Saturday 4 November 2017

SING YOUR WAY TO ERAI'S KINGDOM

It is said that when you have seen Erai there will be an outburst of bliss and joy. For many there is a spontaneous flow of songs/hymns/verses in praise of Erai. Ramalinga Adigal's compilation of his personal spiritual experiences known as the Tiruarutpa is one such expression of love. His predecessor Manikavasagar has given us many similar songs too. 

Tavayogi once said just by listening to these gems one can attain Jnana. Tirumular has asked us to keep on listening to (hear) these devotional renderings and assures us that that is the way to Erai's heart. He says bring faith and believe in him first, and let Erai work from within. As Thavathiru Rengaraja Desigar says worship the Siddhas, and they shall guide your breath, open your heart's door to him.

As a Sufi master once said bring the light into you and all darkness shall vanish, let us light up the external light first and slowly move towards seeing this light within. As we keep on listening to these songs, imbibing the words and reliving the experiences of these saints, the heart slowly begins to melt. Love for the divine builds in us, hence slowly replacing the hatred, jealousy, and envy towards others. Compassion for others develops. We begin to forgive others. We begin to accept and face our sadness and misery with renewed vigor and strength by bringing Erai to our side. Soon Erai settles in our hearts and soul, giving us direction and leading us along. We become apostles of Erai. 

I invite you to come along this journey. Let us listen to some heart-melting and soul stirring gems from our saints, composed and rendered by talented musicians and singers.