Book review of Desikarin needhi nool (Swami Desikan's Subhashitha neevi)- From The Hindu

[Guest guest]

May be it is a stupid question. What language is the commentary in ?

 

Dasan

S Vijayaraghavan

 

andavan , Madhavakkannan V <srivaishnavan wrote:

>

> SrI:

> SrImathE Gopaladesika manahadesikaya nama:

> Dearest all

>

> From the Hindu - book review

> http://www.hindu.com/br/2009/11/17/stories/2009111750611401.htm

> Didactical work

>

> NEDUNTHERU S. KANNAN

>

> DESIKARIN NEEDHI NOOL: V. N. Gopala Desikachariar; Akshara Publications, 5-A,

5th Street, S.S.Avenue, Sakthi Nagar, Porur, Chennai-600116. Rs. 40.

>

> THE ABILITY to overcome the fault-lines and regulate one’s personal life is

what distinguishes humans from others. All the same, many tend to be guided by

self-interest at the expense of the common good.

>

> The thesis of “the might being always right†is tempting, as its winning

chances are held as the proof. The result is that people generally are driven by

the urge to achieve their objectives at any cost and by any means, fair or foul.

The secular authority is keen more on awarding punishment than on inducing,

encouraging and rewarding righteous conduct. The laws of the state, designed to

punish the wrong-doer, are respected for fear of punishment.

>

> On the other hand, scriptural texts and the traditionally handed down

injunctions have to do with voluntary practice of moral principles.

>

> ‘Subhashita Neevi’ is such a code drafted by Vedanta Desika at the

instance of a contemporary king and it speaks about leading a life of rectitude

in this skewed world, the attributes of a just ruler, and the merits of a

preceptor, with telling illustrations.

>

> This book is a commentary on that unique didactical work of 144 verses, and

Gopala Desikachariar has sustained Desika’s subtle humour throughout, even as

he insightfully discusses the human frailties and the nemesis that spared

neither the evil-doer nor the self-righteous.

>