The Hindu : Miscellaneous / Religion : Vallalar's path

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, May 26, 2004

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous - Religion

Vallalar's path

CHENNAI, MAY 26 . Ordinary people, caught in the humdrum of life, often wonder whether they can ever balance the material needs with their spiritual quest. The lives of great men are enduring proof, if one were needed, that this is possible. Ramalinga Vallalar, a Tamil saint, was one such sterling example, who proved one need not wear the garb of an ascetic and seek out inaccessible forests, but live among ordinary people, and pursue the spiritual path.

In his tribute to the 19th century saint, Sri Ma. Ki. Ramanan said that Vallalar offered a sustainable approach to attaining God. God extends His grace through the three sources of water — rain, waterfall or deep wells. Rainfall is His direct manifestation benefiting humanity; those who set out in search of Him are similar to the waterfall; however, the preceptors who live close to us as one of us and help us are like the well in the backyard, easily accessible.

It is with this last approach that Vallalar made a difference to the people. Aware of the seven layers of ego that cloud a person's true appreciation of ever-lasting values, he expelled ignorance by way of readily recognisable analogies. Highlighting the need for everyone of us to switch on the inherent glow of the Self, Vallalar attributed the rainbow colours to each aspect of life. Maya, the veil which blinds one to truth is black. While blue stands for a lack of awareness of what one is doing, green symbolises the prevalent power and red epitomises desire; yellow stands for knowledge, but mere knowledge without awareness of the Supreme is but half-knowledge. The curtains of ignorance should be removed by the aspirant, by his own efforts, in order to appreciate the resplendent glory of the Lord. Human beings should carry the thought of God every moment of their life. We make many offerings to God, and lighting a lamp or offering incense are two such acts. When incense is burnt, we still find ashes; similarly, the wick is a residual presence when the light in the lamp goes out. But the quality of camphor is such that it possesses no discernible identity after burning. Similarly, a true devotee should blend his thoughts with the Supreme. The golden key to unlocking the gates of heaven lie with every individual — through the symphony of the mind, the intellect and the body. When the right kind of food is consumed, desirable thoughts are unleashed which, in turn, help the intellect focus on the perennials which fructify.

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