Sustaining Sanity and Achieving Enlightenment: Lessons from Yoga, Meditation, and Immortal Wisdom

Would you go on living for eternity if given the chance? A question that plagues the minds of many, but the path to attaining eternal life often leads to a wider exploration of mental and spiritual well-being. This journey involves embracing techniques such as meditation, a fundamental aspect of yoga, which can help us maintain our sanity and achieve enlightenment. This article delves into the significance of meditation, drawing parallels to the ancient practices of the Siddhas and the divine wisdom exemplified by figures like Siddha Ramalingar.

The Importance of Meditation in Yoga

Meditation is at the heart of yoga, serving as a powerful tool to align one's mind and spirit with the essence of the universe. It is akin to tuning a valve radio, where one must use a precise aerial to pick up fine, hidden frequencies in the atmosphere and employ grounding techniques to eliminate distortions. Similarly, during meditation, we prepare our minds through essential exercises such as Iyamam and Niyamam, which help straighten the spinal cord and facilitate the flow of energy. We also practice breath control, Prana Yama, to store cosmic blessings and cleanse our physical system.

Meditation involves the removal of negative memories and the implantation of positive thoughts, much like tuning out static and tuning in to a clear signal. This process, known as Prathyagaram, Tharanai, and Dhyana, ultimately aims to condense our focus and connect us with the vast cosmic libraries, leading to states of profound meditation such as Samadhi. This structured approach to meditation not only enhances mental clarity but also provides a roadmap for a fulfilling life.

Divine Wisdom: Embracing Nature and Devotion

Just as poets like Kalidasa, Adi Shankara, and Abhirami Bhattar celebrated the feminine divine without bias, so too can we find deeper meaning in our lives by meditating on the elements of nature. The 63 Nayanmars revered Siva, and 9 Azvaars adored Vishnu, dedicating their lives to the qualitative elegance and grace of these deities. Similarly, the immortal Siddhas believed in the worship of every detail of Mother Nature and the transmission of this wisdom to benefit humanity. This belief in the kindness of divinity and the act of making prayers can lead to divine aid and guidance.

A Personal Triumph: The Power of Prayer and Commitment

A personal encounter with the power of prayer and commitment can be inspiring. When my thesis faced criticism from a scholar in New Zealand, I turned to Siddha Ramalingar for solace. Quoting his promise: “If those who know me or those who knew me through those who know me or those who heard of me and believe me ask a help in sincerity, I WILL help them!” I made a pledge to become a vegetarian and remain so if my thesis was granted positive comments. After quoting this vow, my thesis was reviewed positively by an unbiased examiner, and I received my degree.

Siddha Ramalingar, through his prayer and devotion, also gained divine assistance. His 6th Thirumurai (sacred volume) adequately details the success phase of his achievement, which was instrumental in the formation of the Theosophical Society Chennai, attested to by Anne Besant. This serves as a tangible example of how those who seek divine aid and follow the divine path can achieve remarkable things.

Conclusion

The journey to sustaining sanity and achieving enlightenment involves a profound commitment to practices like yoga and meditation, embracing the wisdom of our ancestors, and believing in the benevolence of the divine. By following the schematic provided by great yogis and saints, we can align our lives with greater purpose and meaning.