Philosophy of Saiva Siddhantha Studies
An excellent introduction programme to mankind’s greatest philosophy
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Arulthiru Namasivayamoorthigal
Founder of Thiruvavaduthurai Adheenam
13th Century
Saiva Siddhanta is an ancient philosophical system of Saivism rooted in the Vedas and elaborated in the Sivagamas, offering a logical and scientific framework to understand the relationship between God (Shiva), the soul, and bondage. It has no specific founder or date of origin, with its core teachings found in Tamil texts like the Meykanda Sastras, Thirukkural, and Thirumurai. Saiva Siddhanta outlines a path to liberation (moksha) through knowledge, devotion, and yoga, while also providing practical guidance for ethical living, meditation, and spiritual practices. Its study promotes spiritual growth, intellectual enlightenment, and personal fulfillment by addressing profound questions of existence and offering a rich ethical framework and sense of purpose.
“Having learned all that learned must be.
Having practised all yoga that have to be,
They, then, pursue the path of Jnana in graduation sure,
And so pass into the world of Formless Sound beyond;
And there, rid of all impurities,
Envision the Supreme, the Self-created;
They, forsooth, are the Saiva Siddhantis true.
--Thirumantiram
The philosophy of Saiva religion is Saiva Siddhantam. It elaborates spiritual matters involving the soul. What is God, His nature?, What is the purpose of this life? What is the reason of creation? Who am “I”? What is our relationship with God?, These are some of the questions answered in this philosophy. Not only it gives logical explanations but also gives us the strength to think and ‘rebuild’ our current faith and understanding about true spirituality.
“The Siddhanta consists of the essence of the Vedas” ( Suprabhedagama)...this tantra is of the essence of Veda’, this siddhanta knowledge which is the significance of Vedanta is supremely good” – Sivadvaita of Srikantha by S.S. Suryanaranyana Sastri 1972
"Saiva Siddhantam is the philosophical system of Saivism which is the pre-historic religion of India. This system is not only logical but also scientific. Saiva Siddhantam explains the TRUTH of triple realities, GOD, SOUL and BONDAGE as mentioned in the SAIVAGAMAS"
Saiva Siddhanta offers a comprehensive understanding of the nature of reality, the human condition, and the path to liberation.
Studying Saiva Siddhanta can serve several purposes:
Spiritual Growth and Liberation
Understanding the Ultimate Reality
It provides a framework for understanding the nature of God (Shiva) and the relationship between the individual soul (jiva) and the divine.
Path to Liberation
It outlines a practical path to liberation (mukti) from the cycle of birth and death, through the cultivation of knowledge, devotion and yoga.
Spiritual Guidance
Saiva Siddhanta offers guidance on ethical living, meditation, and spiritual practices that can lead to inner peace and enlightenment.
Intellectual Exploration and Understanding
Philosophical Depth
It explores deep philosophical questions about existence, consciousness, and the nature of reality.
Cultural Heritage
It provides insights into the rich cultural and philosophical traditions of India.
Comparative Studies
It can be compared with other philosophical and religious systems to gain a broader understanding of human thought and spirituality.
Personal Development and Well-being
Ethical Framework
Saiva Siddhanta offers a moral and ethical framework for living a meaningful life.
Stress Reduction
Meditation and spiritual practices can help reduce stress and promote mental well-being.
Sense of Purpose
Understanding the purpose of life and one's place in the universe can provide a sense of meaning and direction.
In essence, studying Saiva Siddhanta can offer a profound and transformative experience, leading to spiritual growth, intellectual enlightenment, and personal fulfillment. It provides a rich tapestry of knowledge and wisdom that can enrich one's life in many ways.
Siddhantam also means the ultimate truth. Elements of Siddhanta philosophy are seen scattered in Vedas, particularly the Vedantas, Agamas, early Tamil works and devotional hymns of Thirmular, Karaikkaal Ammaiyar, the four Samayacharyas int the early period but it was Saint Meikandar of the 13th century who codified these philosophical thoughts and gave them a shape as a logical system.
When over emphasis came to be laid on Sanskrit works with the various commentaries on the Brahma sutras, Meykandar of the early 13th century came on the scene like the rising Sun. He produced the basic work on Saiva Siddhanta known as Sivajnana Bodham of 12 sutras of 40 lines. This work is considered as the primary text of Saiva Siddhanta philosophy. He pioneered the holy line of the preceptors called the Saiva Santhanachariyas who produced great philosophic works in Tamil by way of elucidation of Sivajnana Bodham and preserved the traditional religious practices.
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