In this book when referring to Rasiah Paulaseer Lawrie Muthukrishna, we have chosen to use the title 'Ayyah' given to him by his devotees. When Ayyah was christened he was given four names. Rasiah because it was his father's name, Paulaseer because that was his mother's choice, and Lawrie Muthukrishna, after a Mr. Lawrie Muthukrishna who was a benefactor of his father. During different periods of his lifetime he was known by different names. During his younger years and within the family circle, he was known as 'Paul.' Later on, he was known by two of his names, 'Paul' and 'Lawrie,' depending upon the situation. Then after he began his gospel work, he became known as 'Brother Lawrie.' And finally he became known as 'Ayyah,' a title of respect given when addressing a person who is a revered leader, usually an older man. This respectful term 'Ayyah' might be compared to the term 'Brother' in Christianity.
