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s . r a ja m
Path to Siva
A Catechism for Youth
Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami
Kauai Aadheenam, Hawaii
h i m a l aya n a c a d e m y
First Edition
Copyright 2016 Himalayan Academy
Published by Himalayan Academy USA India
PRINTED IN MALAYSIA BY SAMPOORNA PRINTERS SDN BHD
isbn: 9781934145722 (print edition)
isbn: 9781934145739 (ebook)
2
Path to Siva
A Catechism for Youth
By Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami
Kauai Aadheenam, Hawaii
p i e t e r w e lt e v r e d e
Introduction
W elcome to Path to Siva, a Catechism for Youth. We hope you enjoy this colorful book. It is
based on Dancing, Living and Merging with Siva, the Master Course Trilogy created by my
Gurudeva, Sivaya Subramuniyaswami. Path to Siva presents all of the important teachings of
our Saiva religion, Shuddha Saiva Siddhanta. It is written with youth in mind, but is also ideal for any-
one who wants a condensed version of the Master Course. Note that we have reluctantly adopted the
English-language style of using masculine pronouns, such as He and His, when referring to God and the
Gods, even though they are beyond gender. Other options, for now, are awkward.
For Youth: The sixty-eight lessons in this book cover the most important things a Saivite Hindu
needs to know. Each lesson is shortjust one or two pagesbut packed with information. Here you
can find answers to questions about God Siva, Lord Ganesha, Lord Murugan and the devashow
they can help us in our lives, and how to contact them through temple worship and home puja. You
will find clear explanations of karma, dharma and reincarnation, and how to use japa, meditation and
affirmations to make your life better. You will learn the best ways to live in order to achieve your most
important goals. The lessons include insights on home life, getting along with others, religious tolerance,
vegetarianism and caring for the environment. They cover difficult philosophical areas, like death and
dying, reincarnation, sin and evil. Absorbing these short essays will provide a clear understanding of
our practices, beliefs and philosophy and give you a deep comprehension of life that few people have.
For Teachers: This book is intended for youth age 10 and older. As the teacher, you should be sure
your students understand all the words of the lesson text. This will make the meaning much clearer
in their minds. Encourage them to ask questions.
4
The Natha Sampradaya has revealed the search for the innermost divine Self, balanced by temple
worship, fueled by kundalini yoga, charted by monistic theism, illumined by a potent guru-shishya
system, guided by soul-stirring scriptures and awakened by sadhana and tapas. Gurudeva
For Parents: This may be the most important study your child undertakes. It is the study of
Saivism, the oldest form of Hinduism, and more specifically of Saiva Siddhanta. Some parents feel
that the study of religion is not important, that their children should focus solely on academic stud-
ies. A wiser approach is to include both. The study of Saivite Hinduism as presented here explains
many practices that will help your child excel in his or her academic studies. It also creates a more
balanced life for children, a happier and less stressful childhood and more mature relationships.
Take an interest in your childs study of Path to Siva by reading all the lessons. Consider this cat-
echism the education of your childs soul and conscience, a spiritual training that will prepare him
or her to understand our religion, practice it with knowledge and be able to use its wisdom and
insights in facing the challenges of life. Encourage your child; help your child with the lessons and
you may find answers to questions of your own in the process.
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Contents
LESSON PAGE LESSON PAGE
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LESSON PAGE LESSON PAGE
36 What Is Our Heritage of Gurus? 44 54 What Are Our Saiva Forehead Marks? 64
37 What Are the Two Paths? 45 55 What Is Good Conduct? 65
38 Who Are Our Holy Men & Women? 46 56 What Is the Hindu Way of Greeting? 66
39 Who Are the Four Great Tamil Saints? 47 57 How Do We Get Along with Others? 67
40 What Is Our Code of Conduct? 48 58 What Is the Value of Spiritual Friends? 68
41 What Are Our Five Core Practices? 50 59 How Do We Practice Karma Yoga? 69
42 How Do We Use Affirmations? 51 60 What Is the Purpose of the Temple? 70
43 What Is Sadhana? 52 61 How Do We Visit the Temple? 71
44 What Is Yoga? 53 62 How Can We Strengthen Our Temple? 72
45 What Is Japa? 54 63 What Is Our Form of Prayer? 73
46 What Is Meditation? 55 64 How Do We Celebrate Festivals? 74
47 How Do We Meditate? 56 65 How Do We Observe Pilgrimage? 75
48 Why Do We Practice Ahimsa? 58 66 Why Should We Learn a Cultural Art? 76
49 Why Are We Vegetarians? 59 67 How Can We Be Strong Saivite Hindus? 77
50 How Do We Treat the Environment? 60 68 How Do We View Other Faiths? 78
51 What Is the Ideal Home? 61 Free Resource Materials 79
52 How Do We Receive Guests? 62 Hatha Yoga 80
53 How Do We Use Our Home Shrine? 63 Glossary 86
1 Who Am I and Where Did I Come From?
8
RRITORY AND STOPS TO REST AND GET HIS BEARINGS, TO DECIDE WHICH FORK TO TAKE. TH
A CYCLIST HAS PEDDLED INTO THE COUNTRYSIDE BEYOND HIS KNOWN TE
BEFORE THE SETTING SUN. HIS JOY IN THAT MAGICAL MOMENT OF BEAUTY AND APPRECIATION
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4 What Is a Religion?
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5 What Is Hinduism?
12
D NAILS PAINTS A FRIENDS HAND. AS ANY PUZZLES SOLUTION REQUIRES ALL ITS PIECES, SO
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UISMS FOUR MAIN DENOMINATIONS. DIFFERENT, BUT ALIKE IN MANY WAYS, THEY WORK TOG
14
8 What Is Saivite Hinduism?
9 What Is Saiva Siddhanta?
16
TH THE SYMBOL OF SAIVISM. THE THREE WHITE STRIPES ARE MADE WITH HOLY ASH, CALLED VIBHU
LIKE OUR FAITH, THE RED BALL IS UNIQUE. IT HAS BEEN ADORNED WI
ARDHANARISHVARA, GOD WHO IS HALF MALE AND HALF FEMALE. SIVA WORSHIPERS BELIEVE THAT SI
suresh muthukulam
11 Who Is Siva?
18
12 What Are Sivas Three Perfections?
Parashakti Parameshvara
13 How Can We See God?
IRD EYE, OUR MINDS EYE, THAT SEES THE NON-PHYSICAL REALITY.
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20
SADYOJATA FORM, WHICH MEANS QUICK BIRTHING AND REPRESENTS THE POWER OF CREATION.
TWO HANDS BLESS; THE OTHERS HOLD A JAPA MALA & SACRED SCROLL.
SIVA SITS IN A REMOTE FOREST UNDER A BANYAN TREE. THIS IS HIS
p i e t e r w e lt e v r e d e
NATARAJA, THE COSMIC DANCER. THIS FORM IS WORSHIPED AT THE FAMOUS CHIDAMBARAM TEMPL
22
16 What Is the Namah Sivaya Mantra?
Namah Sivaya
h i m a l aya n a c a d e m y
ING PETITIONS AND PRAYERS, SEEKING BLESSINGS AND GUIDANCE ON THE PATH. THEY BELI
EVE THAT A HEARTFELT APPROACH TO GOD WILL BRING CONTENTMENT, JOY AND ABUNDANCE.
DEVOTEES APPROACH GOD SIVA WITH OFFERINGS OF FLOWERS, FRUITS AND LOVE. OTHERS BR
s . r a ja m
E very religion has a set of core beliefs, called a and more. Beliefs vary greatly among the religions
creed, that summarizes its theology. Children of the world. Our beliefs create our attitudes, and
learn the creed of their faith at a young age. our attitudes influence our actions. Therefore, what
By knowing and understanding our creed, we can we believe shapes our lives, defines our culture and
express our tradition, in basic and consistent terms, molds our future. Each persons actions can be traced
to followers of other faiths. The twelve beliefs on the back to what he believes about himself, other people
next page capture the main ideas of Saiva Siddhanta, and the world around him. If those beliefs are cor-
which is one of the six schools of Saivism. They rect, his actions will be helpful to others. Consider
contain our view of God, soul and world, evil, love the belief in God as a loving power flowing through
24
everything. This creates an attitude of respect, kind- This is the first stage of writing the code, as a pro-
ness and compassion. In contrast, the belief in an evil grammer would do in creating a new application.
power, in light forces and dark forces, creates the atti- Memorize these twelve beliefs. In so doing, you
tude that it is acceptable to cause pain and injury to will help to perpetuate Saivisms culture of devotion,
those we judge to be evil. Gurudeva explained the humility, nonviolence, compassion and service.
power of belief: The human mind is exactly like a
computer. Programs that go in are the beliefs. Their GURUDEVA: Historically, creeds have
performance is the attitude, and the knowledge or developed whenever religions migrate from
the impetus that passes through both determines their homelands. Until then, the beliefs are fully
the output or the action. Children will learn the basic contained in the culture and taught to children
attitudes from their mothers and fathers by absorb- as a natural part of growing up. ... A creed is the
ing the beliefs that their mothers and fathers have distillation of volumes of knowledge into a series
placed into their subconscious mind, even prenatally. of easy-to-remember beliefs, or shraddha.
18 What Is Our Affirmation of Faith?
D SANSKRIT. THIS SIMPLE STATEMENT CONTAINS MANY LAYERS OF TRUTH. IT IS THE GHEE CO
HERE OUR AFFIRMATION OF FAITH IS WRITTEN IN ENGLISH, TAMIL AN
Anbe Sivamayam,
Tamil Satyame Parasivam
Tamil
Script
Premaiva Sivamaya,
Sanskrit Satyam eva Parashivah
h i m a l aya n a c a d e m y
Sanskrit
Script
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CHILDREN THE MEANING OF THE DIPA, THE LIGHT THAT REMOVES DARKNESS. EARLIER THE FOUR C
HERE A FATHER AND MOTHER HOLD A TRAY OF SMALL LAMPS TO TEACH THEIR
REATED THE KOLAM DESIGN BEFORE THEM WITH COLORFUL FLOWER PETALS.
t h o m a s k e l ly
20 What Are Our Holy Scriptures?
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NATURE & ANIMALS. THE SECOND WORLD OR HIGHER ASTRAL PLANE IS REPRESENTED BY A DEV
A AMONG THE STARS & MOON. THE THIRD WORLD IS SIVAS ABODE.
HERE THE FIRST WORLD, MATERIAL EXISTENCE, IS INDICATED BY
s h u t t e r s t o c k / s . r a ja m
22 What Is the Nature of Our Soul?
IS A BODY OF LIGHT. THE CHAKRAS ARE WINDOWS OF CONSCIOUSNESS. THE MIDDLE ONES ARE A
LONG THE SPINE. THE LOWEST SEVEN ARE IN THE LEGS & FEET.
WE INHABIT A BODY THAT WAS ONCE STAR DUST, BUT OUR SOUL
anahata chakra,
direct cognition
manipura chakra,
willpower
svadhishthana
chakra, reason
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muladhara
chakra,
memory
30
AND MIND ARE SHOWN AS LINKS OF A MIGHTY CHAIN. THESE KEEP US FASCINATED WITH THE EVER
THE THREE BONDS THAT HOLD US IN THE SWIRL OF EGO, KARMA
RN IN THE BACKGROUND. ASTRONAUTS RETURNING FROM SPACE DESCRIBE THE OVERVIEW EFFE
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A ll souls are essentially good, for their inner avoided. It is a natural part of human life that causes
nature is divine. Each soul is created by God much spiritual growth for the soul. Knowing this,
Siva from Himself. Sivas nature is pure love. the wise accept suffering from any source, be it hur-
So, goodness, compassion, understanding and joy ricanes, earthquakes, floods, famine, wars, disease or
are natural qualities of the soul. Wisdom and pure personal tragedies. Suffering offers us the important
knowledge are the intrinsic nature of the soul. The realization that true happiness and freedom cannot
world, too, is Gods flawless creation. All is in perfect be found in the world, for earthly joy is bound to
order and balance. Since God is everywhere and in sorrow. Having learned this, devotees seek a satguru
all things, there can be no place for evil. Evil is often who teaches them to overcome suffering through
looked upon as a force against God. But we know that understanding and acceptance. The world is the
all forces are Gods forces, even mean, hurtful actions. bountiful creation of a benevolent God, who means
This is sometimes difficult to understand when we for us to live positively in it, facing karma and fulfill-
see the pains and problems caused by people against ing dharma. We must not despise or fear the world.
each other. Looking deeper, we see that what is called Life is meant to be lived joyously.
evil has its own purpose in life. Yes, bad things do
happen. Still, the wise never blame God, for they
know such things are the return of our self-created GURUDEVA: This is my advice: gain the
karmas, tough lessons that help us learn and mature. perspective first that it is a wonderful world,
The nature of the world is duality. It contains each that there is nothing wrong in the world at
thing and its opposite: joy and sorrow, goodness all. All men and women on the Earth are
and evil, love and hate. Suffering cannot be totally doing exactly as they should and must do.
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25 What About Evil, Hell and Sin?
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26 Who Is Lord Ganesha?
HIPED FIRST. HERE HE RESTS ON A GIANT COBRA, WHICH IS CURLED THREE TIMES BENEATH HIM. HIS HAN
LORD GANESHA, MOST POPULAR OF HINDU DEITIES, IS ALWAYS WORS
34
E 140-FOOT-TALL STATUE OF LORD MURUGAN HOLDING HIS VEL & BEDECKED WITH GOLDEN G
h i n d u i s m t o d ay
28 What Is Bhakti?
D, THE MURTI HAS BEEN LOVINGLY ADORNED WITH SILK & FLOWERS.
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36
NTRICATE TOWERS OF THE SRI MARIAMMAN TEMPLE IN SINGAPORE. CRAFTSMEN FROM INDIA SCU
DEITIES & DEVOTEES, ALONG WITH THEIR VAHANAS, INHABIT THE I
30 What Are the Paths Four Stages?
CHARYA YOGA
KRIYA JNANA
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38
S RETURN TO US, IN THIS OR A FUTURE LIFE, ACCORDING TO THE UNIVERSAL LAW OF KARMA
LIKE A BOOMERANG, OUR THOUGHTS, WORDS AND DEEDS ALWAY
31 What Is Karma?
OUR FAITH. ONE OF ITS MEANINGS IS SHOWN HERE, OUR DUTY TO SERVE AND HELP OTHERS IN NEE
32 What Is Dharma?
40
33 What Is Reincarnation?
h i m a l aya n a c a d e m y
34 How Do We Prepare For Death?
42
OACHED AN ENLIGHTENED GURU, BRINGING OFFERINGS OF FRUITS AND FLOWERS. THE SEEK
i . waya n
PAST SATGURUS: (FROM LEFT TO RIGHT) MAHARISHI NANDINATHA, TIRUMULAR, RISHI FROM T
s . r a ja m
44
37 What Are the Two Paths?
c o u r t e s y c h i n m aya m i s s i o n
38 Who Are Our Holy Men & Women?
CTED BY SAGE YOGASWAMI THAT HE WOULD WALK MILES TO COOK FOR AND FEED HER, JUST AS S
s . r a ja m
46
A TEMPLE BEHIND. THEIR SONGS, WRITINGS AND LIVES INSPIRED SAIVITES THROUGH HARD TIME
THE NALVARS, FOUR OF THE NAYANARS, TEACHERS OF SIVA, STAND WITH
OF THE TEN CLASSICAL RESTRAINTS, CALLED YAMAS, AND THE TEN OBSERVANCES, CALLED NIYAMAS.
TEN YAMAS
noninjury patience
moderate
truthfulness steadfastness appetite
TEN NIYAMAS
remorse worship of God sacred vows
faith
48
you. Do not argue, interrupt or dominate conver- deception and wrongdoing. Obey the laws of your
sations. Be especially patient with children and nation and community. Do not bribe or accept bribes.
the elderly. Remain poised even in difficult times. Do not cheat or deceive others. Be honest with your-
6. DHRITI: Steadfastness. Overcome fear, indeci- self. Face and accept your faults without blaming
sion and changeableness. Stick to what you are sup- them on others. Always be honest.
posed to do without getting sidetracked. Be firm 9. MITAHARA: Moderate appetite. Do not eat too
in your decisions. Achieve your goals with a prayer, much. Do not eat meat, fish, shellfish, fowl or eggs.
purpose, plan, persistence and push. Do not complain Enjoy fresh, wholesome vegetarian foods that vital-
or make excuses. Develop willpower, courage and ize the body. Avoid junk and processed foods, such as
industriousness. Conquer obstacles. white sugar, white rice and white flour. Eat at regular
7. DAYA: Compassion. Conquer cruel and insensi- times and only when hungry. Do not eat in a dis-
tive feelings toward all beings. See God everywhere. turbed atmosphere or when upset.
Be kind to people, animals, plants and the Earth itself. 10. SAUCHA: Purity. Avoid impurity in mind,
Forgive those who apologize and express their true body and speech. Maintain a clean, healthy body.
remorse. Foster sympathy for others needs and suf- Keep a pure, uncluttered home and workplace. Act
fering. Help those who are weak, poor, aged or in pain. virtuously. Keep good company. Never use harsh or
Oppose family abuse and other cruelties. indecent language.
8. ARJAVA: Honesty, straightforwardness. Give up
41 What Are Our Five Core Practices?
Ho ly
Days
Worship
Pilgrim
age
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50
50
WE ALL HAVE. ON THE LEFT, A YOUTH IS DEPRESSED, SILENTLY REPEATING NEGATIVE STATEMENT
a. manivel
43 What Is Sadhana?
IDE OUR LIFE. HERE YOUNG WOMEN SIT FOR MEDITATION, HOLDING THEIR JAPA BEADS BENEATH TH
HINDUISM PROVIDES MANY PRACTICES TO QUIET THE MIND & GU
52
HEADED NAGA, THE SERPENT THAT REPRESENTS KUNDALINI, THE POWER IN THE SPINE. HE TAUGHT
BENEATH A BANYAN TREE SAGE PATANJALI IS SEATED ON A FIVE-
44 What Is Yoga?
45 What Is Japa?
54
46 What Is Meditation?
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CAMBODIAN TEMPLE. JUST AS THE TWO GUARDIANS OF THE DOORWAY PROTECT IT FROM INTRUDE
47 How Do We Meditate?
56
2. BODY HEAT: Feel the warmth of your body, your through those nerves.
head, your chest, your feet. Become conscious of heat 5. POWER OF THE SPINE: Now move your spine
radiating out from your skin. slightlythis is the only time in the meditation you
3. BREATH: Breathe through your nose, not through should move at all. This will help you focus on your
your mouth. You should breathe from the diaphragm, spine and the energy that flows within it. Try not to
the muscle at the bottom of your rib cage just above be aware of anything else, just the spine.
your abdomen. Your stomach should move in and out 6. WITHDRAWAL: Draw the energy from the body
as you breathe. Dont breathe by expanding and con- inward. On the first in-breath, become aware of your
tracting your chest. That kind of breathing makes it left leg, all the way to your toes. On the out-breath,
difficult to be calm. As you inhale, slowly count to slowly pull the energy of the left leg into your spine.
nine and hold one count. Then count to nine again Do the same with the other leg, each arm and finally
as you exhale, softly contracting the abdomen as you the torso.
expel air. Then hold one count. At first, you may be 7. PURE AWARENESS: At this stage, you should
more comfortable counting only to five or six. have little awareness of your body. Now become
4. LIFE FORCE: Next feel the nerves within your aware that you are aware. Then be aware of awareness
body. Feel the nerves in your face, in your hands, and nothing else. Hold this state as long as you can.
in your feet. Feel the energy, the life force flowing
S A YOUNG COW AS HER MOTHER WATCHES FROM BEHIND. JUST AS HE WOULD NEVER HARM THIS CALF, W
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49 Why Are We Vegetarians?
OUP, CHICKPEA CURRY, TOFU AND NOODLES AND RAW VEGETABLES. SUCH A VEGETARIAN MEAL I
WARM BUTTER MELTS ON A FRESH ROTI, SURROUNDED BY SPICY S
S HEALTHY NOT ONLY FOR OUR BODY, BUT FOR OUR PLANET, TOO.
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HER, THE SOURCE OF LIFE, OUR NEVER-FAILING SUSTAINER & PROVIDER. WE CALL HER BHUMI
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51 What Is the Ideal Home?
52 How Do We Receive Guests?
62
MORNING RITES BEFORE A SACRED FIRE. TOGETHER THEY CHANT MANTRAS, MAKE OFFERIN
S FOREHEAD. THESE SECTARIAN MARKS, CALLED TILAKA, ARE BEAUTIFUL, MEANINGFUL SYMBOL
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55 What Is Good Conduct?
b a p s s wa m i n a r aya n s a ns t h a
RS TO A VIDEO CHAT. HINDUS PRESS OUR PALMS TOGETHER TO HONOR THE DIVINE IN THE PE
66
57 How Do We Get Along with Others?
58 What Is the Value of Spiritual Friends?
ROVIDE FUN & KEEP US SAFE FROM THE WORLDS NEGATIVE FORCES.
FIVE FRIENDS TAKE A SELFIE TO SHARE ONLINE. FRIENDS ARE IMP
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RIMS IN INDIA. BACK IN THE KITCHEN, OTHERS HAVE SPENT THE MORNING COOKING. THIS IS ONE
TWO VOLUNTEERS SERVE LUNCH TO A GROUP OF SADHUS AND PILG
60 What Is the Purpose of the Temple?
70
70
ONNAMBALA VANESWARAR SIVA TEMPLE IN COLOMBO, SRI LANKA. HE WILL TEACH HER THE MEAN
A SIVA BHAKTAR TAKES HIS GRANDDAUGHTER TO THE SRI P
HYDERABAD, TWO WOMEN LOVINGLY APPLY KUMKUM TO ALL OF THE STEPS LEADING TO THE TEMP
72
63 What Is Our Form of Prayer?
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WDERS DURING THE PLAYFUL & JOYOUS HOLI FESTIVAL. SUCH CELEBRATIONS BRING THE COMMU
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65 How Do We Observe Pilgrimage?
RGEST SIVA SCULPTURE, LOCATED IN MURUDESHWARA NEAR THE SEASHORE IN KARNATAKA, IND
PILGRIMS CLIMB THE STEPS TO VISIT THE WORLDS SECOND LA
DURING A BHARATANATYAM DANCE. HER YEARS OF HARD WORK AND SELF DISCIPLINE HAVE BR
76
67 How Can We Be Strong Saivite Hindus?
Always say,
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I have no fear.
IONS. THERE ARE HUNDREDS MORE. HINDUS ARE UNIQUE IN OUR UNDERSTANDING AND ACCEPTA
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Free Resource Materials
Today at Kauai Aadheenam, TAKA, is our monasterys daily chronicle of
activities in words, pictures, sounds and videos. If you want to follow our
temple progress, see whos visiting or just check in on whats happening,
go to: www.gurudeva.org/taka/.
Browse through our audio library of over 800 talks given by Guru-
deva and Bodhinatha. Listen to talks on family, personal transformation,
yoga, spiritual practices, relationships and more. Go to: www.
himalayanacademy.com/audio/talks. For our small video library, go to:
www.himalayanacademy.com/resources/video/. For our Podcasts, go to:
www.himalayanacademy.com/audio/podcasts/.
RESOURCE
Hatha Yoga
H atha yoga is a system of handling the
physical body so that the mind and the
nerve system are calmed and quieted. It
is primarily a means to prepare oneself for medi-
tation. Hatha yoga is founded on a principle of
The pranayama for these asanas is simple: breathe
in for nine equal counts (ideally counting with
mathura, the heartbeat), then hold one count,
breathe out nine counts, hold one, and so on.
Breathe deeply, fully and diaphragmatically, rather
putting the physical body into a position so that than shallowly expanding the upper chest. Har-
the nerve currents in the physical body get tuned nessing the breaths three phases (inhalation, re-
up to a perfect pitch. It is like tuning the strings tention and exhalation) directs the flow of prana,
on a violin; if you tune the violin just right, then calming and relaxing body and mind.
each string will be in harmony with the other When physical tensions are released through
strings. hatha yoga, mental-emotional tensions are au-
This chapter consists of original illustrations tomatically dissolved. This is a great secret and a
and instructions for 24 asanas organized in eight wonderful tool that you can use every day of your
sets of three to be performed in series. While life. Free the mind of thoughts and tensions and
there are many more complex hatha yoga routines, you will be more aware, more alive, more serene.
these 24 relatively easy poses provide a good, bal- As you perform the hatha yoga asanas, put out of
anced system for daily use. To prepare yourself for your mind all thoughts relating to your work, fam-
an effective meditation, this routine is all you will ily, friends, associates, problems and challenges that
ever need. For the very best results, hatha yoga normally concern you. Relax. Relax. Relax. Be com-
should be taught personally by a qualified teacher. pletely at peace with yourself and fully enjoy this
The instructions and illustrations given here are a contemplative art.
rudimentary aid. For more elaborate regimens, in- Try to sense the inner and outer nerve system
quire at a recognized school specializing in hatha reaching a cre scendo of energy as you sustain
yoga. each pose. When this peak is felt, gracefully shift
Asanas elongate, tone and strengthen muscle tis- during the outbreath to the next asana. The whole
sue, massage the organs, stimulate the nerves and series of 24 poses is like a dance; and a deliber-
balance the pingala and ida nadis. From the hun- ate flow from one to the next is a key to perfect
dreds of known asanas, these 24 affect all the major serenity. Each set includes a color visualization to
parts of the body. Each pose is to be held in relaxed quiet the mind and intensify healing. The color
stillness for 30 to 120 seconds, without straining. of the background wall in each illustration is the
As maximum stretch and flexibility are approached, color to visualize while in that pose. Mentally fill
a subtle stimulation of the physical and psychic your body with that color, from your head to your
nerve system begins to occur. toes; or imagine yourself suspended in space, sur-
Perform the postures daily in the privacy of rounded on all sides by the color shown with the
your own room, without drawing attention to pose. If tensions in the body or mind are discov-
yourself. Naturally, they should not be performed ered, visualize them flowing away with the out-
after meals. Dont worry if you cant perform breath. At the end, plunge into meditation. Tra-
them perfectly, or if some are difficult for you. Do dition sets the best times for hatha yoga at dawn,
the best you can. Progress at your own pace, rather noon and twilight. Minimally, only 12 minutes of
than in a competitive manner. With practice, you time is needed.
will find the body becoming more supple, reflect- An Important Caution: Individuals with
ing the minds flexibility, alertness and freedom neck or back problems should abstain from poses
from subconscious repressions. that place strain on the spine, such as the head-
By controlling breath we control thought and stand, shirshasana, and the shoulder stand, sar-
life energy, or prana. Yogis call this pranayama. vangasana.
Set 1
1. Bend the right leg back around the thigh and tuck
the right foot along the contour of the buttocks. Bring
the left leg in front of the torso, tucking it close to the
groin. Hands are on the knees, palms up, thumb and
index fingers touching, in the akasha mudra. Keep
the spine (the powerhouse of the body) straight, the
head erect and balanced at the top of the spine. 2. Next
reverse leg positions. 3. In the third pose tuck the right
leg into the groin area, then place the left leg in front
of it, with the left heel in front of the right heel. This
is a variation of the accomplished pose, siddhasana,
. Keep both legs resting fully on the floor. Visualize
deep, ruby red for physical vitality during this first set.
Set 2
4. From the last pose of set one straighten the left leg,
lean forward and grasp the left foot with the thumb and
index fingers of both hands. This is the janu shirshasana,
@, head-to-knee pose. Relax into the position,
letting the head drop lower and lower until it rests on
the knee. In full flexibility the elbows lower to the floor,
and the torso rests on the leg. 5. Repeat these steps on
the right side. 6. Then extend both legs (a little bend
is OK at first) into the forward bend, pashchimottana-
sana, %. Grasp the toes with the thumb and
a r t by a . m a n i v e l
index fingers and let the head gently fall to the knees.
With practice, the elbows will lower to the floor. In this
set, visualize marigold orange for pure, selfless service.
82
Set 3
7. Lying face-up
on the floor, raise
the legs andwith
the hands in the
mid-back region to
support the body
raise the torso until
the entire body is
vertical over the
shoulders. This is
the shoulder stand,
sarvangasana, @
. Keep the
spine straight, feet
together, torso
perpendicular to the
floor. 8. Lower the
legs slowly over the
head until the toes
touch the floor. Then lower the arms, palms down. This
is the plough pose, halasana, . 9. End the set with
the corpse pose, shavasana, , by lowering the legs
to the floor in front of you. Let the hands rest loosely by
the sides, palms down. Every muscle is relaxed. Visualize
sun-glow yellow for purified intellect during this third set.
Set 4
10. Kneel and spread the feet apart, sitting between
the ankles, hands on the knees, palms down. This
is the heroic pose, virasana, . 11. Still kneel-
ing, arch back as far as possible until the head touches
the floor behind you in the couch pose, paryankasana,
@. Hold the palms together over the chest in
a. 12. When you reach the right pitch of energy,
bring the torso up (ideally without aid from the
arms) and bend forward until the forehead touches
the floor, palms down near the head, buttocks on
the floor between the ankles. In this set, visualize
emerald green for physical and emotional health.
Set 5 Set 6
13. Move the upper body forward, inhale, arch the back 16. From the last asana, move
slowly and extend the arms until straight, in the co- the body forward and form
bra pose, bhujangasana, . Hold for two or three a triangle of forearms and
breaths, then lower the torso gracefully. 14. Bring the head, hands clasped behind
legs up, reach back and clasp the ankles. Inhale as you the head, fingers interwoven.
pull the legs up and raise the head and upper body The hairline touches the floor.
into the bow pose, dhanurasana, . Look up and Raise the body slowly, keeping
back. Hold for two or three rounds of breathing. Exhale the knees bent. Pause, then
as you release the legs and lower to the prone position. extend the legs vertically into
15. Rise into a kneeling position, buttocks on the the headstand, salamba shir-
ankles, in the panchanga pranamasana, , shasana, @. Keep
forehead on the floor, arms forward, palms down. In most of the body weight
this set, visualize bright royal blue for peace of mind. on the arms, not the head.
17. When ready, bend and
tuck in the knees and carefully
lower into the curled pelvic
pose for at least 8 cycles of
breath to allow the blood to
equalize. 18. Slowly rise into
the upright pelvic pose, hands on knees, palms down.
Keep the head down momentarily against the chest in a
bandha, or lock, and then straighten the neck. Visualize
purple for the flooding forth of spiritual knowledge.
a r t by a . m a n i v e l
84
Set 7
19. Sit on the left hip and place the right foot over the
left knee. Insert the left arm under the bent right knee.
Extend the right arm behind the back and clasp the left
hand with the right (as an easier alternative, grasp the
right knee with the left arm). Keep the spine as straight
as possible. This is the spinal twist, matsyendrasana,
. Turn the head slowly to the left and twist the
torso each time you inhale, and back to the right as you
exhale. 20. Repeat the posture on the opposite side. 21.
Finally, bring the soles together and hold the feet with
both hands in the bound-eagle pose, baddha konasana,
. Let the
knees lower to the
floor. Throughout
this set visualize
lavender to purify
karma through
divine sight.
Set 8
22. Extend the right
leg and place the left
ankle high on the right
thigh. Stretch forward
and clasp the right foot
with the thumb and
index finger. This is a
variation of the head-
to-knee pose, janu shir-
shasana, @.
23. Repeat this same
procedure on the left
side, with the right
foot on the left thigh.
24. Finally, assume
the lotus posture, padmasana, . The right foot
is already on the left thigh. To complete the lotus,
carefully place the left foot on the right thigh. Spine
straight with the hands resting in the lap, palms
open, right hand on top, with the thumbs gently
touching in dhyana mudra. Visualize white during
this set to attain moksha, freedom from rebirth.
Glossary
afrmation: A positive declaration or assertion that dharana, dhyana and samadhieach stage building
we repeat regularly to impress our mind and thus on those before.
improve our life in specific ways. astral plane: Second World. See Antarloka.
Agama: A large collection of revealed scriptures writ- Aum: A sacred mantra, or
ten in Sanskrit, describing temple ritual and con- sound, that is present at the
struction, philosophy and yoga. Saivism, Shaktism beginning of many scriptures
and Vaishnavism each have their own Agamas. and chants. The primal vibra-
Agamic: Of or pertaining to the Agamas. tion from which all manifesta-
ahimsa: Noninjury. Not causing hurt or damage to tion issues forth.
any living being, or to the environment, by thought, Aum Ga Gaapataye
word or deedeven in your dreams. Nama: Praise be to Ganapati,
Alaveddy: A village in northern Sri Lanka where Sat- a sacred mantra for Lord Ganesha.
guru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami performed sadhana aura: The luminous, colorful field of subtle energy
and established an ashram in the late 1940s. radiating within and around the human body,
anava: Sense of being an individual, separate from extending out from three to seven feet. The colors of
God and the world. Anava is part of Lord Sivas veil- the aura change constantly according to the ebb and
ing grace. flow of ones state of consciousness, thoughts, moods
anjali mudra: A gesture of respect and greeting and emotions. Higher, benevolent feelings create
in which the two palms are held gently together, bright pastels; base, negative feelings are darker in
slightly cupped, usually in front of the heart. color. Auras can be seen and read by clairvoyants.
Antarloka: Inner or in-between world, known in austere: Without comfort or luxuries.
English as the subtle or astral plane. It is the inter- Auvaiyar: A saint of Tamil Nadu (ca 200 bce), devotee
mediate dimension between the physical and causal of Lord Ganesha and Karttikeya. She wrote exqui-
worlds, where souls function in their astral bodies site ethical works, some in aphoristic style and some
between incarnationsbeing helped to readjust to in four-line verse. Her Tamil prim er is studied by
not having a physical body, and eventually prepared schoolchildren to this day.
for yet another birthand during sleep. See subtle Batu Caves: Famous caves on the outskirts of Kuala
plane. Lumpur, Malaysia. A Murugan temple is inside the
anugraha: Sivas revealing grace, which frees the largest cave. Alongside the 272 steps leading up to
mature soul from anava, karma and maya. the cave stands a beautiful 140-foot-tall statue of
Appar: Father. Tirunavukkarasar, one of the four Lord Murugan.
great Tamil Nalvar saints. Bengaluru: A city formerly known as Bangalore, in
arati: The waving of a lighted lamp, as done before the the South Indian state of Karnataka.
Deity at the high point of puja. bhajana (bhajan): Spiritual song. Individual or group
artifact: A special man-made object, such as a statue singing of devotional songs, hymns and chants.
of a Deity. bhakti: Religious devotion.
asana: Any of numerous hatha yoga positions, each bhakti yoga: The practice of devotional disciplines,
with specific benefits. These postures balance the worship, prayer, chanting and singing with the aim
energies of mind and body, promoting health and of awakening love in the heart and opening oneself
serenity. Asana is the third limb of ashtanga yoga. to Gods grace. Bhakti may be directed toward God,
Gurudevas system of twenty-four sequential asa- Gods or ones spiritual preceptor.
nas relieves stress and prepares mind and body for Bhogar Rishi: A great Saivite siddha who did intense
meditation. yoga in a cave at the site of Palani Hills temple in
ascetic: One who leads an austere and highly disci- Tamil Nadu, India. He is known for creating the
plined life, shunning comforts and pleasures, for reli- enshrined murti that is worshiped to this day, using
gious goals. nine medicinal substances.
ashram: The home of a guru or Hindu monk. Bhuloka: The physical world we perceive with our
ashtanga yoga: The eightfold system of yoga five senses, and in which we function in our physi-
described in Patanjalis Yoga Sutras, compris- cal body. The First World.
ing yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara,
86
Bhumi Devi: Earth Goddess. The name of Earth Dakshinamurti: Siva as the guru seated under a ban-
given in Hindu scripture, so beloved as to be revered yan tree, silently teaching four rishis seated before
as the Divine Mother. him.
bindi: (Hindi) A dot worn on the forehead between darshan: Seeing the Divine. Beholding with our inner
the eyebrows. It is a sign that one is a Hindu. In San- or outer vision, a temple image, Deity, holy person or
skrit it is called bindu, and in Tamil, pottu. place, with the desire to inwardly contact and receive
Bodhinatha Veylanswami, blessings, and to be seen by that Divinity.
Satguru: The current guru of death: Termination of the physical body due to acci-
the Kailasa Parampara, the dent, disease or old age. The souls detaching itself
successor of Satguru Sivaya from that form and continuing on in the subtle body
Subramuniyaswami. with the same desires, aspirations and activities as
bond: Restraint, fetter. when it lived in a physical body.
Buddhism: A religion that Deity: God or a God. Deity also names the murti, or
arose out of Hinduism based image, through which a Divinity can send blessings,
on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, the Bud- especially during puja.
dha (624544 bce). Followers seek to overcome denominations: The various groups within a religion
greed, hatred and delusion and to attain enlighten- which hold varying beliefs.
ment by following the Eightfold Path and realizing deva: Shining one. A soul inhabiting the higher
the Four Noble Truths. Its primary scripture is the astral plane in a subtle, nonphysical body. Deva is
Dhammapada. also used in scripture to mean God or Deity.
chakras: Great force centers, areas of consciousness, in Devaram: The collection of religious songs of Appar,
our inner bodies. The seven principal chakras can be Sundarar and Sambandar, three of the Tamil Nalvar
seen psychically as colorful, multi-petaled wheels or saints.
lotuses. They are situated along the spinal cord from Devi: An alternate name for Shakti, the Goddess, used
the base to the cranial chamber. Seven lower chakras, especially in Shaktism.
barely visible, exist in the legs and feet. These are Dhammapada: The most important scripture of Bud-
seats of instinctive consciousness, the origin of jeal- dhism. It is a collection of sayings of the Buddha in
ousy, hatred, envy, guilt, sorrow, etc. They constitute verse form.
the lower or hellish world, called Naraka or patala. dharana: Concentration. Focusing awareness on a sin-
The highest seven chakras, accessible after Self Real- gle object or area and not letting it wander. The sixth
ization, exist above the head. stage of ashtanga yoga.
charya pada: Stage of [good] conduct. The first dharma: Righteousness. From dhri, to sustain; carry,
stage of human unfoldment, where one learns to live hold. The inherent order of the universe. Divine law
righteously and serve selflessly, performing karma as it applies to all things and all beings. The term
yoga. Traditional acts of charya include cleaning the has many meanings, including: law of being, religion,
temple, lighting lamps and collecting flowers for duty, virtue and truth.
worship. Worship at this stage is mostly external. dhyana: True meditation, a quiet, alert, powerful state
Chellappaswami: A satguru who lived in Jaffna, in which knowledge comes from within; the seventh
Sri Lanka (18401915). He was the guru of Satguru limb of ashtanga yoga. It is the result of prolonged
Yogaswami, who in turn was guru to Satguru Sivaya concentration.
Subramuniyaswami. dualism: The philosophical concept that there are
Chidambaram: A South Indian city, site of the two eternally separate principles, entities or truths. It
famous Thillai Nataraja Siva temple (often simply is often contrasted to monism.
called Chidambaram Temple). essence of the soul: The two aspects of the soul that
Christianity: The faith based upon the teachings of are identical with Siva: pure consciousness and abso-
Jesus Christ. Its main scripture is the Bible. lute reality. They are eternal and perfect; whereas our
Confucianism: A system of philosophy and ethics souls third aspect, the soul body, is immature and
founded by Confucius in China around 500 bce. not yet identical with the Primal Soul.
consideration: Being thoughtful and sensitive to the evolution: Gradual development, usually over long
feelings and needs of others. periods of time.
cosmos: The whole of creationall three worlds fast: Not taking any or some kinds of food or drink for
seen as harmonious and complete. a certain period of time.
creed: An authoritative, clearly expressed declaration festival: Special day (or days) of religious celebration
of the core beliefs of a religion. and worship, usually annual.
Ganapati: Leader of the ganas. One of Lord Gane- prefix: a kulaguru is a family teacher, a vinaguru is a
shas many names; synonymous with Ganesha. vina teacher and a satguru is a spiritual preceptor.
Ganas: a kind of deva who help God Siva. guru lineage: A line of gurus. Each passes the spiri-
Ganesha: a Mahadeva, tual power to the next through initiation.
the beloved elephant- guru puja: Worship of the guru by bathing his feet
faced Deity honored by and presenting offerings.
Hindus of every sect. He Guru Purnima: A festival day to honor ones guru. It
is the Lord of Obstacles takes place every year during the full moon in July.
(Vighneshvara), revered Gurudeva: An affectionate, respectful term used by
for His great wisdom and devotees for their guru. Used in this book, it refers to
invoked first before any Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami.
undertaking, for He Hari-Hara: A Deity image (murti) whose right half
knows all intricacies of is Siva and left half is Vishnu, showing that these
each souls karma and the two most popular traditional forms of the Divine
perfect path of dharma are actually one being, not two. Hari is a name for
that makes action suc- Vishnu, and Hara is a name for Siva.
cessful. He sits on the hatha yoga: A system of physical positions (asanas)
muladhara chakra and is easy of access. and associated mental exercises. The third limb of
Ganesha Chaturthi: The birthday celebration of ashtanga yoga, it quiets the mind and body in prepa-
Lord Ganesha, a ten-day festival in August-Septem- ration for meditation. Hatha yoga is sometimes pre-
ber. On the last day, Ganesha Visarjana, we release sented from a solely physical and health standpoint.
Ganesha to His Third-World home by immersing See asana.
His murti in water to dissolve. Himalayas: Abode of snow. The highest mountain
God: Lord Siva, the Supreme Being, creator of the uni- ranges in the world. They run 2,400 km between
verse and everyone and everything in it. The word India and China from Kashmir to Assam.
God can also refer to great beings like Lord Ganesha Hindu: A follower of the Hindu religion, distin-
or Lord Murugan who serve Lord Siva and were cre- guished by a Hindu name. As an adjective: pertain-
ated by Him. See Gods. ing to the Hindu faith.
Goddess: Female representation or manifestation of Hinduism: Indias indigenous religious and cultural
Divinity; Shakti or Devi. God as female. In truth, system, followed today by nearly one billion adher-
God is neither male nor female. ents, mostly in India, but with large populations in
Gods: Extremely advanced beings, such as Lord Gane- many other countries. Also called Sanatana Dharma,
sha or Lord Murugan, created by Lord Siva to per- eternal religion, and Vaidika Dharma, religion of
form grand cosmic functions, such as aiding souls in the Vedas. Hinduism is the worlds most ancient
our evolution. religion and encompasses a broad spectrum of phi-
Gorakshanatha: A great Saivite guru who lived in losophies ranging from pluralistic theism to abso-
North India and Nepal around 950 ce. He was a sid- lute monism. It is a family of myriad faiths with
dha yoga master of the Adinatha lineage and the four primary denominations: Saivism, Vaishnavism,
foremost guru of Siddha Siddhanta. Shaktism and Smartism.
grace: A gift from God given out of His love. More holy ash: see vibhuti.
broadly, Sivas grace is twofold. Concealing grace, homa: A sacred Vedic fire ceremony, an ancient way
tirodhana shakti, binds the soul with the three of worshiping God and Gods.
bonds of anava, karma and maya. This purpose- instinctive nature: The urges that come from the
ful limiting of consciousness enables the soul to physical body and the lower mind, such as self-pres-
grow and mature through experience of the world. ervation, procreation, hunger, thirst, greed, hatred,
Revealing grace, anugraha shakti, is God Sivas anger, fear, lust and jealousy.
power of illumination, through which the matured intellectual nature: The mental aspect of humans:
soul is freed from those bonds and ultimately attains the power to think, discriminate, analyze, reason and
liberation, moksha. make plans.
guardian devas: Inner-world helpers assigned to Iraivan Temple: A
an individual at birth, or at their formal entrance Chola-style Siva temple
into Hinduism. Each family has numerous guardian on Kauai island in the
devas who assist the family, bless the home and keep state of Hawaii, USA. It is
the spiritual vibration strong. Every religion has its the only temple in the
own guardian devas. West built entirely of
guru: A title for a teacher or guide in any subject, such hand-carved granite
as music, dance or sculpture, but especially religion. stone. Located in the
For clarity, the term is often preceded by a qualifying heart of a traditional Hindu monastery complex
88
reminiscent of ancient mathas and aadheenams of Kashi: Alternate name for Varanasi. See Varanasi.
India, Iraivan is a pilgrimage destination, a place of Kashi Vishwanath: A famous Siva temple in Vara-
sadhana and spiritual rejuvenation. nasi, India.
Islam: The religion founded by Prophet Mohammed Kauais Hindu Monastery: Kauai Aadheenam, the
in Arabia about 625 ce. Its principal scripture is the monastery/temple complex established in Hawaii,
Koran. USA, by Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami.
Jaffna: The main city of northern Sri Lanka and the kavadi: A decorated yoke/arch placed across ones
name of the peninsula where it is located. shoulders and used to carry two milk pots to the
Jainism: An ancient non-Vedic religion of India temple during Muruga festivals.
that emphasizes ahimsa. Mahavira was a great Jain Kerala: A state on Indias southwestern coast.
teacher who lived around 500 bce. kolam: A traditional
japa: Repetition of a mantra, or sacred sound, with Hindu decoration drawn
concentration. Japa is done silently or aloud, often on the ground or floor dur-
keeping count on a strand of beads. This practice is ing festivals or weddings,
called japa yoga or mantra yoga. and daily at ones doorway.
jayanti: Birthday, such as guru jayanti, the birthday Kolams are made using
of ones guru. plain or colored rice pow-
jnana pada: Stage of wisdom. The fourth stage of der, pulse grains or flower
human evolution, the outcome of perfecting the petals. They are only intended to last a few days.
stages of charya, kriya and yoga. Designs may be simple or elaborate.
Judaism: The religion of the Jewish people. The kriya pada: Religious action or worship stage. The
Torah is their principal scripture. Judaism began second stage of human unfoldment, of bhakti yoga,
about 3,700 years ago in the Near East, chiefly cultivating devotion through performing puja and
Canaan (now Israel) and Egypt. regular daily sadhana. A central practice of the kriya
jyoti: Light, radiance, brightness. The inner light seen pada is performing daily puja.
within the mind in meditation is a form of Siva Kumbha Mela: A Hindu gathering held periodi-
consciousness. cally at four sacred cities in rotation over a 12-year
jyotisha: Hindu astrology. The knowledge and prac- period: Prayag (Allahabad), Nasik, Haridwar and
tice of analyzing events and circumstances, delineat- Ujjain. The exact dates are set by astrological calcu-
ing character and determining auspicious moments, lations and are not evenly spaced over the 12 years.
according to the positions and movements of heav- Attendance at Prayag numbers up to 120 million
enly bodies. people over the course of the festival and 30 mil-
Kadaitswami: The guru of Chellappaswami, 1820- lion on a single day, making it the largest assembly of
1875. He came from Bengaluru, India, to Jaffna, Sri humans on Earth for any one event.
Lanka, to teach Saivism. Kumbhalavalai Temple: A powerful Ganesha tem-
Kailasa Parampara: The spiritual lineage of Satguru ple in Alaveddy, Sri Lanka.
Bodhinatha Veylanswami, his Gurudeva and all the kumkum: A red powder applied to the forehead.
preceptors that preceded them. Part of the Nandi- (Kumkum is the Hindi form; kunkumam is Tamil,
natha Sampradaya. and kunkuma is Sanskrit.)
kalas: Arts and skills of cultured living, such as sing- kundalini: She who is coiled; serpent power. The
ing, dancing and garland making. There are 64 cul- cosmic energy in every individual which, at first,
tural arts, or kalas, in Hindu tradition lies coiled like a serpent at the base of the spine and
Karaikkal Ammaiyar: A Saivite saint who lived in eventually, through the practice of yoga, rises and
the 5th century ce. She was a great mystic poet and stimulates each successive chakra.
yogini who composed important hymns, which are kundalini yoga: Uniting the serpent power.
part of Tirumurai. Advanced meditative practices and sadhana tech-
karma: 1) Any act or deed; 2) the principle of cause niques, a part of raja yoga, performed to arouse the
and effect; 3) a consequence or fruit of action, which kundalini power and guide it up the spine into the
sooner or later returns upon the doer. Selfish, hate- crown chakra, sahasrara. In its highest form, this
ful acts will bring suffering. Benevolent actions will yoga is the natural result of sadhanas and tapas well
bring loving reactions. Karma is a neutral law of the performed, rather than a distinct system of striving
inner cosmos, much as gravity is an impersonal law and teaching.
of the outer cosmos. liberation: Release from the round of births and
karma yoga: Selfless service as a means of spiritual deaths. See moksha.
unfoldment. Karma yoga, seva, is an important part Lingam: Same as Sivalinga. See Sivalinga.
of the charya pada. macrocosm: The manifest physical universe. See also
Karttikeya: One of Lord Murugans many names, microcosm.
meaning child of the Pleiades constellation.
Madurai: A city in Tamil Nadu, South India. The Saiva Siddhanta theologian, founder of the Meykan-
great Meenakshi-Sundareshvara Temple is there. dar Sampradaya.
Mahadeva: Great shining one; God. A worshipful microcosm: Little world or miniature universe.
term used to refer to God Siva, and to highly evolved The inner world, from which the macrocosm issues
beings, such as Lord Ganesha and Lord Murugan, forth. See also macrocosm.
created by Lord Siva to perform grand cosmic func- moksha: Liberation. The souls release from the
tions, such as aiding souls in our evolution. cycle of births and deaths. This occurs after all
Mahakaleshwar: A ancient and famous Siva temple dharma has been fulfilled, all karma resolved and
in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India. God Realization attained. The soul then continues to
maharishi: Great seer. Title for a great saint. evolve in the inner worlds.
Mahasivaratri: The biggest Siva festival of the year. monastery: A home or ashram for monks, usually
It is celebrated on the night before the new moon in under the guidance of a satguru.
February-March. Fasting and an all-night vigil are monastic: A monk or nun. An unmarried man or
observed as well as other disciplines: chanting, pray- woman who lives an austere religious life.
ing, meditating and worshiping Siva as the Source monism: The doctrine that there is only one ultimate
and Self of all that exists. substance or principle; the perspective that reality is
malas: Impurities. An important term in Saivism a unified whole.
referring to the three bonds (pasha), anava, karma, monistic theism: Monism is the doctrine that real-
and maya, which limit the soul, preventing it from ity is a one whole or existence without independent
knowing its true, divine nature. Ml (long as) parts. Theism is the belief that God exists as a real,
names a looped strand of beads for holy recitation, conscious, personal Supreme Being. Monistic theism
japa, usually made of rudraksha, tulasi, sandalwood (also called panentheism) embraces both monism
or crystal. Also, a flower garland. and theism. The Sanskrit equivalent of monistic the-
manifest energy: Gods energy, Shakti, which you can ism is Advaita Ishvaravada.
see and feel. Mount Kailas: A Himalayan mountain sacred to
Manikkavasagar: A Tamil saint who contributed to Lord Siva.
the medieval Saivite renaissance (ca 850). He gave up mudras: Esoteric gestures used in puja, dance and
his position as prime minister to follow a renunci- yoga to express specific energies or powers or to
ate life. His poetic Tiruvasagam, Holy Utterances, a communicate meaning.
major Saiva Siddhanta scripture, is a jewel of Tamil muladhara chakra: The chakra of memory, at the
literature. There he expresses his aspirations, trials base of the spine. Seat of Lord Ganesha and begin-
and yogic realizations. His Tiruvasagam and Tiru- ning of the spiritual path.
kovaiyar are part of the eighth Tirumurai. Mumbai: A major city in Indias Maharashtra state,
mantra: A sacred Sanskrit word, phrase or sentence formerly known as Bombay.
from scripture, chanted during puja, as japa, or as a murti: An image or icon of God or a God that is the
blessing before meals, at gatherings, etc. focus of worship rites, called puja. Murtis are made
mantra yoga: The practice of japa, chanting mantras of stone or metal and sometimes wood.
to aid in spiritual unfoldment. See japa. Murugan: The second
Matsyendranatha: A great Natha guru who lived in son of Lord Siva, brother
the 9th century ce. A patron saint of Nepal. of Lord Ganesha. A
maya: The substance emanated from Siva through Mahadeva worshiped in
which the world of form is manifested. Hence all all parts of India and
creation is also termed maya. It is the cosmic cre- throughout the world.
ative force, the principle of manifestation, ever in This God of yoga and
the process of creation, preservation and dissolution. spiritual striving holds
Maya is a key concept in Hinduism, often differently the holy vel of jnana shakti, which is His power to
translated as illusion. vanquish darkness or ignorance.
meditation: Sitting qui- Mushika: Ganeshas mount, the mouse, symbolizing
etly, controlling the abundance, carrying Ganeshas grace everywhere.
breath, stilling the mystic: One who pursues spiritual disciplines aimed
thought waves and going at union or communion with Ultimate Real-
within ourself. Through ity, God, through deep meditation or trance-like
meditation we can unfold contemplation.
new knowledge and mysticism: Spirituality. The pursuit of personal spiri-
study awareness. tual or religious experience.
Meykandar: A 13th- nada: Sound. Metaphysically, the subtle, mystic
century Tamil pluralistic sounds of the Eternal. One form of nada is the high
eee sound inwardly heard by meditators.
90
Nalvar: The four. The four most highly revered parampara: A lineage (of gurus). The spiritual power
Tamil Saiva saints: Appar, Sundarar, Sambandar and is passed from one to the next by initiation.
Manikkavasagar. Parashakti: Supreme power; primal energy. God
Nama ivya: Praise to Siva. The foremost man- Sivas impersonal, all-pervasive Pure Conscious-
tra for Saivites, known as the Panchakshara or five ness, the Primal Substance of all that exists. It is also
syllables. Na is the Lords veiling grace; Ma is the called Satchidananda.
world; i is Siva; V is His revealing grace; Ya is the Parasiva: The Self God. Sivas first perfection, Abso-
soul. lute Reality, transcending time, form and space.
namaskar (or namaskaram): Reverent saluta- pasha: All of existence, manifest and unmanifest. The
tions. Virtually equivalent to namaste. The most souls threefold bondage of anava, karma and maya.
common verbal greeting used among Hindus. As That which binds or limits the soul.
the word is pronounced, the palms are often held pashu: In Hindu philos-
together in anjali mudra before the heart or raised ophy, pashu refers to the
to the level of the forehead with the head slightly soul. It can also refer to
bowed. It is a devotional gesture made equally before all creatures including
a temple Deity, holy person, friend or momentary man. The literal meaning
acquaintance. is cattle.
namaste: Respectful greetings to you. A traditional Pashupatinath: The
verbal greeting. Hands are in anjali mudra. foremost temple of Nepal,
Nandinatha: The first known guru of the Nandi- dedicated to Lord Siva,
natha Sampradaya, and of the Kailasa Parampara. He Lord of souls.
lived around 250 bce. Pati, pashu,
nonviolence: Ahimsa in Sanskrit. To avoid caus- pasha: God, soul, world
ing harm or pain to others, physically, mentally or the three primary elements of philosophy. Literally:
emotionally. master, cow and tether.
Nataraja: God Siva as Cosmic Dancer. This is Sivas penance: Actions done to atone for misdeeds.
intricate state of Being in Manifestation. The dance perfections (three): Qualities, dimensions or aspects
of Siva is the dance of the entire cosmos, the rhyth- that are perfect. A term used to describe God Sivas
mic movements in all. All that is, whether sen- three flawless aspects. Perfection one: Siva is the
tient or insentient, pulsates in His body. Dance and Absolute Reality (Parasiva) that transcends all but is
Dancer are one; not an atom moves on any plane of the foundation of everything. Perfection two: Siva
existence but by His Will. Thus, this elegant symbol is immanent, pervading all existence as the Pure
embodies the underlying unity of all. Consciousnesss (Parashakti) within all. Perfection
Natha Sampradaya: The oldest Saivite stream of three: Siva exists in personal form as Primal Soul
teaching. The Nandinatha Sampradaya is one of its (Parameshvara), Creator of all.
branches. pottu: In Tamil, the small dot (also called bindi or
niyama: The observances by which we cultivate bindu) worn on the forehead, which identifies one as
our spiritual nature. Niyama is the second limb of a Hindu. It is usually made of kumkum (red powder)
ashtanga yoga. or sandalwood paste. Widows and unmarried girls
Odissi: A form of Indian dance from Orissa state, traditionally wear a black pottu.
India. prana: Vital energy. Usually prana refers to the life
padas: The four progressive, cumulative stages of each principle, such as in the human body, but sometimes
souls maturation: charya, kriya, yoga and jnana. denotes energy, power or the animating force of the
Palani Hills: The site of a large and famous Murugan cosmos.
temple in Tamil Nadu, South India. pranayama: The practice of controlling prana (subtle
Panchabrahma: The form of Siva with five faces, energy) through breathing techniques. Pranayama
representing His five powers. quiets the mind and balances the masculine and
Panchakshara: Five-lettered chant. Nama ivya, feminine (pingala and ida) energies. This is the
Saivisms foremost sacred mantra. fourth limb of ashtanga yoga.
pancha nitya karmas: Five essential Hindu practices: prasadam (or prasada): A gift of food offered to
1) worship (upasana); 2) holy days (utsava); 3) pil- God, Gods or guru, or a portion of offerings that is
grimage (tirthayatra); 4) virtuous living (dharma); shared with devotees.
and 5) rites of passage (samskaras). pratyahara: Withdrawal of awareness from external-
Parameshvara: The Primal Soul, Supreme Mahadeva, itiesfirst from the physical senses, then from emo-
Siva-Shakti. Gods personal perfection, who acts, tion and intellect. The fifth limb of ashtanga yoga.
wills, blesses, gives darshan, guides, creates, pre- Primal Soul: The uncreated, original, perfect soul,
serves, reabsorbs, obscures and enlightens. Parameshvara. God in His personal aspect as Lord
and Creator, who emanates from Himself all of
creationthe inner and outer universes and all indi- Nandinatha of Kashmir (ca bce 250). A pluralistic
vidual souls. The essence of each soul is the same as stream of Saiva Siddhanta arose in the middle ages
His: Satchidananda and Parasiva. from the teachings of Aghorasiva and Meykandar.
puja: A Hindu form of worship, a ritual ceremony Saivam: The Tamil word for Saivism. It also means
that includes offerings of incense, water, food and vegetarian.
flowers, presentation of lighted lamps, chanting of Saivism: The religion of those who worship Lord Siva
Sanskrit verses and, usually, the ringing of bellsall as the Supreme God. The oldest of Hinduisms four
of which help to establish communion with the major denominations.
God being worshiped. Saivite: Of or relating to Saivism or its adherents,
raja yoga: The classical yoga system of eight pro- who number about 400 million in the world today.
gressive stages to Illumination as described in vari- Same as Saiva.
ous yoga Upanishads, the Tirumantiram and, most samadhi: The goal of yoga, a state in which the medi-
notably, the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, who called it tator and the object of meditation are one. Savikalpa
ashtanga (eightfold) yoga. samadhi is oneness with the essence of an object, or
Rameshwaram: A town at the southern tip of India, with Pure Consciousness. Nirvikalpa samadhi, Self
site of the large, ancient Ramanathaswamy Siva Realization, transcends all consciousness.
Temple founded by Lord Rama. Sambandar: A child saint who lived in the 7th
reincarnation: Reentering the flesh. The process in century and composed many devotional songs,
which a soul is reborn on Earth to continue its evo- Devaram, in praise of Siva. He is honored as one of
lution. It is a repetitive cycle, known as punarjanma the four Tamil Nalvar saints.
in Sanskrit, which originates in the subtle plane. See samhara: God Sivas cosmic power of destruction or
Antarloka. dissolution.
rishi: Seer. A term for an enlightened being, samsara: The repetitive cycle of birth, death and
emphasizing psychic perception and visionary rebirth. More broadly, samsara refers to the phe-
wisdom. nomenal world, transmigratory existence, the realm
Rishi from the Himala- of impermanence and change.
yas: The first recently samskara: Rites of pas-
known siddha of the Kailasa sage marking a significant
Parampara; guru of transition in life, such as
Kadaitswami. name-giving, first feeding,
rudraksha: A reddish seed ear-piercing, beginning of
sacred to Lord Siva, worn study, coming of age, mar-
by devotees and strung on riage and funeral rites.
malas for japa. Also refers to any deep
sadhana: Religious and impression made on the
spiritual disciplines, such as subconscious mind.
puja, yoga, meditation, japa, fasting and austerity. sangam: Coming
sadhana marga: The path of intense effort, spiritual together in a group,
discipline and consistent inner transformation, as especially for religious
opposed to theoretical and intellectual learning. purposes. Fellowship; reli-
sadhu: A holy man dedicated to the search for God. gious gathering.
Feminine: sadhvi. San Marga: True path. The straight, spiritual path
Saiva: Same as Saivite. See Saivite. leading to the ultimate goal, Self Realization, not
Saiva Agamas: Revealed scriptures specific to detouring into psychic exploration or the develop-
Saivism, supplementing the Vedas. Strongly theistic, ment of siddhis.
they identify Siva as the Supreme Lord, immanent Sanatana Dharma: Eternal religion or everlast-
and transcendent. There are 28 Saiva Siddhanta ing path. A traditional designation for the Hindu
Agamas and 64 Kashmir Saiva Agamas. religion.
Saiva Siddhanta: Final conclusions of Saivism. sannyasin: A Hindu monk, unmarried and celibate; a
Theology based on the 28 Saiva Siddhanta Aga- swami. One who has renounced family, possessions
mas. For Saiva Siddhantins, Siva is the totality of and career to follow a religious life, fully devoted to
all, understood in three perfections: Parameshvara God, without any distractions. One becomes a san-
(the Personal Creator Lord), Parashakti (the sub- nyasin by being initiated (given sannyas diksha)
stratum of all form) and Parasiva (Absolute Reality, by another sannyasin, ideally a satguru. Feminine:
which transcends all). Souls and world are identi- sannyasini.
cal in essence with Siva, yet also differ in that they Sanskrit: The ancient language of India in which
are evolving. The first known guru of the Shuddha thousands of texts are written, including the shruti,
(pure) Saiva Siddhanta tradition was Maharishi revealed Hindu scriptures (Vedas and Agamas).
92
santosha: Contentment. Being happy and satisfied Sikhism: The religion founded by Guru Nanak about
with what one has. 500 years ago. A reformist faith, Sikhism rejects
Saravanabhava: A mantra invoking Lord Karttikeya murti worship and the caste system. Its holy book
(Murugan), the great guardian of the spiritual quest. is the Adi Granth, and its main center is the Golden
It describes the mind as a peaceful, undisturbed lake. Temple of Amritsar. The word for a follower of this
Satan: The devil; evil personifieda being pro- faith is Sikh, which means disciple in Punjabi.
pounded by Christianity and other Semitic faiths, sin: Intentional transgression of dharma, divine law.
believed to oppose Gods will and tempt souls into Sin reaps painful karma, causing the soul to learn
wickedness. In Hinduism, all is seen as the manifes- and evolve. We eventually rise above all misbehavior
tation of God. Our ignorance, fears and desires can as we unfold our innate Godliness.
lead to wicked actions, but there is no Satan. Siva: The auspicious, gracious, or kindly one. The
satguru: A great religious teacher who is close to God Supreme Being as worshiped in the Saivite religion.
and guides others on the right path. God Siva is All and in all, simultaneously the Creator
satsanga: A holy gathering. Association of a group of and the creation, both immanent and transcendent.
devotees for non-temple worship and religious study. He is a one Being, perhaps best understood in three
sect: A denomination or other group within a religion. perfections: Parameshvara (Primal Soul), Parashakti
This term is often used in a derogatory sense. (Pure Consciousness) and Parasiva (Absolute Reality).
sectarian: Having to do with a religious sect or See perfections.
denomination. Sivachaitanya Panchatantra: Concentrating on five
Self Realization: Direct knowing of the Self God, Par- successive forms of Siva consciousness, one after the
asiva, by transcending consciousness itself. It is the other: vital breath, all-pervasive energy, sacred form,
culmination of yogaattained only by a rare few in inner light and sacred sound.
any lifetime, but eventually by all souls. Sivalinga: Mark, or sign, of Siva. Found in nearly
seva: Service, karma yoga, doing useful work for others all Siva temples, this icon, usually an oval-shaped
without thought of reward. stone set in a circular base, is the most ancient sym-
Shaktas: Those who follow Shaktism, one of the four bol of Siva, especially of Parasiva, the Ultimate Real-
major denominations of Hinduism. ity beyond all forms and qualities. Synonymous with
Shakti: Power, energy. The active power or energy Lingam.
of Siva, worshiped as the Supreme Being, the God- Sivaloka: The third world, realm of Siva, the Gods and
dess, by followers of Shaktism. In Saivism, this power highly evolved souls. The Sivaloka is the highest, or
is regarded as an aspect of Siva, who encompasses all, most refined, part of the heavenly worlds.
including male and female. Smarta: A follower of Smartism, one of the four major
Shaktism: The religion of those who worship the Hindu denominations.
Supreme as the Divine Mother. One of the four major Smartism: One of the four major denominations of
Hindu denominations. Hinduism. Its name derives from its basis on the sec-
Shanmukhanatha: Lord with six faces. One of Lord ondary scriptures (smiti), especially the Ramayana,
Murugans many names. the Mahabharata (which includes the Bhagavad
shanti: Inner peace, tranquility, bliss. Gita), Puranas and Dharma Shastras. Smartism is
shastras: Authoritative religious or philosophical an ancient Vedic brahminical tradition (ca 700 bce).
writings. The term means text or teaching. From the 9th century onward it was guided and
Shri Rudram: (Hymn) to the wielder of awesome deeply influenced by the Advaita Vedanta teach-
powers. Preeminent Vedic hymn to Lord Siva as ings of the famous Adi Shankara. Smartas worship
the God of dissolution, located in the middle of the all the Gods as representations of the Supreme Being
first three Vedas. It is chanted often in Siva temples and discourage sectarianism. For spiritual authority,
throughout the world. It is within this long prayer Smartas look to the regional monasteries established
that the mantra Nama ivya first appears. across India by Shankara. These are the headquarters
shrishti: One of God Sivas five powers, that of cre- of ten orders of renunciate monks.
ation or emanation. smriti: That which is remembered; the tradi-
shruti: That which is heard (by great sages). Shruti tion. Hinduisms nonrevealed, secondary but deeply
refers to Hinduisms revealed scriptures, the Vedas revered scriptures, derived from human insight
and Agamas. and experience. Smriti texts speak of secular mat-
Shuddha (pure) Saiva Siddhanta: The oldest school ters as well as spiritual lore. 1) The term refers to
of Saiva Siddhanta, the monistic theism of Maharishi certain collections of ancient Sanskritic texts, such
Nandinatha. Besides the Vedas and Saiva Siddhanta as the Vedangas, Upavedas, Itihasas and Puranas,
Agamas, its scriptures include the Tirumantiram, etc. 2) In a general sense, smriti may refer to any text
Tirumurai and Tirukural. other than shruti (revealed scripture) that is revered
siddha: an accomplished yogi; one who has attained as scripture within a particular sect or lineage. The
great spiritual attainment or powers.
selection of smriti varies widely from one sect and tandava: Exuberant dance. Any vigorous dance
lineage to another. sequence performed by male dancers. The prototype
soul: The real being of humans, as distinguished is God Sivas dance of bliss, ananda tandava.
from body, mind and emotions. The soulknown as tapas: Severe austerity, penance, sacrifice performed
atman or purusha in Sanskrithas two aspects: the for purification. The word tapas means warmth,
form or body of the soul, which matures over many heat.
lifetimes into perfect identity with Parameshvara, temple: The English term most commonly used for
and the essence of the soul, which is already perfect a building devoted to Hindu worship. The physi-
as Parashakti and Parasiva. cal-plane home of God. It may be referred to by the
Sri Lanka: Island nation off the southern tip of India. Sanskrit terms mandira (Hindi: mandir), devalaya,
It was formerly called Ceylon. Several million Tamil Sivalaya (a Siva temple), as well as by vernacular
Saivites live here, mostly in the east and north. terms such as koyil (Tamil).
sthiti: Preservation. One of the five powers of God ten-minute spiritual workout: A quick daily regi-
Siva. men designed by Satguru Bodhinatha to maintain
sublime: Excellent, grand. Inspiring awe or reverence. key spiritual disciplines at extremely busy times in
Subrahmanya: One of Lord Murugans many names. life, such as the student years. The spiritual workout
It means very pious; dear to holy men. has four parts: worship, introspection, affirmation
Subramuniyaswami, and study.
Satguru Sivaya: theism: The doctrine that God exists as a real, con-
Satguru (19272001) of the scious, personal Supreme Being, Creator and Ruler of
Kailasa lineage within the the universe. Theism, in its various expressions, may
Nandinatha Sampradaya. include belief in the Gods.
He was initiated by Yogas- three worlds: The three dimensions of existence: 1)
wami in 1949 with a pow- Bhuloka: Earth world, the physical plane. 2) Antar-
erful slap on the back. His loka: Inner or in-between world, the subtle or
successor is Satguru Bodhi- astral plane. 3) Sivaloka: World of Siva and of the
natha Veylanswami. This Gods and other highly evolved souls, the causal
book embodies his teach- plane.
ings, as drawn from his tilaka: Distinctive marks worn by Hindus on the fore-
Master Course Trilogy. head, made with clay, ashes or sandalwood paste
subtle body: The astral as an indication of specific religious affiliation. The
body. The nonphysical, Saivite tilaka, called tripundra, is three horizontal
astral body or vehicle in strips of holy ash with a dot at the third eye, below
which the soul encases the middle of the forehead.
itself to function in the Antarloka, or subtle world. tirodhana: Concealment. Tirodhana shakti is the
subtle plane: The Antarloka or Second World, also particular energy of Siva that binds the three bonds
called the astral plane. The intermediate dimen- of anava, karma, maya to the soul. This purposeful
sion between the physical and causal worlds, where limiting of consciousness enables the soul to grow
souls in their astral bodies sojourn between incarna- and mature through experience of the world.
tions and when they sleep. It comprises several levels, tirthayatra: Pilgrimageone of Hinduisms five
from the Devaloka (realm of the devas) to the Nara- sacred duties (pancha nitya karmas). Preceded by
kaloka (realm of asuras, demonic beings). Between fasting and celibacy, this is a time of austerity, purifi-
incarnations we live fully in the realm of the subtle cation and focus on spiritual matters.
world that corresponds to our consciousness. See Tirukovaiyar: A collection of 400 devotional songs
Antarloka. by Saint Manikkavasagar. This work and the Tiruva-
Sundaranatha: The original name of Rishi Tirumular, sagam by the same author make up the eighth Tiru-
author of Tirumantiram. murai. These profound hymns embody the authors
Sundarar: One of the four great Tamil Nalvar saints. boundless love for Siva, his visionary experiences
He lived around 800 ce. and urgent quest for truth.
superconscious mind: The mind of light, the all- Tirukural: A masterpiece on ethics written in Tamil
knowing intelligence of the soul. The highest or by Saint Tiruvalluvar around 200 bce. Using a super-
most refined form of consciousness. compact verse form of 14 syllables, the poet presents
swami: A renunciate Hindu monk. See sannyasin. 133 subjects of ten verses each on God, conduct, rela-
Tamil: The ancient Dravidian language of the Tamils, tionships, human strengths and foibles, statecraft
spoken by an ethic group of 60 million people. and more. One of the worlds earliest ethical texts,
Tamil Nadu: A state in South India. the Tirukural could well be considered a bible on
virtue for the human race. In fact, it is sworn on in
South Indian courts of law.
94
Tirumantiram: Holy incantation. The Nandinatha Trishula: Trident. The
Sampradayas oldest Tamil scripture, written around three-pronged spear held
200 bce by Rishi Tirumular. One of the Tirumu- by Lord Siva, depicting
rai texts, it is a vast storehouse of esoteric knowl- Gods three fundamental
edge, including the fundamental doctrines of the 28 powers: ichcha (desire,
Saiva Siddhanta Agamas. Tirumantiram is prized will, love), kriya (action)
for expressing a unified understanding of Siddhanta and jnana (wisdom).
and Vedanta. Ujjain: A large city
Tirumular: One of the first gurus of the Nandinatha in Madhya Pradesh,
Sampradaya; a disciple of Nandinatha. He lived India. Site of the ancient
around 200 bce and wrote the Tirumantiram. Mahakaleshwar Siva temple. A traditional holy place
Tirumurai: A 12-book collection of thousands of of Saivism.
hymns and writings in praise of Siva, written from unremitting: Continuous, never letting up.
the 6th to 11th centuries by numerous South Indian Upanishads: The fourth and final portion of the Vedas,
Tamil Saivite saints. It is the most important body expounding the philosophical meaning of the Vedic
of Saiva Siddhanta scripture in Tamil. Books 1-3 hymns, the nature of God, soul and world and the
are the hymns of Sambandar (ca 600). Books 4-6 doctrines of reincarnation, karma and liberation. The
are the hymns of Appar, a contemporary of Sam- Upanishads are a collection of profound texts which
bandar. Book 7 contains the hymns of Sundara- are the source of Vedanta and have dominated Indian
murti (ca 800). These first seven books are known thought for thousands of years. Ten to 16 Upanishads
as Devarams. Book 8 consists of Saint Manikkava- are classified as major or principal.
sagars (9th century) Tiruvasagam and Tirukovaiyar. upasana: Sitting near. Worship or contemplation of
Book 9 is the Tiruvisaippa and Tiruppallandu, the God, to be performed daily without fail. This is the
works of nine saints. Book 10 is the Tirumantiram of core of religious life, the souls natural outpouring of
Saint Tirumular (ca 200 bce). Book 11 contains the love for God and the Gods. One of Hinduisms five
hymns of ten saints, including Nakkirar and Nam- sacred duties (pancha nitya karmas).
biyandar Nambi, the compiler. Book 12 is the Periya- utsava: Festival. Religious festival or holy day. Also,
puranam by Saint Sekkilar (11th century), narrating the discipline of observing holy days, including home
the life of the 63 Saiva Nayanars. and temple festivals, each year. Utsava is one of Hin-
Tirunavukkarasar: One of the four great Tamil Nal- duisms five sacred duties (pancha nitya karmas).
var saints, often known as Appar, meaning father. vahana: Vehicle. Each Hindu Deity is associated with
Tiruvalluvar: The South Indian weaver saint (ca 200 a particular animal which He/She uses as a vehicle,
bce) who wrote the Tirukural. symbolizing the Deitys nature or function. Sivas bull,
Tiruvasagam: The lyrical Tamil scripture by Saint Nandi, symbolizes strength and potency; Karttikeyas
Manikkavasagar (ca 850). Considered one of the peacock, Mayil, beauty and regality, Ganeshas mouse,
most profound and beautiful devotional works Mushika, prosperity and the ability to go anywhere.
in the Tamil language, consisting of 658 hymns, it Vaishnavism: The religion of those who hold Lord
discusses every phase of the spiritual path, from Vishnu as the Supreme God. One of the four major
doubt and anguish to perfect faith in God Siva, from denominations of Hinduism.
earthly experience to the guru-disciple relation- Vaishnavites: Followers of Vaishnavism.
ship and freedom from rebirth. The work is partly valipadu: Ritual worship; revering, following. The
autobiographical, describing how Manikkavasagar, acts of adoration of the Divine, expressed in many
the prime minister to the Pandyan king, renounced practices and ways.
the world after experiencing a vision of Siva seated vanakkam: The Tamil word of greeting that is simi-
beneath a tree. lar in meaning to namaste: reverence, respect,
tiruvasi: The ring of flames around the Siva Nataraja bowing in worship.
murti, symbolizing universal consciousness. Varanasi: City in North India, One of the most holy
tolerance: A willingness to accept that others beliefs of Saivite cities, and among the oldest cities in the
and practices differ from ones own. world. Also known as Banaras or Kashi, it is located
tripundra: The forehead mark of a Saivite: three hori- in Indias northern state of Uttar Pradesh on the
zontal lines of vibhuti (holy ash), representing the Ganges River. Hindus consider it highly sanctifying
burning away of the three bonds (anava, karma and to die in Kashi, revering it as a gateway to moksha.
maya). Often with a dot (bindi or pottu) at the third Varanasi is the site of the famed Kashi Vishwanath
eye. Women usually use less vibhuti. Holy ash is a Siva Temple.
reminder of the temporary nature of the physical vastu: Dwelling. Vastu vidya is the knowledge of
body and the urgency to strive for spiritual attain- dwelling, or architecture, as defined in ancient San-
ment and closeness to God. skrit texts called Vastu Shastras. The principles of
vastu are employed to create harmonious spaces by
integrating architecture with nature. These shastras Western: Refers to an idea, custom or practice origi-
are considered part of the body of text called the nating from Europe or North America.
Sthapatyaveda. Yajur Veda: Third of the four Vedas. The Samhita
Vedas: Sagely revelations which comprise Hindu- portion of this Veda is a special collection of hymns
isms most authoritative scripture. They, along with to be chanted during fire ritual, called yajna or homa.
the Agamas, are shruti, that which is heard. The yama: The restraints by which we control our lower
Vedas are a body of dozens of holy texts known col- nature. The first limb of ashtanga yoga.
lectively as the Veda, or as the four Vedas: Rig, Yajur, yoga: The many practices, such as meditation, breath-
Sama and Atharva. In all they include over 100,000 ing, japa, postures of the body and hands, that are
verses, as well as additional prose. The knowledge used by yogis to reach divine consciousness. Some
imparted by the Vedas ranges from earthy devo- people use the term simply for hatha yoga. See
tion to high philosophy. Each Veda has four sections: ashtanga yoga.
Samhitas (hymn collections), Brahmanas (priestly yoga pada: Stage of uniting. The third stage of
manuals), Aranyakas (forest treatises) and Upani- human unfoldment. Having matured in the charya
shads (enlightened discourses). The oldest portions and kriya padas, the soul now turns to internalized
of the Vedas are thought by some to date back as far worship and raja yoga under the guidance of a satg-
as 4,000 bcetransmitted orally for thousands of uru. It is a time of sadhana and serious striving when
years, and written down in Sanskrit in the last few realization of the Self is the goal.
millenniamaking them the worlds most ancient yogi: A man who is accomplished in yoga practices.
scriptures. Feminine: yogini.
Vedic: Of or pertaining to the Vedas. Yoga Sutras: The foremost text on ashtanga (eight-
vibhuti: Holy ash, especially sacred for Saivites. It is limbed) yoga, written by the Saivite Natha siddha
made by burning cow dung with other precious Patanjali (ca 200 bce).
substances, such as milk, ghee, honey, etc. Applied Yogaswami,
on the forehead, it symbolizes purity. See tripundra. Satguru: A highly revered
vina: Large, popular South Indian musical instrument guru of Sri Lanka (1872-
usually having seven strings and two calabash gourd 1964), the predecessor of
resonance boxes. Satguru Sivaya
Vishnu: All-pervasive. The Supreme Deity of the Subramuniyaswami.
Vaishnavite denomination of Hinduism. yogini: The feminine form
vishvagrasa: Total absorption. The final merger, of yogi.
or absorption, of the soul in Siva, by His grace, at yoke: To join, couple, link,
the fulfillment of its evolution. With the soul fully or unite.
matured and all externalities discarded, nothing dif-
ferentiates the soul from Siva.
96
Machete in hand, Gurudeva clears a path
through the jungle thicket and over natural
waterways, guided by unseen devas as he
seeks to find the holy svayambhu Sivalingam
seen in his early morning vision.