Vedanta shows that everything in this eternal cycle of creation, from the smallest to the biggest or subtlest, owes its existence to the Supreme Being, who also is the dweller in each and every aspect of it. One who realises this truth is said to know all that is worth knowing. Through the grace of the Supreme Brahman, this truth is revealed in the inner consciousness to seers and saints who seek this knowledge through meditation.  Manikkavachagar is one such saint who is blessed with the clarity of vision of Vedanta truths which he conveys in his hymns for the benefit of spiritual aspirants, pointed out Dr. Sudha Seshaiyan in a discourse. In one hymn, he sings with fervour thus: “I bow to you who is manifest as this earth, the fifth element in creation; as water that flows to sustain all, the fourth element, as the third element, fire, the second element, vayu and the first element, akasa.” This is the essence of what is said in the Taittiriya Upanishad. Akasa is created from that Brahman; from akasa is created wind, vayu; from vayu is formed agni; from agni water is formed; from water is earth formed; from the earth the plants and medicinal herbs are formed; from plants is created food; and from food a human being is created.

It states that the root cause is the Supreme Brahman. From Him the five elements known as the pancha bhutas are created in succession and then the plant and human beings are created. Every jivatma, in its passage through various countless births, is in quest of the Paramatma, though it may not be conscious of it. Among the living beings in creation, human beings alone are endowed with the special quality and ability to gain the jnana of the all pervasiveness of the Supreme Being, including in one’s inner self.

Answer the following questions from the above passage-

Questions-

1. How is it found out by the grace of the supreme Brahman that to know all that is worth knowing?

2. What type of Saint is Manikkavachagar?

3. What element is there in the form of this earth?

4. Describe what is said in the Taittiriya Upanishad ?

5. How can lonely person gain knowledge within himself?