srigurubhyO namahA ||
thirucchitrambalam ||
This, the first tantrA
began with the subsection named upadEsha
in which some of the spiritual instructions were laid down as the traditional
words of the guru to the novice initiate. This was followed by the sage
describing the transitory nature of this body, one’s wealth, youth, beauty and
even life itself. Understanding the enormity of the challenge (i.e. perception
of (non dual) reality after the total annihilation of all delusion) and the
realisation of the short time span we have to accomplish it must now goad us
into immediate action. Having set the stage so far, the sage now begins to
advice the disciple on the code of right living.
This subsection and the next nineteen to follow all
contain instructions on the code of conduct expected of the aspirant. Instructions
here are moral, ethical and societal in nature and on closer inspection they
can be understood as the perfect prescription for the spiritual aspirant. The
true disciple must try and regulate his life and cultivate the necessary
discipline and courage that is necessary to tread this path of sivayOgA. Base emotions must be
controlled through the cultivation of good mental attitudes; restless energy
must be spent on service to the world around one till it is exhausted. These
instructions occur (much like in the vEdAs)
as vidhi and nishEdA – i.e. commandments and prohibitions.
Consisting only of two mantrAs, this subsection titled ‘Not Killing’ conveys a very
important principle to cultivate – hence it’s place as the first of the virtues
to cultivate. ‘Thou shalt not kill’ is a commandment in the Old Testament.
Similarly, it is a cardinal principle here. The brevity of the section dealing
with this must not confuse us into thinking that it is not important. It is my
personal opinion that it is precisely because of how important and cardinal a
rule it is, that the sage has not wasted any effort in impressing this idea
upon our minds – we must feel the truth in this already if we are on the path
to self knowledge. Not killing means to never separate a life from the body it
occupies.
6. கொல்லாமை
பற்றாய நற்குரு பூசைக்கும் பன்மலர்
மற்றோர் அணுக்களைக் கொல்லாமை ஒண்மலர்
நற்றார் நடுக்கற்ற தீபமும் சித்தமும்
உற்றாரும் ஆவி அமர்ந்திடம் உச்சியே. I.6.1.197
மற்றோர் அணுக்களைக் கொல்லாமை ஒண்மலர்
நற்றார் நடுக்கற்ற தீபமும் சித்தமும்
உற்றாரும் ஆவி அமர்ந்திடம் உச்சியே. I.6.1.197
6.
NOT KILLING
Flowers many to dear, loved Master's worship;
Even one atom of life, kill not:
The lovely garland, the steady flame, the firm will,
The passionate heart--such the worship's crowning part. I.6.1.197
Flowers many to dear, loved Master's worship;
Even one atom of life, kill not:
The lovely garland, the steady flame, the firm will,
The passionate heart--such the worship's crowning part. I.6.1.197
Com - Flowers many to dear, loved
Master's worship; for the (internal) worship of the supreme guru (siva), the various
fragrant flowers are represented by Even
one atom of life, kill not: the pure practise (vow) of never killing. The lovely garland, the steady flame, the
firm will,The passionate heart The light within the two eyes is the perfect
and beautiful garland. The steady and un agitated mind is the extraordinary lamp
fit to be used in this worship. such the
worship's crowning part. When the pUja
(worship) is so performed, the supreme manifests in the crown of the
(worshipper’s) head.
*The
supreme guru refers to Siva and the word ‘அணு‘meaning atom is here used to
signify life. For internal worship, there is no need for any external
paraphernalia or instruments. The sincere devotee must take the vow of not
killing, as this is like the various fragrant flowers that will be offered in this
internal worship. Using the light within the eyes and remaining motionless one
must contemplate on the crown of one’s head and be established in a state of
meditation. The practise of not killing is the pure ground through which this can
be accomplished.
thirucchitrambalam ||
3 comments:
"The sincere devotee must take the vow of not killing, as this is like the various fragrant flowers that will be offered in this internal worship."
This line is a little confusing. Can you elaborate?
- K
srigurubhyO namahA ||
@K,
The sage is speaking of a few things simultaneously here. Firstly the more obvious and explicit message is that one must develop the attitude of non killing. That is, one must realise the sanctity and the importance of all life and constantly strive to act in a non violent and inclusive manner. It goes without saying that this type of mental attitude when cultivated thoroughly will help in attaining equanimity and a calm and controlled mind. This will then enable (through chitta shuddi)the aspirant to proceed to the more subtle form of worship (antaryAgA) where the rituals are mentally performed without external aids. In the process of such internal worship at an advanced stage the vow of non killing is so sacred that it is akin to the flowers (that are necessary for the archanA and other adoration of the divinity in the primary stage of external worship).
On another level, this verse indicates the message that rituals and sacrifices (like ashwamEdhA, naramEdhA,etc and other ceremonies that require the sacrifice of living beings)that cause harm to the life of other sentient creatures are not worth persuing for ones spiritual advancement. Rather, one must through the practise of yOgA and pratyAhArA cultivate a pure mind with which the internal worship can be practised - this higher form of worship requires nothing more than one's own mind and the only sacrifice it seeks is that of the baser instincts and qualities in the individual.
On yet another level, the practise of killing (whether to eat the meat of the animal or any other such act of violence to another life)leaves scars on the mind (not to mind the karma etc). The violence and hate etc just keep occuring more and more and such a mind will never know calm or equipoise, thus it can never understand the pureness of being.
Hope this is enough clarity.
Thank you so much. Reading the blog is satsanga.
- K
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