They who kill reach hell - mantrA 198

srigurubhyO namahA |

The 198th mantrA is the second and last one of this very short subsection. The verse is very simple in construct and the meaning is laid plain for all to see. This verse is also a bridge to the next subsection which deals with the next moral precept for the spiritual aspirant - that of never eating meat - and such meaning is implied in this verse.

கொல்லிடு குத்தென்று கூறிய மாக்களை
வல்லடிக் காரர் வலிக்கயிற் றாற்கட்டிச்
செல்லிடு நில்லென்று தீவாய் நரகிடை
நில்லிடும் என்று நிறுத்துவர் தாமே. I.6.2.198

The men who shouted,"Kill and stab,"
Them with strong ropes Death's ruffians bind;
And stationing them at the fire-gates of Hell,
The agents yell, "Stand, go; and in the fire pit roast." I.6.2.198

Com - The men who shouted,"Kill and stab," Those animal like people who go through life shouting ‘kill’ and ‘stab’ – i.e. those who commit murder and kill and take life. Them with strong ropes Death's ruffians bind; are definitely bound tight with unbreakable ropes by the messengers of Death (yamA). The agents yell, "Stand, go; and are ordered about brutally to stand here or to go there And stationing them at the fire-gates of Hell, and in the fire pit roast. These agents of Death then take great pleasure in consigning them to the flames in the fire pits of Hell for very long periods of time.

*Using simple words that are plain for all to understand, the sage declares that all those who kill and take life will most certainly be consigned to long stints in Hell where the minions of the Lord of Death will subject them to much torture and suffering. No further elaboration is necessary!

thirucchitrambalam ||

Dont kill even an atom of life - mantrA 197

srigurubhyO namahA ||

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

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

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 ||