Thirumoolar

 Thirumoolar, also known as Thirumoolar Nayanar, was a Tamil saint and poet who is believed to have lived during the 7th century CE. He is one of the 63 Nayanars, a group of Shaivite saints in the Bhakti tradition of Tamil Nadu. Thirumoolar is renowned for his philosophical and devotional poems, which are collectively known as "Thirumandiram" or "Thirumoolar Thirumandiram."

The "Thirumandiram" consists of over 3,000 verses organized into nine "tantras" or sections, covering a wide range of spiritual and philosophical topics. Each section, also known as "padal," addresses various aspects of life, yoga, meditation, ethics, and the path to self-realization.

Here is a brief description of the nine "padals" or sections of Thirumoolar's "Thirumandiram":

1. **Deekshai Pada**: This section emphasizes the importance of initiation and the Guru-disciple relationship in the spiritual journey.

2. **Bhakti Pada**: Devotion and surrender to Lord Shiva are discussed in this section, highlighting the significance of bhakti (devotion) as a path to liberation.

3. **Dharma Pada**: Thirumoolar addresses ethical and moral principles, emphasizing righteous living and good conduct.

4. **Arurpada**: The concept of the divine, the universe, and the soul's relationship with the divine is explored in this section.

5. **Kriya Pada**: Various yogic practices, including physical postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama), and meditation techniques, are discussed as means to attain spiritual realization.

6. **Yoga Pada**: This section elaborates on the different stages of yoga and the yogic path to union with the divine.

7. **Charya Pada**: Thirumoolar emphasizes the importance of service and selfless actions as a means to purify the mind and attain spiritual progress.

8. **Ananda Pada**: The state of bliss and the experience of divine love are explored in this section, highlighting the ultimate goal of spiritual practice.

9. **Samadhi Pada**: Thirumoolar discusses the state of samadhi (spiritual absorption) and the transcendence of the self in union with the divine.

Thirumoolar's poems, found in his work "Thirumandiram," are considered profound and are highly regarded in the Tamil literary and spiritual traditions. Below are a few verses from "Thirumandiram" (also known as "Thirumoolar Thirumandiram") along with English translations:

1. **Verse on the Guru-Disciple Relationship**:

   Tamil:

   ```

   குருவின் கைகளே வாழ்க்கை

   முருவுறு காலமெல்லாம் வாழ்க்கை

   வாழ்க்கை நடக்கின்றது கூட வாழ்க்கை

   முறை முறை அறியாமல் வாழ்க்கை

   ```

   English Translation:

   ```

   Guru's hands, life indeed!

   All time life, life indeed!

   Life transpires, life indeed!

   Method beyond knowing, life indeed!

   Guru's hands, nectar's feast!

   All time feast, feast indeed!

   Feast transpires, feast indeed!

   Method beyond knowing, feast indeed!

   ```

2. **Verse on the Nature of the Divine**:

   Tamil:

   ```

   அருள் பெரும்பால் அருள்

   அருள் அருளாது அருள் அருள்

   அருளாது அருள்பெரும்பால் அருள்

   அருள் அருளாது அருள் அருள்

   ```

   English Translation:

   ```

   Grace, the supreme grace!

   Grace, grace beyond grace!

   Without grace, supreme grace!

   Grace, grace beyond grace!

   ```

These verses are just a small sample of the wisdom and spiritual insight found in Thirumoolar's "Thirumandiram." His poetry explores various aspects of life, spirituality, and the path to self-realization, making it a valuable source of inspiration for seekers of truth and spirituality.

Thirumoolar's "Thirumandiram" is highly regarded in the Shaivite tradition and is considered a profound source of spiritual wisdom and guidance. It continues to be studied and revered by seekers and scholars of spirituality and philosophy in Tamil Nadu and beyond.