28. Is it far or near?

Verse 28

தூரம்தூரம் தூரம்என்று சொல்லுவார்கள் சோம்பர்கள்

பாரும்விண்ணும் எங்குமாய் பரந்தஇப் பராபரம்

ஊருநாடு காடுதேடி உழன்றுதேடும் ஊமைகாள்

நேரதாக உம்முளே அறிந்துணர்ந்து நில்லுமே!

Translation:

The lazy say that the Ultimate Reality is far, far, far away,

This Ultimate Reality pervades the world, sky everywhere,

Ye dumb people who roam the towns, countries and forests in pursuit!

Know and realize it within (you) and remain so.

Commentary:

The term sōmber is interesting.  Oridinarily this term is used to refer to one who is lazy.  However, it also represents realized souls who remain actionless as all actions cease upon realization.  Now, the term dūram which means “far” traditionally, may mean that the Divine is far for the mind, that is, it is beyond comprehension, far for words- it is beyond description and it is far for attaining through any action- that is not attained by any physical action but must be realized.

           Civavākkiyar says while the Divine is present as the earth and sky and as all-prevading entity people seek it in specific locations.  It can also be interpreted as people whirl around seeking land and property and finally start seeking the Divine.  Hence, they are dumb.  He advises them to seek the Lord within themselves and remain firmly in that realization.