Pasam (Saivism)

Pasam (Sanskrit: पसु , Tamil: பாசம், litt. Bondage or tether) is one of the three main components considered in Shaivism. It is defined as whole of the existence, manifest and unmanifest. According to Saiva siddhanta, Pati (the supreme being), Pashu (atmans) and Pasam are eternal, self-consistent, neither distinguishable nor indivisible triad in the nature.

The Saivite three components are easily understandable as pashu (litt. cow), pasam (litt. rope) and pati (litt. cow-herd). All atmans or pashus are eternally tethered by pasam and they don't know their destination. There comes pati to rear them towards the Moksha. This pati differ from ordinary cowherd as he doesn't obtain any advantages either by growing or shepherding cattle. And pashus cannot realize anything with its limited movement caused by "pasams".

Malams are classified as three in Saivism - Anava (the ego), Karma (deed or action) and Maya (illusion that mystify). Anava is eternal mala that binds atmans and it won't be withdrawn even during the liberation. Thus it is known as "Sakaja Malam" (चकज मलम्, சகசமலம் - natural or usual). The universe or maya is created with the grace of lord to help the pashus to attain moksha. By doing deeds or karma in that universe, atman is always tithered by these three bondages. Maya and Karma bondages can be removed by worshipping god, following Yoga and attaining wisdom on lord Shiva.

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