Maya Varnanam [Tamil]

Maya Varnanam [Tamil]
[Description of Illusion]
By Poonthanam
Translated by P. R. Ramachander

[Poonthanam was possibly one of the greatest fore runners of Bhakthi cult in Kerala and his greatest work was Jnana Pana. Loosely it can be translated as "Pot of Knowledge". But "pana" here is not pot but a style of folk poem. This is written in a common man's language and in a common man's verse. It preaches the greatness of repetition (singing) of the Holy God's names. In between Poonthanam wrote about the world he saw and the world he wanted to see. Some people term it as the Bhagavad Geetha of Malayalam. I am sure most of you would be surprised to know that Poonthanam has written four prayers in Tamil. The Tamil used by him is very archaic and is mixed a lot with Malayalam and Sanskrit words. In this work, he is trying to define what is Maya (illusion).]

1. Srushtikkum munpil sachidanandamakiya Brahmam yekam,
Intha drusya prapancham nasichaal Brahamam Yekam.

Before creation there was only one Brahman which was divinely joyous,
If the world we see is completely destroyed then also there would be only one Brahman.

2. Vyashti samashti vidham aayirunthalum Brahmam Yekam,
Koti Vedantha Sasthram Vicharichalum vanthalum Brahmam yekam.

Though beings are individual and are in Groups, there is only one Brahman,
Even though we think of billions of Vedantha philosophy, there is only one Brahman.

3. Moola prakruthikku appalum, yippalum Brahmam yekam,
Maya muggunam illathe nirgunamagiya Brahmam yekam,

Before and after the basic form of creation, there is only one Brahman,
Without the three illusory characters, without any properties, there is only one Brahman.

4. Kala thyathukku appothum ippothum Brahmam yekam,
Maya kattina karanam poale irunthalum Brahmam yekam.

Before and after the past, present and future, there is only one Brahman,
Even if it appears to be cause as shown by illusion, there is only one Brahman.

5. Antha para brahma vasthu, padathil uditha mayai,
Thuchamaanalum vasthavam poale maymkanantha mayai

That thing called divine Brahman is the illusion born at the feet,
And even if it is insignificant, it is an illusion which will make you feel that it is true.

6. Thanakenthapadi venam, anthapadi cheyyum antha mayai,
Jagadheswarananalum kadakka koodatha kaan antha mayai.

That illusion acts in a manner that it likes to act,
And please know, that even god of universe cannot cross that illusion.

7. Sathum asathum sadaa sathumalla kaan antha mayai,
Veda sastrangalum nirvachaneeyam kaan antha Mayai.

Please know that illusion is neither true nor false and definitely not always true,
Please know that even Vedas and Sastras cannot define that illusion.

8. Shudha spahatika niram aayirundhalum antha mayai,
Onnum thionnayju irundu andhakaramai moodum kaan antha Mayai.

If something is of the colour of pure crystal, that illusion,
Would cover it with darkness and make it invisible. please know this.

9. Maya gunam thannai cholla thulayathu, Rama, Rama,
Athil ascharyathai naan aarodu cholluven Rama, Rama.

Oh Rama Oh Rama, it is difficult to tell about Illusion,
Oh Rama, Rama, to whom shall I tell the wonders about it.

10, Ooyatha janam ozhinthu, thulainthathe, Rama, Rama,
Sruthi, yukthi, anubhava mukthi kidacuthu Rama, Rama

Oh Rama, Rama, this endless birth cycle has come to an end,
Oh Rama, Rama, I got Vedas, easy method and experienced salvation.

11. Intha mannil podi poale, ennam thulayaa Rama, Rama,
Intha kana chilam poale kandu kolla chonnar yengal desikan.

Oh Rama, Rama, This is innumerable like the dust of the mud,
But my teacher told me to find it out like this anklet.

12. Karanmillathe kariyam poi vanthar yengal desikangal,
Appol sachidananthane, seshikkum yennar yengal desikar.

Like an act without cause I went several times to our Guru,
And then our Guru told us that only the true divine joy would be left out remaining.