In a previous post I mentioned a blog that drew my attention to some teachings and masters I had not heard of. That finding stands out as a flag or a dot in the map of my journey, one that could not be missed. The blog, a well-established archive of knowledge and guidance, catalysed my awareness toward a certain direction. I say catalysed because like in chemistry it brought about a reaction and rather swiftly. It introduced me to thoughts and teachings of some of the world’s acclaimed authors, philosophers, thinkers, truth-seekers, poets, gurus, enlightened beings and more. This knowledge in tandem with my own experiences gave me the opportunity to learn, understand and discern my way through what can sometimes feel like a complex labyrinth. I came to visit numerous sacred places of worship, met extremely awakened beings, attended many awe-inspiring events and encountered some of the most indescribable experiences in my life. My life up until that point appeared pretty superficial.
Instrumental to my catalysed development is a respected writer, teacher, guide, advisor, friend and mentor. He is vehemently opposed to being referred to as a guru although his work bares evidence of it. His journey and experiences alone is a deeply rich source of knowledge, wisdom and guidance for any anyone seeking the self. The blog is none other than “Siddha Heartbeat” and the heart that beats behind the blog is Shanmugam Avadaiyappa or respectfully known as Shan Aiya. He holds that the heart of his writing stems from the renowned Siddha Agathiyar Rishi himself. Much can be said about this selfless teacher however words cannot do justice. His knowledge and wisdom will pepper this tale as it unfolds.
Some ten years ago, I too was “in search of”, not quite sure of what it was. Insights and messages appeared however I was oblivious to them. Messages to help us ascend appear before us daily through people, events, occurrences, experiences, challenges, loss, victories and nature itself. Our minds and social indoctrination in particular, influences us to “look out” for messages packaged in the form of a guru, a letter delivered by a pigeon or a message in a bottle that washes up from the sea with our name on it, before we recognise anything before us as meaningful. I came to realise that being alert, keeping an open mind and trusting in something; something far greater than what we know, is key to the process. Acceptance of this illumines the perplexities of the past, demystifies the enactment of the present and demists the path going forward. I cannot articulate the value of this insight better than Steve Jobs when in his Sandford University Commencement Speech 2005 shared the following:
You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something — your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life”.
