The desire to know the truth of bliss is deep within the core of every human being; but it gets diluted into a desire for worldly objects when one gets caught in this day-to-day living. All worldly joys are ephemeral. They give enjoyment only for a brief period. Instead of searching for joy in the external world, if only one looked inwards, one could locate the source of joy within oneself, say the saints and realised souls, pointed out Sri Mathivannan in a lecture. These Jnanis have bequeathed a great treasure to mankind. Their lives teach us the path of righteousness and worship and their works are vehicles that transmit their experience of God.
Only human birth affords a chance to experience divine bliss. It is a great fortune to be born a human being and one should not squander this chance and spend the life chasing worldly pleasures. Tirumoolar, Vallalar, Arunagirinathar and other Tamil saints have experienced the bliss of union with God.
Ramalinga Adigalar, also known as Vallalar, was a realised soul and a great Tamil saint and poet. His austere way of life itself became an inspiration for others to emulate. It is said that once Vallalar felt the intercession of grace and went into a realised state. He was glad he had partaken of divine bliss but was sad because there were so many people who were not aware of it and therefore did not even attempt to seek it. God blessed him with the gift of poesy and in his poems he sings of this bliss that is an experience to cherish at all times. He has taught us to train ourselves to accept contentment. In addition, compassion to all, practice of non-violence, accepting the superiority of God and paying obeisance to Him — are to be upheld.
He advocated solitude, alertness and austere living which would help one to look inwards. Saint Arunagirinathar’s inspired hymns serve many purposes — from various aspects of worldly living like health, wealth, etc., to spiritual fulfilment.
In the Katopanishad, Nachiketas represents this desire for the ultimate truth and bliss; he remains staunch in his pursuit, even when tempted by Yama with promise of attractive worldly pleasures.
