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Source: The Hindu (http://www.the-hindu.com)

 

Man should lead virtuous life

 

CHENNAI, SEPT. 9. A happy and contented family has been compared

not only to a university but also to a prosperous industrial

establishment run by a generous and able management assisted by a

cooperative, loyal labour. The householder should be a good

helper of the other three social orders (the student, the eremite

and the ascetic). He should not be looked upon as selfishly

living for pleasures. His life will be purposeful only if it is

marked by righteousness and an impeccable character. If he

upholds the rules of virtue, he will be ranked with celestials.

Thus, the very basis of an estimable life is ``virtue''. There is

no greater wealth one can acquire than this rare quality, and no

misfortune, worse than forgetting it. ``Go as far as your

strength and resources permit to abide by virtue without swerving

from this path'', says Thiruvalluvar.

 

The head of such a peaceful and ideal family should display an

enviable, noble character. His right conduct at home will ensure

dispensation of justice. When his decisions are made on fair

play, there is no reason why there cannot be a society that gives

proper governance. He should never yield to worldly pleasures

which will lure him to bad ways. In this context, literature

refers to the outstanding merit of the Chola king who had his

chariot run on his son who earlier happened to cause the death of

a calf by knocking it with his vehicle for which the mother cow

sought justice. On the other hand, a Pandyan king, steeped amidst

pleasures, rendered a wrong decision resulting in Madurai being

set on flames by the chastity of Kannagi. Individual's conduct

reflects on social justice and able administration.

 

The Thirukkural, written more than 2000 years ago, gives prime

emphasis to ``virtue'' even in its initial portion and next to

righteous duties of one who heads a model family. The saint

compares the act of non-adherence to these rules to that of

storing water in a fresh mud pot not yet baked. A good

householder should apportion his income under five heads. The

first is to please manes by observing ceremonies in their memory.

Another portion is to be set apart for God, the third for

honouring guests, the fourth for helping relatives and the last

for his own living. The wealth that he acquires should be from

three sources, though they may be of 16 types. Some of the wealth

is self-acquired, some from his family (like obedient children)

and some from the society. Sri M. K. Ramanan, in a lecture,

referred to the manner in which birds share their joy and sorrows

as a flock and said men too should conduct themselves,

cooperating with each other shedding selfishness. They should

guide their children on a proper path.

 

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