While life still throbs, fix your mind on the Lord - mantrA 179

srigurubhyO namahA |

Using simple words, the sage urges us to start fixing our minds on the supreme siva before youth and good health are replaced by old age and sickness.

தேய்ந்தற் றொழிந்த இளமை கடைமுறை
ஆய்ந்தற்ற பின்னை அரிய கருமங்கள்
பாய்ந்தற்ற கங்கைப் படர்சடை நந்தியை
ஓர்ந்துற்று கொள்ளும் உயிருள்ள போதே. I.4. 3.179

When youth had danced its way to palsied age,
Scarce the chance to fill the years with good deeds more and more;
So while life still throbs, fix your mind on Nandi,
Into whose spreading locks
The holy waters of Ganga eternally pour. I.4.3.179

Com – When youth had danced its way to palsied age, when one’s youth has waned bit by bit over the years and has diminished totally Scarce the chance to fill the years with good deeds more and more; resulting in old age (with its disabilities and weakness) and in this stage in one’s life it is very difficult (almost impossible) to undertake the performance of various meritorious actions (like intense tapas and other austerities). So while life still throbs, Hence when this life is still connected to a healthy and vital body fix your mind on Nandi, Into whose spreading locks The holy waters of Ganga eternally pour. One must undertake every effort to meditate on the Lord, who is all encompassing and into whose matted locks the holy Ganga flows on her descent from the heavens and merges in the vastness of His form.

*The sage urges everyone to take steps towards attaining union with the supreme siva while still possessed of youth and good health.

thirucchitrambalam ||