Rivulets of the Absolute: Healing Ground in the Ancient Tamil Siddha Tradition

The idea of a healthy mind, body and spirit has been the pursuit of mankind throughout history. Unfortunately, the importance of that idea has become more of a trite phrase then the sound principle it should be to everyone at all interested in living a happy, healthy and fulfilling life. As an osteopathic trained physician practicing in one of central Florida’s larger adult medicine offices, I found Stephen Grissom’s advanced review copy of Rivulets of the Absolute to be a fascinating, new and necessary approach to learn and appreciate the human body’s own innate healing powers. I highly recommend the book to my patients and to anyone interested in improving their life through healing concepts that are time honored and professionally recognized even as they remain too little practiced or understood by the general public. This book captures the intriguing spiritual and healing concepts of the ancient Tamil Siddha tradition and presents them in interesting, easy to understand terms. Grissom gracefully waltzes the reader through all aspects of these traditions while intertwining his fascinating personal experiences and calling to his life’s purpose. The reader’s insight is gained through the author’s own personal “modern day” experiences living a “western” lifestyle while incorporating the lessons that were taught to him by the Tamil Siddha healer, Pal Pandian. This thought provoking book inspires the reader to dig deep into the soul while searching for the true meaning of life.This book is the first of its kind and is sure to engage even the casual reader that is unafraid to allow his own mind the freedom to exercise itself in thoughtful discourse over the reflections and anecdotes Grissom eloquently presents. The idea of a healthy mind and body being important for a healthy life is not a new one. However, as current health statistics indicate, modern society seems to take on more unhealthy attributes to the individual’s detriment. Rivulets is a refreshing and enjoyable step in the right direction to improving your health in a complete and holistic way. While, like me, I expect you are not familiar with the Tamil Siddha tradition, it is my pleasure to recommend this book because I know you will find its lessons as relevant and easily applicable to everyday life as did I.Eleanor Davina, DO

This book is extraordinary, nothing less than phenomenal. The author has covered the vital the topics of Siddha Medicine, Siddha Varmam, Tantra, Alchemy and Vasi, the most secret aspect of Siddha with rare and refreshing firsthand experiences and delightful success achieved under the skillful guidance of a Graceful and extremely rare Teacher. This profoundly inspiring work covers every aspect of Siddha and no doubt that the author has gifted the world a complete Siddha book, for which the Tamil society and the whole world will be indebted to him.Being in the field of Siddha (medicine) for more than 25 years, I can assuredly declare that I have never come across a book like this. It was a happy surprise to feel the originality shining brightly through each and every page. Once completing this book, one cannot escape getting the feeling that theories of Siddhas are all true and Their path can be treaded along with a right Teacher.Yes, this book one of the most fascinating and equally transformative. Easily among the best I have ever read. Absolutely indispensable for any spiritual seeker and anybody interested in the healing realms of the Masters - The Siddhas.

This book is deep and heavy reading but it has a lot to offer and I have enjoyed learning what Stephen has done and learned from the deep beyond. It is worth the read but be aware it is heavy going.

My friend Pal ( author’s teacher) gave me this book “ Rivulets of the Absolute” couple of months ago and asked me to read it. I received an advanced copy of the book, a review copy from him..It is simply wonderful. Once I started reading, I could not put it down till I finished reading the whole book. The way the author has walked the readers through the mystical Siddha tradition, starting from the basics into Verma, Adangal, Kaya Kalpa, Amirta Kalai, Tantra , Yoga and Vasi is excellent. What makes it interesting and easy to understand is the author’s personal journey in all these paths.In chapter “The Bitter Truth”, the author has summarized why we all need to travel this spiritual path. Making it simple to understand, there is no difference between waking and sleeping state by giving Alan Chadwick’s dream experience with Bhagavan Ramana.I truly hope and wish it would help the common westerner’s to understand the ancient Siddha wisdom and how it even applies today in modern day life.

Receiving a review copy was nice, and having read it, i can say that this book is a ray of hope for all those who, like Steve , have wandered through umpteen spiritual paths searching for the authentic one.His journey has a refreshing dose of intrigue as he describes how his sadhana is so responsive and fluid. It just goes to show that if one is sincere in his practice and is under the guidance of a guru, the siddhas spiritual journey never stagnates or dwindles.I loved reading about Steve's love for his Teacher. Such love, faith and sincerity is so rare today . Reading rivulets of the absolute one is convinced that the Siddha tradition is active and available for its sincere devotees, and that there are still a few teachers who still know how to guide a true aspirant along the actual path of grace.A book of immeasurable value for all spiritual aspirants.

The book 'Rivulets of the Absolute' makes the reader to travel along with the author's experiences in this ancient tradition. The author also explained many concepts in easily understandable fashion in this book. These concepts are otherwise often confused or misunderstood.

I loved this book. Great for the soul seeker who has spent years reading these kind of books. You will still learn much from this one!

Good book, but more about his personal story than about the Siddhas medicine.If you are really searching the Siddha tradition... look away, you won't find it here.But if the experience of an american living in an ashram in India interests you, the story can be fine...

This is an absolute must read. The author who is an American introduces us to his Guru in Tiruvannamalai and the Siddha way of healing. Very insightful and gives a lot of hope.