Miscellaneous
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Religion
Worldly desires must be sublimated
CHENNAI, JAN 3. The religious tradition attaches great significance to the Tamil month of Margazhi during which the two hymns, the Tiruppavai and the Tiruvempavai, are recited and discoursed upon in temples and in homes during the pre-dawn hour of ``Brahmamuhurta''. This time is eminently suited to meditation and spiritual practices as the mind is calm after a good night's sleep and the distractions of the world are yet to impinge on the consciousness.
One day for the celestials (Devas) is reckoned to be equivalent to one year for human beings in the world and the month of Margazhi happens to be the Brahmamuhurta hour for the Devas and hence set aside exclusively for the pursuit of spiritual practices. Even if one does not delve into the esoteric significance of the Tiruppavai with the help of the traditional commentaries on it, a lay understanding is of immense value to a devotee.
Andal shows how a devotee must worship God. The hymn describes the performance of an austerity during this month in a community spirit. It highlights the fact that one has to sacrifice and strive hard to realise any goal whether secular or religious. At the outset it is mentioned that the performance of this ``Paavai Nonbu'' is undertaken with the objective of getting bountiful rainfall which will ensure abundant foodgrains and material prosperity. This is akin to the Upanishadic prayer for peace and well-being of all in the world.
In his discourse, Swami Asutoshananda said this hymn was testimony to the fact that the Vedas did not advocate only the spiritual goal but also material benefits which were necessary to lead a fulfilled life in the world. But, it emphasises that the spirit of sacrifice is important while striving for any goal as this will ensure that the sense of ego will be effaced. The person then develops equanimity of mind to accept and enjoy the same as God's grace (Prasada) and not just the result of his self-effort. A spiritual aspirant must always remember that there is no limit to material pleasures. If they are sought as end in themselves it is very easy to remain ensnared in hedonistic pursuits. Another practical aspect of spiritual life that Andal teaches in this hymn is that it is not possible for the majority of human beings to pursue the spiritual goal exclusively without realising their secular ambitions and fulfilling their desires. She shows how one can sublimate these desires by enjoying everything as God's grace by subsuming them under the ultimate objective of realising God.
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