Deivathin Kural Series - 86

Om Namah Sivaya.

Deivathin Kural # 86 of 12 Oct 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. On line version of this book in Tamil is available at 'www.kamakoti.org'. 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 lecture, titled, 'Ezhuththalar Kadamai', ie., 'Author's Duties', in pages 416 to 418, in Volume 1 of Deivathin Kural. Unless specifically mentioned, he or man includes, she or woman.

3. Rishi Vyasa devided the Vedas, of delicately subtle principles and intricate procedures, into four parts; and imparted the knowledge to four disciples. They in turn gave them to some students, who were merited by being capable of subjecting themselves to the elaborate restrictions as imposed by the Vedas.

4. Vyasa also created the popular Puranas, so that the subtle principles are brought within the comprehension of the common man. He gave Sutha Pouranikar, the responsibility of spreading the Puranas. Sutha got the name Pouranikar because, he used to visit all over the country to give lectures on Puranas. Sutha was a non-brahmin. That did not reduce the respect he recieved from very learned and knowledgeable Rishis and Brhma Rishis, who would recieve him with due difference and listen to the Puranas with reverence and attention.

5. In Vedas it is said, 'Satyam Vada', ie., 'Tell the Truth'. This direction became the story of Raja Harischandra, easily understandable to all. 'Dharmam Chara', ie 'Do the Appropriate Just', is elaborately explained throughout Mahabharatha. The rule of the Veda, 'Mathru Devo Bhava, Pithru Devo Bhava', ie., 'Treat your Parents as God', is beautifully brought out by the Epic Ramayana. Whatever is said in the Vedas, succinctly meant for the keen incisive minds, is made eloquently easy for the general public, in the Puranas.

6. From age old times, the Pouranikars have been popularising the Puranas, in every nook and corner of this country. From the stone carvings, it can be seen that, 'Purana Pravachanam', ie., 'Lectures on Puranas', have been going on in all the Temples, especially, Maha Bharatham. Like the daily prayers, Pravachanam has been a daily ritual. Funds for this has been earmarked specifically for this purpose, as per the stone etchings. Till recently, this has been responsible in keeping the general public morally oriented. They might have been uneducated, but were highly cultured. That way, they were better educated!

7. Till the printing press was discovered, all education was imparted by way of mouth and recieved by way of ear. Those days, only a few knew the art of writing on palm leaves. So all Vedas and Vedantam was spread by this process only. Once printing press arrived, books and news papers followed and usurped the place of Pouranikars!

8. So, writers, authors, and reporters, are the modern day Pouranikars.
As Sutha and following him other Pouranikars, disseminated Dharma through intersting stories, it is the responsibility of every writer and author, to do likewise. What the general public desires or wants, should not be the yardstick. Whatever be written or reported should be made interesting, while at the same time, should be ennobling for the heart, mind and intellect. Intrinsically good material should be put across in yet newer methods. Newspaper people should consider themselves as life time learners and students. Then only your urge to know newer things will remain alive and active; and be able to tell others.

9. Truth should be given sugar coated. Only the covering should be sugar and not the whole thing. Too much sugar is not good for health. Just for the reason that people are attracted by sensational news, does not mean that, for the sake of increase in circulation of the paper or magazine, you give such colouration. If the owners, editors and reporters, sincerely try to stick to the aim of collective refinement and individual advancement; the readers taste and interest will move in that direction. 'Raising oneself by raising the readers attitudes and tastes', should be the Motto. Thus they may be blessed with the opportunity to work towards, 'Atma Kshemam, Loka Kshemam, Shanthi, and Subitcham', (ie., Well being of Self, Public, and Peace,) and above all, true service.

Sambhomahadeva.