OmniLight Invocations 365

A reconstruction of Ramalingam’s appearance based on descriptions by those who knew him. The Tamil words below the image express his sincere wish: May All Beings Attain Bliss and Flourish!

Recitation of the Vedas (Hindu scriptures)

Recitation of Jewish Scriptures

Bible reading for African students

Arutperunjothi Agaval: Couplet: 12

ஓதா துணர்ந்திட வொளியளித் தெனக்கே

ஆதார மாகிய வருட்பெருஞ் ஜோதி

Bereft

Of

Scholastic

Learning

By

Rote,

Paucity

Of

Parroting,

Recitation,

Of

Scriptures,

Yet,

Benediction

Of

Luminous

Sensibility,

Light

Of

Enlightenment,

Bestowed,

Kindled,

Supported,

Consummately

By the Supreme Compassion of OmniLight!

Note: This autobiographical couplet testifies to Ramalingam’s attainment of illumined sensibility and enlightenment, without benefit of scholastic rote learning and parrot-like repetition of scriptures, by the supreme compassion of OmniLight.

In his own words, this was the result of intense, one-pointed aspiration for the OmniLight, sustained inner austerity of renunciation of distracting worldly desires, and the development of compassion for living beings.

The Arutperunjothi Agaval is Ramalingam’s magnum opus of enlightenment poetry composed in 798 couplets in 1872. 

In later posts, I will offer commentaries on these verses.