On 11 December 2024, the 27th Guru Maha Sannithanam of Dharmapuram Aadheenam Math, Srilasri Masilamani Gnanasambanda Paramacharya Swamigal, visited the Isha Yoga Center in Coimbatore. During his visit, Isha Brahmacharis and volunteers extended a warm welcome, offering him full kumbh respect at the Dhyanalingam. The Swamigal expressed his appreciation for the teachings and activities at Isha, particularly the four principles outlined in the “Tirumular’s Tirumantiram“, which begins with “yavarkkumam iraivarku oru paccilai.” He noted that these principles are being followed at Isha Yoga Center.
During his visit, Paramacharya Swamigal listened attentively to “Thevaram” songs sung by the students at Isha Sanskriti School and later participated in the Naatha Aradhana at Dhyanalingam. He also visited several key sites, including the Surya Kundam, Naga Sannithi, and Linga Bhairavi Sannithi, and had the opportunity to witness the Adiyogi Divya Darshan. Additionally, he toured the Isha Sanskriti School and the Gosala.
This was the first time the Dharmapuram Aadheenam visited Isha, and he shared his reflections on the experience. He praised Isha for embodying the teachings of Tirumular, which emphasize principles of kindness and service: “A a green leaf to God, to provide a mouthful of food for the cows, to donate one handful of food when eating, to speak pleasant words to others.” He further highlighted the role of yoga in the tradition of Saiva Siddhanta, noting that it has four stages: Sariya, Kriya, Yoga, and Jnana. He commended Sadhguru for spreading this ancient art of yoga worldwide.
Drawing parallels to the interconnectedness of nature and spirituality, he remarked that, just as Lord Shiva consumed poison for the benefit of others, trees similarly absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, supporting life. He praised Sadhguru and Isha for their efforts in tree plantation, citing that, in honor of the Manivizha of Dharumapuram Aadheenam, Isha Yoga Center, along with Rotary club, plans to plant 60,000 saplings.
He also expressed admiration for Isha’s efforts in caring for native cows and preserving traditional practices. Notably, the Isha Sanskriti School students not only perform ‘Thevaram’ and ‘Thirumurai’ songs beautifully but are also being trained in the traditional martial art of Kalaripayattu, an art form founded by the sage Agastya. He commended Isha for preserving and promoting this ancient form of martial arts, contrasting it with the growing trend of modern practices like karate.
Drawing from the ‘Silappathikaram’, he noted the spiritual significance of bathing in the Surya Kundam and Soma Kundam, as was done by Kannagi. Similarly, in Isha, both men and women take holy baths in the two sacred ponds and worship at the Dhyanalingam and Linga Bhairavi.
In conclusion, Paramacharya Swamigal expressed his deep appreciation for Isha’s holistic approach, which integrates yoga, education, environmental conservation, and the care of native cows. He blessed Sadhguru’s work, wishing for its continued success, and quoted various texts such as Sirupanchamoolam to highlight the spiritual significance of Isha’s contributions.
Before leaving, he inaugurated the Adiyogi Rath Yatra, which will travel across Tamil Nadu in celebration of Mahashivratri, performing the aarti to mark the occasion.
பாரம்பரிய கலைகளை பேணி வளர்க்கும் ஈஷா! #Isha | #Traditionalart | #DharumapuramAdinamhttps://t.co/y4W3uzOWeZ pic.twitter.com/gvfYQNU2cm
— Dinamalar (@dinamalarweb) December 11, 2024
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