The Hindu : Miscellaneous / Religion : Moral code for mankind

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Wednesday, Sep 29, 2004

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous - Religion

Moral code for mankind

CHENNAI, SEPT. 29. The fundamental principles of life are neither abstruse nor beyond the reach of any person. The basis of life is the Tivarga, the three-fold objects of life namely dharma, artha and kama where the first denotes spiritual discipline, the second material entities and the last, real enjoyment. Co-ordination among the three is essential for a perfect life. Depending upon individual natures, due weightage is accorded to these aspects. There may be divergent paths leading to one's ultimate goal in life; however, the moral code for all mankind is one.

The `Thirukkural', the nearly 2000-year-old treatise on socio-moral ethics set down in 1,330 couplets is a practical guide for all, said Mr. V.V. Natarajan in his discourse. Thiruvalluvar's incisive anthology is relevant even today due to the universal truths enshrined in them due to which the work has been translated in many languages the world over and wields an influence over all the right thinking people. The world today is reeling under the onslaught of extremely reactionary-minded people who cannot fathom the damage wrought to the fabric of society at large. The question then is raised, if someone harms us, how should one respond? Instead of taking a confrontationist attitude, one should uphold virtue. One way of achieving such a state of mind will come if a person were to have a genuine fear of (committing) evil deeds. Rather everyone deserves an opportunity to change. The ten Commandments of Christianity are common to people all over the world, since none can reject the moral codifications. When Jesus Christ lived by the credo He preached, his good work agitated certain self-serving people who instigated a follower to turn traitor. Yet, even in the throes of pain and suffering Jesus' thoughts were about Judas, on preventing him from suffering for a misdeed saying, "He knew not what harm he was doing to others with his action, so pardon him." The Prophet Mohammed (Peace be upon him) preached a virtuous way of life for all, and lived by it. As a trader, many people took commodities from him. His enemies availed of a suitable opportunity to take goods from him and invited him to their house to collect the payment. The devious plan was to invite him to an underground chamber and close it from above when he was alone, by rolling a rock over the opening. Just as the perpetrator was executing the evil command, his hand was caught under the rock. Taking pity on him, the Nabi relieved him of his pain, thereby exemplifying the enduring power of good over evil as a living dictum.

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