The figure of Rama and several episodes from the Ramayana are prominent in the poems of the Tamil mystics (Alvars), as well as in the devotional meditations and theological arguments of the Srivaishnava preceptors (Acharyas). This article will explore the importance of the Ramayana in Srivaishnava theology and experience by focusing on the Tamil poetry of the Alvars and on the interpretation of these verses by their commentator, Periyavaccan Pillai (born 1228 A.D.), a Srivaishnava…
Lord Vishnu, in his incarnation as the Boar (Varaha avatar), had killed Hiranyaksha. The devas (demi-gods) celebrated with great joy in the kingdom of Heaven, unaware that their rejoicing was to be short-lived. Hiranyakashipu, the elder brother of Hiranyaksha, was seething with rage and vowed to avenge his brother’s death. He turned to the other asuras (demons) and ordered them to destroy all good people on earth. The orders were to disturb all prayers, extinguish ...
Gurus are always inundated with questions from inquisitive and ignorant devotees. While many of these questions relate to life, one's future, past lives, relationships between different Gods, and more, some devotees inquire about how to find a Guru and how to behave in the presence of a Guru. It is important to understand that God will facilitate the union of man and Guru, just as God facilitates the union of man and God. However, prior to ...
A Guru, a world within himself, is divine, and his depth is beyond the measure of this universe. By merely changing his outward appearance from time to time, he comes amidst us now and again, but he is free from the cycle of birth and death. Through committed devotion and blind faith, devotees must aspire to connect with that divine soul. The undisputed truth is that one can avail fleeting pleasures by connecting with the…
Once a Guru and disciple relationship is established, it goes well beyond the physical body. This bond extends into the spiritual world and can continue through different cycles of life and death in the human form. Every man has been sent to this earth with equal powers. It is their interests and childhood experiences that ignite their passion, channeling this power towards pursuing a goal or developing a talent. An individual could be an expert singer ...
A Guru is a religious teacher, a divine soul that takes birth to lead mankind out of darkness into light—‘GU’ meaning darkness and ‘RU’ meaning light. Attempting to describe a Guru is practically impossible, for the depth of his attributes is beyond the comprehension of us mere mortals. The languages spoken globally are not rich enough in adjectives to describe the profound nature of a Guru. We, mere mortals, have neither the ability to understand ...
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