Knowing Our Roots – Syllabus for Hinduism as it is

-Hinduism in general, Saiva in special-

 

1. Concept of God in General- Seven possible concepts (sapta panka vaada)

1. Polytheism/ Monotheism/ Atheism
2. Explanation of the Tamil word for God – KADA+UL

கட- All pervasive and beyond

உள் – Within everything as minute of the minute

Within each and every soul as the Lord of the soul

• Concept of God in Thiru KuraL – 1st chapter (in pearls of Tamil wisdom)

1. Universality of the Tamil Saiva Concept of God

ஒன்றே குலம் ஒருவனே தேவன் – திருமந்திரம்

தென்னாடுடைய சிவனே போற்றி

எந்நாட்டவர்க்கும் இறைவா போற்றி – திருவாசகம்

 

2. Saiva Concept of God as Siva-Sakthi

Only one God. ஒன்றே குலம் ஒருவனே தேவன் – திருமந்திரம்

தென்னாடுடைய சிவனே போற்றி

எந்நாட்டவர்க்கும் இறைவா போற்றி – திருவாசகம்

ஏஹம் ஸத் – இருக்கு வேதம்

Dual aspect of the one and the same God.

Siva-Sakti concept of Saivam.

1. Siva – potential aspect of the divine power
2. Sakti – kinetic aspect of the divine power

 

3. Forces of duality expressed in the creations as in the creator

Understanding the duality of the forces in nature – biological, physical and chemical

 

1. Living beings : male – female
2. Particles : electron – proton
3. Energy forces : cathode – anode

positive – negative

north pole – south pole

 

 

4. Understanding the forms of the formless – Shakthi
5. Sakthi = Power / Energy

Divine Energy Vs Material Energy

Material Energy – no conscious / no knowledge / no sense of discrimination

eg: electricity, atomic energy, fire etc

Divine Energy – Full of conscious; full of Grace; full of sense

= This is sakthi

 

2. Sakthi = God’s Love (unconditional and unlimited) = அருள்

அருளது சத்தியாகும் – சிவஞானசித்தியார்

 

5. Understanding the wife or wives of Hindu Gods

 

potencies of the God = sakthi

collective potency = one sakthi/ one wife

individual potencies = individual wives

Eg: kriya sakthi – potency to act – Devayani of Murugan

ichcha sakthi – potency of will / desire – Valli of Murugan

jnana sakthi – potency of knowledge – Vel ( Broad, wide and sharp) of murugan

 

Understanding the universality of the Shiva- Shakthi concept

Siva Jnana Siddhiyaar song – ‘saththiyum sivamum aaya thanmai iv ulakam ellaam’

Concept of Shakthi in Christianity

Concept of Shakthi in Islam

 

 

 

6. Understanding the forms of the formless – Ganesha

1. Symbolism of Ganesha form and worship
2. Thaoppu KaraNam – super brain yoga

• Knocking on the forehead – accupressure / accupuncture points called nadis
• Coconut breaking -5 coats of coconut = 5 layers for the souls

1. Coconut breaking – hard shell = ego

 

1. Understanding the forms of the formless – SKANDA    

1. Among the celestial commanders I am Skanda – Krishna in Bagavat Gita
2. Chapter of “kumaara sambhava” with pala sruthi in Vaalmeeki Ramayana

• Epic “Kumaara sambhava” by the Great Sanskrit poet KaaLidaasa

1. Skaantha puraaNa – largest among the 18 Hindu puraaNas in Sanskrit
2. kantha puraaNam – ?10340 songs in Tamil by Kachchiyappa Sivachchaariyaar

 

1. Story of Skanda

• Sooran pOr
• Skantha Sashti

1. Kadirgama – Sacred Temple of Muruga in Sri Lanka
2. AaRu Padai Veedu – The six sacred Temples of Skanda in Tamil Nadu, India
3. Forms of Muruga

 

• Tamil God kanthan – தமிழ்க்கடவுள் கந்தன்

1. 1. Lord of Kurinji land (Hill side)
   2. Tribal God of Tamils worshiped by kuRavar (Tamil gypsies) and

1. vEdas (Tamil Hunters)

1. 1. One of the Tamil scholar board member of 1st Tamil Sangam

1. (in KOR syllabus for Tamil)

1. 1. Taught Tamil to Sage Akastya
   2. Graced to Aouvai (songs in KOR syllabus for Tamil)

 

 

1. Understandin the form of the formless – Nadarajah

1. Understanding the significance of the Nadaraja form

 

1. Understanding the form of the formless – Shiva Lingam

 

1. Understanding the forms of the formless – Veera Padra and Padra KaaLi

1. Strory of Daksha Yagjna

 

1. Understanding the forms of the formless – Bhairava is Siva amsa

1. -Brahma losing his fifth head

1. 1. Garland of skulls (vadai maalai)

1. Kaala Bahirava of Kaasi
2. Kaala Bhairava Ashtakam

1. 1. Gurdian God – guard from evil spirits and ghosts
   2. Controller of delinquent souls
   3. special prayers in the post funeral rites for

1. suiciddal/ homicidal or accidental deaths.

 

 

 

 

1. Introduction to Ganesha Slokas/ Mantra (introduced in daily prayers)

1. ‘Suklaam Paratharam’
2. Vakra DhuNda

 

 

1. Introduction to Thevaaram song ‘PIDIYATHAN URU UMAI’ (introduced in daily prayers)

 

1. Cry Baby – Story of Sambandhar  

1. Introduction to the song ” Thoadudaiya seviyan”
2. Film – Thiruvarud chelvar

 

1. Tummy ache – Story of Naavukku arasar

1. Introduction to the song ” Koottra yinavaa”
2. Film – Thiruvarud chelvar

 

1. Crazy man – Story of Sundarar

1. Introduction to the song ” piththaa pirai soodi”

 

1. Beautiful Signature – Story of MaNikka Vaasakar

1. Intorduction to ” Yaanae poi; en nenchum poi”

 

1. Siva PuraaNam of Thiru Vaasakam – The essence of Saivism
   1. Twice a month – pradhOsha – recital and memorizing
   2. For Siva Ratri
2. Introduction to Abhiraami anthaathi

1. Story/ Film on Abhirama Bhattar
2. Song – ‘thanam tharum, kalvi tharum’

• Historical evidence – gifted land by the King Serbhoji of Tanjoor

1. Possible explanations of two moons at once – spiritual and scientific

 

 

1. Introduction to Thiru Pukazh

1. Story of Aruna Giri
2. Study of a song of Thiru Puhazh (in daily prayers

•  

1. Thiru PaLLi Ezhuchchi – the wake up songs in December- January

 

1. Thiru Empaavai – in December – January

 

1. Thirup paavai – Introduction – in December – January

 

 

1. St. Thaayumaanaar

1. Life of Thaayumaanaar
2. Introduction to Tayumaanaar Song

 

 

1. Hindu Festivals -Navaratri  

1. Review of the concept of Shakthi
2. God as female Godess/ mother Godess – only in Hinduism

• Diffrent forms of Shakthi worship

1. Nava Ratri
2. Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswathi
3. Makisha Asura Vatha or killing of the demon Makisha

• Devi prayers- Sakalakalavalli malai

1. 1. deva oochchu – recital

 

-abhiraami andhaathi – recital of selected songs

 

 

1. Hindu Festivals – Siva Raatri

Brahma and Vishnu – couldn’t find the top and the bottom

God cannot be known in full – by knowledge and research (Husband of Saraswathi) or by our resources (Husband of Lakshmi)

1. Philosophy behind the story
2. Thiru ANNaa Malai Hill – pre historic volcanic hill

• Thiru Anna Malai Temple

 

1. Hindu Festivals – Thai Pongal – Demo
   1. Beginning of UttaraayaNa
   2. Explanation with orbit of earth around sun

 

1. Hindu Festivals – Deepavali– Festival of lights
   1. Significance

 

1. Hindu Festivals – Hindu New Year
   1. Hindu Calendar
   2. Hindu Months/ seasons

 

1. Our Guru paramparaa/ lineage

1. Four samaya-accharyas

 

1. Thiru Gnana Sambandhar
2. Thiru Naavukkarasar
3. Sundara moorti nayanaar
4. Manikka vaasakar

 

2. Four santhaana-accharyas
3. Mei KaNdaar
4. AruL Nanthi Sivam
5. Marai Jnana Sambandhar
6. Uma Pathi Sivam

 

3. First Guru – Siva as DakshaNa mUrti
4. Last Guru – Siva as the Jnana Guru/ Guru the Supreme

5. Review of Guru VS Teacher – power point

 

 

1. Biography of 63 Saints -during their respective Guru Puja Days
   1. Determination of Guru puja day/ anniversary
   2. Student presentations
   3. Readings
   4. selection to sainthood – a comparative analysis

 

1. Introduction to Achcharyas of other Hindu traditions
   1. Life and message of Aadhi Sankara
   2. Life and message of Raamanuja achcharya
   3. Life and message of Madva achcharya

 

 

1. Latter day saints – Ramana Maha Rishi – life and message
   1. Documentary
   2. Reading from His texts

 

1. Latter day saints – Ramakrishna – life and message
   1. Documentary
   2. Reading from parables

 

1. Modern Gurus – Swami Vivekaananda

1. World Parliament of Religions
2. Speech at WPR

• Ramakrishna Mission – inviting someone from the mission

 

1. Arumuga Naavalar

1. Introduction to Saiva Vina Vidai

 

 

1. Modern day leaders – Mahatma Gandhi

1. Non- violence
2. Bagavat Gita and Mahatma Gandhi

• Mahatma Gandhi – story, film and documentary

 

1. Modern Gurus – Prabhu Paada

1. Hare Krishna – ISKCON – inviting the group

 

1. Modern Gurus – Sai Baba

1. Inviting someone

 

1. Introduction to Siddhas

1. Revolutionary nature of siddhas
2. Definition of siddhas

• Five kinds of siddhas

 

1. Modern day Siddhas – Yogar Swami

1. Study of a song from Nat Chinthanai
2. Hawai Aadheenam – inviting someone

1. 1. Shirdi Sai

 

 

 

1. What is Scipture?

 

1. vEdas and Aagamas – Are they for Hindus only?
2. Deine vEda; Define Aagama. Identify vEdas and Aagamas in other religions.

• Introduction to our scriptures in Sanskrit

1. Four divisions of vEdas – RIG, Yajur, Saama and AdharvaNa
2. Further divisions – bRahmaanas, upanishads
3. Auxilary texts of vedas – 6 including grammer and astrology

• Upanishads – 108
• Aagamas – 28

1. Upa Aagamas – 207
2. PuraNas – 18 mythological treatises
3. Ithikasas – Ramayana and Maha Bhaarat

 

1. Introduction to Tamil Saiva Scriptures

 

1. Thiru Murai – 12 including Thevaaram, Thiru Vaasakam and Periya PuraNam- thebiography of 63 saints

1. Mei KaNda Sastras – 14 philosophical treatises – answers all the possible questions

• Three PuraNas in Tamil – Periya PuraNam the 12th Thiru Murai, Kantha Puranam

1. the story of Lord Kanthan and ThiruviLaiyaadal PuraNam the 64 plays of Lord Shiva
2. Thaayumaanaar songs-15th centuary
3. Aruna Giri Naathar – Thirup pukaz songs

• Books from Saiva monastries – PaNdaara sastras, commentaries 16 to 18th
• century

1. Saiva Vina Vidai by Arumuga Navalar of Jaffna, the question and answer book
   1. on Saivam -19th century
2. Nat Cintanai – Yogar swami of Jaffna – 20th century

 

1. Introduction to Twelve ThirumuRai (power point presentation available)

 

1. Introduction to available English and electronic versions of scriptures

1. Living with Siva by Sivaya Subramuniya Swami, Hawai Aadheena
2. Dancing with Siva by the same Guru

• Merging with Siva by the same Guru 21st century

1. www.knowingourroots.com
2. www.thevaaram.org
3. www.shaivam.org

 

 

1. Hindu Astrology

1. Nava Grahas – Nine planets and their stories
2. Twelve zodiac signs and their respective lordship

• Twenty seven stars and their respective sins

 

1. HINDU CALENDAR – INTRODUCTION  (included in daily routines)
   1. days, months and years

1. Lunar days waxing and waning
2. Panchang – five things – day, lunar phase, star, yoga and karaNa

 

 

 

1. Concept of Karma – power point presentation

1. Aakaamya, Sanjitha and Prarapta karmas
2. Karma Samsaya, the equanimity of Karma

• Liberation from karma

1. Karma Yoga

 

1. Reincarnation – science and religion

1. Seven types of living beings
2. Four types of births

• 84,000 species of life in 224 cosmic units

1. Siva PuraaNam – ” pullakip poodaay”

 

1. RamayaNa – Ongoing Study

1. in sessions with follow up interactive plays and discussion

 

1. Maha Bhaarat – Ongoing Study

1. interactive discussions and play

 

1. Introduction to Bagavat Gita – Song of the God        

1. Reading of Chapter 11
2. Qualities dear to God

 

 

1. Journey of the Soul – power point presentation

 

1. Hindu Cosmology – power point presentation

 

1. Hindu Timeline – power point presentation

 

1. Teacher and the Guru – a comparison – power point presentation

 

1. Karma for plants and animals? – (power point presentation available)

1. Story of Elephant and spider in Thiru Aanaikka
2. Story of giving liberation to thorn bush by St. Umapathi Sivam -14th century

• History of animals worshiped places

1. Photos of Cobra worshiping

 

 

1. Chidamparam Temple

1. Locational significance of Chidambaram Temple
2. Stuctural significance of Chidambaram temple
3. Secrets of Chidambaram
4. Significance of Thillai Brahmins

 

 

 

 

1. Temple worship

1. Understanding the significance of Hindu Temple structure
2. Temple format = Human body

• Flag post – Six chakras

1. Importance of Temple worship
2. Temple worship is available only in this earth.

 

1. Vibhuthi – (powerpoint presentation availablre)

1. Significance
2. Preparation

• Introduction to the song ” manthiram aavathu neeru”

 

1. Rudraaksham (powerpoint presentation available)

1. Significance – only bead with natural hole
2. Chanting

• Power point presentation

 

1. Holy Mantra – Na-Ma-Si-Va-Ya

1. Meaning and significance
2. As name and as mantra
3. Importance of Deeksha

 

1. Introduction to Yoga – mini/ long workshops

1. postures
2. Ashtaanga Yoga
3. Awareness of six Chakras
4. PraNaayaam
5. Meditation
6. What is samaadhi?

 

1. Vegetarianism

1. Health reasons – 100 reasons not to eat meat
2. Ethical Reasons
3. Spiritual Reasons
4. Global warming
5. Starvation
6. Environmental
7. Meaning of Saiva Meal Vs Vegetarian meal

 

 

1. Holy Cow (power point presentation available)

1. Significance – universal
2. Significance – Hindus

• Significance – Saiva

 

1. Ghosts, do they really exist?

1. Modern encounters
2. Story of Kaaraikkaal Ammai

• Story of Aouvaiyr’s encounter with the ghost pazhiyanUr Neeli

1. Story of Swami Vivekanandar’s encounter with the ghost
2. introduction to Thiru Vaasakam ” Pullakip poodai”

 

1. Hell and Heaven, do they really exist? (PowerPoint presentation available)

1. Description of hells and heavens in all religions
2. Judgment after death in all religions

• 28 types of hell

1. Descriptions of punishments in hells

 

1. Namaskaar when and how?
   1. eka-anga namaskaar – bowing head
   2. dhuvi-anga namaskaar – with both hands
   3. tri-anga namaskaar – bowing head with folded hands in prayer
   4. pancha-anga namaskaar – Head, both hands, both knees touching the

1. ground

1. 1. saashta-anga namaskaar – Falling on the ground in worship. Head, both

1. arms, both legs, and torso touching the ground

1. 1. ashta-anga namaskaar – Falling on the ground in worship. In addition to the above six parts of head, both arms, both legs, and torso, both shoulders and ears touch the ground by stretching the arms forward and turing the head alternatively to touch the ground.
   2. anga- pradakshiNa – circumvallating by rolling the body on the ground
   3. adi azhiththal – doing panchaanga namaskaar for every one or three

1. steps.

1. 1. saango-upaanga – Falling on the ground in prostration with all your

1. paraphernalia on just seeing the sight of the Guru,
2. deity, Temple tower, devotee or respected person

 

 

1. Significance of Hindu Marriages

Personal preparation for marriage

When to marry?

Selection of right life partner – ThirukuRaL

Thiruvembhavai

Kantha purANam

Roles of Husband/ wife/ parents

Widowhood/Separation/ Divorce / Remarriage

 

1. Rituals explained (included with normal and special day routines)

1. How to do simple Home Puja?
2. Setting up poorNa kumbha

• Setting up Puja tray

1. Setting up altar
2. Lighting lamps
3. ThOraNa setting for auspicious events

• ThOraNa setting for apara rituals
• Performing Aarti

1. kOlam
2. Making garland from flowers
3. making and offering prasad

 

 

1. Varnashrama Dharama – explanation

1. Exploitation of Varnashrama Dharma
2. Relevancy of Varnashrama Dharama in modern life

• Caste oppression, curse or dharma?

1. Dalit movement

 

1. Relating to nature

1. Enviornmental pollution
2. ashta mUrti – Five great elements, sun, moon and souls

• vaishNava concept of ashta mUrti

1. Un-exploiting relationship with mother nature
2. Sustainable resource management and development
3. Sustainable growth and civilization

 

 

1. Hindu Dharma – (power point presentation)

1. loga dharma – self centered actions – Social rules. regulations, Laws and by-laws including customs, tradition, social manners, dress code, driving, parking, registrations of veichles, pets, paying taxes( bible story of paying taxes)
2. vaidhika or vEdic dharma – centered around others – dharma as recommended in religious scriptures –Vedic Dharma – father, mother, son, daughter, guru, king, husband, wife etc.
3. Siva Dharma or God centered actions : the Dharma for spiritual liberation – Cariya, kriya, yoga and jnana

 

 

 

1. Living/ growing as a practicing Hindu in our multi cultural society

1. Challanges in schools/ work place/ community/ travel
2. Relating to other religions

• Shopanaa Marga – the step ladder pattern includes all religions

1. Siva Jnana siddhiyaar – ‘ Othu samayankal’ and ‘purach chamaya neri ninrum’
2. World peace through religions, is it possible?

 

1. Knowing thy self

1. Hindu psychology – mind, intellect, conscious and sense of self
2. Psychological defense mechanisms

• Sigmund Freud and his theory of psychology

1. Psychological developmental stages – Erik Erikson
2. Stage eight – wisdom Vs desperateness
3. Maslow’s pyramid

• Ramana Maharishi – teachings

 

 

 

1.  Hindu Trinity

1. Brahma,VishNu and Rudra
2. Who is the mighty?

 

1.  Saiva Siddhanta – the ultimatum of ultimate TRUTH

1. Triology of Saiva Siddhanta
2. PATI – The GOD

• PASU – INNUMERATE SOULS; souls are not created

1. PAASA – AaNava, Karma and maya
2. Thiru Manthiram song – ‘pathi pasu paasam’

 

1.  Science and Religion

1. Religion is not against the science; actually complements it, supplements it and
2. surpassing it.

• Six things not coming under science – Thiru arul payan – ‘Ehan anEhan’

1. Albert Einstein – Theory of Ralativity and Quantum Theory

1. 1. Gods particle
   2. Theory of all

1. Stephen Hawkins – Theory of Universe

1. 1. Big Bang and Big crunch
   2. Black Holes

1. Frijof Capra – Tao of physics

 

1.   Respect VS Obedience

1. Bible ten commandments – respect and obedience
2. Learn to say ‘No’

• Respect always, obey if its ok

1. Story of Sambandhar went to Madurai against the advice of Appar
2. Story of Rama going to forest against the will of the elders and his father
3. Story of Sita accomapanying Rama to the forest

• Story of Rama sending Sita to forest

 

1.  Who is Brahmana?
   1. one of the Four varNas
   2. by birth? by qualities?
   3. Reading yaksha praknja from Mahabharat
   4. Reading Vajra susika upanishad
   5. Reading Santogya upanishad – Story of Satyagaama Jaabaala
   6. Thiru Manthiram song -நூலும் சிகையும் நுவலிற் பிரமமோ
   7. அந்தணர் என்போர் அறவோர் மற்றெவ்வுயிர்க்கும்

1. செந்தண்மை பூண்டொழுகலான் – Thiru kuRaL

1. 1. Six means of existence or duties for BrahmaNas – அறுதொழில்

 

1.   Who is Sanyasi?
   1. Reading from Parivrajaka & Paramahamsa upanishads
   2. Monastic orders and ordains
   3. Saiva Sanyaasa Paththadhi

1. மழித்தலும் நீட்டலும் வேண்டா உலகத்தார்

பழிப்பது ஒழித்து விடின் – thiru kuRaL

1. 1. athyaachrami – beyond the codes of conduct

1. eg: Yogar swami, Ramana maharshi, Ramakrishnar

1. 1. Modern Day Sanyasis

 

1. Goals of Human life – purushArtha ( ThirukkuRaL)

1. aRam / dharma – Righteous ways in duties and responsibilities
2. poruL / artha – Resource Management – material/ human / social/ political/ intellectual/ spiritual resources.

Earning, developing, cultivating/ preserving, sharing and transmitting these resources

1. inpam / kAma – Enjoyments of life including love
2. veedu / mOksha – spiritual pursuits towards spiritual liberation