Compassion Always

Our parents are the first people, who show us compassion. We grow with compassion, then becoming the beacon of compassion ourselves. We, religiously learn about this compassion and then when we die. We are told that, compassion is what we take with us or leave behind. What is this "compassion"?

I was given the privilege to partake in a ceremony this weekend, which has compelled me to write my thoughts, so that it is engraved as my true purpose on this earth as a human being. It began with a long drive at 3am to Port Dickson. At first, it began as a chore but then, it begun to damn on me that it was not.

It was late one evening, on a working day that I get a call of the demise of a close relative. The question was to bathe the body in the hospital or take it back home and perform the rituals? This ritual, is not a task that is borne out of religious scriptures or the vedas. It is a simple act of compassion. Giving the deceased, the respect and honor to go in dignity. It is an act out of compassion, we use, oil and Shikakai (Acacia concinna) which is a traditional shampoo that does not need a conditioner and an anti-dandruff agent all in one. The oil is to make the body shine like it was still alive. This is done out of compassion for the deceased, and for the compassion shown by the deceased during their life. 

Many question, why 8 days, 16 days and the longest 31 days for mourning? Really, it is a question of how long your compassion needs to mourning the passing of the deceased. It can be half a day too or 64 days, but how long is it for you, is the real question? The desire not to eat meat or voraciously consume anything, it is because of the loss of a compassionate person. The bereavement is a result of the compassion shown by the deceased. We are tied by this invisible string that compels our heart to question our compassion, when we are faced with the crossroads of life and death. 

Food is cooked and brought everyday for everyone to share, the bereavement process is reduced and the compassion expanded. There are light moments shared, after a solemn prayer to commemorate the compassionate one. New bonds and relationships are strengthened, the idea of compassion becomes more appreciated and fun. The willingness to share deepens as the bonds of old are renewed. 

Although, each funeral pyre is acted out according to the fundamental believe systems of each religion. Since, Saivaite cremate, which to them, an act of compassion, freeing the soul from all attachment. Although It may be seen otherwise to others. In all religions, we have the same message being repeated over and over again. The act may vary but the higher attainment is always the same, compassion.

All religions ultimately, reach out to create more compassionate souls. Don't fault the seeker, no matter how subverted their path to compassion maybe. There are limitations within the human mind that can be exploited for the gain of a few unworthy. However long this slavery maybe, the mind will always come back to being compassionate. No one on this earth can survive without showing compassion or getting compassion at some point.

I hail Mr. Sim Siak Hong, for his compassion. He has shown the world that compassion really can solve problems and demand respect. Now, I have another reason to drive to Kuantan, for the compassion this great soul had shown. Compassion to him is a real object that can be utilized while one is still alive. He shall always be remembered in the mouths of men as the compassionate one.

Compassion, is truly the beacon of a human being. 

Sivapuranam in translation

This was an historic event when Saint Manikavasagar placed the Namam on Shiva by calling him Namasivaya in the first word of the Siva Puranam. Then quickly acknowledging, his goal was to attain the feet of the lord, which he could not erase from his mind even for a blink, that it was so entrenched in his heart and engraved in his memory. There was a great king that lived in Kokazhi in the image of You (my Lord) in real-life form, giving gifts of pearls and gems. Made Your presence so clear and sweet for protecting us, through Your scriptures. The only reality is to realize Your feet, my Lord.

Living in Your presence (Your feet) there are no impurities, You are in everything and everything is in You. Your presence removes birth, brings the nonbeliever closer, and closing the loop of time. It dilates the non-theists into believing, for this I dwell in constant worship, raising my hands over my head to adore You and bowing my head to Your glories.  

You are my father in heaven that is responsible for the love that resonates in my heart. You have opened Your heart like a lotus that has engulfed all impurities making You the envy of flawlessness. Nothing but illusions of birth and death is severed, oh my lord of Perunthurai.

Your love is never-ending, constantly flowing, carrying its own weight forming a mountain. It has engulfed all of my presence as it continues to expand, how can I not worship You when I am already in Your bliss. My elation in song and dance is a sign of my joy for the unconditional blissful shower. You are providing everything for me to rid myself of this selfish and sordid past that is so untrue in Your presence.

You, whom that has seen everything, even the unseen, has forgiven me! My awareness is adoration to You, Your excellence, the bright light, and the no-light that pervades the universe. Praise that is unbounded by any boundary to Your glories. My words fail me because I am a sinner, that has failed You countless times with evil deeds.  

It all began when I was cast to this earth; as helpless grass that has been trampled on by many; as a worm that has lived in the most pitiful places on earth; as an animal who lives by the senses without remorse; as a bird free without wanting attachments; as a stone that has been on this earth for so long that even time has forgotten; as a human with no knowledge of You; as a ghost with no love, shelter, family, food or joy; as an angel witnessing all the beauty and peace this world can offer; as a good-hearted warrior with accolades of victories on my belt; as a sage with superhuman achievements; as a celestial god among devas. I have been reduced to all these names and forms, static and in motion.

I have taken all these births, I have exhausted my evolution, please redeem me! You are the truth and it is Your feet that I long to attain. The sight of Your golden feet is what will free me from this bondage. The OM is a symbol in my heart for You to hear. Please come and take me oh perfect, one the bull. I call You with my loudest voice that this mortal can muster.

I am boiling and freezing both at the same time in Your purity. Even truth disappears in Your presence. You appear as the beacon of true knowledge. You are dispelling my ignorance with all the little pleasures You are showering me. Enlightenment is the end result, my lack of knowledge is in the way.

I can smell Your fragrance, I know I am among You but You are too shy to show Your self. You remain unseen because I lack the clarity to see the ghee inside the milk. Your devotees carry Your presence and it is their love sweet like nectar that reveals Your identity.   

Like the ghee in milk, You are mixed in all of life, occupying every heart of devotees. You end the chain of life, with a blow from the five elements. Like thunder, You strike Your devotee and lead them to the celestial.

Now, why do I want to leave this body and come to You?

I am entrenched in dark deceptions of evil deeds. This birth is bound by a celestial string called "Aram paavam". The skin, a false object of beauty covers shit and worms. This life will leave the body when any one of the nine orifices closes at Your mercy, I die. The sense is in senseless deceit of its own puzzle. I have no affection for this intoxication of birth and death.

Can You see my pure heart! My growing love for You and Your grace melts my heart. This low life, the scum of the earth lacks any good to deserve this love. You are my teacher, to Your feet I adore, even the Dog is a greater servant than I.

Your love is shown greater than a mother’s, blooming like the flowers blossom, rich in color flawless. Oh Lord the lustrous one, the sweet ambrosia of the Sivapuranam. The lord who severs the bond and showers his blessings and love on me. The one that is deceitful and unworthy.  

With permanent stature, You, the great river of bountiful grace, flowing nectar without measure. You bring light to the dull and dark. You melt my heart and then blend it forever until life and You are one. I know You are with and without pain or pleasure.

A friend to the friendly and anything to nothing. Of flaming light is how I see You, the enlighten-er. Expanding into darkness in Your wake. Yet contained in love. Covering all of Time, the timelessness, at the end, middle and naught, all in one. I am forced to serve You my father, the Lord. Who pays tremendous importance to understanding and to true understanding.

I look everywhere with eyes open and I can’t find You but the moment I close my eyes You are right there next to me. A rare object that cannot be seen, it is subtle and sensitive in very fine existence in consciousness. There is no death, birth, or coalescence in Your blessings. The protector of all and the lord of light unseen. A dam of love in a flood forged up greater than a giant. Beaming light from the consciousness with words that can’t be described.

The universe is dynamic and from the outside, You preside. You clear my thoughts by the influence from without. Dancing around the universe like it was Your devotee's mind. Unlocking the caged mind with nectar and perpetuating a spring from within. Release me from this caged mind and dying body.  I can’t stand it any longer, my Lord!  

 

I have been surviving with empty thoughts, deeds, words, and praise. The consequence always returns in-opposition of good and bad. Please, my Lord, save me from this falsehood and decaying body. As You dance in the midnight, my drama continues to unfold, beholden to You.

Only You can save me from this pain and with the OM I chant as a call, to praise You pricelessly, take me to Your feet. The redeemer of all births, I call You with the love that You thought me. I sing this with all my will and knowledge, aware of the words and meaning, feeling You in every call. I am destined to Sivapuram to worship Your feet. That will elevate the devotee to exalted servitude.

Thiruchitrampalam