bondage of ignorance and discover their true, divine nature” (Philosophy Institute, 2024).  While this sounds marvellous and very appealing, what exactly does this entail, where would one begin and is it at all achievable?  

 

A good point of departure for such an endeavour would be an exploration of Patanjali’s 8 limbs of yoga.   Patanjali postulated a holistic approach to living,  one that enables self-awareness, fulfilment and peace to achieve a state of self-realization.  The path gave importance to moral conduct, self-control, physical postures, breath control and meditative practices to facilitate a deeper understanding of oneself and thereby realise one’s place in the universe.

(Soul Sanctuary, 2025)

https://soulsanctuary.co/blog/the-8-limb-pathway/

Patanjali’s Limbs of Yoga calls for a commitment to a crucial initial process which gradually  brings about  deep cleansing and shedding of lifetimes of impurities embedded in the form of false mental constructs and obstructive illusions.  Lifetimes  of accumulated emotions, desires, expectations, beliefs, bias, fears, abilities, skills, and knowledge which must be stripped away similar to emptying of a vessel.  This cleansing, detoxification and preparation of the mind and body may be perceived as ruthless but is essential to rid one of everything accrued through the work of maya, over lifetimes.  It provides a clear, robust framework, practical in nature, necessary to pave the way forward to continue the path toward self-realisation, which follows.  The changes that occur over time creates space for the emergence and expansion of the divine light from within, which ultimately makes way for one to shine and sparkle in the radiance of their own light.  We come to understand that this is by no means a simple, basic process and the thought of it alone may be sufficient to discourage one from it.  However it cannot be  impossible as many have achieved it.  

 

The path to self-realisation posited by the Upanishads examines the nature of the self, the atman and it’s connection to the ultimate reality, brahman.  It contends that the individual (atman) is not separate from universal consciousness (Brahman) but a part of it; a truth which is realised from overcoming ignorance and understanding the self, which leads to peace and fulfilment in life.  A picture of  self-realisation as depicted in the Upanishads is described briefly as follows (Jayaram, 2024):

 

1.    The first step entails withdrawal of senses from activities and merely noticing   
       them in a calm removed manner.
2.    This is followed by control of the breath to pacify the senses and the mind.
3.    The mind must then be pacified to a complete state of rest before attempting 
       to unwrap layers of the self.
4.    Silencing the intelligent mind and relinquishment of all thoughts, views,  
       perspectives, opinions, beliefs, intellect follows.
5.    There must be control of  imagination and the wondering mind.
6.    Transition from speech to silence. In silence one becomes space itself and   
       communication with others takes place without uttering a word.
7.    Awakening emerges with recognition of the true self, interconnectedness  
       with all things and oneness with the universe.
8.    Self-realisation prevails as the knowing of the self without an identity,   
       identifying with universal consciousness, just as “I am”.

As humans we are all built for and have the potential for this transformation, awakening and self-realisation.  The Gita confirms understanding the nature of the self (atman) and our relationship with the divine (Brahman) is our ultimate purpose of life on earth.  We may not be able to change others, communities, societies or the entire world but change can begin with us and that is an opportunity not to be missed.  Each person that steps into the light to change increases the collective energy which has a profoundly powerful positive impact on the consciousness of others.  At the same time we must be mindful of the mastery of illusion that encloses us and therefore be very aware of what around us we consume and what we permit to bother us.

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Four Qualities to Stretch our Thinking Beyond the Confines of the Human Mind

The Wisdom of Flora

 

I was observing the trees swishing and swaying in the wind from where I write.  When the wind abated the tree, branches and leaves became still.  When the wind picked up there was rustling and swooshing again.  The wind was gentle and the trees, branches and leaves appeared to dance to it’s tune.  Wind can be acknowledged as an important external factor that impacts and influences the existence of flora.  It has the power to shred leaves, lacerate flowers, break branches and uproot trees. Conversely it provides numerous benefits to trees and plants such as seed dispersal, aiding the fall of leaves seasonally, protection from heat and more.  These are distinct functions in nature that continue endlessly.   Trees go through a life cycle beginning as a seed, moving on to germination, seedling, sapling, mature tree, decline, and death or decay. This then begs the question: do they complain and how do they manage their existence effectively.  While it may appear unrealistic to compare the existence of flora to that of humans, would it be smart to ignore that much knowledge and wisdom can be gained from them.

 

A Keyhole Perspective

 

Humans develop through a life cycle as do flora; they go through stages of the fertilised egg, foetus, infancy, toddler years, childhood, puberty, adolescence, adulthood, middle age and senior years.  Our physiological structure, the manner in which we live, challenges, external factors, life purpose, threats etc differ vastly but given that we all fall within one macrocosm there must be similarities,  parallels, connections or relationships  we don’t recognise or give attention to, right?  Could intelligence be discerned from the humble tree which could potentially illumine the darkness we as humans grapple with on a daily basis?  Our indoctrinated perception of being separate, different, incomparable, unique, superior or loftier than other creations limits us with a narrow keyhole perspective that obscures our mind from considering possibilities.   The focus on characteristics that distinguish is problematic and obstructive.  Features such as shape, size, looks, colour, height, weight, physical and biological structure are perceptions of our outer self.  We must look deeper.  The ignorance of not expanding our vision  laterally and beyond, to grasp our likeness to everything surrounding us keeps us captured by maya, the master of illusion.  We perceive ourselves as different from  habitants in nature which diminishes the possibility of learning, acquiring insights or illumination from sources rich in knowledge and wisdom.  What then can be drawn from the existence of entities in nature to enable us as humans to create, manage and live meaningfully, unaffected by the numerous common afflictions that bother us daily?

 

Building Strength Through Resilience

 

Trees, plants and greenery show extraordinary levels of resilience, regardless of exposure to favourable or unfavourable conditions.  Depending on their location, physical structure or exposure to threats, they use what they have to grow with health, adapt, survive or thrive.   For instance they use root systems to maintain stability and ensure water retention in dry periods.  Thick barks and waxy leaves provide protection from fires, reduce loss of water and retain moisture particularly during droughts.  They are able to regenerate cells which help repair and recover from structural damage, and enable new growth after destruction such as fire.  

 

Similarly, human resilience  pertains to one’s ability to recover from adversities, manage well-being during difficult times, adapt successfully and grow from challenges.   The development of resilience is probably one of the most important that should be prioritised by us.   Resilience can never be over developed and is the strength that enables one to experience life challenges with more hope, confidence and optimism, distinguishing one from those who struggle.  Life constantly throws challenges, trials and tribulations, hence strong resilience is essential to accept, understand, learn, realise and move on from adversities in a healthy manner.   Low levels of resilience tend to perpetuate feelings associated with giving up, losing hope and fearing new opportunities.  Resilience is a strong ace to ride the waves of life, embrace new experiences, dispel unfounded fear,  learn from previous disappointments and  approach daily life with more strength, faith and confidence.    Resilience naturally becomes eroded if one has experienced significant setbacks, challenges or disappointments over a long period.   However one can rise up from that by convincing oneself to see the upside of a situation.  Understandably not the easiest thing to do.  It is however useful to identify at least one positive aspect or benefit of a difficult situation each time they appear.  Over time and with sincere practice one builds confidence in challenging one’s challenge which reduces it’s  command over you.  Other strategies to build and nurture resilience include developing confidence, self-esteem, problem solving skills and managing a positive mindset.  Just as trees and plants use everything available to them to fight the odds to ensure growth or survival we should harness and draw from other skills to weather and manage difficult times as we encounter them.

 

 

Adaptability

 

Flora and all types of vegetation have to be adaptive to extreme temperatures, environmental disturbances and numerous other external stressors and threats.  Over time they have had to evolve to survive in different habitats, forced to adapt to changing climate, water availability, soil types, growing challenges within their ecosystems, environmental threats and more.  They show durability by growing in cracks, on rocks, on other trees, in the shade, on walls, in water etc.  In most instances they use everything at their disposal to survive and not die. 

 

Adaptability emerges off the back of resilience.  The potency of resilience enables one to accept, adapt and achieve.  For us as humans, the ability to adapt ensures minimum disruption, finding new solutions, making quick changes,  ensuring survival or  accomplishing something when things may not have gone exactly as planned.  Adaptability ensures all is not lost when something beyond your control occurs.  It allows one to maintain self-control to think, process and find alternatives to achieve a good if not  better outcome.  Another secret to winning against life challenges is to flex our ability to adapt.  It is almost an accepted fact that everyone  at  some point in life would have experienced a challenge where alternatives or other options had to be considered.  Life essentially forces us to develop this from a young age as things do not always go as planned which needles us to think differently and find other solutions.  One can confront such challenges with angst, frustration or defeat or accept such situations fearlessly, with confidence and a winning mindset. It may not be easy to always adapt with grace however the cost of not doing so is often high.

 

 

Perseverance 

 

Trees and plants demonstrate perseverance through their resilience and adaptability.  They are not deterred by unfavourable environments, harsh conditions, limited resources or negative environmental influences.  Their focus is to grow and thrive.  

 

Perseverance for humans is no walk in the walk and is probably the one thing life is obsessed with testing.  Have you ever felt as though you were going through test after test after test with no end in sight?  Did you perhaps wonder if life was testing to determine your breaking point or the point at which you would throw in the towel and give up?  Perseverance is difficult to develop and nurture; particularly if the flow of challenges have been constant.  Life constantly tests perseverance hence it is pointless giving up or fighting it.  It makes more sense to develop and teach oneself to persevere regardless of the test instead of risking having to learn the same lesson repeatedly.  Developing other traits such as resilience, adaptability, determination, confidence etc is highly beneficial to nourish and strengthen perseverance.  Furthermore, little and big wins should be celebrated and revisited especially when perseverance slumps. Consider if we had stopped persevering at the time of learning to walk, if we stopped trying because we fell ten or 20 times, would we be walking now?  Continuous efforts, practice and walking for years has made us good at it, similarly struggle and failure at the beginning should never be accepted with defeat but rather with strength, courage and confidence that whatever the challenge may be it can be won over.  

 

Patience

 

The greenery around us show extreme patience in trusting the slow, steady, stable process of their growth and development.  They go through changing seasons with resilience, acceptance and patience year after year.  Essentially they exist at the pace of nature, not hastening growth, enduring long periods of time without a fuss and  await the right time and optimal conditions to flourish.

 

Patience is especially challenging for us as humans when much time, effort or labour is invested in something and results or the outcome is unclear or lies in the distant future.  Trees, plants and flowers have probably grasped this test from the universe better than most humans.  English poet William Langland in his poem "Piers Plowman", written in the 1360s, wrote, "Patience is a fair virtue".   He held patience is about waiting for something regardless of how long it takes to arrive, weathering difficulties and challenges calmly, fully composed and appreciative of a moral quality worthy of admiration.  You may be cracking up with laughter pondering it’s practicality and applicability in this current age.  This reminded me of something someone close to me constantly iterates:  he listens attentively and concludes with the following, “just remember your problems are very patient, they not in a hurry to go anywhere”.  This confirms that patience as a virtue stands the test of time.  Not allowing something the time required to run it’s course and attempting to hastening a process does not always end well.  It may result in the same lessons having to be learnt repeatedly, not achieving the best outcomes or losing your mind from not maintaining a sense of calm and composure.  We tend to be driven by instant gratification, immediate responses, quick results, short term fulfilment and impulsive choices and decisions.  We must pause to examine the cost, loss and pitfalls of such choices.  Life teaches us that many things take as long as it takes and should not be manipulated.    Entities within nature understand this perfectly. 

 

Beyond the Limits of the Human Eye and Mind

 

Thus how different are we from the greenery that surround us.  Perhaps the secret lies in looking beyond physical appearances.  When that is enabled we begin to see, learn, understand, acknowledge and realise more.  The concept of resilience, adaptability, perseverance and patience apply to plant life as well as to us humans but the difference may emerge in how we manage it in our life.  Under natural conditions, in the absence of artificial disturbances plants, trees and other vegetation appear to manage their existence far more intelligently.  We are all part of a massive singular system and we should be looking at entities alongside us to discern what can be learned from them.  Learning from humans beside us is great but the opportunity to learn from entities beyond the human world is where the real treasure lies.  It provides the opportunity to see beyond the limits of the human eye and mind, beyond the deceptive illusion, to acquire knowledge, wisdom and intelligence from creations succeeding in what they do and bring those secrets into our life to not only manage the daily ebbs and flow but to flourish and enjoy a more meaning existence.  How open are you to it?

The Winds of Change Part 3

 Mind-Bending Synchronicities 

The reading was done but there was no relief.  I felt more overwhelmed and weighed down than before.  Briefly unpacking my long reading had ushered in the sunset.   After a short break we reconvened to discuss the temple visits, driving plan, arrangements for the rituals and more.  That settled, we had to focus on the prayer that had to be performed that night.  Suddenly realizing something the reader hurried out of the room and returned with a source of reference to confirm if the prayer could be performed that night.  He bent over the book in his hands, reading intently.  Mentally fatigued and overwhelmed I could not consider the possibility nor the impossibility of that outcome.   “Yes”, he finally exclaimed loudly, “the time between this and that time tonight is very auspicious, we must go ahead”.  That was a further indication that these events were possibly the hand of something greater.  The time too was auspicious. The synchronicities were mind-bending.

 

A Nadi Reader Worthy of his Gift

It was already a little after 5pm.  The day was long and exhausting.  Numerous items required for the impending prayer had to be purchased without delay to ensure it’s completion within the auspicious time period.  It was too late in the evening to drive out the distance to larger stores that enabled card payments.  Time was of essence hence the purchases had to be made from small traders close by, where cash was required.  The demonetisation process in India at the time had resulted in much inconvenience and left us with little cash and freedom to purchase.  We had no problems with card payments.  Aware of this and completely sensitive to the situation the selfless Nadi reader stated that he would go out and make all the purchases.  He added that he knew what was required, where to get them and would return without losing much time.    He acknowledged that he too had difficulties obtaining cash however he would find a way to get it done and we should not be concerned around the issue of cash at that time.  This was not acceptable to us and we did not wish to inconvenience him further.  We tried to talk him away from it; unsuccessfully.    He had decided.  He insisted on going ahead and reminded us that time was running out. Fortunately we were able to transfer funds electronically which brought some relief to the problem.

 

All Obstacles Removed

We returned to our hotel, freshened up for the prayer and hurried back to the residence of the Nadi reader.  He arrived shortly thereafter clutching onto several bags containing the items he had just purchased.  He mentioned that there were a few obstacles but he had surmounted them to get back in time. He put down the bags and caught his breath.  

Turning to me he declared, “You are very blessed, Agathiyar rishi wants you to have this prayer tonight and so it will take place tonight.  All the obstacles were removed for you to have it tonight”. 

That was another indication…or was it a confirmation?  A huge lump took hold of my throat and tears blurred my vision.  

The only appropriate response I could manage was a whisper of, “I know, and I am very grateful”.  

The auspicious time beckoned.  He invited me to help him prepare and set out all the items for the prayer.  

 

To New Beginnings

 

With Lord Shiva and Sage Agathiyar looking on, we commenced our prayers to Lord Ganesha and then proceeded to the other deities.  The Nadi reader gave me a mantra to concentrate on as I stood before Agathiyar ready to fulfill his request as described in the reading.  He led  me through a bathing ritual that included an ancient bundle of Nadi leaves in his possession, Agasthya’s rudrakash, his wooden sandles,  the water vessel, and his wooden staff.    I was guided through a process of cleansing each of them, adding a sweet fragrance, adorning them with sandal paste and other special items to enhance the beauty of each.  The circumstances around how it all came to be required acknowledgment.   It was a defining moment between the sage and I.  Were we connecting or reconnecting?.  I was guided through various mantras, prayers and specific recitals as I pledged, accepted and committed to my “palm leaf” and presented my offerings.   The prayer went on for approximately 3 hours although it felt like a 10-minute dream.  The Nadi reader was thoroughly pleased and satisfied that we had successfully fulfilled the siddhas first request.  The reading appeared to be integrated  with the rituals and activities, almost removing the concept of time.  The prayer and rituals were  a prerequisite and had to be fulfilled at that time before embarking on the subsequent ones.  Agasthiyampalli was next.  It was by that time, 12am, 31 December 2016. The noble Nadi reader walked with us to the car and said, “You ended the year with this prayer, tomorrow (1^st Jan) you begin the new year with the prayer at Agastiyampalli”. That was indeed a profound summation.  A new beginning and a brand new year beckoned.  

 

In January

That insight drew my attention back to Swamiji’s somewhat reluctance to do a reading for me in Coimbatore days earlier.  When reminded that he had promised me a reading before my departure, he did not commit, instead he smiled disarmingly and said “In January”.  While that left me confounded at the time, it began to make sense.  A reading was to definitely unfold in January, and not in a conventional manner.  It was clearly evident from Swamiji’s short response, facial expression and subsequent silence that he was fully aware of the mission ahead. 

 

The Gift of Trust

 

We left the hotel for Agasthiyampalli around 4am, after approximately 2 hours of restless sleep.  The long silent drive gave me time to think, process and put some thoughts into perspective.  I had heard much about Agathiyar at Agasthiyampalli and my excitement grew as we drew closer.  At the entrance of the temple we were greeted by a strikingly, beautiful yellow butterfly.  Except for three temple priests, no other people were around.  The priests showed us to Agathiyar shrine and went off on their way, leaving us to meditate without any disturbance.  I was elated at being there but  had to be mindful to simply sit in silence, as was instructed in the reading.  I prepared, lit the ghee lamp, offered it with infinite gratitude and took my place at his feet.  I immersed myself in his energy and surrendered completely to the request.  When it was time to leave, I resisted the urge to communicate.  I maintained a gaze as I wondered if he would know that I had been there.  After a visit to the main temple we headed towards the exit when we heard a call from behind.  I turned around to find an elderly person calling out to us.  He was standing outside the Agathiyar shrine.  He was small in stature, very thin, a little bent over and had seen many years.  He had in his hands a garland of yellow flowers.  When I got close enough to him he handed me the garland and said “Here, Agathiyar gave this for you”, in Tamil.   I was astonished, bewildered.  I accepted it graciously and thanked him profusely.  Was that confirmation that siddha Agathiyar, the revered sage knew I had been there?  Literally caught up in the moment I became weak in the knees and mesmerised by the transcendent energy before me.  His response to my awestruck reaction was “Okay, go now, go now”, as he motioned me warmly towards the gate (in Tamil).  

 

Human Perception of Possible and Impossible

 

With that incredible blessing we made our way onward to the remaining temples.  The Nadi reader called several times to ensure that we were on track and would accomplish all the visits before the closing times of the temples.  We inexplicably managed to achieve that, as well as the specified rituals.  We returned to the hotel well after 12am, amazed and relieved at having accomplished what appeared as categorically impossible.

 

Being Alert, Ready and Receptive to the Unplanned

 

Our time in India closed a chapter in my life.  Much had transpired in just a few weeks.  The trip was structured around an event at the ashram in Coimbatore.  I intended to visit some temples and places of interest, however, I discovered that there were other priorities that had to be fulfilled, which was a part of a greater plan.   I introspected around the necessity for me to experience the  unspoiled Nilgiris’s both externally and from within.  A brief illness while in the arms of the sacred Nilgiris’s  took me to the border of a mysterious domain only to bring me back safely and to perfect health.   Quality time at the ashram with Swamiji was as always priceless, insightful and illuminating. Additionally, I was fortunate and grateful for the numerous meaningful and miraculous experiences shown and given to me.  Each experience appeared to outdo the one before. Each time I thought it could not get any better, I was shown otherwise.  I was afforded the opportunity to meet and cross paths with some of the most extraordinary souls, beyond my imagination.  From the doctor at the hospital, nurses, drivers, strangers, hotel staff, highly evolved souls, the homeless, friends, acquaintances and more. 

 

Awaiting my Arrival

 

A thumbprint Nadi reading was the furthest thing from my mind when I had left home for India but  became a valued highpoint of my trip.  I had no idea that the time was right and fated for such a reading.   On the face of it, my Nadi leaf appeared to be awaiting my arrival.  Winds of change carefully moved things around which ensured that the preordained message was received by me.   Challenging obstacles were removed, necessary support was provided to assist in fulfilling the requests prescribed by the leaf, within a ridiculously short time and miraculous experiences and encounters were arranged to illumine, reignite and restore crucial realisations by my soul.  On the whole, it signalled the end of a very long chapter and the beginning of a new one.  Although I did not go seeking the reading, the leaf drew me to it, a remarkable play of the divine for which I am infinitely grateful for.

 

The Winds of Change Part 2

A Thumbprint Nadi Reading

In the days that followed, I was carried off by the winds of change, or what felt like the hand of something greater.   We had left Coimbatore for Chennai, India.  The timing appeared to be mysteriously perfect.  I received a tap in the form of a message from one of Agathiyar’s trusted and loyal devotees, who was also a friend of mine.  He suggested that while I was still in India, I should have a thumbprint Nadi reading done.  I experienced some trepidation around it and convinced myself that it may not materialize as I did not have an appointment with a reader and knew it would be difficult to arrange one at short notice.  We were scheduled for a very brief stay in Chennai before flying back home.  My friend however, was committed to make it happen.  He was not dissuaded. On the contrary, he appeared to be on a mission.  Within a few hours he had unbelievably secured an appointment with a Nadi reader and had made all the arrangements.  I was amazed and words failed me.   I was very familiar with the Jeeva Nadi readings but not the traditional thumbprint one which incited much apprehension and trepidation.   I consulted with my mentor, Shan Aiya for his thoughts around the idea.  He encouraged and supported me to “go for it”.  And so, I did…and a new mission went into action.

  

The Traditional Nadi Reading

 

For those who are unfamiliar with Nadi Astrology, a brief overview is provided below.  It also adds a bit of context to my experience which follows on:

 

The Nadi Astrology refers to the divine technology that dates back thousands of years when siddhas had written about one’s life (past, present, future) on palm leaves.  The leaves contain details, insight and guidance relative to one’s current life.  Written in ancient Tamil, the leaves can only be read and interpreted for individuals, by a few who meet specific criteria to read them.  The leaves were scribed by different siddhas, each with it’s own emphasis and approach to predictions.  Additionally, there are different types of Nadi readings, two of which will be expounded herein. The traditional Nadi Astrology uses the person’s thumbprint to locate their leaf, from bundles of leaves, which are stored at specific temples.  One’s thumbprint is used to match it to pre-written records captured on the palm leaves thousands of years ago. The Nadi astrologer captures the right thumbprint for men and the left thumbprint for women, thereafter classifying it into a specific category.  The Nadi classification system comprises 108 distinct thumbprint types which correspond to specific categories and are classified further into bundles.  The Nadi astrologer uses the thumbprint category to identify and retrieve the specific bundle that may contain the individual’s leaf.  Once the correct bundle is identified a more detailed matching process for the leaf begins.  The astrologer will read sections of each leaf that require yes or no response confirmations from the seeker.  This process continues until the astrologer accurately identifies a perfect match of the leaf to the individual’s personal information such as name, date of birth, parent information and specific details around other aspects of the person life.  A perfect match between the leaf and the seekers personal details is vital to the accuracy of the reading.  The leaves were scribed by sages and siddhas thousands of years ago with the knowledge that sometime in the future the individual will go seeking it.  It is believed that a leaf would have been written for every living being however there are some who hold that leaves were written for destined souls only.  There is no confirmation of this assertion nonetheless there have been reports from seekers who have gone in search thereof and did not succeed in finding it.  There could be numerous reasons for such an outcome, which will not be delved into herein.

    Thumbprint Nadi Readings

    Sri Arulnandhi Magarishi Nadi Jothida Cente, 2025, (http://www.agasthiyarjeevanadi.com/nadi-

    procedure.html)

The Jeeva Nadi Reading

 

The other type of Nadi reading, namely the Jeeva Nadi reading is a more unique form of reading which does not require matching of thumbprint impressions to palm leaves.   The reader acts as a medium and receives direct, live or real time communications from the siddha, regarding the seeker before him.  These readings are not pre-written, they are live interactions with the sage and occur in real time.  The predictions or details pertaining to one’s life is communicated to the astrologer in written format, on the palm leaves in this possession.  Essentially messages appear on the palm leaves as the reader reads.  This is a more interactive, dynamic, personalized type of reading.

   Swamiji Thavayogi Thangarasan Adigal with his Jeeva Nadi Leaves

   At the sacred feet of Tavayogi Thangarasan Adigal, 2017, Siddha Heartbeat 

   http://agathiyarvanam.blogspot.com/2017/05/at-sacred-feet-of-tavayogi-thangarasan.html

The Hand of Something Greater

 

Moving on…

We met with the Nadi reader late in the afternoon, as arranged.  He had travelled most of that day (approximately 6 hours) to meet with us to do my reading.  That was inconceivable.  Firstly, I could not understand why he would travel most of that day just to do a reading for an unknown person who did not have an appointment and secondly, pangs of guilt engulfed me that he had to be inconvenienced in that way.  That was the first indication that these events were possibly the hand of something greater.  

 

My Leaf Presents Itself

The process in finding my leaf commenced with prayers, offerings and the invocation of the relevant deities to sanction the mission and facilitate it’s finding.   Predictably levels of anxiety and discomfort began to escalate. The process was lengthy.  Time sped on. There was no sign of my leaf.  The reader was not discouraged; he merrily continued the quest.  I began to entertain thoughts that perhaps the mission was not sanctioned after all.  A sense of relief went coursing through me.  Perhaps it was not meant to be or the timing was not quite right.  I could live with that.   Perhaps my patience was being tested.  Shortly after the realization around patience, my leaf presented itself.  There was a perfect match.  I had to swiftly reframe my thoughts.  It had to be acknowledged that the search for my leaf was destined, the reading was meant to be and the timing was correct.  By that time, we were well into the night and it was decided that we reconvene the following morning to pick up on the read.

    My Nadi Leaf

Conundrum Around Real Time

 

We resumed around 11am the following day.  It was confirmed that my leaf was written by the revered Siddha, Agathiyar himself.  The reading clearly stated that I had been in “search of” and was weighed down by many questions, doubts and skepticisms.  I was indeed.  It promised to reveal and clarify them.  It confirmed that I was privy to the information contained in the leaf specifically at that point in my life.  The read was lengthy.  Arriving at the of door of remedies (parikaram), the reading specified worship of the palm leaf in a special prayer to acknowledge the value of the information revealed by it.   The reader pointed to the “palm leaf” as my guru.  I was asked to do a prayer with 5 specified items together with several other little items.  The reader read on diligently while his patient friend tried to keep up with the translating.  It was not possible to comprehend, assimilate and process the mounds of information that emerged all at once, and one is not meant to.  It is by far more sensible to reflect and introspect on it later.  After a few hours my thoughts become pretty chaotic and my attention span spiraled to that of a goldfish.  

 I swiftly caught up when the reader stopped abruptly and referring to the special prayer, exclaimed, “It says you must do it now”.  

I needed a few seconds to comprehend that.  I requested that he repeat what he had said. 

 “It says you must do the prayer now”, he confirmed.

 It felt like my brain was shifting gears, and struggling in doing so.  I wondered if we were in real time or …which time zone exactly?  Bear in mind this was not a Jeeva Nadi reading (live, or in real time), this was written on palm leaves eons ago, at a time and date that cannot be confirmed.  

“Now!” repeated the reader, “as in this moment”.  

Desperately trying to conceal my ignorance I questioned silently “What does that mean and how could that be?”

“It is written here, it says you must do this prayer and make this offering now, today, when you arrive here” he affirmed, holding up the bundle of leaves. 

That’s what I thought he meant.  I had heard correctly.  That was the second indication that there may have been the hand of something greater at work around this reading.   

 

Mission Impossible

 

My brain was screaming “overload” and I had ridiculous thoughts of bumping into something while in reverse.  The Nadi reader then threw me another curveball.

“It also says you must go to Agasthiyampalli, light a ghee lamp there and simply meditate in front of him (Siddha Agathiyar), no thoughts, no praying, just sit with him and mediate”, he reported.  

Still struggling to get my mind around that, he added, “It says you must go now, today, after the first prayer.”  

I had no more, thoughts, words or questions.  The reader, up until that moment was cool, calm and very composed but finally displayed his surprise, wonder and perplexity.  I deliberated how these requests could be realistically achieved, “now or today” as was being specified.  The reading also stipulated visits to four other temples where specific offerings and rituals had to be performed.  The temples were all out of the city and a drive of approximately 6-10 hours away from where we were at that time.  Driving time to get to each had to be factored, as well as the length of time required for each ritual, closing and opening times of the temples and the drive time back to the hotel to wind up everything before flying back home the following morning.  All of that had to be achieved within a day which appeared completely unachievable, impossible actually.  More pressing however was the matter of the other prayer which had to be performed for the Nadi leaves prior the temple visits.  I had come face to face with an ancient documented artefact, written ages ago, informing me to perform certain rituals, at that particular time, at specific points of worship.    How did the siddha know back then that I would rendezvous at that place in India, at that specific time and that the temples I was instructed to visit would still be in existence when I received the message.  That was the third indication….   

To be continued…

    Swamiji Thavayogi Thangarasan Adigal at Agasthiyampalli

    The Origin of Agathiyar's Temple at Agasthiyampalli, Vedaranyam, 2013, Siddha Heartbeat

    http://agathiyarvanam.blogspot.com/2013/07/blog-post.html
 

 

 

Agasthiyampalli

The main shrine at the Agastheeswarar Temple in Agasthiyampalli, Tamil Nadu, India is dedicated to the respected sage Agathiyar.  The temple itself is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to be the place where Agathiyar rishi received the divine grace and blessings from Lord Shiva.  It is purported that Lord Shiva appeared to sage Agathiyar in his marriage form at this location.   The town itself is named after the presiding deity, Agastheeswarar.  There are several other legendary narratives associated with the location.