RITAGUM SATYAM PARAM

This title is from a mantra appearing in 'sandyavandanam' as well as in Narayana suktham.

'Ritagum' denotes a rhythm in the phenomena, 'Satyam denotes 'Existence' or 'Consciousness' and 'Param' is beyond ritagum and satyam.

We observe in the 'Phenomena', a rhythm in the change of seasons, in the rising and setting of Sun, in the waxing and waning of moon; and even in the very growth from childhood to old age. Natural calamities occur when there is a change in rhythm. Satyam (Consciousness) is never changing, and therefore, the law of rhythm is not relevant. From the standpoint of Satyam, the rising of sun, waxing of moon etc., are only relatively real (unreally real).


Satyam ( Consciousness ) is the substratum, and the apparent vibration on the surface appears as 'phenomena' which is regulated by rhythm. When rhythm is applied to mankind, to their thoughts and actions, it is known as 'dharma'. Dharma is as essential to our 'living' as rhythm is essential to Nature (phenomena). Dharmic living is 'living in rhythm'. At this stage, concepts like good-bad, positive-negative have a value, and Dharma guides us to adhere to goodness and positive qualities.

Ritagum, Satyam and Param are otherwise known by the terms "I AM", "I", and "BEYOND - I". They represent the 'conventional truth', 'Divine truth' and Absolute Truth - Vyavaharikam, Satyam and Paramarthikam. All the three are to be respected and viewed in the proper perspective.

In the field of vyavaharikam i.e., in the field of phenomena, concepts of good-bad etc., exist; in the Divine truth, conceptual dualities get synthesized and Divine truth is neither concerned nor unconcerned with good/bad. When it comes to Absolute Truth, there is neither good nor bad; IT is beyond concepts.

At the conventional level (vyavaharika), one should necessarily follow dharma (ethical living). At the Divine level, one is gifted with an attitude of 'equanimity' ('samatwam) least affected by good or bad, positive or negatiove happenings. At the same time, he treads the path of goodness, compassion, love towards fellow beings and a spirit of sacrifice. He raises himself to be a Witness and is able to view events taking place in himself as well as outside, with a mental attitude of equanimity. His mind is always filled with God-thought.

PARAM (Paramarthikom) is Absolute Truth, and is beyond concepts. None is competent to 'talk' of PARAM.

"RITAGUM SATYAM PARAM BRAHMA" = DHARMAM SATYAM BRAHMAN