English translation of Tamil book written by Gnana Sarguru Siva Selvaraj Ayya
Thanga Jyothi Gnana Sabai Trust
Samarasa Suddha Sanmarga Sathya Sangam
Kanyakumari
Preface
To those with the unity of spiritual love,Greetings. Thanks. All is well, and I wish for the same. May you all live with all prosperity and excellence for many years!
As a result of my publishing 33 spiritual explanatory books so far, many Tamil scholars in Nagercoil honored me by organizing a ceremony, draping me with a golden shawl, and joyfully awarding me the title “Aanmiga Chemmal” (Noble Soul of Spirituality).
I consider this as an encouragement and an award bestowed upon me by Thiruvarutprakasa Vallalar Ramalinga Swamigal himself!
What have I actually done? What have I achieved?
In a world where all ashrams and swamis have kept certain spiritual truths as coded secrets—taking oaths never to reveal them—I stood bravely among them. Guided by Sri Ramalingar and *Sri Ramanujar, and through their complete grace, I revealed all the secrets of true wisdom. I began a spiritual revolution in *1992 by publishing the treasury of wisdom titled “Kanmani Maalai.”
Since *1980, I have been engaged in spiritual service. By the grace of Thiruvarutprakasa Vallalar, the Siddhars, Gnanis (Sages), Valakumari, Aapathbaandhavan, and Gnanapandithan, I have written and published *33 books of true wisdom to date.
The 34th book I am publishing is this “Thiruvasagamalai,” also known as “Manivasagamalai.”
The great sage Manivasagar (Manikkavasagar) is the incomparable Gnani who realized that “Thiru” represents God and “Mani” represents the “Kanmani” (the pupil of the eye/divine light), serving as the identification of God’s holy feet. How can I describe the greatness of the “Thiruvasagam”—a treasure of wisdom spoken by Manivasagar and written down by the Lord of Thillai (Shiva) himself?
This is the translation of the second page of the preface. It continues the exaltation of the Thiruvasagam (a famous collection of Shaivite hymns) and the saint *Manikkavasagar, specifically through the lens of *Vallalar’s (Ramalinga Swamigal) teachings.
Manivasagar is the one who uttered the Thiruvasagam! Every part of it is a treasure trove of wisdom, overflowing with the essence of devotion! Manivasagar! It is an undiminishing, pure nectar! A guide to the path of supreme bliss! A wonderful treasure that explains, piece by piece, the greatness of the eye—the pupil—the “Kanmani”!
If one reads this “Thiru-Mani-Vasagam,” they will become refined. If they listen to it, they will be filled with joy! And if they truly realize it, they will attain divine wisdom (Gnanam)!
Vaan-kalandha Maanikka Vaasaga-nin Vaasagathal
Naan-kalandhu Paadungaal Nar-karuppanj Chaatrinilae
Thaen-kalandhu Paal-kalandhu Sezhun-ganith Theen-suvai-kalandhen
Oon-kalandhu Uyir-kalandhu Uvattaamal Inippadhuvae.
Realizing and experiencing the glory of the Thiruvasagam in this way, the “Slave of Thiruvasagam” who attained the Body of Light, Thiruvarutprakasa Vallalar Ramalinga Swamigal, sang and praised it with great joy!
At the request of devotees that I should write a true spiritual explanation of the Thiruvasagam uttered by Manivasagar, I have begun writing it, bowing before the great Lord Thiru-Manivasagar! May the Grace of Thiruvarutprakasa be my support!
The Western Christian missionary *G.U. Pope, who translated the Thiruvasagam into English, once said: *”I was only able to translate the words of the Thiruvasagam into English; I could not convey its sweetness or its spiritual depths! The Thiruvasagam is an incomparable Tamil book of wisdom.” From this, is it not clear that the Thiruvasagam is a peerless book of wisdom praised by all?
Our Vallal Peruman (Vallalar) lived his entire life singing the Thiruvasagam, which is sweeter than honey, and explaining its glory to all who listened! He praised it, saying, “Among all hymns of praise (Thothiram), the Thiruvasagam is the best!” If anyone ever spoke critically of the Thiruvasagam, Vallal Peruman would become truly angry! He would immediately begin speaking at length about the Thiruvasagam’s greatness.
Devotees who wished to hear Vallal Peruman speak would sometimes intentionally speak as if criticizing the Thiruvasagam, just so they could joyfully hear the wisdom of the Thiruvasagam flow from Vallal Peruman’s holy mouth. To such an extent, Vallalar cherished the Thiruvasagam and Manivasagar as his very own eyes!
All the Gnanis, Siddhars, and Sages who have appeared in this world until now have left behind countless songs, teachings, and moral paths…
have written! Many wrote in palm leaves themselves! Many wrote what was spoken to them! Many disciples compiled works! But as for the Thiruvasagam, when Manivasagar spoke, Thillai Ambalavan Nataraja (Lord Shiva) himself wrote it down on palm leaves with his own hand and signed it in the Chidambaram sanctuary—if so, there are no words to describe the glory of the Thiruvasagam!
Should we not know what such a Thiru-Mani-Vasagam proclaims? I am writing here what I have known, what I have felt, what the “Mani” (the Pupil/Divine Light) tells me, and what the “Thiru” (God) reveals to me!
It is the truth! The truth! The spiritual revolution that began with Kanmani Maalai is further polished and strengthened by this Thiru-Mani-Vasaga Maalai. I rejoice deep within my soul.
I will forever be grateful to my dear disciples who have always supported me! I am forever indebted to my beloved disciples—the “walking gods”—who provided a house for my family to live in and built the Thanga Jyothi Gnana Sabai for me to provide spiritual teachings (Gnana Upadesam) and initiation (Deeksha).
What recompense can I offer to my disciples, who are dearer to me than life itself, for providing the financial aid to publish 33 books of wisdom and performing this “Gnana Dhanam” (gift of knowledge)?
Because my dear disciple Jyothi Sri A.S. Vijayan B.E. of Kumbakonam encouraged and helped me to write about the Thirumandhiram (the greatest of Shastras), I wrote and released “Mandhira Mani Maalai” among the disciples on 08-10-2010, the 188th birth anniversary of Vallalar, at the Kanyakumari Thanga Jyothi Gnana Sabai. Now, the same true devotee Vijayan, knowing that I have written an explanation for the Thiruvasagam (the best of hymns), came forward voluntarily to help publish this book.
Thus, this “Thiru-Mani-Vasaga Maalai” is being released on 23-04-2011 during the Chithirai annual festival of the Thanga Jyothi Gnana Sabai!
May God bless him with all prosperity! Jyothi Sri A.S. Vijayan earns the great merit of performing “Gnana Dhanam.” Live long! Live long!
O God, protect and grace us!
Thiru-Mani-Vasaga Maalai is a milestone in my life! I humbly dedicate this work at the golden feet of the Universal Mother, Valakumari Kanyakumari Bhagavathi Amman, who bestowed upon me the title “Aanmiga Chemmal” and established me as a spiritual Guru in Kanyakumari.
Always truthfully,
Shiva Selvaraj