ii

“He has sweetly graced me,

with joyous compassion”
- Auvaiyar, Lady legend amidst Sidhars

iii
iv
 kz;Zyfpy;: brk;gu; 22> 1964

tpz;Zyfpy;: xf;Nlhgu; 16> 2020

espdp jpUf;Fkhud;

ntz;gh
Mz;L rhu;tupahk; Gul;lhrpj;jpq;fs;
tsu;kjp gpujikapNy - Qhyj;jpy; rpwg;Gw;w
ey;yhs; espdp ew;fjpaila
rptd; espdk; mile;j ehs; !

1
 tpehafu; tzf;fk;
Scan QR to play
thf;Fz;lhk; ey;y kdKz;lhk; khkyuhs;
Nehf;Fz;lhk; Nkdp Elq;fhJ - G+f;nfhz;L
Jg;ghu; jpUNkdpj; Jk;gpf;if ahd;ghjk;
jg;ghkw; rhu;thu; jkf;F. - xsitahu;

gQ;rGuhzk;
Njthuk;
Scan QR to play
ryk;G+nthL J}gk; kwe;jwpNad;
jkpNohbir ghly; kwe;jwpNad;
eye;jPq;fpYk; cd;id kwe;jwpNad;
cd;dhkk;vd; dhtpy; kwe;jwpNad;
cye;jhu;jiy apw;gyp nfhz;Loy;tha;
clYs;SW R+iy jtpu;j;jUsha;
mye;Njd;mb Nad;mjp iff;nfby
tPul;lh dj;Jiw mk;khNd. - mg;gu; Rthkpfs;

xd;gjhk; jpUKiw
fw;wtu; tpOq;Fk; fw;gff; fdpiaf;
Scan QR to play fiuapyhf; fUizkh fliy
kw;wtu; mwpah khzpf;f kiyia
kjpg;gtu; kdkzp tpsf;ifr;
nrw;wtu; Guq;fs; nrw;wvk; rptidj;
jpUtPop kpoiytPw; wpUe;j
nfhw;wtd; wd;idf; fz;Lfz; Ls;sk;
Fspuvd; fz;Fspu;e; jdNt - Nre;jdhu;

2
 gjpNdhuhk; jpUKiw
Scan QR to play
ed;Wk; Mjuk; ehtpDf; fiurb
espdk;itj; Japdy;yhy;>
xd;Wk; MtJ fz;byk;; cghak;kw;
Ws;sd Ntz;Nlhkhy;;
vd;Wk; MjpAk;> me;jKk; ,y;yNjhu;
,fguj; jpilg;gl;Lg;
nghd;W thu;GFk; R+oypy; GNfk;Gfpy;
nghwpapy;Ik; GyNdhNl.
- ek;gpahz;lhu; ek;gp

jpUthrfk;
cs;sg; glhj jpUcUit cs;SjYk;
Scan QR to play
fs;sg; glhj fspte;j thd;fUiz
nts;sg; gpuhd;vd; gpuhd;vd;id NtNwMl;
nfhs;sg; gpuhDf;Nf nrd;W}jha; Nfhj;Jk;gP
- khzpf;fthrf Rthkpfs;

3
 jpUg;Gfo;
Scan QR to play

mjpUq; foy;g zpe;J ...... dbNaDd;

mgak; GFt njd;W ...... epiyfhz
,jae; jdpyp Ue;J ...... f;Uigahfp
,lu;rq; iffs;f yq;f ...... mUs;thNa
vjpuq; nfhUt upd;wp ...... elkhLk;
,iwtd; jdJ gq;fp ...... Yikghyh
gjpnaq; fpYkp Ue;J ...... tpisahbg;
gyFd; wpYk ku;e;j ...... ngUkhNs.
- mUzfpupehju; Rthkpfs;

mgpuhkp me;jhjp
fiyahj fy;tpAk; Fiwahj taJNkhu;
Scan QR to play
fgL thuhj el;Gk;
fd;whj tsikAq; Fd;whj ,¬sikAk;
fOgpzpapyhj clYk;
rypahj kdKk; md;G mfyhj kidtpAk;
jtwhj re;jhdKk;
jhohj fPu;j;jpAk; khwhj thu;j;ijAk;
jilfs; thuhj nfhilAk;

4
 njhiyahj epjpaKk; Nfhzhj NfhYk; xU
Jd;gkpy;yhj tho;Tk;

Ja;a epd; ghjj;jpy; md;Gk; cjtp ngupa

njhz;lnuhL $l;L fz;lha;
miyahop mwpJapY khadJ jq;ifNa!
Mjpfl T+upd; tho;Nt!
miyahop mwpJapY khadJ jq;ifNa!
Mjpfl T+upd; tho;Nt!
mKjPru; xUghfk; mfyhj Rfghzp!
mUs;thkp! mgpuhkpNa!
mKjPru; xUghfk; mfyhj Rfghzp!
mUs;thkp! mgpuhkpNa!
jdk; jUk; fy;tp jUk; xU ehSk; jsu;T mwpah
kdk; jUk; nja;t tbTk; jUk; neQ;rpy; tQ;rk; ,y;yh
,dk; jUk; ey;yd vy;yhk; jUk; md;gu; vd;gtu;f;Nf
f;dk; jUk; G+q;Foyhs; mgpuhkp filf;fz;fNs
G+q;Foyhs; mgpuhkp filf;fz;fNs
- mgpuhkp gl;lu;

5
 Njhj;jpug; ghly;fs;
Scan QR to play

jpUtUl;gh
xUikAld; epdJ jpUkyub epidf;fpd;w
cj;jku;jk; cwT Ntz;Lk;.
cs;nshd;W itj;Jg; Gwnkhd;W NgRthu;
cwT fythik Ntz;Lk;.
ngUik ngW epdJ Gfo; Ngr Ntz;Lk;.
ngha;ik NgrhjpUf;f Ntz;Lk;.
ngUnewp gpbj;njhOf Ntz;Lk;. kjkhd Nga;
gpbahjpUf;f Ntz;Lk;.
kUT ngz;zhiria kwf;fNt Ntz;Lk;.
cid kwthjpUf;f Ntz;Lk;.
kjpNtz;Lk; epd; fUiz epjp Ntz;Lk;
Nehaw;w tho;Tehd; tho Ntz;Lk;.
jUkkpF nrd;idapy; fe;j Nfhl;lj;Js; tsu;
jyNkhq;F fe;j NtNs
jz;Kfj; Ja;akzp cz;Kfr; irtkzp
rz;Kfj; nja;t kzpNa.”
- ts;syhu; - ,uhkypq;f mbfshu;

6
 fz;zd; gpwe;jhd; Scan QR to play

fz;zd; gpwe;jhd;-vq;fs;
fz;zd; gpwe;jhd;-,e;jf;
fhw;wij nal;Lj; jpirapYq; $wpLk;.

jpdd
; Kilahd;-kzp
tz;z Kilahd;-cau;
Njtu; jiytd; Gtpkpirj; Njhd;wpdd;

gz;iz apirg;gPu-; neQ;rpw;

Gz;iz nahupgg; Pu-; ,e;jg;
ghupdpNy Jau; ePqf; pLk; vd;wpij

vz;zpilf; nfhs;tPu-; ed;F

fz;iz tpopgg; Pu-; ,dp VJq;
Fiwtpyi
; y;Ntjk; JizAz;L>
mf;fpdp te;jhd;-mtd;
jpfi
; f tisj;jhd;-Gtp ahupUl;
ngha;ikf; fypia kbj;jdd;
Jf;fq; nfLj;jhd;-Ruu;
xf;fYk; te;jhu;-Rlu;r;
R+upad;>,e;jpud;>thA>kUj;Jf;fs;

7
 kpf;f jpusha;-Ruu;
,f;fze; jd;dpy;-,q;F
Nktp epiwe;jdu;;ghtp aRuu;fs;
nghf;nfd tPo;e;jhu;>-capu;
ff;fp Kbe;jhu;-fly;
Nghy xypf;FJ Ntjk; Gtpkpir.

rq;fud; te;jhd;-,q;F
kq;fy nkd;whd;-ey;y
re;jpud; te;jpd; dKijg; nghope;jdd;
gq;f nkhd; wpy;iy-xsp
kq;Ft jpy;iy-,e;jg;
ghupd;fz; Kd;G thdj;jpNy epd;W
fq;ifAk; te;jhs;-fiy
kq;ifAk; te;jhs;-,d;gf;
fhsp guhrf;jp md;Gl nda;jpds;
nrq;fk yj;jhs;-vopy;
nghq;F Kfj;jhs;-jpUj;
NjtpAk; te;J rpwg;Gw epd;wds;.

- kfhftp Rg;gpukzpa ghujpahu;

8
 Scan QR to play

ey;yNjhu; tPiz nra;Nj

ey;yNjhu; tPiz nra;Nj - mij
eyq;nflg; GOjpapy; vwptJz;Nlh?
nrhy;yb rptrf;jp - vidr;
Rlu;kpFk; mwpTld; gilj;Jtpl;lha;.
ty;yik jhuhNah> - ,e;j
khepyk; gaDw tho;tjw;Nf?
nrhy;yb> rptrf;jp - epyr;
Riknad tho;e;jplg; GupFitNah?
tpirAW ge;jpidg;Nghy; - cs;sk;
Ntz;ba gbnrYk; cly;Nfl;Nld;>
eiraW kdq;Nfl;Nld; - epj;jk;
etnkdr; Rlu;jUk; capu;Nfl;Nld;>
jirapidj; jPRbDk; - rpt
rf;jpiag; ghLk;ey; mfq;Nfl;Nld;>
mirtW kjpNfl;Nld; - ,it
mUs;tjpy; cdf;nfJe; jilAsNjh?
- kfhftp Rg;gpukzpa ghujpahu;

9
Scan QR to play

ew;rpe;jid - jpUe;jhz;lfk;:
vq;fs; FUehjd;

vq;fs; FUehjd; vopy;ey;iy thrd;

,q;Fk; mq;Fk; vq;Fk; gpufhrd;
kq;fs fukhd thf;ag;u rhjd;
khwhj nksd jpahdg;u Ntrd;
md;gu;r fhad; Mde;j rhfud;
my;Yk; gfYk;ey;iy tPjpapw; Nrfud;
vd;gpio ahTk; nghWj;njid ahz;ltd;
,uTk; gfYnkd;wd; kdj;jpdpy; jhz;ltd;
tQ;rk; nghwhikNfhgk; itj;jpLk; khe;ju;f;Fk;
mQ;rhNj nad;wUis aPe;jpLQ; Rje;jpud;
fQ;r kyu;g;gjj;ijf; fdtpYk; kwNthu;f;Fg;
gQ;rhkpu; jk;NghndQ;rpw; gz;Gl dpdpg;gtd;
- Nahfu; Rthkpfs;

10
 fhghyp Scan QR to play

fhghyp fUiz epyT nghop tjd kjpandhU

Mghy Nfhghyk; Mop R+o; jyj;jtUk;
G+ghyUk; m\;l jpf; ghyUk; Nghw;Wk; mw;Gj

kjp Gdy; muT nfhd;iw Jk;ig

mUFkj;ij Gid khrilahd;
tpjp jiy khiy khu;gd; cupj;j
fupa ntk;Gypapd; NjhYilahd;

mjpu Koq;Fk; cLf;ifAk;

jpupR+yKk; mq;fpAk; Fuq;fKk;
,yq;fpLk; ifahd;
Jjp kpF jpUNkdp KOJk;
rhk;gy; Jyq;f vjpu; kq;ifau;
kdk; ftu; [fd; Nkhfd

- ghgehrk; rptd;

11
Scan QR to play

vg;gb ghbdNuh
vg;gb ghbdNuh mbahu;
mg;gbg; ghl ehd;
Mir nfhz;Nld; rptNd !
mg;gUk; Re;juUk;
MSilg; gps;isAk;
mUs; kzp thrfUk;
nghUSzu;e;J cd;idNa
FUkzp rq;fuUk;
mUik jhAkhdhUk;
mUzfpup ehjUk;
mUl;N[hjp ts;sYk;
fUizf;fly; ngUfp
fhjypdhy; cUfp
fdpj;jkpo; nrhy;ypdhy;
,dpJid mDjpdk;

- Rj;jhde;j ghujp

12
 Xk; - XnuOj;J ke;jpuk;
Xq;fhuk; vdTk; gpuzt ke;jpuk; vdTk;
miof;fg;gLk; ‘Xk;’ vDk; XnuOj;J ke;jpuNk
ke;jpuq;fspNyNa kpfTk; gpugykhdJk; mjpfk;
cr;rupf;fg;gLtJk; MFk;. rhjhuz tof;fpy;
,jidj; jkpopy; ,uz;L vOj;Jf;fspd; Jiz
nfhz;L vOjpdhYk;> ‘m’> ‘c’> ‘k;’ vDk; rg;jq;fspd;
Nru;f;ifapdhy; tUk; ‘Xk;’ vDk; rg;jk; ‘˜’
vDk; tpNrl vOj;jpd; Jiz nfhz;Lk; jkpopy;
vOjg;gLfpwJ. rk];fpUjj;jpYk; ,J ' 'vDk;
tpNrl vOj;jpd; Jiz nfhz;L vOjg;gLfpwJ.

Xk; vDk; ke;jpuk; guk;nghUshd ,iwtidf;

Fwpf;fpd;wJ. guk;nghUSf;F Fzq;fNsh
cUtq;fNsh ,y;iy. FzNkh cUtNkh
mw;w guk;nghUis kdjpy; epWj;jp topgLtNjh
jpahdpg;gNjh rhjhuz kf;fshy; ,ayhj fhupak;
vd;gjhy; gy;NtW cUtq;isg; guk;nghUisf;
Fwpf;Fk; milahskhfg; gad;gLj;jp topgLtJ
,e;J kjj;jpy; mDkjpf;fg;gl;bUf;fpwJ. mg;gb
topgl;L Md;kpf Kjpu;r;rp mile;j rhjfu;fs;>
Fzq;fNsh tbtNkh mw;w guk;nghUis
Fzq;fNsh my;yJ NtW tbtq;fNsh ,y;yhj
ntWk; rg;j tbtpy; kl;Lk; topgl ‘Xk;’ vDk;
ke;jpuk; cjTfpwJ.

13
 ,jdhNyNa Ntj ke;jpuq;fs; gy ‘Xk;’ vd;W
Muk;gpf;fpd;wd. NkYk; rh];jpu E}y;fspy;
$wg;gl;bUf;Fk; tpjpfSf;F mika %r;ir
cs;spOj;J ntspNa tpLk; nghOJ Xk; vDk;
ke;jpuj;ij cr;rupf;Fk; NghJ mJ ekJ kdjpd;
Ntfj;ijf; Fiwj;J kdij mikjpg;gLj;JfpwJ.
,jdhNyNa ,e;J kj rk;gpujhaj;jpy; vjidAk;
Muk;gpf;Fk; Kjy; ‘Xk;’ vd %d;W Kiw
mt;tz;zk; cr;rupg;gJ tof;fkhf ,Uf;fpwJ.

fNjhgep\jj;jpy; akju;kd; erpNfjDf;Fg;

NgUz;ikia Nghjpf;Fk; NghJ> “Ntjq;fs;
midj;Jk; xUkpj;Jf; fhl;Lk; ,yf;F Xk;; ,jid
miltjw;Nf gpuk;kr;rupak; filg;gpbf;fg;gLfpw;J;
gpuk;kNk Xk;; ,jidj; jpahdpg;gtu;fs; ,jid
milfpd;wdu;. gpuk;kj;ij miltjw;F ,JNt
rpwe;j top” vd;W $Wfpd;whd;.

Kz;lf cgep\jk;> tpy;ypd; Jiznfhz;L vt;thW

mk;nghd;W ,yf;if milfpwNjh mNj Nghd;W
‘Xk;’ vDk; ke;jpuj;ijg; gad;gLj;jp [Pthj;kh
gukhj;khit mila Ntz;Lk; vd;W $wp Md;kpf
<Nlw;wj;jpw;F topfhl;LfpwJ.

14
 ijj;jpuPa cgep\jk;> “gpuk;kNk Xk;; ,it
midj;Jk; Xk;; MNkhjpg;gjw;F milahsk; Xk;
vDk; rg;jk; vd;gJ gpurpj;jk;; flTis Nehf;fpf;
$wg;gLtJ Xk;; Xk; vDk; rg;jj;Jld; Muk;gpj;J
rhk Ntjk; ghlg;gLfpwJ; Xk; vd;W $wp
rh];jpuq;fs; ghuhazk; nra;ag;gLfpd;wd;… gpuk;kh
Xk; vd;W $wp mq;fPfupf;fpd;whu;; gpuhk;kzd; Xk;
vd;W $wpNa Ntj ke;jpuq;fis cr;rupf;fpd;whd;”
vd ‘Xk;’ vDk; ke;jpuj;jpd; ngUikiaf;
$Wfpd;wJ. (,yq;if tho; jkpou;fs; xd;iw
MNkhjpf;Fk; NghJ ‘Xk;’ vd;W $Wtjd; gpd;dzp
NkNy ijj;jpuPa cgep\jj;jpy; $wg;gl;bUf;Fk;
tplakhf ,Uf;fyhk;).

khz;Lf;a cgep\jk;> “xk; guk;nghUisf;

Fwpf;fpd;wJ; Xk; ‘m’> ‘c’> ‘k;’ vDk; rg;jq;fisf;
nfhz;lJ. ‘m’ vDk; rg;jk; tpopg;G epiyiaAk;>
‘c’ vDk; rg;jk; fdT epiyiaAk;> ‘k;’ vDk;
rg;jk; cwf;f epiyiaAk; Fwpf;fpd;wd” vd;W $wp>
,k;%d;W epiyiaAk; fle;j epiyahd JuPak;
vdg;gLk; guk;nghUisNa ‘Xk;’ Fwpf;fpd;wJ vd;W
$wp me;jg; guk;nghUis miltjw;fhd Md;kpf
rhjidahf Xq;fhu cghridiaAk; Xq;fhuk;
vdg;gLk; XnuOj;J ke;jpuj;jpd; rpwg;igAk;
tpsf;Ffpd;wJ. NkYk; midj;jpdJk; njhlf;fKk;
kj;jpAk; me;jKk; ‘Xk;’ vd;Wk; ,jid mwpe;jtu;fs;

15
guk;nghUis milfpd;wdu; vd;Wk; $Wfpd;wJ.
,jd; %yk; ‘Xk;’ vd;gJ midj;jpw;Fk; Mjhukhf
,Uf;Fk; guk;nghUisf; Fwpf;fpd;wJ vd;gijf;
fhzyhk;.

gftj; fPijapy; gfthd; “Xk; vDk; XnuOj;J

ke;jpuNk gpuk;kk;> ,jidf; $wp vd;idj;
jpahdpj;J ,t;Tyif tpl;L ePq;Fgtd; guk fjpia
milfpwhd;” vd;Wk;> “midj;J Ntjq;fspYk; ehNd
gpuztkhf ,Uf;fpd;Nwd;” vd;Wk; “ehNd Xk;”
vd;Wk;> $Wfpwhu;.
jpU%yu; jpUke;jpuj;jpNy “Xq;fhuj;Js;Ns cjpj;j
Ik; G+jq;fs;; Xq;fhuj;Js;Ns cjpj;j ruhruk;” vd;W
$WtjpypUe;J> xq;fhuk; vd;gJ ,e;j cyfj;jpw;Nf
Mjhukhf ,Uf;Fk; guk;nghUisf; Fwpf;fpd;wJ
vd;gJ njspthfpd;wJ.

rkfhyj;jpy; ek;kpilNa tho;e;j Nahfu; Rthkpfs;

“Xq;fhu Nkilapd; NkNywp epd;Nwd; xd;iwAk;
fhNzhkb..” vd;W $WtjpypUe;J midj;ijAk;
fle;j guk;nghUisf; Fwpg;gjhfTk; me;j epiyia
miltjw;fhd xU rhjdkhfTk; ‘Xk;’ vDk;
ke;jpuk; ,Uf;fpd;wJ vd;W mwpag;gLfpwJ.

NkYk; KUfg; ngUkhd; elhj;jpa ehlfj;jpy;

gpuk;khTf;F gpuzt ,ufrpak; njupe;jpUf;ftpy;iy.

16
gpuk;khNth gilg;gpd; mjpgjp. Mdhy; mtu; gpuzt
,ufrpaj;ij mwpe;jpUf;ftpy;iy vd;gjpypUe;J
gpuzt ke;jpuk; gilg;gpw;F mg;ghw;gl;L gilg;gpw;F
Mjhukhf ,Uf;Fk; guk;nghUisf; Fwpg;gJ
vd;gJ GupfpwJ.

,t;thW> Xk; vd;gJ guk;nghUis Fwpf;fTk;> jpah-

dj;jpw;Fupa rg;jkhfTk;> Md;kpf rhjidf;Fupa cgh-
ridahfTk;> ekJ md;whl tho;tpd; ,iwtid
epidT+l;Lk; xU ke;jpukhfTk; ,Ue;J Md;k-
pf rhjidf;F cjTfpwJ. vdNt ke;jpuq;fspNyNa
gpugykhdjhfTk; mjpfk; cr;rupf;fg;gLtjhfTk;
‘Xk;’ ,Ug;gjpy; tpag;NgJkpy;iy.
- Rthkp FzhjPjhde;j ru];tjp

17
The following article, Prayers & Worship, is intended to assist non-Tamil
speaking individuals in understanding the meaning and importance of
prayer. The article is published with the consent of the author,
Swami Gunatitananda Saraswati, Chinmaya Mission, Sri Lanka.

Prayers & Worship

Introduction

In Sanatana Dharma (aka Hinduism), prayer is not an act

of helpless begging but asserting one’s own right to invoke the
infinite potential which is lying dormant within one’s own self
which is nothing but the expression of the Divine.

Worship is a technique to focus one’s mind to invoke and

channel the infinite potential to achieve, succeed, and be happy.

18
In Sanatana Dharma there are numerous techniques including
prayer, worship, japa, meditation, etc., as well as aids such as
idols, slokas, mantras, stotrams & thevarams (hymns), etc.
prescribed to invoke the infinite – the Divine within.

Mantra means ‘that which protects by being remembered

(constantly)’. A mantra is a combination of the power of
thought (meaning of the mantra) and the power of sound (the
arrangements of the consonants and vowels). These mantras
are found in Vedas which were revealed to the Rishis in their
meditation.

Repeated chanting of the mantras or slokas has the power to lift

one’s mind to a higher state as well as quieten and focus the
mind making it a portal through which one can merge with the
infinite or make the infinite within, manifest without.

In this section we share some mantras and slokas which are

used as aids to pray, worship, or meditate to invoke the infinite
– the divine within – along with their meanings as well as their
purpose or context.

Gateway to Infinity

Hindu scriptures say that one’s true nature is infinite and it

is one’s identification with the body, the mind, and the objects
associated with the two are what make one think that one is
limited and finite. Scriptures boldly declare that one’s true
nature and the Divine are one and the same and further they
guide one in asserting one’s true nature, as well as manifesting
the infinite through the finite body and mind to achieve

19
whatever one wishes. Learning the art of manifesting the
infinite through the finite body and mind as well as asserting
one’s own infinite nature as guided by the scriptures is known
as spiritual practice in Hinduism. Among these spiritual
practices, Omkaara Upaasanaa or Pranava Upaasanaa is
considered to be one of the most powerful ones which involves
chanting of the mantra OM.

OM

Also known as Pranava Mantra – ‘OM’ is the most popular and

chanted mantra among all the mantras. The sound ‘OM’ is
a combination of three sounds namely ‘a’ (pronounced ‘aah’),
‘u’ (pronounced ‘oo’) and ‘m’ (pronounced ‘mm’). As OM is
denoted by a single letter ‘ ‘, it is also known as ‘ekaakshara
mantra’ meaning mantra made of one letter.

The sound ‘a’ denotes the waking state, the sound ‘u’ denotes
the dream state and the sound ‘m’ denotes the deep sleep state
all of which are finite and the combined sound OM represents
the Infinite or Transcendental Truth which is the substratum
of all the finite states. As such, OM is considered to be the
ultimate symbol representing the Infinite or the Divine,
which is free of attributes and forms. Therefore, continuous
repetition or chanting of OM per this method is known as
Omkaara or Pranava Upaasanaa, which leads to the experience
of the Transcendental Truth by shifting one’s attention or
consciousness away from the finite.

This is why in Hindu tradition most of the mantras and

slokas commence with the sound OM whether or not the mantra
or sloka itself begins with OM.

20
Method of Chanting

There are many methods of chanting OM. One of them is

discussed in brief here. In this method, chanting is combined
with breathing, where one inhales the air (filling the lungs
fully), holds it for few moments, then exhales the air as one
chants the sound OM (emptying the lungs fully). This
exhalation is performed while maintaining attention to the
sound OM, which originates from the abdomen, proceeds to the
throat, and ends in the nose. After one exhales, one pauses for a
few moments, then repeats the same process by inhaling again.
During the pauses as well as the inhalation, one’s attention
should be directed to the silence, and during the exhalation,
one’s attention should be on the sound OM as recommended
above. The duration of the pauses, inhalation, and exhalation
is gradually increased as one gains mastery over the process.

Illumined Intellect

It is said that the ability to think and discriminate is the

key difference between human beings and other life forms. It
is through this ability of one’s intellect, one can evolve to the
highest state or devolve to the lowest state. One becomes what
one thinks and by conquering the mind one can conquer the
world. This is made possible through effective and efficient
utilization of the faculty of thinking. Repeated and constant
chanting of Gayathri Mantra, which is said to be one of the
best mantras, enables one to unleash the power of the infinite
through one’s intellect, enabling one to achieve one’s worldly or
spiritual goals.

21
 oṃ

bhoor bhuvaḥ svaḥ

thath savithur vareṇyaṃ
bhargo dhevasya dheemahi
dhiyo yo naḥ prachodhayaath

Meaning:

We adore that effulgent one (Supreme Reality) which

transcends the past, present and the future. We meditate on
that effulgent who may illumine (our intellect) us.

Transcend Fear

It is said that the fear of death is the mother of all fears. The
prospect of losing what we are attached to is the cause of all
the fears including the fear of death. Transcending all the
attachments (bondage) is the means to transcending all the
fears. The following mantra known as ‘Maha Mrtyunjaya
Mantra’ (mantra to conquer the death) invokes the infinite
through the form of Lord Shiva to liberate one from all
attachments and thereby from mortality to immortality.

om

thrayambakam yajaamahe
sugandhim pushti vardhanam
urvaarukamiva bhandhanaath
mrtyor muksheeya maamrthaath

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Meaning:

I worship the three eyed (Lord Shiva), the fragrant (all

pervading), the nourisher, the bestower of prosperity. Just like
the fruit from bondage (as it is separated from the stalk) may I
be freed (liberated) from mortality and not immortality.

Peace Invocation

It is a Hindu tradition to invoke peace – an environment which

is free of disturbances – prior to embarking on any endeavor,
including studies. Vedas contain many mantras to invoke
peace in this regard. The following ‘shaanthi mantra’ is one of
the popular mantras found in Upanishads, which is chanted
together by the teacher and the student prior to the beginning
of the lesson to ensure a conducive environment within and
without for learning as well as to ensure the process of learning
is enjoyable and illumining.

om
sahanaa vavathu
saha nau bhunakthu
saha veeryam karavaavahai
tejasvi naavadeethamasthu
maa vidhvishaavahai
om
shaanti, shaanti, shaanti

Meaning:

Om; May he protect us both (teacher & student); May he

nourish us both; May we work together with great energy; May
our intellect be illumined; Let there be no animosity among us;

(may there be) peace; peace; peace;*

23
*‘Shanti’ is repeated three times – to invoke peace free from
disturbance/ obstacles from three main sources namely,
disturbances from the divine forces (aadhidhaivik),
disturbances from the world around us (aadhibhautik) and
disturbances from within (adhyaatmik).

Universal Prayer

Sanatana Dharma declares ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’

meaning ‘The World is One Family’. Though this universe
may appear to be a collection of independent entities for an
unenquiring mind, one cannot deny the fact that the universe
is one entity which is made of what appears to be interdependent
components. Therefore, the welfare of an individual is dependent
on the welfare of everyone else in the universe. The following
mantra invokes the welfare of everyone – helping one’s self by
helping others.

om

sarveshaam svastir bhavatu

sarveshaam shantir bhavatu
sharveshaam poornam bhavatu
sarveshaam mangalam bhavatu

Meaning:

Om; May there be well-being for all; May there be peace for all;
May there be fulfilment for all; May there be auspiciousness
for all.

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 Transformation

Only by transforming one’s thoughts one can transform one’s

self. Any thoughts based on the false, ignorance, or fear cannot
lead to lasting transformation. As such, transformation of the
thought process from the false to truth, ignorance to knowledge
(darkness to light), and mortality (fear) to immortality
(fearlessness), lead to the ultimate transformation of one’s self.
The following mantra - which is popularly known as ‘Pavamaana
Mantra’ meaning the mantra of purification - invokes the power of
the infinite within for the purpose of the ultimate transformation
of one’s self.

om

asatho maa sadhgamaya

tamaso maa jyothirgamaya
mṛthyor maa amṛtaṃgamaya

Meaning:

From falsehood lead me to truth; From darkness lead me to the

light; From mortality (death) lead me to immortality.

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Tribute
Nalene Thirukumaran
Our mother, Nalene, is the eldest child of Maheswary Ammah
Rajendram and Chellaiah Rajendram of Madduvil North,
Chavakachcheri Sri Lanka. Her two brothers are Nimalan
and Ravikaran. She studied at Chavakachcheri Hindu
College and Chundikuli Girls’ College in Jaffna; she later
taught primary grades at Sarasawathy Vidyalayam in
Sarasalai. She married Thiru Thirukumaran, our father,
in January 1990 in Colombo, Sri Lanka and has since
lived in Dayton, New Jersey in the USA and North York,
Ontario in Canada.
We celebrate her life and pay our tribute:

The Subtle and Small

Memories Become Treasures
Before I left with Praveen’s family to travel back to St.
Catharines, Ontario to return for the final semester of my
university studies after Dad, Danesh and I attended his
university graduation in the summer of 2016 in Canton, New
York, I vividly remember that you gave me a great big hug that
I reciprocated as your goodbye prior to my departure, mummy.

26
It felt like the first time you physically demonstrated how
much you loved me and would miss me. Although, I knew this
was far from the case. Danesh and I eventually being away
from you and Dad in the Lincoln Lane home that you both
raised us at in Dayton, New Jersey was something that was
particularly hard for you, but I think deep down you knew this
was beneficial for us and for you as we would use it as a means
to return the love and care that you have provided us our entire
lives.

You showed your love on a daily basis through subtle means as

every mother has with their child, whether it was through your
cooking, clothing me, or just keeping each other company and
talking here and there about our days and sometimes about
your childhood in Sri Lanka, and how it differed with your life
in Canada and in the United States.

When we were still living in Toronto in the 1990s, Nimalan

uncle often told me how you would walk me to the preschool
near our Edgecliff home, as you have done from our Lincoln
Lane home in the USA, and how fiercely protective and devoted
you were with me, and when you felt annoyed by Nimalan
uncle when I was crying after he babysat me one time as he
amusingly remembered.

2017 was a turning point in a terrible way. Although it was

the year that I would graduate from university, opening up the
opportunity to spend time together for all those missed years,
you fell ill. In a way we did spend that lost time together where I
was at your side nearly every day through thick of it, supporting
you as you battled the ailments you suffered from. Despite all
the odds and brutal pessimism from the medical team there
for several months, I believed fervently that you would make it
and you did. You recovered miraculously. You were a fighter as
they recalled and were able to be fully independent and walk
again when the infection you had rendered you immobile.

27
My hope would stay the same these past couple of months as well
when you fell ill again. The moments where I served you tea or
hot water every morning along with the rice and curry that I
cooked as you had done for me and playing Tamil songs for you
at your request, helping you to bed and the living room while
you were recovering at home, in my mind and hopefully yours,
would ease the pain that you were experiencing and will be ones
that I will cherish forever. I recall that hug during those final
moments where I was at the side of your bed holding your hand
as tight as I could, tearful and in sadness, hoping you continue
seeing me as the chelam (“one is who most adored” in Tamil) you
saw and referred me as in watching over me from afar.

I love you, mummy, now and forever.

- Harrish Thirukumaran
North York,
Ontario.

Yesterday’s Moments Carry

Tomorrow
The days, they pass slowly. The years, however, they fly by.

It feels as though it were only yesterday you and I awaited

Harrish’s arrival from school at the Lincoln lane bus stop. We
often made one of my favorite sweets, kesari, to pass the time
during the school day. I did close to nothing to contribute to the
final product, besides constantly pestering you when it was
my turn to add saffron, or what I always called it, “the yellow
thing.”
After a long day of playing outside (as I did almost every day),

28
I would ask you to massage my legs, and in return, you’d
ask me to pull your white hairs, as if that would masterfully
halt them from returning. I looked back to this moment often
throughout the last month and half.

The seemingly minor moments at the time are the grandest as I

reflect. Your soft smiles. Your soundless laughs. Your patience
as you waited for me to come home, no matter how late, just
to ensure I was okay. There are so many memories with you I
remember so vividly. I will hold onto these forever.

You’d often ask me, when I would eventually begin my career,

to take you out so we could do a number of things together. It
seems fate has decided there was no way for me to repay all that
you have done for me.

As of late, I have found myself asking, why was I graced with

a mother so devoted to her children, so devoted however that she
forgot to take as good of care of herself? Where is the lesson here,
life?
I truly believe you’re in a better place, never sitting idle, as
that has never been your MO. That does not take away from
the fact you were gone too soon. As cliche as it sounds, it is
wholeheartedly true. The man I’ve developed into is not an
irrational, unreasonable one, however. You raised me to be
understanding, despite the circumstances. Experience, and
its subsequent successes as well as its failures, have created
this understanding, alongside your persistent reminders that
I have much left to encounter, so I shouldn’t always have such
a “smart mouth.”

The last month and a half have been so difficult mummy. I

wanted to share the pain you endured so badly, just to give
you a moment of peace each day. And with each day I visited,
I had to conjure the courage to face you in your declining

29
condition. The care team would constantly tell us how dire
the situation was, and how you deteriorated each day. This
made me pessimistic, although Harrish and dad never chose to
believe them, which gave me hope. The attitude was always, no
way, not mummy, she’s tough as nails. In 2017, you picked
yourself up off the ground. When the care team said you likely
would not walk again, given the significant muscle atrophy,
given the infections, given the organ failure, you defied the
odds, walking with independence like nothing happened. I
remember you’d often remind us, “look at where I was, and look
at me now.”

The last few weeks I began to feel hopeful. You started to speak
to me, albeit with confusion, you spoke. Each day was its own
battle. I would often come see you and just cry. Just to be alone,
you and I. I found solace in that. When I would cry, it’s almost
as if a switch turned on in your head, and you were back to
reality. “Enna appu” (what is it appu (term of endearment)),
you’d ask, with your arm extending toward me.

Last week you told me, “renda pairem Mummiyoda padungo,”

referring to your two sons, Harrish and I (the two of you sleep
with me). I gravely wish I could have. And today, now more
than ever, I wish we could lay together, and wake up ready for
tomorrow. I will weep in sadness as I continue to grasp with this
new reality.

I forget sometimes that you’re not here, but since you’ve touched
so many aspects in my life, whether it be my mannerisms, or
even seeing a tacky holiday plate, that forgetfulness is often
short lived. You helped me appreciate the little things that are
often overlooked: the beauty in homegrown vegetables or flowers,
a squirrel chasing its tail, or simply hearing neighborhood
kids playing. I hope you still are enjoying the things that are
in front of you.

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In your last moments, I recalled something you often told me.
Neega vayitila irkekka, naan ovrenallum sorum thuckali
columbum sappiduven (when you were in my stomach, I ate
tomato curry and rice almost every day). Maybe that’s what
has given me the strength to be the man I am today. Later that
night, I ate that exact thing, hoping to feel that much more
connected to you, to feel that strength you gave me many
times before.

You and dad have given the world to Harrish and I. When I see
you again, I will tell you how we changed it.

Until next time, my dearest mummy.

- Danesh Thirukumaran
Dayton,
New Jersey.

Nalene Thirukumaran
(Born December 22, 1964 –
Departed October 16, 2020);
left, one of her happiest
moments on earth, January
1995, illustrated by Pirunthajini
Pirabakaran, Jaffna, Sri Lanka

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 Giving All the Way in the
Love of Life
The so-called ‘untimely’ departure from the earth is one of the
cruelest things’ humankind can be destined with. But it never
is a reality until it hits you. The one bowing goodbye and those
surrounded are never ready for it, even when it remains a stark
possibility for some time.

She said she’s not afraid of dying, adding it is like moving

from one house to another!

Many forms of solaces and negatives are around or given under

these deeply saddening circumstances. While the norm of good
life remains longevity, I’ve humbly been made to witness those
with more of an unwavering, ruthless passion in their love of
life and of those whom or a thing they care about, it ultimately
takes their life altogether.

Take this tiny example, where I will come to know hummus is an

excellent source packed with antioxidants and other nutrients,
I am always grabbing a pack on the go, and knowing these
same essentials she too lacks, she would however never have it
for the sake of convenience above anything, asked why she’d
tell me, “ehDk; rhg;gpl;lh Nge;J cq;fSf;F vd;ndz;L
fpilf;Fk;.?” (‘If I also eat this how will it be still be within your
reach?”).

For her it was relatively simple to draw parallels to all the

qualms of the world to a single unit that begins with a family.
When I was watching a Tamil political speech few weeks ago
leading up to the August Sri Lankan polls, she told me, “They

32
(meaning Sinhala people) have a bigger family, their needs are
greater, but you always quarrel like this!”

All the while in the polarized environment of today she would

never categorize anyone in conversation or practice on the basis
of religion or ethnicity just about every day. We lived in a
diverse Garden State neighbourhood as our two sons are born
and growing up, all whom played and studied with them are
simply but in greatness their friends, whom she treated with
genuine fondness. When one of them bumble bees be out of
sight for sometime, say she would go “where is your friend.....,”
like that!

This was a world to her for a good two decades.

She believed in cooking and serving aplenty while able and all
times and whenever that used to be called for.

Then always food sold or served in places of piety for throngs

of people staple as better medicine than anything, as she made
me find and come to trust this as well.

Perhaps the lack of it in these days of lockdown did her harm.

With love and gratitude,

- Thirukumaran Kanapathipillai
North York,
Ontario

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 “God remains steadfast and
unchanging; constant in love
and care for each of us.”

Middlebush Reformed Church is in close proximity to our

Dayton home in the much-adored vicinity of Franklin Township.
Holding onto this passage from the Church’s
Social Media post on October 21, 2020:

34
Friends: Good morning! Yesterday I saw the
bright brilliant orange of sunlight shining
on the changing leaves of maple trees on
our church grounds, with just a peek of our
church bell tower in the background. What
an image of beauty and warmth; helpful on
this dreary rainy morning, right? It also
reminded me that through the changing of the
seasons – and through all the other changes
and uncertainties that we are currently
experiencing – God remains steadfast and
unchanging; constant in love and care for
each of us. As the old hymn proclaims:
“Summer and winter and springtime and
harvest … join with all nature in manifold
witness to Thy great faithfulness, mercy,
and love” (Great Is Thy Faithfulness, v 2).
May you each be encouraged by the reminder
of God’s constant companionship and love
for you today!

35
 Thank You
We thank all of you for the heartfelt sympathies
and messages of condolence on the
passing of our beloved Mother/Wife. Your time
in thinking about us during our great loss goes
far in bringing solace. We thank and appreciate
all the helping hands for assisting and
providing comfort to us in numerous ways since
the time of her passing.

- Harrish and Danesh, Thiru

309-10 Edgecliffe Golfway
North York, Ontario M3C 3A3

November 15, 2020

36
 Bed in
Summer
BY ROBERT LOUIS
STEVENSON

In winter I get up at night

And dress by yellow candle-light.
In summer, quite the other way,
I have to go to bed by day.

I have to go to bed and see

The birds still hopping on the tree,
Or hear the grown-up people’s feet
Still going past me in the street.

And does it not seem hard to you,

When all the sky is clear and blue,
And I should like so much to play,
To have to go to bed by day?
 “I remember my mother’s
prayers and they have always
followed me. They have clung
to me all my life.”
- Abraham Lincoln