Deivathin Kural Series - 77

Om Namah Sivaya.

Deivathin Kural # 77 of 29 Sept 2006.



1. These e-mails are translations of talks given by the erstwhile Pontiff of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, over more than sixty years, published by Vanady Padippagam, T.Nagar, Chennai, India, in ten volumes, in the Tamil language. The english version is likely to be available very soon. These e-mails are simply an effort on the part of the sender, to share some of his bliss, as it is said, 'Yam perra peru peruga ivvaiyagam'. When he adds any personal observations he uses the phrase, 'KTSV adds'.

2. To-days chapter is from his lecture, titled, 'Ilangyar Kadamai', ie., 'The Duty of Youth', in pages 381 to 383, in Volume 1 of Deivathin Kural. It is also available on-line in 'www.kamakoti.org' in the Tamil script. Unless specifically mentioned, he or man includes, she or woman.

3. This human body is meant for helping others is the saying of the elders. 'Para upa kara artham idam sariram'. This should be done when the body is still hale and hearty. That means that we should be involved in Social Service, in youth and not after becoming old. For the sake of social service, this human body should be kept in good trim. More than physical health, mental and moral health are important. We should live my what religion demands of us, in terms of attitude and behaviour. Only when we are pure and clean, we will be able to serve others. How can a person full of passion, desire, anger and hate, be able to do social service? Such a person will only be self serving.

4. For social service to be effective, the persons involved in such work, should be staunch believers of Truth and high morality. They should be fearless. Fearlessness is different from being brutal. The best role model for the youth is Anchaneya swamy. He was mighty, but very soft in his behaviour and responses. When he had to respond with anger, he took the uncontrollable mode and caused havoc. His mind was power packed, but mostly he was an embodiment of humility and humbleness, deeply engrossed in devotion to Sri Rama. He did not know fear. On his own he never went to fight with any body. But he countered cruelty, powerfully and effectively. He never used his power in selfish pursuits.

If the weak were harassed by the the bullies, he protected the weaklings, uncaring for his own safety. Chatrapathi Sivaji was also such a leader and role model, fit to be emulated. Sivaji's Guru, Samartha Ramadasa was said to be Hanuman's avatara. May be that is why, Sivaji was having the character qualities of Hanuman!

5. Physical fitness, fearlessness, gentleness, mercifulness and sympathetic attitude; if combined with the will to protect others, uncaring for one's own safety; it is a very Noble quality. That is called, 'Kshatra Dharma'. 'Kshatath kila thrayate; ithi kshatram', ie., 'to protect from cruelty is Kshatram'. Now, there is a dire need that, the youth of this country have to adopt this Dharma. They should not be afraid of the powerful. They should not threaten the weaklings either. To protect the weak against exploitation, uncaring for own safety, is the quality required of the youth in social service. Uncaring for majority or minority, to respond powerfully, when Dharma itself is threatened, is the quality required in the Youth of to-day.

6. Unfortunately, I am seeing the opposite trend and feel sad. It is wrong to use force to subjucate weaklings. It is equally wrong to misuse, strikes, agitations and fasting to force your will on others. If you are convinced in the truth of your stand, you do not have to resort to agitations. If we have to hold our heads high as fearless citizens of this country, Kshatra Dharma has to be developed in each individual, Individual strength of character, collective discipline, fearlessness in the face of evil, and adversity; are the charecteristics of this Dharma. 'Loka Kshemam' or universal wellbeing, should be the only criteria. If that becomes the aim

the Nation's and the Governments, name, fame and standard will go high.

Sambhomahadeva.