Abstract
Tamil Siddhas, a loosely associated group of mystics belonging to the pan Indian Tantric tradition, recommend using the body and the mind as tools to surpass limited existence. They prescribe a method of yoga which utilizes the mind’s power to bring together dualities within a practitioner’s body to achieve kāya siddhi or a perfected, deathless body. The esoteric language and symbolism that the Siddhas use to convey their teachings have led to the misunderstanding and misinterpretation of their philosophy and methodology. This study aims to explain Tamil Siddha yoga and dispel some of the misconceptions about Tamil Siddhas using Siddha Agatthiyar’s composition, Antaraṅga dīkṣā viti, as the primary text.
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Notes
English translation of the Tirumantiram published by Babaji’s Kriya Yoga order of Acharyas (ed.Ganapathy) Canada . 2010.
Balaramaiya V. Antaraṅga dīkṣā viti Arul Jyothi Publishers, Chennai, India. 1986.
Sekkizhar, 12th Tirumurai, Thirumooladeva Nayanar Puranam. http://thevaaram.org/thirumurai_1/songview.php?thiru=12&Song_idField=12300&padhi=72&button=%E0%AE%9A%E0%AF%86%E0%AE%B2%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%95
Ramasamikkon G 1964. Agatthiyar Poorana Sutiram 216 Sriramacandra Vilasam Press, Madurai, India. Verse 42.
Ramacandran S.P., Agatthiyar’s Vada Saumyam Thamarai Noolagam, Chennai, India. 1993.
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GA conceived the project and studied Antharaṅga Dīkṣā Viti.
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A freelance researcher working on Tamil Siddha texts (communicating author)
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Anand, G. Inner Initiation for Transcendence: Siddha Agatthiyar’s Antharaṅga Dīkṣā Viti. DHARM 3, 407–418 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42240-020-00079-7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42240-020-00079-7