The Soul Knows Neither Coming Nor Going: The Supreme Truth in Tiruvacakam and Tirumandiram
In our mundane existence (Samsara), particularly during moments of profound shock or terror, we casually utter phrases such as
“My life departed and returned…”
“The life that left came back…”
“I held my life in my hands…”
These expressions arise involuntarily from us during extraordinary circumstances. Yet, in absolute reality (Paramarthika Satya), the soul (Atman or Uyir) neither departs nor arrives. Grasping the formless soul in one’s hands is a metaphysical impossibility.
The Illusion (Maya) Woven by Agitations:
The agitations (vrittis) arising in the mind and consequently manifesting in the physical body during unforeseen events are the root cause of such expressions. Based on the transient movements within these physical forms, it has been wrongly taught for ages that life entered the body (birth) through the movement of the appearing forms and that when the same movement stops, life left the body (death).
The State of Siva Revealed by Manikkavacakar:
“Oh Meritorious One, who hath neither departure nor arrival…
(Pokkum varavum ilaa punniyane) These profound words blossomed as Tiruvacakam from Sage Manikkavacakar only after he realized his very soul as Lord Shiva.
Once a devotee realizes their inner Self as Siva, their individual mind and physical identity cease to exist. They merge nondually with the Supreme, dissolving into the Divine Light (Jyoti Rupa).
Likewise, when the disciple perceives their soul as the Guru, the individual ego (Ahamkara) disappears, merging effortlessly into the primordial sound (Sabda Rupa).
Tirumandiram: The Hidden Truth:
Sage Tirumular elucidates the profound nonduality between the gross body and the subtle soul in the Tirumandiram.
“The elemental world is concealed in the Supreme;
The Supreme is concealed in the elemental world.
The Inner Meaning: Once the Supreme Truth (Paramporul) is realized, the physical body—the illusion (Maya) that hitherto veiled it—falls away. The amalgamation of mind and form, born of the earth principle (Prithvi) and the other elements (Pancha Bhutas), dissolves completely into that Supreme Soul.
The Ultimate Realization:
It is human ignorance (Avidya) to mistake thin fluctuations of the physical vessel for the transformations of the soul. However, the veil of Maya will not part until one experiences the ultimate reality through the divine grace of a Sadguru.
There is only one eternal truth:
Coming, going, and permutations belong only to the physical body, never to the immortal soul!
Sri Gurubhyo Namah 🙏
Aadesh 