DEIVATHIN KURAL # 43 ( Vol #3) Dated 14 Jan 2009

DEIVATHIN KURAL # 43 ( Vol #3) Dated 14 Jan 2009

(These e-mails are translations of talks given by Periyaval of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, over a period of some 60 years while he was the pontiff in the earlier part of last century. These have been published in Tamil by Vanadi Padippagam, Chennai, in seven volumes of a thousand pages each, as Deivathin Kural. To day we are proceeding from the last para on page number 187 of Vol 3 of the Tamil original. The readers are reminded that herein the word 'man' includes 'woman' too, mostly.)
(Note:- These e-mails are all available at http://advaitham.blogspot.com constantly updated.)
275. You, pensioners who are in the last leg of your life think about what I have to say. Our forefathers after due deliberation, careful analysis and deep introspection spanning many thousands of years, had arrived at some clear methods in attitudinal, behavioral and personal cleanliness in our thoughts, actions and food. Are these to be watered down and washed off by our younger generation, without even knowing what those, 'Aachara and Aahara' suddhi-s were? The Kings of yore were protectors of our way of life with all its Aachara restrictions of do's and don'ts. Now, in the name of secularism, and forward looking reformism; to destroy our deep rooted culture has become a source of entertainment! So to protect our age old value systems, we have to take necessary actions ourselves. So, you as elders of the society, who have held positions of responsibility, led and managed human beings; will have to now come forward and make your presence felt in safe guarding our traditional cultural value systems!
Saastra-s as Part of Education in Schools and Colleges.
276. When we say that we will teach Veda Saastra-s free, there is poor response for that. Not only that. When some elders have come forward to teach Thirukkural, Tevaaram and Divya Prabandam or the teachings of Siddhas, (which has been going on for centuries, covering Yoga, physical exercises, medicines, esoteric ideas, concepts and philosophies; and is presently on the decline), the response from students and parents has been very poor. There is a general belief that, if the students give attention to such subjects, their studies in schools which have a direct bearing on their future employment, will be adversely affected!

277. So, it occurs to me that in private schools and colleges, (without leaving the syllabus uncovered,) we should make an effort to fit in teaching of Veda Saastra-s to those entitled to learn it and teach rest of allied Saastra-s and Purana-s, arts and crafts, to others who are willing to learn those. Daily we could cover these subjects, may be for an hour or so. Thereby we will be saving them from total ruin. May be some of the students may find it more interesting or fruitful to make a profession out of it.
278. It is not that only pensioners have to do this. With total dedication, if these subjects can be taught without any hindrance to the obtaining of Degrees and diplomas, people will come forward to subscribe their children to such institutions. This will be the greatest legacy that we will be leaving behind for the future generations and this will be the best Paropakaaram we can ever think of!
279. To teach Veda-s to those willing and entitled to learn it and enable them to lead a life with a minimum of comforts, without having to strive for a livelihood; is tantamount to watering the very base roots of this Vedic civilization. Though there are various duties meant for various strata of castes, to give Veda Vidya Daanam is a specific dharma for Brahmins. Similarly it is a specific dharma for Vysyas to cater for the protection of cattle including the cows, known as 'Go samrakshanai'. Pensioner Brahmins and Vysyas please take special note of this point.
280. While on the subject of Vidya Daanam, it occurs to me that we have to do something really useful to ensure study of Veda-s and the language of Sanskrit. Vidya Daanam and Kanya Daanam are two important events of much significance. Individuals who have sons and daughters should take these two policies with Life Insurance Corporation. We are forming two trusts in the Matam named, 'Kanya Daana Trust' and 'Veda Rakshana Trust'. The two trusts will have trustees appointed by the Matam. The policies should be so worded / formed that, 50% of the proceeds should go to the individual Girl or Boy and the other half go to the Trust, respectively. This will offset the sins of not putting your son through Veda Adhyayanam and or not getting your daughter married before puberty! It will earn you double punyam in case you have not sinned, i.e., you have put your son through Veda Adhyayanam and your daughter is married before attaining to puberty! Anyhow the funds so created will go towards Veda Adhyayanam and Kanya Daanam of boys / girls of not so well to do families.
281. Those who have retired, do not have to rust and decay. They can be like the ever green plants of Kalpaka Vruksham, giving shade and fruits to the society. They can and should be so useful. A retired engineer could feed and teach two or three children, all the ins and outs of his profession, that private contractors may employ them just on the basis of, such a certificate. If the retired Engineer's reputation is such, there may be no need to feel bad about a forward community boy not getting a seat in the engineering college. In Music for example, no body is looking for a degree or a diploma. Your reputation and acceptance is based on who your Guru is.
282. The point I am making is that, children of the Brahmins and other so called forward communities do not have to feel dejected just because they do not have access to those reserved seats, in technical institutions run or aided by government. Already there are many such private institutions having a high reputation and clout in the employment market. Experienced retired pensioners of knowledge and repute; should pool in their resources and create such training institutions!
(To be continued.)
Sambhomahadeva.