As we move along in the study of our lineage, Thirumoolar’s, it will benefit us to know some terms and essential information.

Terms

Twilight Language: Siddhas usually employed a paradoxical language to describe mystical experiences. Their writing meanings have to be understood at 2 levels: (1)Exoteric and Linguistic and (2)Esoteric and Symbolic.

Thirumoolar used various symbols, which were interpreted in Tamil. When we encounter these words as we go through the verses, I will give you the intended meaning, as determined by Thirumoolar scholars. An example of this is the word “cimil” in Tamil, which translates to “small jewel box” but refers to ignorance or a secret in verse 173. It is important to have these translations since most of us would not accurately interpret the passages without this work. 

Terms

Siva-Yoga or Shiva Yoga: A technique of opening the third-eye. This is central to Thirumoolar’s teachings.

Saivism: May be traced to the Rig Veda and is a tradition within Hinduism that considers Shiva to be supreme. While Thirumoolar’s philosophy was based on religious concepts of Saivism, he re-interpreted it to explain metaphysical truths. There is much for us to learn from Thirumoolar, regardless of our faith.

Siddha: A person who has achieved spiritual realization. Thirumoolar is considered 1 of the 18 “great” Siddhas. All Siddhas are great, of course, but this is a term given to 18 Siddhas. There is not an agreed-upon reason for these 18 being singled out. Some theorize it was popularity and others claim it was because they attained higher levels of realization.

Who are the great 18 Siddhas? You may find these listed differently, not because of disagreement (to my knowledge) of who the 18 were, but because of different names and spellings.

Sri Pathanjali
Sri Agasthiar
Sri Kamalamuni
Sri Thirumoolar
Sri Kuthambai
Sri Korakkar
Sri Thanvandri
Sri Sundaranandar
Sri Konganar
Sri Sattamuni
Sri Kakabujandar
Sri Ramadevar
Sri Sivavaakyiar
Sri Idaikkadar
Sri Machamuni
Sri Karuvoorar
Sri Bogar
Sri Pambatti

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