(Source page 31 of Philosophy and Theistic Mysticism of the Alvars by S. M. Srinivasa Chari)
Alwar also sings the praises of the sacred Vaishnava places – Thirumaliruncholai, Tirukkudantai, Srirangam, Tirupati and Tirupper and details the attributes of the presiding deity – Bhagavan Narayana – in those places.
Explanation of the above verse:
The verse from Tirukkuruntandakam (18), a Tamil Shaiva devotional work, is deeply rooted in Hindu spirituality and mysticism. Let’s break it down and expand on its meaning, symbolism, and relevance.
Meaning and Symbolism
This verse encourages intense meditation and devotion to the divine, embodying a call for focusing the mind solely on the Lord. Here’s a deeper breakdown of the verse:
"Seated firmly without fatigue or fidgeting": This refers to the physical discipline of meditation. The body should remain still and comfortable, reflecting the yogic posture essential in many spiritual traditions. In Hinduism, this posture symbolizes steadiness of purpose and concentration.
"Bring your upper eyelids close to the lower": This could indicate a meditative state, possibly suggesting partially closing the eyes in deep contemplation, similar to many yogic practices, such as in Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses). Closing the eyes to the external world symbolizes turning inward.
"Subdue the five senses": This refers to the process of withdrawing from sensory distractions—touch, taste, smell, sight, and hearing—to focus entirely on the inner spiritual reality. This aligns with Pratyahara (as one of the eight limbs of yoga) and the practice of concentrating energy inward toward the divine.
"Fill your heart with love for the Lord alone": The heart symbolizes the seat of devotion. Here, divine love and bhakti are emphasized as the driving force. Bhakti (devotional love) is central in many Hindu texts, and love for the divine is a way to transcend worldly distractions and achieve spiritual union.
"Let thought flow freely on that one alone": This indicates a state of undivided attention on God, which parallels meditative practices where the mind focuses solely on one object or thought to achieve spiritual clarity.
"There in the effulgence emerging, you will see the Lord who is a body of light": This suggests that through disciplined devotion and meditation, one may have a direct, luminous experience of the divine. Light is often symbolic of the divine presence in Hinduism—depicting truth, knowledge, and liberation (moksha). This idea of divine light echoes the Upanishadic concept of Brahman as a formless, radiant truth.
"Those who do so, do surely see the truth": This promises spiritual realization for those who engage in such focused devotion, indicating that this method can lead to direct experience or realization of the ultimate truth (satya).
Importance in Hinduism
This verse embodies core elements of Hindu spirituality:
Bhakti (Devotion): Devotion to God is emphasized throughout Hindu literature. This verse underscores bhakti as a pathway to experiencing the divine directly.
Dhyana (Meditation): Meditation is one of the central pillars of Hindu spiritual practice. Here, meditation is the key to seeing the "body of light," symbolizing divine revelation.
Pratyahara (Sense Control): The idea of subduing the senses is crucial to moving inward and cultivating a still mind. This aligns with practices such as Raja Yoga.
Jnana (Knowledge): Seeing the "Lord who is a body of light" can be interpreted as the experience of true knowledge or jnana—where one perceives the divine truth.
Modern-Day Relevance and Practicality
This verse holds significance even in the modern context, as its teachings resonate with contemporary meditation and mindfulness practices. In a world full of distractions, sensory overload, and constant stimulation, this verse reminds us of the value of stillness, inner focus, and love for something higher.
Practically, this can be applied in modern life as follows:
- Mindfulness and Meditation: With increasing stress and mental health issues today, practicing mindful stillness, as advocated by this verse, can bring calm, clarity, and mental well-being. Regular meditation and yoga practices help people find peace amidst the chaos.
- Focus on a Higher Purpose: This teaching suggests filling the heart with love for a higher ideal or purpose. In today’s life, focusing on something greater than material success—whether it’s service, compassion, or spiritual growth—can bring fulfillment and meaning.
- Sense Control and Discipline: In an age of distraction (especially with technology), the practice of controlling and withdrawing the senses to focus on the essential aspects of life is even more relevant. It encourages self-discipline, reducing the noise of unnecessary distractions.
Similar Thoughts in Hinduism and Other Cultures
Bhagavad Gita: Krishna’s teachings in the Bhagavad Gita echo these ideas. For example, in Chapter 6, Krishna emphasizes the need for meditation, sense control, and devotion to achieve moksha (liberation). He instructs Arjuna to focus his mind and senses on the divine alone, just as the Tirukkuruntandakam does.
Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: This verse parallels the teachings of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, which discuss the eight limbs of yoga—dhyana (meditation), pratyahara (sense withdrawal), and samadhi (oneness with the divine). The goal is similar: to calm the mind, withdraw from sensory distractions, and experience the divine directly.
Sufism (Islamic Mysticism): In Sufism, there are similar concepts of focusing the heart solely on God, seeing the divine light (Nur), and achieving a state of union with the divine through love and devotion, as seen in the works of Rumi.
Christian Mysticism: Christian mystics, such as St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross, also speak of contemplation and divine union, where love for God leads to experiences of divine light and truth, much like the experiences described in this verse.
Benefits of Following This Teaching
Mental Peace and Calm: The practice of stillness, focus, and devotion leads to inner calm, helping reduce anxiety, stress, and the mental fragmentation caused by modern life.
Spiritual Growth: By focusing on the divine, one moves closer to self-realization or divine knowledge. The verse promises spiritual insight and the experience of truth through devotion and meditation.
Improved Focus and Discipline: Learning to withdraw from distractions and focus on a single goal—whether spiritual or practical—improves concentration, productivity, and personal discipline.
Emotional Well-being: Filling the heart with love, as suggested in the verse, fosters positive emotions, leading to a more compassionate, content, and joyful life.
The teachings of Tirukkuruntandakam (18) emphasize timeless spiritual principles—meditation, devotion, sense control, and love for the divine—that are deeply relevant today. These practices foster mental peace, spiritual growth, and emotional well-being, resonating across different cultures and traditions. Its relevance in the modern age lies in its ability to guide individuals toward a focused, purposeful, and fulfilling life amidst the distractions of the modern world.