Sree Narayana Gurudev - ‘one of the most influential saints of modern India’

The world view of India essentially centres around the one-ness of all living beings because we believe that “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The whole world is one family) and “Ekam Sat, Vipraah bahudhaa vadanti” (Truth is one, though wise men describe it in multiple ways). We also believe, as the Ishaavaasya Upanishad states in its opening line, “Ishaavasyam idam sarvam” (The whole universe is manifestation of the divinity). 

If you look at it from the socio-political dimension, this is the quintessence of a democratic ethos where each individual is as important as another. It is a recognition of unity in diversity as well as celebration of one-ness in a plural world.

We, in India, have traditionally recognized that there is a vibrant colourful variety in human existence and since each particle in this universe is animated by the same divine energy, there need not be any conflict. The diversity adds to the richness of our existence and enlivens our lives. This world view paves the way for mutual respect, peaceful co-existence and collaborative effort to achieve progress sustainably and inclusively.

Narayan Guru was a multifaceted genius, a great Maharshi, an eloquent proponent of Advaita philosophy and a talented poet who composed sublime poetry in Malayalam, Sanskrit and Tamil. A remarkable social reformer, he was in the forefront of the movement for universal temple entry and against the societal ills like the social discrimination of untouchables. Above all these, he was one of the greatest metaphysicians the world has ever seen

Narayana Gurudev provided the impetus for Vaikom agitation which drew nationwide attention and appreciation from Mahatma Gandhi. He was a true sage who dedicated his entire life to the welfare of humanity. For him, the world was permeated by one universal spirit, by a common divine energy that resided in every human being and in fact in every creature in this universe. He captured the essence of Indianness in his poems which highlighted the unity that lies beneath the world’s apparent diversity.

Sree Narayana Guru as a remarkable social reformer. He was at the forefront of the temple entry movement and against the social discrimination of untouchables. Consecrating a Siva idol amidst protest from bigoted traditionalists, he provided the impetus to Vaikom agitation and drew nationwide attention and appreciation from Mahatma Gandhi. Sree Narayana Guru also emphasized the practice of ideals of cleanliness, promotion of education, agriculture, trade, handicrafts and technical training as a part of the Sivagiri pilgrimage, Shri Naidu noted.

The saint guru believed that the world was permeated by one universal spirit, a common divine energy that resided in every human being and creature in this universe,He captured this essence of Indianness in his poems and underlined the unity that lies beneath the world’s apparent diversity. “For Narayana Gurudev, there is only “One Caste, One Religion, One God for All” (Oru Jathi, Oru Matham, Oru Daivam, Manushyanu)”, Shri Naidu said. This philosophy formed the basis for his reform movements, which sought to remove inequalities and social distortions. 

Narayana Guru as one of the most influential saints of modern India, who had propagated India’s unique vision of harmony, peaceful coexistence and respect for diversity. Shri Naidu also spoke of his genius for intuitively knowing the potential of science and technology. He noted his contributions to metaphysics as a mystic contemplating the origin of the universe and quoted a few examples of his mystic insight. 

Narayana Gurudev’s works are hymns that reverberate with this spirit of one-ness which is why I find the title of these two volumes quite appropriate- Not many but One. For Narayana Gurudev, there is only “One Caste, One Religion, One God for All” (Oru Jathi, Oru Matham, Oru Daivam, Manushyanu). The diversity we see around us has a basic unity we must constantly realize.

Narayana Gurudev is a mystic who contemplates on the origin of this universe and the concept of Advaita or non-duality or the non-differentiation between the Atma and the Paramatma. The author of these two volumes being a physicist by training and a devoted student of Narayana Gurudev, has brought in a very interesting comparison of the metaphysical insights of the sage with the latest discoveries in physics. Vedanta seems to be converging with the quantum theory.  Mystical insights come close to the latest theories in string theory and the many worlds concept.

Sree Narayana among the greatest spiritual leaders like Veda Vyasa and Adi Sankara. Indeed, he truly is a great philosopher and an accomplished poet like the other two.

Sree Narayana Gurudev intuitively knew the potential of science and technology and had insisted that science and technology be included as an integral part of the Sivagiri pilgrimage conventions. 

The quest is endless be it in physics or in metaphysics. Scientists seem to have so far discovered only 4 to 5 percent of what is there in the universe. The remaining 95 to 96 percent is categorised as dark matter- 73 percent as dark energy and 23 percent as dark matter. The Vedas had, thousands of years ago, spoken of the vastness of the universe and how most of it is beyond human comprehension.

Sree Narayana Gurudev’s Adyaropa darsanam (Darsanamala) which explains the creation of universe, Daivadasakam and Atmopadesa satakam are a few examples of how the mystic reflections and insights closely resemble recent advances in physics.

Gurudev’s philosophy of Universal Oneness has special relevance in the contemporary global context where in the social fabric of many countries and communities are being eroded by hatred, violence, bigotry, sectarianism and other divisive tendencies.