Thiruvalluvar's tips for happy life - The Hindu Article

[Guest guest]

Namaste:

 

Thruvalluvar has written a manual for human behavior in Tamil Poems

known as Thirukural. The Thirukural, like the Gita stresses the

importance of duty and dharma for happy living. Kural is also

available online with english translation for interested readers.

http://www.hindubooks.org/books_by_rajaji/kural/

 

Warmest regards,

 

Ram Chandran

 

 

 

Date:07/01/2003 URL:

http://www.thehindu.com/2003/01/07/stories/2003010701130900.htm

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Miscellaneous - Religion

 

Thiruvalluvar's tips for happy life

 

CHENNAI JAN. 7. The progress in a person's endeavour and the ultimate

success that he reaps are dependent on the moral strength he

develops. Whether in his efforts as an individual or while in his

family life or the manner in which he has planned to achieve

distinction, all revolve around his moral force and mental attitude.

The joy that anyone derives in all spheres comes from virtuous

conduct. Righteousness alone will help one to walk erect without

faltering. Then he will experience contentment. How to ensure that he

remains free from bad tendencies? "Keep the mind free without giving

room for evil thoughts. This is the whole of Dharma. The key to

purity of action is thoughts free from ill will and hatred. True

religious life depends on the avoidance of envy, craving for

pleasure, anger and harsh speech", says Saint Thiruvalluvar.

 

Character in an individual's life depends to a great extent on the

food he takes. Regulated diet, in a limited measure and in time will

keep off diseases. Secondly, wherever and whenever possible, he

should engage himself in doing service and for this the life of

Thirunavukkarasar serves as an example. More important aspect of a

righteous life is the control he should exercise on his Senses. The

next valuable quality he should develop is forbearance. The heart of

a pious man will melt on seeing another person suffer and grieve. The

examples of Sibhi, who enabled a dove to fly free after offering

flesh sliced from his body equal to its weight and of Pegan, who

covered a peacock shivering in cold with his shawl, will make us go

out of the way to help those in distress.

 

While in his family life, a man who desires to be appreciated by

others, will draw his strength through good friends (who will give

him only sincere advice), relatives who will stand by him in his

trials and seasoned elders who will not hesitate to tell the Truth,

said Sri Ma. Ki. Ramanan in a lecture. To honour men of greatness and

secure their friendship is again a rare quality. Sakuni and Manthara,

the hunchback maid, are characters who should remind a person of

those to be shunned. Thiruvalluvar has also given suggestions for a

man's success in his private life, in his family and in his business

dealings. He should choose the opportune time and proper place to

transact his dealings. The flourishing life of one who does not spend

within his income, who misjudges his own strength and is too

ambitious and hasty, will come to an end soon and he will burn his

fingers.

 

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