III§
Swamigal completed His education after 7th or 8th grade in the Sampathasriyar school. Then, His father took Him to Maskeliya so that he could learn the work in estate. Swamigal was not interested to work there. He used to wander around in the estate in the cold without shirt. Sometimes He would be immersed in deep thoughts. After seeing this awkward attitude, His father sent Him back to Columbuthurai.§
Later, Yogaswami worked as a storekeeper with the Irrigation Department in Kilinochi. At that time the Iranaimadukkulam dam was built by Sir Ramanathan who took great initiative in its construction. Swamigal had recalled Mr. Thiruchitrampalam from Nellippalai worked as a clerk and Mr.Brown, a British worked as an engineer in that office. Yogaswami regarded work as worship and it was not surprising that everyone appreciated His good work and duty consciousness.§
Swamigal spent His leisure time meditating when He was working in Killinochchi. At that time, Mr. Vettrivelu who was a colleague of Swamigal, who later became the Grama Sevaka (Village Headman)of that region, was very close to Swamigal. He had said Swamigal used to meditate for long time, when others were sleeping. This remind us of a verse in Bhagavat Gita: “A Gnani is awake when others are asleep.”§
Yogaswami’s nephew, Vythiyalingam, whom I have mentioned earlier, used to visit Killinochi when Swamigal worked there. He too had said that Swamigal’s lunatic (spiritual) behavior began to show up during that period of time.§
A mango tree planted by Swamigal is still there in Kilinochi. People refer this tree as “Swamiyar Maram”.§
It must be during this time that Swamigal must have memorized hundreds of devotional songs. He would buy many devotional books as soon as He received the salary. Once memorized the hymns, it is said Swamigal would not think about the books again. This way He memorized many Thevarams, Thiruvasagams, Thirumanthiram, the Songs of Arunagirinathar, Thayumanavar, Pattinathar, Siddhars and Avvaiyar. In later days, Swamigal used to sing these songs to devotees when they gather around. In the early mornings, he would sing in His sweet commanding voice, verses like, “Vakkundam” and “Palum Thelithenum” of Saint Auvvayar. I recollect, once he sang the following Thevaram:§
Thief I am, thieving was my service thus spent the time§
With clarity of mind searched, sought and discovered §
Those who contemplate within, know thee within§
Ashamed me with shame I laughed bellyful.§
It appears when Swamigal sang those last two lines, He might have had that unique experience of oneness that God is within us and aware of all our experiences of our actions.§
Swamigal had great interest in Thayumanavar songs too. Swamigal had quoted them in his Natchinthanai songs and in His writings.§
The following verses were found in one of His prose writings, which explains the mission of Sivathondan Nilayam:§
All word is silence§
All work is silence§
All is fulfilment of Good Silence.§