SANGAM SABAI SALAI

One of the three institutions vallalar founded at vadalur, the sathya sanmargha sangam , the sathya gnana sabai, and the sathya dharma salai, the first one as a society of enlightened individuals is aimed at self introspection, meditation, discussion and studies, similar to the study of comparative philosophies adumbrated under the Theosopohical movimnt of the present time. A unified approach is perceptible through such a kind of analysis In the Universal Hall of worship at gnanasabai a lighted lamp is placed behind a ground glass plate scree through which rays of light emerge and this is the sanctum sanctorum worshiped by all devotees. God is worshipped in the form of Light. This lamp is at the centre of the octagon shaped hall of the sabai and is screened by seven curtains placed in from of it, one after the other. These seven curtains are lifted onlyonce in a year on the day of Thaipoosam which falls some times in January or February . It has been explained that these seven screens are symbolic of seven kinds of forces of illusion ( maya or screens of ignorance) that keep man blindfolded to the realities of godly dispensation. Gradually the aspirant oven comes the dark blinding forces of ignorance ‘ o ne byone’ and ultimately realizes the Light of Grace. For the ordinary folks of the work a day world, this symbolism serves to convey the point in a graphic manner which they can easily capoture and preserve in their minds. More details on the veils of ignorance we shall see later in this chapter. In the front region before the central hall that holds the Light of Grace are two indentical chambers, one on either side of the central aisle of sabai. These are calle chit sabai – portsabai respectively.

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Philosophical works of vallalar

Thiru m , kuppuswamy.