As is customary with Hindus, when entering a place of reverence, we washed our feet and stepped into the holy abode, the Agathiyar Gnana Peedam in Kallar (India). We had come all the way from the tip of Africa to a remote place we had not heard of a month ago. It felt surreal. Thavayogi Thangarasan Adigal (Swami) had just begun his prayer. We participated and gratefully took his blessings at the end. Later, we introduced ourselves to both Mataji (a respected yogini in her own right) and Swami, who were expecting us. Mataji wrote down my husband’s name in a notebook. These would be the names of people who would have a reading that day. She explained that he (my husband) would have the reading which would benefit the family as a whole and I would be called in post the reading when it was being explained/translated. I had no idea of how the process worked but accepted this. The reading I learned is essentially focused on the person appearing before the reader and details extend from there on to the rest of the family.
We waited patiently, with several others, in the comfortable waiting room. We were grateful for the cooling system in the room as it was incredibly hot; temperatures we were not accustomed to. Several hours passed. During that time, I admired the beautiful pictures and paintings of sages and maharishis which graced the walls of the room. I deliberated silently that I was not exactly sure of how the process unfolds but experienced a mixture of confusion and delight at being there. I looked up at the image of Agathiyar and mentally communicated that I had come all the way from another continent because of some “gut feel” and that I was beginning to see question marks and doubt relative to finding the answers I sought. I then firmly asserted that I was not leaving there that day without an audience with him (through a reading).
Minutes before it was our turn for the mysterious reading, my husband turned to me and acknowledged, that the trip was about me and my experiences and we had come all the way because of my instincts hence he felt that I should have the reading. I listened in silence. I agreed with his view, but wondered if such a change could be requested. I looked up at the picture of Agathiyar and wondered if he had anything to do with this change that was unfolding. When it was our turn, my husband went in and explained his decision to Swami and Mataji. I was readily invited to have the much awaited reading.
I sat down before Mataji and the Swami . My emotions ran high. I had no idea of what to expect. The elementary knowledge I had of the readings did not serve me then. This was now the real thing. My mind began to run rampant about what was or could be revealed. I considered making a run for it but I could not find my legs. Sensing my discomfort, Swami smiled warmly, kindly which brought about some calm. They initiated some casual conversation around my country, the people, the culture, languages etc. which quickly disarmed my daunting emotions. I was still unaware of the magnitude of what was to follow.
Astonishingly, the reading revealed that I had been called there. It was a calling from the siddha himself. My experiences and response was to this mystical calling. It was the time for me to discover some truths about the self, life and more. Much was revealed to me about my life, work, family, past lives and what was relevant for me to know at the time. The accuracy and authenticity of what was disclosed relative to my current life was beyond question. Was I ready to hear the truth? Some of the revelations were beyond the scope of my imagination because ordinarily we are not equipped to understand how past lives, karma, life purpose, goals etc. are interconnected and shape our current life. The truth appears as a powerful source of information to put things into perspective to understand and re-organise where necessary to enable the more in depth search for one’s true self. That first reading confirmed much detail relative to my current life as well as valuable insights of my past however in looking back I realise the reading was not the destination, it was the beginning of an ongoing search for the real self.
Those interested in the Nadi leaves and it’s contents are advised to undertake extensive research, consult reliable sources, seek authentic knowledge and ensure proper understanding of the entire speciality before delving into it with preconceived expectations. There are different types of readings, understand these. Readings are distinguished from astrology, predictions, prophecies etc and seekers can be easily misguided through the rampant commercialisation currently surrounding this ancient, sacred practice and the transmission of it’s wisdom. This is not to discourage people from seeking it, it is to encourage those seeking to do so with caution and a sound understanding of the practice in the absence of which almost always results in disappointment, disbelief in the wisdom, loss of faith and more confusion on one’s personal journey. The internet carries a myriad of propaganda from people who sought the leaves but went away with notable inconsistencies, false information or obvious fabrications. They questioned the accuracy, authenticity and validity of their reading. The nadi leaves are written in ancient Tamil in the form of poetry, sonnets and couplets which requires the reader to have undergone intense study and training relative to deciphering what is written. Traditionally such knowledge and training was passed down through generations within families to ensure the veracity of the practice and readings. Credible, authentic readers are out there, take the time to find them.
At this point, I hear you scream, enough of that, tell us how to determine if a reading is authentic or not?
Almost always, when you are ready for that knowledge on your journey, the reading finds you. The path opens up and gently draws you towards it. You need to be aware, mindful and alert to it. Engage, allow and trust the flow of energy, sensations or however you may experience the call/attraction. Connect with the energies in the natural environment. Be alert to synchronicities and little miracles that support and lead up to your reading. Be mindful of your experience before, during and after the reading. Importantly you should feel a connection with the reader and resonate with the contents of the reading or the contents will resonate with you. The short answer to the question is that your true self will know if the reading is authentic or not, trust that. If some parts of the reading does not resonate immediately, give it a bit of time as the reading is often a massive download to process all at once.
If an opportunity to have such a reading presented itself to you, what area/s of your life would you have questions about and what would those questions be? For the sake of this exercise examine those areas that challenge you most. Write down the questions and see if you can determine why those areas challenge you the most.
If you believe you have no need for any such revelations in your life; you are living a happy, peaceful, abundant, meaningful life, then know you are truly blessed. We graciously request that you emit your beautiful energy all around as the world needs it.
