Tamil New Year

In UK, Tamil New Year falls on 13th April 2020.

There is a continuous cycle of 4 Yugas (Ages) that the earth experiences ie. Satya Yuga (Golden Age), Treta Yuga (third age), Dwarpa Yuga (2nd age),and Kali Yuga. Satya Yuga is the age where highly evolved divine beings inhabit the earth. The following ages show a decline in presence of these divine beings. The earth progressively attracts beings with greater attachment to material existence, and progressively declines to the Kali Yuga. Souls that take on a body in these ages come down to work out their accumulated cause and effect burden (karma) and reach higher states of consciousness.

Currently we are in year 5122 of Kali Yuga. In the Gregorian calendar, the Tamil New Year falls on 13th/14th April 2020 depending on the location of the countries. The years fall into a 60 year cycle and this New Year is the 34th year of this cycle. Each year of the 60 year cycle has a specific name. This year is called Sarvari.

Each year has astrological significance and the planets may impact on any body in close proximity to it. An example is the moon with significant effects on the tides on earth but note that it may not effect all beings on earth adversely.

As with externalised worship and practices, there are numerous predictions and remedies that will be recommended. Much of the actions taken to prevent or remedy situations is based on fear. It seems easier to blame something else for what we are going through rather than being accountable and to deal with it ourselves. External remedies may provide temporary relief but does not remove the cause and effect/karma.

With internal worship there would be an understanding that the situation we are in is a part of ones karmic debt. Therefore to go through these experience with your faith and internal spiritual practice (prayer or meditation) one takes responsibility to tackle ones karma and burn it off. Thus freeing yourself from these burdens and to move to a spiritual and mental place higher than the current.

Sambandar was a three year old saint in the 7th century A.D., and had spontaneously sang numerous inspiring songs. One song called 'Veyuru tholi' mentions clearly that the planets are all good and need not be feared. Singing the songs itself is claimed to have benefits. To note is that Divinity infused his mind. Our cue here is to detachment from planetary or other influences by attaching to Divinity. Only then may you surpass planet influence, space and time.

New Year is traditionally celebrated by prayer, wearing new clothes and being with family. This year is unique due to the lock down in various countries. This now gives us the opportunity to really know and be with family. Then to perhaps make changes and realign ideals and values to reach for the highest and sustainable goals, based on spiritual values.

Happy New Year and good wishes on the spiritual path forward.