Deivathin Kural Series - 95

Om Namah Sivaya.
Deivathin Kural # 95 of 07 Nov 2006.

1. These e-mails are translations of talks given by the erstwhile Pontiff of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, over more than sixty years, published by Vanady Padippagam, T.Nagar, Chennai, India, in ten volumes, in the Tamil language. On line version of this book in Tamil is available at 'www.kamakoti.org'. The english version is likely to be available very soon. These e-mails are simply an effort on the part of the sender, to share some of his bliss, as it is said, 'Yam perra peru peruga ivvaiyagam'. When he adds any personal observations he uses the phrase, 'KTSV adds'.
2. To-days lecture, titled, 'Ullum Puramum' ie., 'Inner and Outer', in pages 452 to 454, in Volume 1 of Deivathin Kural, as part of a series of lectures under the Heading, 'Karma Margam', or 'The Path of Action', from pages 436 to 466. Unless specifically mentioned, he or man includes, she or woman.
3. I keep on repeating that, everyone should observe their appointed duties, do their 'Karma Anushtanam', as required by the Vedas. They should wear Vibuthi / Thiruman / Rudraaksham / Kumkumam, and so on. Some people wonder as to why I am insisting on these outer display of religious beliefs. They believe that, 'outer display is not necessary, since 'Seelam' or disciplined behaviour, is dependant on inner attitudes of the mind. Vibuthi and Kumkumam are after all only outer show!'
4. In truth, even these outer signs do some good to the inner self! Bodily outer actions and inner feelings of the mind and heart; are directly related. I will give you an example. Somebody let us say, gets to know that he has won a lottery of One Lac. He instantly feels highly elated and thrilled. This is only an emotion. The effect is that, his blood pressure goes up. At times he may be so shocked, that he may swoon. The fact that for so and so emotions, breath undergoes so and so changes; can be turned around and made to work for you positively. This is done by Yoga Sastra, which delineates specific Pranayama techniques for attaining the suitable mental attitudes. 'Agathin azhgu mugathil theriyum', says a proverb, meaning that the outer appearance indicates the inner state of affairs. If you are annoyed, eyes redden, and lips tremble. When you are unhappy, tears pour out. When you are happy, you start smiling and your teeth are visible.
5. Doing reverse engineering, the Great Rishis of Indias golden past, have identified the Asanas and Mudras, to elevate Man from the animal levels to divine levels. The Military Man wears the Uniform. You can question, if he will not be courageous without the Uniform. But the very wearing of the dress, does enable him to overcome fear. The outer signs and Samskarams and rituals, do some good to the inner self. If you wear it only for show, it may not be effective, because your intention is awry. But, if you do so with a small prayer, telling yourself that you are doing so, with the purpose of cleansing your body, mind and soul; it will have salubrious effect. What you do outside, does help inside!
6. My doing the Samskaras or wearing these Vibuthi and Rudraaksham, is not something great. I am the Head of the Sankara Matam. You will come to me and support me with money and materials, only if I do this. So I have to do my regular Poojas and conduct various rituals. But in your case, it is different. Your livelihood is not dependent on your wearing of Vibuthi. So you can and should get all the benefits of such outer symbols.
7. Let us wear the symbols / signs, which remind us of the Supreme Truth and Reality; let us abide with practices which keep us on the right track and prevents us from going astray; thus, let us cleanse ourselves, inside and outside. As a result, let us come to a clear understanding of the Adwaita Philosophy of Reality!
Sambhomahadeva.