Monthly Archives: May 2015

thiruvezhukURRirukkai – avathArikai (Introduction)

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thaniyans

As thirumangai AzhwAr thought of the nature of the samsAram (this world), he became very sad. When was he involved in samsAram and went through its difficulties? During his periya thirumozhi anubhavam, AzhwAr was deeply involved in the experience of dhivya dhEsams. perumAn wondered whether AzhwAr has forgotten about srIvaikuNtam, and so showed him the nature of this samsAram. AzhwAr felt the true nature of this samsAram and in the last padhigam of periya thirumozhi – mARRamuLa – and sang how he is suffering in this samsAram like an ant surrounded by burning firewood, and so on.

To reduce that angst, AzhwAr sang thirukkuRunthANdagam, where he involved emperumAn through his words, thoughts, actions, falling on His feet, etc., (vAkkinAl karumam thannAl (4)). Doing that is the medicine out of this samsAram. He got determination (vairAgyam) and felt that he spent all these days doing other things.

emperumAn asks him, “What do you need from me for your suffering due to being in this samsAram?”; AzhwAr replies, “Please completely rid me of the samsAram, without any scent/trace of it, as it prevents us from enjoying You”.   When replied – “Is it something that I could do?”, AzhwAr says, “Everything other than You is created and protected by You; You are responsible for them, everything surrenders and depends on you to protect them, so only You can remove us from this samsAram and we cannot remove it ourselves.”.

There is nothing of the sort where we protect ourselves and you mind your business. If I had the ability to protect myself I would have easily gone to srIvaikuNtam. You are our swAmi – all the AzhwArs have said this and accepted this; they have accepted that they are your property. unnAlallAl yAvarAlum onRum kuRai vENdEn (thiruvAimozhi 5-8-3)nobody else need to do the good for me, and they can’t do it either. Do not show me to myself for protection.

Saying so, thirumangai AzhwAr falls on the divine feet of thirukkudandhai ArAvamudhan and announces to him his predicament and status.

The whole prabandham is sung to thirukkudandhai ArAvamudhan.

nammAzhvAr too sang a thiruvAimozhi (decad) to this emperumAn in (5-8) – ArAvamudhE adiyEn udalam, and performed saraNAgadhi to this emperumAn.

aarAvamuthankOmaLavalli thAyar samEtha ArAvamuthan, thirukkudanthai

kaliyan-and-his-nachiyar-2kumudhavalli nAchchiyAr and thirumangai AzhwAr

~ ~ ~ ~ end of avathArikai of first vyAkyAnam.

avathArikai of second vyAkyAnam

There is something unique about this prabandham related to its vyAkyAnam by periyavAchAn piLLai. After he completed kAlakshEpam (lecture series) of the prabandham, a group of srIvaishNavas joined later and prayed the AchAryan to do kAlakshEpam for them again. Swami with his nirhEthuka krupai (causelss mercy), provided them the vyAkyAnam again, only this time it is with more samskritham (sanskrit) words, and with additional content!

This is similar to his own AchAryan, nampiLLai: for thiruvAimozhi, eedu 36000, the introduction is multi-fold and are referred to as ‘first srIya:pathi padi, second srIya:pathi padi, and third srIya:pathi padi’, for the same reason of more srIvaishnavas joining the kAlakshEpam in the next days.

The second vyAkyAnam of thiruvezhukUtRirukkai by periyavAchchAn piLLai is referred to as “parama kAruNikarAna periyavAchchAn piLLai, menakkitta srivaishNavarukkAga sAththi aruLina vyAkyAnam” (~ vyAkyAnam provided by the most kind periyavAchchAn piLLai, for (more) srIvaishNavas who requested him for it).

The 2nd vyAkyAnam of the introduction (avathArikai) is as follows.

In the first vyAkyAnam where it says ‘ you are the one who created us’, in here there is more explanation of that too.

We were without any faculties, and surrounded by thamas (matter during praLayam?), without any knowledge (gyAnam), and were similar to achith (non-sentient), and were sticking in Your lotus feet similar to achith. You saw these, and without our requesting You, provided us the faculties, due to your kindness towards us, and due to Your ever-existing relationship with us.

Like said by ALavandhAr in sthOthra rathnam (10), ‘amUni bHuvanAni bHavithum nAlam’ – ‘these worlds would not be created’, without Your blessing us. Starting from our being itself is under your control, so does it not go without saying, that without You there is nothing that we can attempt for betterment or otherwise. (nammAzhwAr saying ninRananar irundhanar … ninRilar irundhilar (thiruvAimozhi 1.1.6), to mean the same). When there is nothing in my control, You who made me has to figure out a way, and there is nothing to discuss about me protecting myself.

Same is said by poigai AzhwAr in his mudhal thiruvandhAdhi (60): charaNAmaRai payandha. All, including the highly knowledgeable chathurmukan (brahma), and all sentient and non-sentient would look for you to protect them, You who is holding the divine conch in your hands for the protection of your devotees. They would not know about protecting themselves from this samsAram.

Similarly nammAzhvAr pleads: uNdittAi ini uNdozhiyAy – (thiruvAimozhi 10-10-6)you created us, and why have you stopped/are delaying from taking us to you?

emperumAn: when there are so many knowledgeable ones like vasishtar, viswAmithrar, how can you say there is no one who knows how to protect themselves?

AzhwAr: Like it is said: naiva kinchit parOksham thE prathyakshOsi na kasyachith | naiva kinchidhasidhdHam thE na cha sidhdHOsi kasyachit (jithanthE 1-6), [ there is nothing you do not know; you are not known fully to anyone (with their own efforts); You are not attainable to anyone (with their own efforts) ], You who knows everything, there is nothing that you do not know or cannot attain; how much ever knowledge and ability (gyAnam and sakthi) some of us may possess, You are not fully knowable or attainable by us (by our own efforts). Consider this example: there is one person who is blind, and cannot walk either; another is having very good sight and is able to walk well. Unless the second one helps and shows the way for the first one, the first one cannot do anything by own self isn’t it?

I am without knowledge and ability, you are the one who knows everything and possesses all the abilities; given that, You are the one to take action and achieve this, and is there anything like my doing something and achieving it?

Even if I try to understand with the knowledge given by you, do I have the strength/ability to achieve the goal (of reaching srIvaikuNtam). I cannot reach you with my gyAnam; the knowledge I got is the knowing that You are the means to reach You.

(It is not like emperumAn is denying to AzhwAr; AzhwAr is saying this for us; is there anything we can do? Yes, like how a child would cry when the mother goes out of sight, we can only cry for His mercy to get us out of this samsAram).

End of avathArikai from second vyAkyAnam.

– – – – – – – – – – –

thiruvAimozhi – 1.3 – paththudai

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srImathE rAmAnujAya nama:
srImadh varavaramunayE nama:

Full series >> First Centum

Previous Decad

Nammazhwar-krishnakrishNa and nammAzhwAr

Highlights from thirukkurugaippirAn piLLAn‘s introduction

No specific introduction for the decad.

Highlights from nanjIyar‘s introduction

In this world, one can be seen through the eyes and served through the hands. But how can we who are most insignificant worship sarvEsvaran who is beyond our senses? When someone develops desire to worship emperumAn hearing his glories, emperumAn would himself manifest as rAma, krishNa et al avathArams yuga after yuga to fulfil their desires and accept their worship. Though he is born in human form, he descends with his most auspicious qualities, divine spiritual body etc, out of his unlimited mercy, to protect his devotees and to annihilate the enemies of such devotees. His auspicious qualities shine in his avathArams even more than parathva state (in paramapadham). No one can understand the greatness of his avathArams and the purpose of the same. When some kind-hearted persons dig a lake/pond, it will be beneficial for some and tragic for others. Similarly, these avathArams of emperumAn are uplifting for the devotees and destructive for their enemies. nammAzhwAr starts with these principles which are explained in srI bhagavath gIthA 4th adhyAyam and tells “since he is so easily approachable, he can be approached and you approach him now”.

Highlights from vAdhi kEsari azhagiya maNavALa jIyar‘s introduction

In the first decad 10th pAsuram, meaning of nArAyaNa sabdham (word) is hinted in “nIrdhoRum parandhuLan” (pervaded in every drop of water) and in the second decad 10th pAsuramnArAyaNa” word itself is revealed in “vaNpugazh nAraNan” (nArAyaNa who has great qualities). So, in line with all of sAsthram which declares in “thathvam nArAyaNa: para:” (nArAyaNa is ultimate truth) and “dhyEyO nArAyaNas sadhA” (always meditate upon nArAyaNa), it is established firmly that srIman nArAyaNan is the thathva (truth) and hitha (process/means). nammAzhwAr starts enjoying the glories of emperumAn‘s avathArams in this decad.

Highlights from periyavAchchAn piLLai‘s introduction

Similar to nanjIyar‘s introduction.

Highlights from nampiLLai‘s introduction

  • In the first decad, nammAzhwAr said “emperumAn is the supreme lord”. In the second decad, he said “worship him because he is supreme”. Can a person who does not have both hands climb an elephant? Similarly, can the most insignificant jIvAthmA who is bound in this world approach sarvEsvaran who has no unfulfilled desires? If the elephant itself facilitates the person who does not have hands, then he can climb on the elephant. Similarly, if emperumAn facilitates himself to accept the worship of the jIvAthmA, then the jIvAthmA can worship him.
  • avathArams (incarnations) are common for both unfortunate and most fortunate ones – the unfortunate ones treat him like a normal human being and become losers; the most fortunate ones being amazed at him (for being born as a human being out of great compassion even though he is supreme), areuplifted. emperumAnAr told embAr “If we say ‘sarvEsvaran is supreme’ many people shy away from him out of fear, so we explained his easy approachability. Some gave up on him considering ‘he is so simple’. But you are the only one who greatly appreciates his simplicity”.
  • When a kind-hearted person digs a lake/pond, some may drown and kill themselves while  others may quench their thirst and be fulfilled. When a lamp is lit, some fire-flies fall in it and kill themselves while others benefit from the light given by the lamp. emperumAn too is glorified as light (knowledge) giving lamp in many pAsurams such as periya thirumozhi 4.3.8 “vEdha nal viLakku” (the auspicious lamp revealed in vEdham), thiruppAvai 5Ayar kulaththinil thOnRum aNi viLakku” (the shining lamp of the cow-herd clan), perumAL thirumozhi 10.1 “venkadhirOn kulaththukkOr viLakku” (the shining lamp of solar dynasty). Even in these avathArams (where he presents himself in such a simple manner), sisupAla, pUthanA et al fought with him and were destroyed. But many were uplifted by him in his avathArams.
  • Someone asks AzhwAr, “you told us to worship him many times”. But we cannot see him unless we worship him and we cannot worship him unless we see him. What is the solution for this? Here, AzhwAr is not talking about sAdhana bhakthi which is explained in muNdaka upanishath “…thasmin dhrushtE parAvarE”  (When that supreme lord who is well-known from vEdham is seen, the attachments for worldly pleasures in our heart will be removed and all our doubts will be cleared. The karmA of such jIvAthmA who has seen emperumAn will be removed) and srI bhagavath gIthA 18.55 “…visathE thadhanantharam” (One who fully understands my nature and qualities through parabhakthi (full devotion),  he realizes me through such devotion and reaches me subsequently). This sAdhana bhakthi is very difficult to practice. Here AzhwAr is talking about having the minimum desire to worship emperumAn and emperumAn being available for them to accept their devotion.
  • When he descends into the material world as human et al he is not bound by karmA. Instead he descends out of his own desire/will. He himself explains that he descends in many many forms in srI bhagavath gIthA 4.5 “bahUni mE vyathIthAni…” (Oh destroyer of enemies (arjuna)! I have also taken many births and you have too. I remember all my births but you do not). He further explains his avathAra rahasyam (the purpose of his incarnations) in gIthA 4.9 “janma karma cha mE dhivyam …” (My birth and activities are divine) – my births are not out of karmA but out of my desire. Even when I am born I am unborn. Even when I am born in these simple forms, my supremacy remains with me. I  have imposed my divine body in these material forms. One who knows any of these will not be born again in this material realm. Do they have to be born even after my birth (my birth is to eradicate their birth)? Are there two supreme persons (i.e., can others override my desire/will)?” – It is highlighted in arumpadham that nampiLLai explains this sequence keeping gIthA slOkam 4.6 “ajOpisan“) Thus, depending upon the principles explained by kaNNan emperumAn in 4th adhyAyam of srI bhagavath gIthA, AzhwAr explains that emperumAn descends in avathArams such as srI rAma, krishNa et al and is most easily approachable. So, you all, approach him.
  • Even amongst the avathArams, krishNAvathAram is the pinnacle of nIrmai/saulabhyam (simplicity – easy approachability). Even in that, skipping those aspects which reveal his supremacy, AzhwAr is focussing fully on nagarakshOba (disturbances in the town) due to his navanIthachaurya (his habit of stealing butter). Though AzhwAr was focussed on instructing others, due to having a tender heart, he became mesmerized in krishNa’s act of stealing butter and became speechless.
  • After meditating on his parathvam (supremacy) in the first padhigam, AzhwAr was clear (about the philosophy etc) and instructed others in the second padhigam. But starting to think about his saulabhyam (simplicity), AzhwAr became bewildered and fainted immediately.

Each pAsuram is discussed subsequently.

adiyen sarathy ramanuja dasan

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thiruvAimozhi – 1.2.11 – sErth thadam

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Full series >> First Centum >> Second decad

Previous pAsuram

tamirabarani - nammazhwar

Introduction for this pAsuram

Highlights from thirukkurukaippirAn piLLAn‘s introduction

No specific introduction.

Highlights from nanjIyar‘s introduction

In the end, nammAzhwAr says that these 10 pAsurams are told by him after analysing the 1000 pAsurams in thiruvAimozhi which reveal the auspicious qualities of bhagavAn.

Highlights from vAdhi kEsari azhagiya maNavALa jIyar‘s introduction

Subsequently, nammAzhwAr says that the result is to understand the most admirable nature of this thiruvAimozhi (decad) among the whole prabandham.

Highlights from periyavAchchAn piLLai‘s introduction

Similar to piLLAn‘s introduction

Highlights from nampiLLai‘s introduction as documented by vadakkuth thiruvIdhip piLLai

  • In the first pAsuram, nammAzhwAr said that one should agree to submit oneself unto emperumAn after giving up attachments to other aspects.
  • In the second pAsuram, nammAzhwAr said that after understanding the defects of other (worldly) aspects, one can easily give them up.
  • In the third pAsuram, nammAzhwAr highlighted the nature of what is to be given up briefly.
  • In the fourth pAsuram, nammAzhwAr highlighted the glories of emperumAn who is to be pursued.
  • In the fifth pAsuram, nammAzhwAr highlighted the remedy for the internal hurdle which can occur while pursuing emperumAn.
  • In the sixth pAsuram, nammAzhwAr explained that emperumAn naturally likes to mix with others.
  • In the seventh pAsuram, nammAzhwAr said that once we have true knowledge about the relationship with emperumAn, one can easily bond with him.
  • In the eighth pAsuram, nammAzhwAr explained that we need not seek out for separate tools to pursue him and we can simply use our body and senses which are given to us by him.
  • In the ninth pAsuram, nammAzhwAr explained that by engaging body and senses for him, the hurdles for devotion towards him will vanish.
  • In the tenth pAsuram, nammAzhwAr highlighted the manthram that is used to worship him.
  • In this pAsuram, he says that these have not been said without analysing; they are said after analysing the well-being of the jIvAthmA thoroughly. Alternatively, it is explained as something which is constantly meditated upon since it is for the well-being of the jIvAthmA.

pAsuram

சேர்த் தடத் தென் குருகூர்ச் சடகோபன் சொல்
சீர்த்த தொடை ஆயிரத்து ஆர்த்த இப் பத்தே

sErth thadath then kurugUrch chatakOpan sol
sIrth thodai Ayiraththu Orththa ip paththE

Word-by-Word meanings (based on vAdhi kEsari azhagiya maNavALa jIyar‘s 12000 padi)

sEr – abundance
thadam – ponds (water-bodies)
then – beautiful
kurukUr – in AzhwArthirunagari
satakOpan – nammAzhwAr
sol – word blessed by (AzhwAr)
sIr – words/phrases which have nice form and meanings
thodai – poetic meter
Ayiraththu – in these 1000 pAsurams
ippaththu – this decad which instructs those who surrender
Orththa – well-analysed

Simple transalation (based on vAdhi kEsari azhagiya maNavALa jIyar‘s 12000 padi)

nammAzhwAr of beautiful AzhwArthirunagari which has abundance of ponds (showing rich and beautiful environment) blessed words/phrases which have nice form and meanings with poetic meter in this well-analysed decad in these 1000 pAsurams. It is also explained as “Orththa ippaththai sEr” – pursue this well-analysed decad.

vyAkyAnams (commentaries)

Highlights from thirukkurukaippirAn piLLAn‘s vyAkyAnam

This decad is well-thought-out about emperumAn in these1000 pAsurams which reveal bhagavAn‘s auspicious qualities.

Highlights from nanjIyar‘s vyAkyAnam

Similar to nampiLLai‘s vyAkyAnam.

Highlights from periyavAchchAn piLLai‘s vyAkyAnam

Similar to nampiLLai‘s vyAkyAnam.

Highlights from nampiLLai‘s vyAkyAnam as documented by vadakkuth thiruvIdhip piLLai

  • sErththadam – It is explained in 3 different ways
    • sEr thadam – ponds which are together
    • Since sErththadam is followed by thenkurukUr, it is explained as an adjective to the town, i.e., beautiful thirunagari which has many ponds
    • sEr is explained as a verb which indicates approach, bond with etc.
  • thenkurukUrch chatakOpan sol – It is the word of the most-trustworthy person (nammAzhwAr)
  • sIrththodai Ayiram – poetic aspects such as words, tune etc. It is also explained as pAsurams which reveal collection (thodai) of auspicious qualities (sIr).
  • Ayiraththu Orththa ippaththE – Among the 1000 pAsurams, the most well-wishing decad. Also, it is explained as the decad which analyses what is best for the jIvAthmA. Also, it is explained as the decad that is to be constantly meditated upon due to its revealing the best instructions for the jIvAthmA among the 1000 pAsurams.

Thus ends the English translation for thiruvAimozhi 1st centum 2nd decad.

AzhwAr thiruvadigaLE charaNam
emperumAnAr thiruvadigaLE charaNam
piLLAn thiruvadigaLE charaNam
nanjIyar thiruvadigaLE charaNam
nampiLLai thiruvadigaLE charaNam
vadakkuth thiruvIdhip piLLai thiruvadigaLE charaNam
periyavAchchAn piLLai thiruvadigaLE charaNam
vAdhi kEsari azhagiya maNavALa jIyar thiruvadigaLE charaNam
jIyar thiruvadigaLE charaNam

In the next article we will see the next padhigam (decad).

adiyen sarathy ramanuja dasan

archived in http://divyaprabandham.koyil.org

pramEyam (goal) – http://koyil.org
pramANam (scriptures) – http://srivaishnavagranthams.wordpress.com
pramAthA (preceptors) – http://guruparamparai.wordpress.com
srIvaishNava education/kids portal – http://pillai.koyil.org

thiruvAimozhi – 1.2.10 – eN perukku

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srImathE satakOpAya nama:
srImathE rAmAnujAya nama:
srImath varavaramunayE nama:

Full series >> First Centum >> Second decad

Previous pAsuram

namperumal-thiruvadigalnamperumAL‘s lotus feet

Introduction for this pAsuram

Highlights from thirukkurukaippirAn piLLAn‘s introduction

When asked who is this Iswara who is explained as approachable by everyone?

Highlights from nanjIyar‘s introduction

In this 10th pAsuram, nammAzhwAr explains thirumanthram with its meaning and thus instructs everyone to approach emperumAn.

Highlights from vAdhi kEsari azhagiya maNavALa jIyar‘s introduction

Subsequently, nammAzhwAr explains the complete nature of emperumAn being the most apt goal.

Highlights from periyavAchchAn piLLai‘s introduction

In this 10th pAsuram, nammAzhwAr explains that while approaching emperumAn, meditate upon thirumanthram with its meanings.

Highlights from nampiLLai‘s introduction as documented by vadakkuth thiruvIdhip piLLai

10th pAsuram – Nice. We agree with your suggestions. What is the manthram that anchors our devotion? nammAzhwAr explains that thirumanthram (asthAksharam) is the manthram and instructs that one should meditate on the meaning of that manthram. Others (other than prapannas) use this manthram in japam, hOmam etc to attain their objectives. Our AchAryas knowing that “the meaning of this manthram reminds one’s true nature and leads such persons who meditate on the true meanings to mOksham”, themselves meditate upon the meanings of the same and also instruct/teach the same to the ones who approach them (for such true knowledge).

Both vEdham and AzhwArs(s) realize this manthram, sometimes they explain the manthram and then its meaning; other times they explain the meaning of the manthram first and then the manthram itself. This is because meditating on the meaning always accompanies remembering/realising/reciting the manthram. nammAzhwAr says in thiruvAimozhi 1.3.3 “yAvarum yAvaiyum thAnAm amaivudai nAraNan” (nArAyaNan is such that everyone and everything is a manifestation of his – i.e., everything is his body)  and in thiruvAimozhi 2.7.2 “nAraNan muzhu Ezhu ulagukkum nAdhan” (nArAyaNan is the lord of all the universes). vEdham too explains similarly as in nArAyaNa sUktham “anthar bahis cha thath sarvam vyApya nArAyaNas sthitha:” (inside, outside and everywhere nArAyaNan is pervaded) and “nArAyaNa parOjyOthi:” (nArAyaNan is the supreme light).

pAsuram

என் பேருக்கு அந் நலத்து ஒண் பொருள் இறில
வான் புகழ் நாரணன் தின் கழல் சேரே

eN perukku an nalaththu oN poruL IRila
vaN pugazh nAraNan thiN kazhal sErE

Word-by-Word meanings (based on vAdhi kEsari azhagiya maNavALa jIyar‘s 12000 padi)

eN – (As explained in thaiththirIya upanishath – Anandhavalli about the bliss of bhagavAn) for count
perukku – grown infinitely
an nalaththu – those auspicious qualities such as bliss etc which match that brahmAnandham (bliss of brahmam explained in Anandhavalli)
oN poruL – the distinct group of all jIvAthmAs explained by the phrase (in Anandhavalli) “akAmahatha srOthriya” (unaffected by desire and most knowledgable)
IRila – innumerable and unlimited
vaN pugazh – auspicious qualities, having thus
nAraNan – the master who is known as nArAyaNan
thiN – firm (stable), such that those who approach him are fully protected
kazhal – lotus feet
sEr – approach, surrender

Simple transalation (based on vAdhi kEsari azhagiya maNavALa jIyar‘s 12000 padi)

nArAyaNan is the owner of infinite jIvAthmAs, who has auspicious qualities such as Anandham (bliss) etc. He has unlimited auspicious qualities. Surrender unto the firm lotus feet of that master known as nArAyaNan.

vyAkyAnams (commentaries)

Highlights from thirukkurukaippirAn piLLAn‘s vyAkyAnam

Iswara is the one who owns infinite jIvAthmAs (who have auspicious qualities such as Anandham etc) and who has most auspicious qualities himself.  Surrender unto his lotus feet which continuously protect those who surrender.

Highlights from nanjIyar‘s vyAkyAnam

Similar to piLLAn‘s vyAkyAnam.

Highlights from periyavAchchAn piLLai‘s vyAkyAnam

Similar to piLLAn‘s vyAkyAnam.

Highlights from nampiLLai‘s vyAkyAnam as documented by vadakkuth thiruvIdhip piLLai

  • nammAzhwAr explains thirumanthram with its meaning through this pAsuram.
  • When kUraththAzhwAn was explaining thiruvAimozhi, for this pAsuram, AzhwAn tells his two sons parAsara bhattar and srI rAma piLLai (vEdha vyAsa bhattar) “You hear the meaning of this pAsuram from your AchAryan” (as thirumanthram is traditionally explained by one’s own samAsrayaNa AchArya – both bhattars are direct sishyas of embAr). When bhattars get ready to leave, AzhwAn changes his mind and tells them “We never know who will survive even for a moment. So, while you are here you listen to the meaning”, explains the meaning of thirumanthram and tells them “Remember this pAsuram as explaining thirumanthram”.
  • eN perukku – infinite number of jIvAthmAs
  • nalaththujIvAthmAs are abode of gyAnam (knowledge). In the 3rd letter of praNavam (makAram), jIvAthmAs are explained as the abode of gyAnam and knower,
  • oN poruL – distinct object (knowledgable object) – unlike achith (matter) which does not have knowledge, jIvAthmA (chith) knows himself through dharmi gyAnam (consciousness) and other objects through dharma bhUtha gyAnam (perceptive knowledge).
  • IRila vaNpugazh nAraNan – countless. IRila is explained with both “oNporuL” and “vaNpuguzh“, i.e., bhagavAn having countless jIvAthmAs and countless great qualities. And this combination is the distinct quality of nArAyaNan. Having infinite eternal jIvAthmAs who are of three kinds (nithya – ever-liberated [and not having any connection with materialistic realm], muktha – liberated [from materialistic realm] and badhdha – bound souls) and eternal auspicious qualities is the main identity for nArAyaNan.
  • thiN kazhal sErE – Knowing that the relationship is eternal between bhagavAn and jIvAthmAs, he will never let go of the ones who have clear knowledge about this eternal relationship. His lotus feet are explained as “thiN kazhal” (firm feet) to indicate that they will always protect the ones who surrender.
  • sEr – You surrender unto him. After knowing that he is your own master, surrender immediately. This is “nama:” in thirumanthram (which explains emperumAn is the means to attain him).

In the next article we will the next pAsuram.

adiyen sarathy ramanuja dasan

archived in http://divyaprabandham.koyil.org

pramEyam (goal) – http://koyil.org
pramANam (scriptures) – http://srivaishnavagranthams.wordpress.com
pramAthA (preceptors) – http://guruparamparai.wordpress.com
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thiruvAimozhi – 1.2.9 – odunga avan

Published by:

srI:
srImathE satakOpAya nama:
srImathE rAmAnujAya nama:
srImath varavaramunayE nama:

Full series >> First Centum >> Second decad

Previous pAsuram

ajamila

Introduction for this pAsuram

Highlights from thirukkurukaippirAn piLLAn‘s introduction

No specific introduction.

Highlights from nanjIyar‘s introduction

In this ninth pAsuram, nammAzhwAr says that by approaching emperumAn the hurdles which stop us from reaching emperumAn will be destroyed. It is only delayed until the end of this body/life.

Highlights from vAdhi kEsari azhagiya maNavALa jIyar‘s introduction

Subsequently, nammAzhwAr explains the removal of hurdles which is the result of worshiping emperumAn.

Highlights from periyavAchchAn piLLai‘s introduction

In this ninth pAsuram – Though worshiping emperumAn is easy, aren’t the anAdhikAla sanchithamAna avidhyA etc (ignorance, vAsanA, ruchi, karmA etc which are accumulated since time immemorial) hurdles for worshiping emperumAn? For having the thought “let us worship him” we only need sukrutham (virtue). By engaging in worshiping emperumAn due to that sukrutham, the hurdles will be eradicated fully.

Highlights from nampiLLai‘s introduction as documented by vadakkuth thiruvIdhip piLLai

ninth pAsuram – In the previous 2 pAsurams, nammAzhwAr explained that one should not shy away from emperumAn since everyone is eternally related to emperumAn (pAsuram 7) and worshiping him is by engaging the senses given by him in his service (pAsuram 8). Are we not worshiping him due to lack of knowledge? We are actually not serving him due to our hurdles. nammAzhwAr says that by approaching emperumAn, the hurdles will go away.

pAsuram

ஒடுங்க அவன் கண் ஒடுங்கலும் எல்லாம்
விடும் பின்னும் ஆக்கை விடும் பொழுது என்னே

odunga avan kaN odungalum ellAm
vidum pinnum Akkai vidum pozhudhu eNNE

Word-by-Word meanings (based on vAdhi kEsari azhagiya maNavALa jIyar‘s 12000 padi)

avan kaN – unto the master
odunga – being bound to him as per apruthak sidhdham (inseparable aspect)
odungalum – Contraction of AthmA’s  knowledge etc
ellAm – the cause for such contraction such as avidhyA (ignorance) etc
vidum – will leave, will be eradicated
pinnum – After that, as explained in mahAbhAratham “kruthakruthyA pradhIkshanthE” (those learned persons who have completed all that is to be done and expecting).
Akkai – the remaining life of the current body
vidum pozhudhu – end
eN – look out for it

Simple transalation (based on vAdhi kEsari azhagiya maNavALa jIyar‘s 12000 padi)

As one gives up everything unto the master (bhagavAn), avidhyA (ignorance) etc and the contraction of AthmA’s knowledge will be eliminated. After that, one can surrender to emperumAn and seek out for his kainkaryam at the end of this life itself.

It is explained as “Akkai vidumpozhudhu eNNa vENumO” (should we think about him at the end of our life?) Also, some explain this as a part of bhajanam (worshiping or more specifically bhakthi yOgam) saying “subsequently, think about him while giving up your life”.

vyAkyAnams (commentaries)

Highlights from thirukkurukaippirAn piLLAn‘s vyAkyAnam

By engaging our senses in his kainkaryam always, all hurdles will be removed. After that, please wait until the current body dies – that is how long it takes to attain the ultimate result.

Highlights from nanjIyar‘s vyAkyAnam

Similar to nampiLLai‘s vyAkyAnam.

Highlights from periyavAchchAn piLLai‘s vyAkyAnam

Similar to nampiLLai‘s vyAkyAnam.

Highlights from nampiLLai‘s vyAkyAnam as documented by vadakkuth thiruvIdhip piLLai

  • odunga avan kaN – By you (jIvAthmA) who are prakArabhUtha (attribute/mode) becoming part of (approaching) bhagavAn who is prakAri (substratum for all such jIvAthmAs). Here becoming part of him is explained as giving up svAthanthriyam (independence), accepting oneself as fully subservient to him.
  • odungalum ellAm vidum – When what is prAptham (apt/deserving) is pursued, aprAptham (inapt/undeserving) will be eradicated. When what is appropriate for the true nature is pursued, hurdles which are inappropriate for the true nature of jIvAthmA will naturally leave. “odungal” indicates that this independence is not natural for jIvAthmA. It can also be considered that “odukkal” became “odungal” – odukkal indicates binding jIvAthmA‘s senses in worldly pleasures.
  • ellAm vidum – avidhyA (ignorance), karmA (action/reaction), vAsanA (impressions), ruchi (taste) etc will all be removed. Remember periya thiruvandhAdhi pAsurams 54 “vAnO maRikadalO” (where did my sins go after pursuing kaNNan emperumAn) and 59 “mAdE varappeRuvarAmenRE valvinaiyAr” (Will great sins come close to me anymore?) If all hurdles leave him, what does he do?
  • pinnum Akkai vidum pozhudhu eNNE – Instead of staying calm thinking “being confident of the upAsanam(devotion), the result will come”, one would anxiously be thinking “since all hurdles are removed,  when would this body fall and achieve the ultimate result without any further obstruction”. Just like a beloved would clean herself of sweat etc and be prepared to engage with her beau, jIvAthmA will wait for the removal of the material body to engage with emperumAn (in parampadham). ANdAL too decorated herself and said in nAchchiyAr thirumozhi 8.7 “kongai mEl kungumaththin kuzhambazhiyap pugundhu oru nAL thangumEl ennAvi thangum” (When emperumAn comes and embraces me such that the sandalwood paste applied on my bosom is effectively useful, my life will be sustained) and waited for emperumAn. As explained in thiruviruththam 1 “azhukkudambu” (dirty/material body), when will this body be removed and the ultimate result be achieved? As explained in  mahAbhAratham “krutha kruthyA: … mruthyum priyamivAthidhim” (one who has performed what is to be done, waits eagerly for mruthyu dhEvathA – the dhEvathA for death). krutha kruthyA: means one who has accepted that emperumAn is the means to achieve him (pursued the sidhdhA sAdhanam – established means). This is explained in  mahAbhAratham also as “those who know krishNa truly, are the ones who have performed all that is needed to be performed”. Once on ayanam (varusha pravEsam – new year day), kunRaththu jIyar approached emperumAnAr and worshiped his lotus feet. At that time emperumAnAr says “singappirAn! today is an ayanam”. jIyar does not understand the emotions of emperumAnAr and looks at him curiously. emperumAnAr says “Once it is sure that the ultimate result will be achieved at the end of this life, a year of those days of waiting is gone! Isn’t this a happy aspect to celebrate for you?” Another time, embAr gives a different view point for this – “When the cause of this samsAram, i.e. avidhyA etc is eradicated, wouldnt the effect, i.e. the body be naturally eradicated? Wouldn’t the result be accomplished surely? So, what is there to worry about the eradication of this body?”

In the next article we will the next pAsuram.

adiyen sarathy ramanuja dasan

archived in http://divyaprabandham.koyil.org

pramEyam (goal) – http://koyil.org
pramANam (scriptures) – http://srivaishnavagranthams.wordpress.com
pramAthA (preceptors) – http://guruparamparai.wordpress.com
srIvaishNava education/kids portal – http://pillai.koyil.org

thiruvAimozhi – 1.2.8 – uLLam urai

Published by:

srI:
srImathE satakOpAya nama:
srImathE rAmAnujAya nama:
srImath varavaramunayE nama:

Full series >> First Centum >> Second decad

Previous pAsuram

vamana-mahabali

Introduction for this pAsuram

Highlights from thirukkurukaippirAn piLLAn‘s introduction

What tools are to be used to perform kainkaryam?

Highlights from nanjIyar‘s introduction

In the 8th pAsuram, nammAzhwAr explains the method of worshiping/serving bhagavAn.

Highlights from vAdhi kEsari azhagiya maNavALa jIyar‘s introduction

Similar to nanjIyar‘s introduction.

Highlights from periyavAchchAn piLLai‘s introduction

Similar to nanjIyar‘s introduction.

Highlights from nampiLLai‘s introduction as documented by vadakkuth thiruvIdhip piLLai

When asked “when we consider ourselves as part of his wealth, we realise our existence and realise that we have our senses. Would we not need other tools to worship him?” nammAzhwAr explains the method of worshiping/serving bhagavAn.

pAsuram

உள்ளம் உரை செயல் உள்ள இம் மூன்றையும்
உள்ளிக் கெடுத்து இறை உள்ளில் ஒடுங்கே

uLLam urai seyal uLLa im mUnRaiyum
uLLik keduththu iRai uLLil odungE

Word-by-Word meanings (based on vAdhi kEsari azhagiya maNavALa jIyar‘s 12000 padi)

uLLam – mind which is used for meditation, etc.
urai – speech which is used for verbal glorification, etc.
seyal – body which is used for prostrating, etc.
uLLa – which we have from the beginning
im mUnRaiyum – these three which are readily available to us
uLLi – understanding their purpose
keduththu – giving up attachment towards worldly pleasures
iRai uLLil – towards the master who is apt for us
odungu – become totally subservient

Simple transalation (based on vAdhi kEsari azhagiya maNavALa jIyar‘s 12000 padi)

Understanding the purpose of mind, speech and body which we have from the beginning and which are readily available to us, give up the attachment towards worldly pleasures and become totally subservient towards the master who is apt for us.

Here mind, speech and body are focussed on their respective actions.  “uLLi keduththu” – this is also explained as “meditate upon the previous actions (of engaging in worldly pleasures) and give up such attachments”.

vyAkyAnams (commentaries)

Highlights from thirukkurukaippirAn piLLAn‘s vyAkyAnam

Instead of having to earn the tools, the tools to worship emperumAn (mind, speech and body) are already given to us for engaging them in bhagavath vishayam. Meditating upon this aspect, give up attachments towards other aspects and engage them fully in bhagavath vishayam.

Highlights from nanjIyar‘s vyAkyAnam

Similar to nampiLLai‘s vyAkyAnam.

Highlights from periyavAchchAn piLLai‘s vyAkyAnam

Similar to nampiLLai‘s vyAkyAnam.

Highlights from nampiLLai‘s vyAkyAnam as documented by vadakkuth thiruvIdhip piLLai

  • uLLam urai seyal – When the mind which is attached to external pleasures is turned inwards (towards the true nature of jIvAthmA), it becomes favourable for meditating upon bhagavAn. When such meditation deepens, it overflows through speech as explained in thiruvAimozhi 8.10.4 “pongEzh pugazhgaL vAyavAy” (the glorification of his auspicious qualities that was an outcome of the overflowing experience in mind). The body facilitates falling on emperumAn‘s lotus feet and worshipping him as explained in srI rAmAyaNam kishkinthA kANdam 4.12 “guNair dhAsyamupAgatha:” (serving srI rAma being overwhelmed by his auspicious qualities).
  • uLLa immUnRaiyum – already existing these three faculties. sEshi (master) himself gave this to the jIvAthmAs to serve him; hence the jIvAthmA need not look for external tools. Here, iraNdAm thiruvanthAdhi 21 “thAmuLarE” and mudhal thiruvanthAdhi 95 “nAvAyiluNdE” pAsurams need to be remembered.
  • uLLik keduththu – Analysing the purpose of these senses and body which are engaged in worldly pleasures, one needs to pull them back from external pleasures and engage them in bhagavath vishayam.
  • iRai uLLil odungE – Like a farmer who diverts the water from being wasted into dry lands to being used in fertile crops, one should engage these senses and body in bhagavath vishayam which is apt for the true nature of the jIvAthmA instead of letting them go astray. odukku (control/engage) has become odungu.

nampiLLai beautifully explains iraNdAm thiruvanthAdhi 21 “thAmuLarE” pAsuram here.

  • thAmuLarE – one exists – one need not go and search for oneself anywhere.
  • thamuLLam uLLulLadhE – one need not go and acquire mind from elsewhere to meditate upon emperumAn. When one exists, one’s mind exists with oneself too.
  • thAmaraiyin pU uLathEemperumAn also created lotus flowers which can be easily plucked and offered to emperumAn. Considering emperumAn‘s greatness and magnanimous nature, all flowers will be accepted by him as explained in periya thirumozhi 11.7.6 “kaLLAr thuzhAy” pAsuram.
  • Eththum pozhudhuNdEemperumAn created time as well. We need not purchase it from anywhere. We have all the time at our disposal.
  • vAman – He became vAmana and begged for his own property from mahAbali. So, he is willing to accept our offerings by all means.
  • thirumaruvu thAL – His lotus feet which highlight his wealth. This thiruvadi which is so tender as explained thiruvAimozhi 9.2.10 “vadiviNai illA malarmagaL maRRai nilamagaL pidikkum melladi” (the most tender feet of emperumAn which are massaged by the most beautiful srI dhEvi and bhUdhEvi).
  • maruvu senniyarE – behold it in one’s head fully. This head is given by him to accept his lotus feet on it.
  • sevvE aru naragam sErvadhu aridhu – When vAman (One who is so compassionate that he kept his lotus feet even on the heads of nithya samsAris who are fully immersed in worldly pleasures) is present, how can one give up this opportunity and seek out worldly pleasures? Here samsAram (this material realm) itself is identified as aru naragam (most difficult hell).

In the next article we will the next pAsuram.

adiyen sarathy ramanuja dasan

archived in http://divyaprabandham.koyil.org

pramEyam (goal) – http://koyil.org
pramANam (scriptures) – http://srivaishnavagranthams.wordpress.com
pramAthA (preceptors) – http://guruparamparai.wordpress.com
srIvaishNava education/kids portal – http://pillai.koyil.org

thiruvAimozhi – 1.2.7 – adangu ezhil

Published by:

srI:
srImathE satakOpAya nama:
srImathE rAmAnujAya nama:
srImath varavaramunayE nama:

Full series >> First Centum >> Second decad

Previous pAsuram

 
acharya-sishya-instructionacharya-sishya-instruction

Introduction for this pAsuram

Highlights from thirukkurukaippirAn piLLAn‘s introduction

Though he has a friendly and welcoming attitude, seeing him being the owner of both nithya vibhUthi (spiritual realm which exists for his true pleasure) and leelA vibhUthi (material realm which exists for his sport), would we able to approach him?

Highlights from nanjIyar‘s introduction

Though he has a friendly and welcoming attitude, seeing his greatness of being the owner of the unlimited ubhaya vibhUthi (material and spiritual realm), for some one like us, it will be difficult to approach him. So, if we say that we cannot approach him, nammAzhwAr says “if we understand our eternal relationship with him, we can console ourselves and approach him without any worries”.

Highlights from vAdhi kEsari azhagiya maNavALa jIyar‘s introduction

Subsequently, instead of shying away from him seeing his wealth (of ubhaya vibhUthi), nammAzhwAr says that one should meditate on the relationship between emperumAn and his ubhaya vibhUthi and one should understand that oneself is among the property of emperumAn.

Highlights from periyavAchchAn piLLai‘s introduction

Similar to nanjIyar‘s introduction.

Highlights from nampiLLai‘s introduction as documented by vadakkuth thiruvIdhip piLLai

Previously nammAzhwAr said emperumAn has a friendly attitude towards everyone. Though he is friendly, he is still the owner of unlimited and great realms (material realm and spiritual realm). The one who is approaching him is too simple and has very inferior senses etc. With this, how can emperumAn be approached? When a boat is being tossed around in the ocean, would it not naturally be pushed to the shore? Similarly, emperumAn’s greatness will push the jIvAthmA to the ultimate goal. But, what if the jIvAthmA resists seeing his disqualification and emperumAn‘s purity? At that time, the jIvAthmA needs to meditate on the relationship between emperumAn and himself and realize that he is also a part of emperumAn‘s wealth – this sambandha gyAnam (understanding the relationship between oneself and bhagavAn) is all that is required to approach him.

A merchant travels to a distant land while his wife was pregnant to earn money.  She gives birth to a child and he grows up as years pass by. Following the family tradition, the grown-up boy too travels to the same location and camps where his father is doing business. They do not know their father-son relationship yet. A dispute arises between them where they setup their shop and that leads to physical fight. At that time, another person who knows both of them arrives there and highlights their relationship. At once they give up their fight and feel sorry for the days lost in-between. The son submits all his wealth to the father and abides by his father’s desire.

As explained in rig vEdham “dhvA suparNA … samAnam vruksham parishasvajAthE” (two birds exist in the same tree…), both jIvAthmA and paramAthmA exist in the body – while one (jIvAthmA) enjoys the fruits of its action, the other one (paramAthmA) remains shining, overseeing the activities of the first one. Once we realize that he is the controller and we are the controlled, we can easily approach him.

A prince comes across a beautiful garden and hesitates to enter. At that time, if someone says “This is  your father’s property. Feel free to enter and enjoy yourself”, the prince will happily enter the garden. Similarly, one should understand everything is under the control of emperumAn – then one can also become part of that.

pAsuram

அடங்கு எழில் சம்பத்து அடங்கக் கண்டு
ஈசன் அடங்கு எழில் அஃதென்று அடங்குக உள்ளே

adangu ezhil sambaththu adangak kaNdu
Isan adangu ezhil ahdhenRu adanguga uLLE

Word-by-Word meanings (based on vAdhi kEsari azhagiya maNavALa jIyar‘s 12000 padi)

adangu ezhil – fully beautiful
sampaththu – wealth
adanga – everything without leaving out even a single entity
kaNdu – meditating upon
Isan – to ISwara (supreme lord)
ahdhu – that
adangu ezhil – beautifully subservient
enRu – thus knowing the relationship
uLLE – in that
adanguga – become a part of it.

Simple transalation (based on vAdhi kEsari azhagiya maNavALa jIyar‘s 12000 padi)

Meditating upon the fully beautiful wealth (which includes everything without leaving out even a single entity), knowing that everything is beautifully subservient to him and thus knowing the relationship, become part of that wealth. Once the true relationship (between oneself and emperumAn) is understood, then one can become part of his wealth/property.

vyAkyAnams (commentaries)

Highlights from thirukkurukaippirAn piLLAn‘s vyAkyAnam

AzhwAr says – Meditating on one’s relationship with emperumAn, knowing that “everything is owned by my master”, approach him and serve him without any shyness or hesitation.

Highlights from nanjIyar‘s vyAkyAnam

Similar to nampiLLai‘s vyAkyAnam.

Highlights from periyavAchchAn piLLai‘s vyAkyAnam

Similar to nampiLLai‘s vyAkyAnam. periyavAchchAn piLLai indicates that bhattar narrates the story of the father and son meeting at a distant place to explain this pAsuram’s meaning.

Highlights from nampiLLai‘s vyAkyAnam as documented by vadakkuth thiruvIdhip piLLai

  • adangu ezhil sambaththu adangak kaNdu – nithya vibhUthi is bhOga bhUmi (place of enjoyment). This (leelA) vibhUthi is bound by karmA under his control. While nithya vibhUthi can be explained as beautiful, why is leelA vibhUthi too explained as beautiful? Considering it as his property and creation, it can also be said to be beautiful and the fact that it is bound by karmA will not be seen important at that stage when we see everything is emperumAn‘s property.
  • adangu ezhil … – Having seen all the beautiful wealth, meditating that this is the wealth of our apt/true master, one can consider oneself as part of that wealth as well.  By doing so, one can bring joy to one’s master. “sEsha bhUthanudaiya svarUpa sidhdhi sEshipakkal kinchithkAraththAlEyAy irukkumE” (The true nature of a servitor will be established only by performing (at least) some small kainkaryams for the master).
  • adanguga uLLE – Based on having knowledge about sva-svAmi bhAvam (property – owner relationship), one can also engage as a part of emperumAn‘s wealth. Though ocean is great/huge, the aquatics which live inside it, can freely swim in it. Similarly, by knowing our relationship with emperumAn, he can be easily approached. A grass which does not relate to the ocean is pushed out by the waves to the shore. gataka kruthyam (the role of AchArya) is to make one realize his relationship with bhagavAn.

In the next article we will the next pAsuram.

adiyen sarathy ramanuja dasan

archived in http://divyaprabandham.koyil.org

pramEyam (goal) – http://koyil.org
pramANam (scriptures) – http://srivaishnavagranthams.wordpress.com
pramAthA (preceptors) – http://guruparamparai.wordpress.com
srIvaishNava education/kids portal – http://pillai.koyil.org

thiruvAimozhi – 1.2.6 – paRRu ilan

Published by:

srI:
srImathE satakOpAya nama:
srImathE rAmAnujAya nama:
srImath varavaramunayE nama:

Full series >> First Centum >> Second decad

Previous pAsuram

 krishna-eatingkrishNa enjoying pleasant time with his friends

Introduction for this pAsuram

Highlights from thirukkurukaippirAn piLLAn‘s introduction

If we approach emperumAn, would he accept us?  Is he not the supreme lord (too high to consider engaging with us)?

Highlights from nanjIyar‘s introduction

Would ISwara who has many distinct followers accept some one like us who is just approaching emperumAn now?

Highlights from vAdhi kEsari azhagiya maNavALa jIyar‘s introduction

Subsequently, nammAzhwAr explains emperumAn‘s equality towards everyone.

Highlights from periyavAchchAn piLLai‘s introduction

Even if we give up everything and approach him, since he is sarvESvaran (supreme lord), would he acknowledge us? Considering his easy mingling nature with everyone, even his supremacy will look like vandhERi (accidental – acquired) for him.

Highlights from nampiLLai‘s introduction as documented by vadakkuth thiruvIdhip piLLai

In the previous pAsuram, nammAzhwAr explained remedy for internal hurdle. When asked “Since he is explained as the one who has no unfulfilled desires and the master of everyone, would he be attainable by us?” AzhwAr replies “He is already naturally interested in engaging with others”.

pAsuram

பற்று இலன் ஈசனும் முற்றவும் நின்றனன்
பற்று இலை ஐ அவன் முற்றில் அடங்கே

paRRu ilan Isanum muRRavum ninRanan
paRRu ilai Ay avan muRRil adangE

Word-by-Word meanings (based on vAdhi kEsari azhagiya maNavALa jIyar‘s 12000 padi)

Isanum – Even though he is sarvESvaran (supreme lord)
paRRu ilan – he is not attached to his divine consorts, nithya sUris et al who are already attached to him
muRRavum – attached fully as dhAraka (sustaining), pOshaka (nourishment), bhOgyam (enjoyment) etc to us who are newly approaching him
ninRanan – firmly stood
paRRu ilai Ay – you too, giving up worldly attachments
avan – towards him
muRRil – his qualities of being dhAraka (sustaining), pOshaka (nourishment), bhOgyam (enjoyment), etc.
adangu – be immersed

Simple transalation (based on vAdhi kEsari azhagiya maNavALa jIyar‘s 12000 padi)

Even though he is sarvEswaran, giving up attachments towards his divine consorts, nithya sUris et al who are already attached to him , he firmly stood attached fully to us (who are newly approaching him) considering us to be that which sustains him, that which nourishes him and that which gives him pleasure. You too give up worldly attachments and become immersed in him considering his qualities of being dhAraka (sustaining), pOshaka (nourishment), bhOgyam (enjoyment) to us.

It is also explained as – Even though being sarvESvaran, he is having attachment towards us and standing firmly on that as explained in bhagavath gIthA 9.24 “samOham sarvabhUthEshu” (I am equal to all entities). You too become firmly attached towards his true nature, auspicious qualities, forms, activities etc.

vyAkyAnams (commentaries)

Highlights from thirukkurukaippirAn piLLAn‘s vyAkyAnam

Even though he is sarvESvaran, whoever approaches him, he will manifest friendship. So, you too approach him with friendship and serve him by all means.

Highlights from nanjIyar‘s vyAkyAnam

Similar to piLLAn‘s vyAkyAnam.

Highlights from periyavAchchAn piLLai‘s vyAkyAnam

Similar to nampiLLai‘s vyAkyAnam.

Highlights from nampiLLai‘s vyAkyAnam as documented by vadakkuth thiruvIdhip piLLai

  • paRRilan – one who has attachment. Its explained as paRRu + il (abode or residence of attachment). “paRRilAn” is shortened to be “paRRilan“. It is like – “innAn ingu uNdO?” (is that person here?). “ingu illai avan. agaththilAn” (He is not here. He is at home). This is based on  piLLAn‘s second/alternative explanation of paRRilan being explained as “one who has attachment”.
  • Isanum – ISwarathvam (Supremacy) is just natural for him. Great person being easily approachable is a distinct quality (if some one is not very great, being humble and easily approachable is not surprising, but a great person being humble is rare). nampiLLai beautifully quotes srIvishNu purANa slOkam 5.19.21 “prasAdha paramau nAthau mama gEhamupAgathau | dhanyOham archchayishyAmi ithyAha mAlyOpajIvana: ||” (balarAma and krishNa who are naturally most compassionate have come to my home. Hence, the most humble me is going to worship him – says the one who makes a living by selling flowers).  nampiLLai explains this slOkam beautifully:
    • prasAdha paramau nAthau – you both are most compassionate and easily approachable – it looks very rare for such supreme persons.
    • mama gEyamupAgathau – When the great masters are served by their servants, your compassion is very clearly visible by your visit to this humble residence in a narrow lane.
    • dhanyOham – being most fortunate like some one finding a great treasure in the same street where he passes by everyday.
    • archchayishyAmi – I will engage in what is natural servitude for me.
    • ithyAha – rishi (sage – speaker) is being amazed at mAlAdhara’s (flower vendor) words which resemble the words of nithyasUris as explained by nammAzhwAr himself in thiruviruththam 21 “sUttu nanmAlaigaL thUyana Endhi” (nithyasUris holding up the pure and good garlands).
    • mAlyOpajIvana: – One who makes a living out of selling flowers. He was such (business minded) that he would look the other side while making garlands fearing that he may develop attachment to use some flowers for himself,
  • muRRavaum ninRanan – As explained in bhagavath gIthA 9.24 “samOham sarvabhUthEshu” (I am equal to all entities), he treats all his devotees equally irrespective of the quality of the ones who approach him.
  • paRRilaiyAy – you too with attachment
  • avan muRRil adangE – As said by srI lakshmaNa to srI rAma in srI rAmAyaNam ayOdhyA kANtam 31.25 “aham sarvam karishyAmi” (I will serve in all ways), one should engage in kainkaryams to emperumAn.

nampiLLai also highlights bhattar‘s explanation which is also most elegant.

  • parrilan Isanum – Though he is the abode of all auspicious qualities residing in paramapadham, he is not attached to even nithyasUris.
  • muRRavum ninRanan – Does that bother him? No. He is greatly glorified while accepting a devotee who approaches him for the first time.  This is explained beautifully using srI rAmAyaNam yudhdha kANtam 41.4 “…thvayi kinchith samApannE kim kAryam sIthayA mama” (srI rAma tells sugrIva (after sugrIva tries to hit rAvaNa and returns) even if you are hurt a little bit, what is the use of getting sIthA back?) – For an animal (sugrIva being a monkey), srI rAma is willing to give up his eternal companion (sIthA pirAtti).  When a cow gives birth to a new calf, to protect that calf, she will push her other calves away – similarly emperumAn also greatly protects ones who approach him newly.
  • paRRilaiyAy – He was ready to ignore nithyasUris for you. Why can’t you give up everything else for him?
  • avan muRRil adangE – accept him as everything. A few pramANams are  quoted here:
    • bhagavath gIthA 7.19 “vAsudhEvas sarvam” (everything is vAsudhEva)
    • subhAla upanishath “mAthA pithA brAthA nivAsa: saraNam suhrudh gathir nArAyaNa:” (nArAyaNa is Mother, Father, Brother, residence, refuge, well-wisher, goal)
    • “… EkaikapalalAbhAya sarvalAbhAya kEsava:” (When attaining father, mother et al they fulfil one particular purpose; When attaining kEsava, all purposes are fulfilled).

In the next article we will the next pAsuram.

adiyen sarathy ramanuja dasan

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பூர்வ திநசர்யை – 1 – அங்கே கவேர

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ஸ்ரீ வரவரமுநி திநசர்யை

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अङ्के कवेरकन्यायाः तुङ्गे भुवनमङ्गले।
रङ्गे धाम्नि सुखासीनं वन्दे वरवरं मुनिम् ॥ १

அங்கே கவேரகந்யாயாஸ் துங்கே புவநமங்களே |
ரங்கே தாம்நி ஸுகாஸீநம் வந்தே வரவரம் முநிம்||

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பதவுரை:

துங்கே – மிகவும் உயர்ந்த,
புவந மங்களே – உலகோரின் மங்களங்களுக்கு (எல்லாவகையான நன்மைகளுக்கும்) காரணமான,
கவேரகந்யாயா – அங்கே – காவேரி நதியின் மடியில் (நடுவில்) இருக்கும்,
ரங்கேதாம்நி – திருவரங்கமென்னும் திருப்பதியில்,
ஸுக, ஆஸீநம் – ஸுகமாக (உபத்ரவமேதுமில்லாமல்) எழுந்தருளியிருப்பவரும்,
வரவரம் – (உருவம், ஔதார்யம், நீர்மை முதலியவற்றால் அழ்கியமணவாளப்பெருமாளை ஒத்திருக்கையால்) அழகியமணவாளர் என்ற திருநாமத்தை தரித்திருப்பவரும்,
முநிம் – ஆசார்யனே ஶேஷியென்ற உண்மையை
மநநம் செய்பவருமாகிய மணவாளமாமுனிகளை,
வந்தே – வணங்கித் துதிக்கின்றேன்.

கருத்துரை :-

“மகி ஸமர்ப்பணே” (கதௌ) என்னும் தாதுவடியாகப் பிறந்த மங்களம் என்னும் சொல் கம்யம் (அடையப்படும் பயன்) என்ற பொருளையும், இலக்கணையினால் அதற்கு ஸாதனமான உபாயத்தையும் காட்டுகிறது. இது “கவேர கந்யாயா: அங்கே” என்றவிடத்திலும், “ரங்கேதாம்நி” என்கிறவிடத்திலும் பொருந்துகிறது. இரண்டும் நமக்கு அடையப்படும் பயனாகவும் மற்றுமுள்ள பயன்களுக்கு உபாயமாகவும் ஆகக் குறையில்லையல்லவா?

‘ரங்கம்’ என்ற சொல் எம்பெருமானுக்கு  ப்ரீதியை உண்டாக்குமிடம் என்னும் பொருளைத் தரும். ‘ஸுகாஸீநம்’ என்பதனால், மணவாளமாமுனிகளின் அவதாரத்திற்குப்பின்பு துலுக்கர் முதலியோரால் ஸ்ரீரங்கத்திற்கு எவ்வகையான உபத்ரவமுமில்லை என்பது ஸூசிப்பிக்கப்பட்டது. எம்பெருமானார் காலத்தில் சைவர்களாலும், பிள்ளைலோகாசார்யார், வேதாந்ததேசிகர் ஆகியவர் காலத்தில் துலுக்கர்களாலும் உபத்ரவம் நேர்ந்ததுபோல் மாமுனிகள் காலத்தில் யாராலும் எந்த உபத்ரவமும் உண்டாகவில்லை என்றபடி.

‘வதி – அபிவாதந ஸ்துத்யோ’ என்று தாதுவடிவாகப் பிறந்த ‘வந்தே’ என்னும் வினைச்சொல், உடலால் தரையில் விழுந்து வணங்குதலையும், வாயினால் துதித்தலையும் நேராகக் குறிப்பிட்டு, இவ்விரண்டும் மணவாளமாமுனிகளைப் பற்றிய நினைவில்லாமல் நடவாதாகையால், பொருளாற்றலால் நினைத்தலையும் குறிப்பிட்டு, காயிக வாசிக மாநஸிகங்களான மூவகை மங்களங்களையும் தெரிவிப்பதாகும்.

ஸ்ரீ வரவரமுநி திநசர்யை – அவதாரிகை

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ஸ்ரீ:
ஸ்ரீமதே சடகோபாய நம:
ஸ்ரீமதே ராமாநுஜாய நம:
ஸ்ரீமத் வரவரமுநயே நம:

ஸ்ரீ வரவரமுநி திநசர்யை                                                                                முதல் பாசுரம் >>

srisailesa-thanian

ஸ்ரீ வரவரமுநிதாஸரென்னும் மறுபெயரையுடைய தேவராஜகுருவாகிய எறும்பியப்பா ‘குரு என்பவர் ஸாக்ஷாத் நாராயணாவதாரமாகையால் அவருடைய திருநாமத்தை எப்போதும் ஜபிக்கவேண்டும். அவருக்கு வசப்பட்டு வாழவேண்டும். அவரிடத்தில் பக்தியைச் செலுத்தவேண்டும்.அவருடைய அன்புக்கிலக்கானவற்றில் அன்பு காட்டவேண்டும். அவருக்கு ஒரு வருத்தம் நேரிட்டால் மிகவும் வருந்தவேண்டும். அவருடைய திருநாமத்தையும், குணங்களையும் த்யாநம் செய்து மகிழவேண்டும்.தேவதையினிடம் பக்தன் போன்றும், அரசனிடம் வேலையாள்போன்றும், ஆசார்யனிடத்தில் ஶிஷ்யன் விநயத்தோடு கூடியவனாய்ப் பணிவிடை செய்யவேண்டும். நாம் ஆசார்யனுக்கு தாஸர்கள் என்று பெருமைப்படுதலும், ஆசார்யனைப் பின்செல்லுதலும் அவருடைய குணங்களைப் பிறர் சொல்லக்கேட்டலும், தானே சொல்லுதலும், நினைத்தலும் ஶிஷ்யன் செய்யத்தக்க செயல்கள்’ (?) என்றுள்ள உயர்ந்த ஶிஷ்யனைப்பற்றிய ஶாஸ்த்ர வாக்யங்களை அறிந்தவராகையாலும், எல்லையற்ற ஆசார்யபக்தியின் பெருமையாலும், தம்முடைய ஆசார்யராகிய பரமபூஜ்யரான மணவாளமாமுனிகளைப்பற்றி சதகம், காவ்யம், சம்பூ முதலிய க்ரந்தங்களைத் தாம் இயற்றியிருந்தபோதிலும் அவற்றால் த்ருப்தியடையாமல் ‘குருவின் நித்யாநுஷ்டாநங்களையும் வருணிக்கவேண்டும்’ (?) என்ற ஶாஸ்த்ரத்தினால் தூண்டப்பெற்ற அதிகமான பற்றையுடையவராய்க் கொண்டு அம்மணவாளமாமுனிகளையே இலக்காகப் பெற்ற திநசர்யை (நாள்தோறுமுண்டான அநுஷ்டாநத்தைப்பற்றிய நூல்) என்ற க்ரந்தத்தை இயற்றத்தொடங்கி, செய்யப்போகும் க்ரந்தம் இடையூறேதுமின்றி முடிவு பெறுவதற்காக, தமது ஆசார்யபக்தியென்னும் பெரிய தகுதிக்கேற்ப, ஆசார்ய நமஸ்காரரூபமான மங்களத்தைச் செய்தருளுகிறார். ‘அங்கே கவேர’ என்று ஶ்லோகத்தினால்.

இத்திநசர்யை என்ற நூல் ஜ்ஞாநம், அநுஷ்டாநம், வைராக்யம் முதலிய நற்குணங்களனைத்தும் நிறையப்பெற்றுப் பங்க்திபாவநரான (ஒரு கோஷ்டியை முழுவதும் பரிஶுத்தமாக்கும் பெருமையையுடையரான) மணவாளமாமுனிகளைப் பற்றியதாதலால், தானும் பங்க்திபாவநமாய்க்கொண்டு ஶுத்தமான ஸத்த்வகுணத்தில் நிலைபெற்ற பரமவைதிக ஸ்ரீ வைஷ்ணவர்களால் அநுயாக ஸமயத்தில் (கோஷ்டியாக இருந்து பகவத் ப்ரஸாதத்தை ஸ்வீகரிக்கும் ததீயாராதன ஸமயத்தில்) முதன்முதலில் அநுஸந்திக்கப்பட்டு வருகின்றமை ஸம்ப்ரதாயஸித்தமாக உள்ளது. ஒருபெரிய ததீயாராதன கோஷ்டியில் நல்லறிவும் நன்னடத்தையும் இல்லாத ஒருசிலர் இருந்தால் அக்கோஷ்டியின் தூய்மை கெடுவதற்கு ப்ரஸக்தியுள்ளமையால், அத்தூய்மையின்மையைப் போக்கித் தூய்மையை அதிகமாக்கவல்ல பெருமயைப்பெற்றவர் பங்க்திபாவநரான மணவாளமாமுனிகள், அவரைப் பற்றி இந்தத் திநசர்யையும் பங்க்திபாவநமென்பது பெரியோர்களின் துணிபு.

archived in http://divyaprabandham.koyil.org

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srIvaishNava education/kids portal – http://pillai.koyil.org