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Easy spiritual practices

CHENNAI NOV. 5 . The compositions of saints and mystics form a unique class of sacred literature. They embody their spiritual experiences and thus are more important to a spiritual aspirant than the primary scriptural texts. These works authenticate the scriptural teachings by their personal expression of what would otherwise be a mere abstract enunciation. Further, they give simple and practical guidance about spiritual life, which can be easily adopted by one and all. One such work that has been accorded the same status as the Vedas is the Nalayira Divya Prabandham of the Azhwars. They were 12 in number and these mystics gave vent to their experience of God in chaste Tamil verse and Nathamuni codified their hymns into one work.

Though all the Azhwars spoke in the same vein about the basic tenets of spirituality each one had a unique approach which was reflected in their hymns, said Natteri Sri Rajagopalachariar in his discourse on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Peyazhwar, one of the first three Azhwars. Poygai Azhwar stresses the glory of the Divine name in his hymn, Mudal Tiruvandadi, while Bhutatazhwar says that one can easily realise God by even such a simple act of plucking a lotus and offering it to Him with devotion. Peyazhwar is the one among them who has underscored the importance of the Divine Mother in the Mundram Tiruvandadi. He notes that the Supreme Being must be always addressed along with His consort.

According to the Azhwars, She is the very personification of compassion and hence it is through Her mediation that man can approach the Lord. Her grace condones man's countless sins, which stand in the way of his redemption. He says that it is enough if one constantly adores them and no other effort is necessary for liberation from bondage. It is not possible to nullify all the sins to become eligible for divine grace. So if one surrenders to Her salvation will be assured.

These hymns thus do not advocate elaborate rituals or performance of difficult sacrifices but simple exercises like cultivating the company of devotees, revering one's preceptor and worshipping God in his image form in temples. Tirumangai Azhwar says categorically that the Almighty who incarnated in ages of yore has now deigned to become accessible to mankind in images in the temples and is ever ready to grant salvation to those who worship Him.

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