Thursday, 13 August 2015


8.7 PANCHAKRA PAHRODAI: THE IMPORTANCE OF THE FIVE LETTERS


This is one of the 14 books of the thiru-avaduthurai pandara sastrangal. This book deals with the five principles of the AGAMA ontology. The five principles of the saiva siddhantham are represented by the term si-va-ya-na-ma. The five words are symbolic of the hidden meanings in the siva.

Related image


1.Si=siva = represented as the sun

2.Va=sakthi =represented as the rays of light

3.Ya=pasa bondages= represented as the  eye of the observer

4.Na=jeevan=lamp with the flame

5.Ma=Maya=darkness that surrounds the lamp


The jeeva is a reservoir of malam. The pasa brings the jeevan close to the maya and brings it to the state of mayeyam. This process is done by the power of thirodhana.  Hence the mayeyam and thirodhina sakthi   also becomes the malam.


“Thirodhina sakthi (திரோதனசக்தி)is another example for the repression usage in siddhantha psychology.” But here the repression is done by the self and is part of the malam(id).


Where as the maraithal (மறைத்தல்)(hiding) function is also similar to repression but from the act of siva(superego). In Freudian psycho-analysis this is not the way repression is potrayed.


The malam are therefore five:

1.anavam ஆணவம்

2.kanmam கன்மம்

3.maya மாயம்

4.mayeyam மாயேயம்

5.thirodhina திரோதினம்


The five principles of panchkram ( panja-atcharams) help the jeeva to get rid of the five malam. The process is described subsequently. The five stages are illustrated with the beautiful example of

1.sun

2.light rays from the sun

3.the eye which catches the light

4. the lamp with its flame

5.darkness around the lamp.

Image result for candle light with shadow around


The sun and its rays are the siva and its sakthi. The eye which catches the light does not have light of its own. The flame of the lamp which has the light does not know the light by itself. The darkness that surrounds the lamp is the maya of the world.


Lord siva through the power of sakthi comes as the rays of light to the world. But the eye which sees the light does not have a light of its own is compared to ignorance of the soul. The flame which has alight but does not enjoy the illumination for it is again shown as the anava malam .


 The darkness which surrounds the lamp in the form of its shadow is the veil of maya which accompanies the jeevan all through the life .


Pan chakra pahrodai[i] (பஞ்சாக்கிர பஃரொடை)is an excellent doctrine from thiru-avadu-thurai-adheenam. It was written in 15th century.

The five  kanus (கணு)of sugarcane:

The pan chakra pahrodai makes the principles simple by giving an analogy of the sugar cane and its “kanus”. the sugar cane is called the gnana karumbu (ஞானக்கரும்பு)and it is also mentioned in other earlier literature and patinathar too.


The various states of the mind are described as sakkiram, soppanam,dhoorium, suzhuthi..etc. these states are described in mandookya Upanishads. These conscious states descriptions are one of the earliest concepts in Veda. This is in fact the Hindu phenomenology and existentialism.

The states of conscious can be brought about from one stage to another by systematic sadhanas. The sadhanas are similar to modern psycho-analysis.


The steps are divided to five by the saiva tradition for the sake of simplicity and easy understanding.  The five steps in the ascending order are: ma-na-ya-va-si    ---வா-சி       ( sivayanama in reverse)


The sugar cane analogy is a symbolism . sugar cane by itself is not a principle.

 Image result for sugar cane pieces

The five kanu are:


1.Ma: thathva roopam,tathva darsanam, tathva suthi and anma roopam : ninmala sakkiram(தத்துவரூபம், தத்துவதரிசனம், தத்துவசுத்தி, ஆன்மரூபம் இவை நிந்மல சாக்கிரமாம்)


2.Na: anma darsanam, sivaroopam , : ninmala swapnam (ஆன்மதரிசனம்,சிவரூபம் இவை நிந்மல சொப்பனமாம்)

3.Ya: ninmala suzhuthi (நிந்மல சுழுத்தியாம்)


4.Va:வா anma suthi, anma Siva darisanam, Siva yogam: ninmala dhooriyam (ஆன்மசுத்தி, ஆன்ம சிவதரிசனம், சிவ யோகம் இவை நிந்மல தூரியமாம்)


5.Si:சி siva boham(anma labam)    (சிவபோகம் என்பது ஆன்மலாபமாம்)                 


The jeeva is in the beddha(பெத்த நிலை) initially and it is called the beddha state: ma-na-ya (--)

It progresses to the mukthi state gradually : va-si;

வா-சி(முக்திநிலை)

This progress from beddha state to mukthi state is the essence of pachakram.


The mantra therefore is a symbolism of the progress of the soul to higher state(?healthy state).

In the “beddha states” the jeevan is bound by the pasu knowledge only. It is the embodiment of  the worldly pleasures. The bondages of pasa occupy it. The pasa are anava,kanma and maya..


By knowing the siva alone the Nandi can reach the pathi (linga).  The jeeva (Nandi) by taking the panchakra  principles leaves the pasa malams and reaches the siva. That is the mukthi state.

The beddhah states the soul progress from one step to another by the ten steps.

The ten steps are:


1.tatva roopam தத்துவரூபம்

2.tatva darsanam தத்துவதரிசனம்

3.tatva suthi தத்துவசுத்தி

4.anma roopam ஆன்ம ரூபம்

5.anama darsanam ஆன்மதரிசனம்

6.anma suddhi ஆன்ம சுத்தி

7.siva roopam சிவரூபம்

8.siva darsanam சிவதரிசனம்

9.siva yogam சிவயோகம்

10. siva boham சிவபோகம்


Siva boham is the highest state. The ten steps are called dhasa kariam. They will be discussed in the following  chapter.

The ten kariams(actions) are called dhasa kariam[ii].


 The dhasa kariam are steps in the progress of the soul to the highest states(mukthi).  It starts from the lowest state in tathva roopam and ends in siva boham.  Each stage is consisting of various combinations of the malam and finally the complete cleansing of all  malam .






[i] THE PRODUCTION OF THE FOUR VAKKU: Tattuva Kattalei,Translated. by Rev. Henry. R. Hoisington
Edited by Sri. T.N. Ramachandranhttp://www.shaivam.org/siddhanta/san_tattuva_kattalai.htm
Sukkumei is produced by the Tattuvam Sivam as the efficient cause, and his Satti, as the instrumental cause.
Peisanti is produced by the Tattuvam Sathakkiyam and his Satti.
Mattimei is evolved by the Tattuvam Isuran and his Satti.
Veikari is developed by Sutta-Vittei (Rudra)and his Satti.
Note : Thus, by means of the four Vakku, the soul is brought under the influence of its proper organism, and is made ready to be vivified, and to act according to the requirements of its fate, or kanma-malam. What next follows describes the manner in which the soul is fully reinstated in the possession of the powers of life.
II. Ascending States of the Soul
The way in which the imperfectly conscious soul, in these four vakku, is brought to a state of consciousness and activity, is as follows.
Sivam develops the Tattuvam (or Vinttu): Satti evolves kalam, niyathi, and kalei. Kalei having removed, by little and little, anava-malam, just as fire removes the particles of wood burnt, the soul, in the form of kalei, associates with itself piranan, in turiyam and then becomes an inhabitant of sulutti.
Then Gnana Satti (ஞானாசத்தி) evolves Sutta-Vittei. Sutta Vittei develops, for the soul, arivu (அறிவு), understanding. Ichcha-Satti (இச்சாசத்தி) brings forth the Tattuvam Isuram. Isuram produces the Tattuvam rakam. Then rakam develops, for the soul, ichchei, desire (or the passions).
Note : Gnana-Satti, the goddess of the wisdom, is the ultimate source of understanding or wisdom to the soul. Ichcha-Satti the goddess of desire, is the ultimate source of desire or passion. Kiriya-Satti, mentioned below, is the ultimate source of action to souls.
The soul is thus invested with the proper forms of desire, understanding, and action, which constitute the avatharam that exists in the heart (or the middle region). In this state the soul is denominated purusha-tattuvam (புருஷ தத்துவம்), and also panchakanchukan (பஞ்ச கஞ்சுகன்) the lord (or possessor) of the first five (of the Vittiya-Tattuvam).
In the same way, Kiriya-Satti (கிரியாசத்தி) evolves, in the avatharam of purusha-tattuvam, Sathakkiyam. Sathakkiyam develops pirakiruthi (ullam, a form of pirakiruthi). This pirakiruthi connects with the soul as kunam. Then the soul, in the form of the Great Kunam, stands in union with the Tattuvam, as a preparation for the experience of good and evil.
Conscious state of the soul in Soppanam.
The instrumentality by which the soul becomes intelligent in the avatharam of soppanam, consists of the following five Tattuvam, viz; manam, putti, akangkaram, sittam and ullam. These respectively evolve the symbols a, u, m Vintu, Natham. Thes symbols develop the five mundane gods, viz: Brahma, Vishnu, Ruttiran, Mayesuran, Sathasivan. The soul possessing these Tattuvam, becomes sukkuma teki (சுக்குமதேகி), an intelligent and active individual, in soppanam, in the same way as it experiences good and evil in sakkiram. With these qualifications, it becomes an inhabitant of sakkiram.
Note : The symbols, a, u, etc. constitute the panchakkaram (பஞ்சாக்கரம்), the five lettered mantiram, in its second stage of development.
Intelligent and Active State of the Soul in Sakkiram.
The method is as follows. When the soul, standing in the place of akasam, ether and possessing sottiram, the organ of hearing, apprehends sattam, sound vakku, mouth, will give utterance to the same.
When the soul, standing in the Element vayu, air, and being in possession of tokku, the organ of feeling, distinguishes parisam, touch, the feet will move.
When the soul, in the Element teyu, fire, and in possession of Sadchu, the organ of sight, discriminates rupam, form, the hands will perform their functions of giving and receiving.
When the soul, in the element appu, water and in the possession of singnguvei, the organ of taste, perceives rasam, taste, payuru will perform their office of separating and voiding the excrements.
When in piruthuvi, earth and in the possession of akkiranam, the organ of smell, the soul perceives kantam, smell, upatham will yield delight.
In the avatharam in which these operations are carried on, Anna-Satti (அன்னசத்தி), the abstract Satti, brings forth the Tattuvam called Sivam. This sivam evolves mayei (the last of the Vittiya-Tattuvam). This mayei, Standing in the form of kunam, and by means of the nine kunam, magnifies things (or causes the soul unduly to magnify the things of sense), and to call a lie the truth. By this means, the soul becomes subject to births and deaths.
Thus far (Melal-Avattei, also denominated) Sakala-Avattei (சகல அவத்தை).
III. Pure States of the Soul
Note : The sueecessive States, or stages of progress, of the soul towards its ultimate deliverance from its entangle ments in the body, are called ninmala-avattei (நின்மல அவத்தை), the Avattei in which malam is destroyed. The course of the soul, here, is through the Ascending States.
The elucidation of the ninmala-avattei in the Sutta-Avattei, is as follows.
When one's kanmam has met its award, and anava-malam is satisfied; when one has received the lamp of wisdom from one's Guru; and when one has come to distinguish and understand Sivan, the soul, and pasam, then one's avatharam, organism, in which one will receive grace, is as follows.
1. When the soul comes to a full vision of the Elements, his stula - sariram (ஸ்தூல சரீரம்), gross body, will cease to exist (or will cease to control or influence him). This state is called ninmala- sakkiram (நின்மல சாக்கிரம்).
2. When one gets a vision of the Intiriyam, five perceptive Organs, and five Organs of Action, the Elements will withdraw (or cease to affect the soul). This is ninmala - soppanam (நின்மல சொப்பனம்).
3. When one comes to understand the Antakaranam, Intellectual Organic Faculties, the INtiriyam will cease to exert their influence. This state is called ninmala-sulutti (நின்மல சுழுத்தி).
4. When the Vittiya-Tattuvam are revealed to the soul then the Antakaranam will withdraw their influence. This state is denominated ninmala-turiyam (நின்மல துரியம்).
5. When the Sutta-Tattuvam are clearly understood, then the Vittiya-Tattuvam will cease to operate on the soul. This state is called ninmala-turiyathitham (நின்மல துரியாதீதம்).
Further view of the Soul in these Ninmala Avattei.
Ninmala-sakkiram is the state in which one's Anta-karanam, which had let out the soul through the senses, become Sivakaranam (or divinely illuminated), so that, from having seen the world as eternal, one now humbly approaches and obtains grace (help) of one's Guru.
Note : This is the transcendental development of one's mind, which one grasps at once, or intuitively understands, all things and circumstances as they are.
Ninmala soppanam is the state in which the soul, by hearing and understanding his Guru, comes to see Sivan. He then becomes exalted, draws near, and is made a possessor of Sivan's enjoyment. In this, it is neither too much elated, nor zealoius, nor overwhelmed.
Note : This is a stage in sanctification, when one's spiritual, or illuminated vision begins to govern and regulate one's affections.
Ninmalasulutti is an advanced stage in self-government in which the devotee is enabled to receive honor, or a distinguished name, without the propensity to say; "I have made this acquisition," etc.
Note : Such an one is supposed to have got the victory over his natural pride and vanity, so completely do his spiritual visions engross him.
Ninmala-turiyam is the state in which the soul reaches the sampurana-tisei (சம்பூரண திசை)*, region of plenty, whence happiness flows in upon it.
( * The translator should have meant தசை (state, condition). Ed.)
Ninmala-turiyathitham is the state in which the soul transcends even the four above-named attainments, and leaves them.
Note : The soul is now in Siva-Rupam, and is a sivam, a god, rather than a mere soul, and is in full participation of the joys of Sivan.
All that can be said of the soul in this state of sampurana-tisei, is that Sivan will appear to it, and shine as the sun, with unspeakable and overwhelming splendor.
Thus, one who has obtained the vision of ninmala-sakkiram, will have one's natural propensities and powers of talking, etc., stupefied, and checked, like one bathing under water, and like one who has eaten to repletion.
Thus far the Karana-Avattei (Karana, radical, in reference to the ninmala-avattei), which are also called Suttam (Sutta-Avattei).
[ii] TESA - KARIYAM (தெச காரியம்) Tattuva Kattalei,Translated. by Rev. Henry. R. Hoisington
Edited by Sri. T.N. Ramachandranhttp://www.shaivam.org/siddhanta/san_tattuva_kattalai.htm
Note : The phrase tesa - kariyam means, literally, the ten things. Here, it refers to the ten principal states or positions of the soul in its organism, the human microcosm. These states involve all the relations of the soul to the Tattuvam here brought to view so far as they bear on its moral and religious character, and on its present condition and prospects. These are topics which belong exclusively to the initiated, or such as have taken a regular course in Hindu theology, and who have advanced to the last stage of religious life, called gnana - patham, the way of wisdom.
The Tesa-Kariyam are as follows, viz; Tattuva-Rupam (தத்துவ ரூபம்), the Form (or body) of the Tattuvam; Tattuva Terisanam (தத்துவ தெரிசனம்), the vision of the Tattuvam; Tattuva-Sutti (தத்துவ சுத்தி), the Purity (or Cleansing) of the Tattuvam; Attuma-Rupam (ஆத்தும ரூபம்), the soul's Proper Form; Attuma-Terisanam (ஆத்தும தெரிசனம்), the Vision of the Soul; Attuma Sutti (ஆத்தும சுத்தி), the Purity of the Soul; Siva Rupam (சிவரூபம்), Sivan's Proper Form (or Sivan, as incarnate Deity); Siva-Terisanam (சிவ தெரிசனம்), the vision of Sivan; Siva-Yokam (சிவ யோகம்), the Union with Sivan; Siva-Pokam (சிவபோகம்), the Enjoyment of Sivan.
Note : These states are first very briefly defined; and then, with the exception of the first three, are repeated, and more fully explained.
I. Tattuva - Rupam is the visible form in which the soul perceives the Mukkunam (or is brought fully under their in fluence), and made to understand their existence.
Note : This is the condition of the embodied soul in its first stage of spiritual enlightenment. The Three Kunam are the ultimate source of all quality or character in man, and may be indefinitely developed and expanded. But the more generic and prominent development is three-fold, making nine kunam. According to another author the three are as follows. Sattuvika-kunam, goodness, produces illulmination, and mildness in thought, word and deed. Operating in these directions, it becomes an 'unfailing and perfect light to the soul arousing it, and making it ready to eat the fruit of its own doing.' Rasatha-kunam, passion, produces for the soul the propensity to excessive occupation in thought, word and deed, and asperity in the same. By these means it prepares the soul to receive pleasure and pain, according to its kanmam, or the law of its fate. Tamatha-kunam brings forth arrogance, that egotistic kunam which says: "There is none like me," etc., and wilfulness, or depraved will. By these means, it welcomes all sensual objects, and brings them to the soul.
The first stage in the soul's spiritual progress, is a degree of self knowledge, by which it has a view of these kunam, and its relations to them.
II. Tattuva-Terisanam is the state in which the soul discovers the nature of its existence with the Tattuvam, and the method in which they operate (or how it lives in them).
III. Tattuva-Sutti is the state in which the soul comes to understand that the Tattuvam are distinct from itself, and in which they withdraw their influence (or cease to influence the soul).
IV. Attuma Rupam is the state in which the soul comes to understand that the form called gnanam is the real form (or a firm reality).
Note : The soul has been already illuminated by Sivagnanam, the light, or wisdom, of Sivan, though it knows it not. It now discovers that there is a real existence in which 'It lives, and moves, and has its being," and through the agency of which it has made all its previous discoveries and advances, though it does not yet understand its true relation to this gnanam.
V. Attuma - Terisanam is the state in which the soul comes fully to understand Tattuva - Terisanam, and when it rites superior to the influence of the Tattuvam; but it now considers, that it is by its own understanding that it has thus advanced.
VI. Attuma - Sutti is the state in which the soul understands its own proper powers of mind, and is prepared to say that it is Sivan that bestows favors in both pentam (பெந்தம்), its organic entanglements, and mutti (முத்தி), its liberated state.
Note : The doctrine here taught is, that the soul, in this stage has learned that whatever it may have ascribed to itself, or to its own understanding and powers, at any time, should be accredited to Sivan, as the result of his direct agency; and that this agency is in strict accordance with the laws of kanmam, fate.
VII. Siva-Rupam is the state in which the soul comes to know that Sivan exists in the form of gnanam, which is beyond the reach of the thirty-six Tattuvam, and the mode of existence and operation of which is incomprehensible and ineffable.
Note : This divine form, Siva, Rupam, is what the soul should aspire to attain. It is a state of bliss which the human intellect can neither apprehend nor describe. The discovery now made is, tha such is Sivan's proper form and that such may be the form, or embodiment, of the soul.
VIII. Siva-Terisanam is the state in which the soul learns that it is this gnanam which makes the thirty-six Tattuvam known to the soul, explains them, and releases the soul from their control, and also, that it gives the soul a view of itself.
IX. Siva-Yokam is the state in which the soul sinks into Gneyam (ஞேயம்) the god who is embodied in gnanam, and becomes the possessor (or subject) of the gnanam (or becomes itself a gneyam or sivam).
Note : The soul here becomes clothed in divine habiliments. Dressed in gnanam, it is prepared to be associated with God, to be forever in so close a union with Him, as to form unity in duality, an attuvitham (அத்துவிதம்), like that of soul and body.
X. Siva-Pokam is the state in which the soul understands that this gnanam will never leave it, and in which it exists as gnanam, or in the form of Siva-gnanam.
Sub-divisions and Further Explanations of the last seven of the Tesa-Kariyam.
I. Sub divisions of Attuma-Rupam
In this state, the soul exists as the possessor of the forms of ichchei, desire; gnanam, wisdom, and kirikei, action.
1. As the subject of ichchei, the soul desires and pursues the necessaries and comforts of life.
2. As the subject of gnanam, it takes a discriminating view of things.
3. As the subject of kirikei, the soul labors (or acts), and pursues and holds all things as its own property.
II. Sub divisions of Attuma Terisanam
In this state, the soul gets a view of itself in ichchei, in kirikei, and in gnanam.
1. When the soul has arrived at this stage, ichchei, passion, will live and operate through the Antakaranam.
2. When its kirikei is active, the soul being in this stage, it will operate through the Kanmentiriyam, Organs of Action.
3. Now the soul renounces these sensible objects, as not belonging to a spiritual being (a Wise Man), and recovers itself, and stands (or forsakes the vanities of sense, and cleaves to realities).
III. Explanation of Attuma Sutti
Attuma Sutti is the state in which, when the soul has seen itself, it discovers both the method in which it knows all things by the aid of Sivan, and also the way in which Sivan is manifest to the soul; and when it stands in Sivan's Gnana-Satti as its own gnana-satti, being dissociated from both malam and Sivan.
IV. Sub divisions of Siva Rupam
Sivan as well as the soul, in the human microcosm has the three-fold form of ichchei, passion; gnanam, wisdom; and kirikei, action.
1. Ichchei is the form in which He desires to set souls free in mutti.
2. Gnanam is the form in which He apprehends, in one connected view, the kanmam of souls (or all their transactions from eternity).
3. Kirikei is the form in which, in order that there may be effected for souls a proper adjustment of their kanmam. He knows the whole aggregation of their kanmam from eternity, both such as are ready to be cancelled, and such as are not; brings them together, and causes the soul to eat (experience) what remains, and thus brings them to an end.
V. Explanation of Siva - Terisanam
In order to reveal Himself to souls, Sivan causes the kanmam to depart from them. For this purpose He stands in three forms, and bestows His favor (or illuminating grace). These three instrumental forms through which he shines on the soul, are (the three lingam, which are designated by) the terms he, she, it.
VI. Explanation of Siva - Yokam
When the soul is thus favoured by Sivan, He conceals the three forms in which He stands, and in which He develops all things; and, when He produces the Tattuvam and the soul, and causes the soul's kanmam to live and operate, He hides himself from the view of the soul, within His own proper form. Into this most perfect Sivan it the beatified soul (sinks; and losing all distinction of the internal and the external, it sees Sivan as He is, and comes into such a union with Him, that theycease to be two or such as to form with God a unity in duality).
Note : The native commentators represent this union of the soul with God, as being effected by Siva-gnanam, which is in this case Siva Satti, or Arul Satti (அருள் சத்தி). She envelops the soul as with a beam of sacred light, the effullgence of Sivan; so that the soul becomes, as it were, identified with Her, and a sharer in all Her joys. And She being an essential part of Deity the soul is, by this means, brought into this most perfect union with God. The soul's proper form is now Siva - gnanam, and hence the soul is a sivam.
VII. Explanation of Siva - Pokam
The soul standing in the form of Para-Satti, and being a sharer in Her joys, and Sivan, who is the foundation of delight, and the soul, having thus ceased to be two, Siva-anupokam (சிவ அநுபோகம்), the divine delectation, springs up in the soul. Thus this enjoyment of the soul with Sivan arises from Sivan, just as heat from fire, and coolness from water. Tattuva Kattalei,Translated. by Rev. Henry. R. Hoisington
Edited by Sri. T.N. Ramachandranhttp://www.shaivam.org/siddhanta/san_tattuva_kattalai.htm

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