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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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