It is easy to tame the rogue elephant.
It is easy to tie the mouth of a bear.
It is easy to mount the back of a lion.
It is easy to charm poisonous snakes.
It is easy to conquer the celestial and the non celestial realms.
It is easy to trek the worlds invisible.
It is easy to command the angelic heavens.
It is easy to retain youth eternally.
It is easy to enter the body of others.
It is easy to walk on water and sit in burning fire.
It is easy to attain all of the siddhis (yogic powers).
But to remain still is very, very difficult indeed.
When is the day to be
That I attain the Supreme Bliss
Which devotees true, all, attained,
Whom neither Good nor Evil ever sought.
Tayumanavar (1706-1744), Tamil saint, mystic and poet
Teachings Of Thayumanavar Swamigal
Thayumanavar, also known as Thayumanavar Swamigal, was a
prominent Tamil poet and philosopher who lived during the 18th century. His
teachings primarily revolve around the concept of self-realization and the path
to spiritual enlightenment. Here are some key teachings of Thayumanavar:
Self-Realization: Central to Thayumanavar's teachings is the
idea of realizing one's true self. He emphasized the importance of
understanding one's inner being, transcending the limitations of the ego, and
recognizing the divine essence within oneself.
Devotion to Shiva: Thayumanavar was a devout follower of Lord
Shiva, and his teachings often reflect his deep devotion to the deity. He
advocated for surrendering oneself completely to Shiva and seeking union with
the divine through devotion, prayer, and meditation.
Detachment: Thayumanavar stressed the need for detachment
from worldly attachments and desires. He believed that true spiritual progress
could only be achieved by letting go of material possessions, egoistic desires,
and attachments to transient pleasures.
Simplicity and Humility: Tayumanavar valued simplicity and
humility as essential virtues on the spiritual path. He emphasized the
importance of leading a humble and modest life, free from pride, arrogance, and
ostentation.
Renunciation: Thayumanavar advocated for the renunciation of
worldly pursuits in favor of spiritual pursuits. He encouraged his followers to
prioritize spiritual growth over material wealth and worldly success.
Service and Compassion: While emphasizing the importance of
personal spiritual practice, Thayumanavar also highlighted the significance of
selfless service (seva) and compassion towards all beings. He believed in the
interconnectedness of all life and promoted acts of kindness and compassion as
expressions of divine love.
Mystical Experience: Thayumanavar often spoke about mystical
experiences and the inner journey of the soul. He described states of profound
meditation, ecstatic devotion, and union with the divine, encouraging his
followers to strive for such experiences through spiritual discipline and
devotion.
Non-Dualism (Advaita): Thayumanavar's teachings are often
interpreted within the framework of Advaita Vedanta, which emphasizes the
non-dual nature of reality. He taught that the ultimate reality is one without
a second (Advaita), where the individual soul (atman) and the universal
consciousness (Brahman) are ultimately identical.
Thayumanavar's teachings continue to inspire spiritual
seekers in the Tamil-speaking regions and beyond, offering profound insights
into the nature of the self, the path to liberation, and the essence of divine
love.