Tirumandiram – 54

The only path

Thiruneriyavadhu Chithachithandri

Peruneriyaya Piranai Ninaindu

Guruneriyam Siva Maneri Kudum

Oruneri Ondraga Vedantam Odume||

Vedanta is the end of all knowledge. It talks about something which is beyond knowing. That Vedanta says that the path of the Lord is neither Chit or Achit. His path is non-pareil.  Remembering the Lord, we will realise the great pathless path of Shiva, pointed out by the Guru. It is the one path that unites all paths that lead to the Lord. - SS

Tirumandiram - 53

Supports the Vedas

Irukkuruvam Ezhil Vedhathinulle
Urukkunar Vayunar Vedhathul Ongi
Verukkkuru Vagila Vedhiyar Sollung
Karukkuruvai Nindra Kannanumaame||

The Lord stands behind the beautiful Rig Veda as its essential song. He is the inspiring chant of the vedas by the priest as the pupil of the eye which witnesses all when the Vedas are chanted with devotion and love, the Lord is present completely as he is the essence of the very Vedas themselves. - SS

Tirumandiram - 52

What for the Vedas?

Vedam Uraithaalum Vediyan Aagilan
Vedam Uraithaanum Veda Vilangida
Vedam Uraithaanum Vediyar Velvikkai
Vedam Uraithanum Meipporul Kattave

The books of knowledge called the Vedas were given to the world by Brahma himself. He however is not the author of the Vedas. He gave it so that we may know our creator. He gave the Vedas so that we might do the required Yagnas and Yagas to get what we want in this world and in the other planes of existence. He spelt out the Vedas not just that we may prosper, but to reveal the truth and the supreme reality. - SS

Tirumandiram - 51

The way home

Vedathai Vitta Aramillai; Vedathin
Odhath Thagum Aram Ellam Uladharka
Vadhathai Vittu Mathignar Valamuttra
Vedathai Odhiye Vidu Pettravar.

We are lost in a forest and it is becoming dark. We need to find out our way back home fast. Someone comes around with a torch and we follow the path shown by him and reach fast. 
The Vedas or books of knowledge which are nothing but the breath of the Lord, is the ultimate guide in showing our way home. The Vedas contain the essence of all things that we need to necessarily do. The wise ones do not debate on this. Instead, they chant the Vedas and follow its path and reach their original home, the pure and unsullied self. - SS.

Tirumandiram - 50

I sing and dance with joy

Sooduvan Nenjidai Vaippan Piraiendru

Paduvan Panmalar Thoovi Panindunin

Raduvan Adi Amararpiran Endru

Naduvan Yanindrarivathu Thane

I adore the Lord who is in my heart and sing His praise with flowers and dance with joy at His immortal presence. I seek that which I know is in me right now. - S.S.

Tirumandiram - 49

The Trinity

Parai Pasu Pasathu Nadhanai Ulli

Uraipasu Pasatg thorungavallarkkuth

Thirai Pasu Pasach Chezhungadal Neendhik

Karai Pasu Pasang Kadandeidalaame.

There is a trinity in Shaivism. It is Pati, Pasu and Pasam. Literally translated, it means cowherd, cow and the tether. Figuratively it means the Lord, the supreme essence, Pashu is the soul and Pasham is the rope that binds. When the rope is yoked to the Lord, the soul is liberated. When it is tethered to the world, it is bound by nature and its names and forms. Meditate on the supreme. Connect and be in tune with it. That is the only way for the animal soul to cross over to the land of eternity. - Swahilya Shambhavi. (Peacock at a guest house in Tiruvannamalai. Pic. S.S.)

Tiirumandiram - 49

The unfailing light

Adiyar Paravum Amarar Piranai

Mudiyal Vanangi Mudalvanai Munnip

Padiyar Arulum Paramparan Endai

Vidiya Vilakkendru Mevinindrene

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The Lord within, all the devotees adore. I worship with my head bowed down. He blesses me belonging to the gross material plane and I look up to him as the light that never ceases to be.

- Swahilya Shambhavi (Pic: Sunlight streams through the trees early one morning at a city park.)