TAMIL
Vedic wisdom
NEDUNTHERU S. KANNAN
MARAI MURTHY KANNA: V. N. Gopala Desikachariyar; Vanathi Pathippagam, 23, Deenadayalu Street, T. Nagar, Chennai-600017. Rs. 100.
THIS IS a collection of articles on a wide range of themes touching on eternal values and truth that sustain the moral life of mankind. Between the clear messages of the Bhagavad Gita on the one hand, and on the other exemplifying lessons through anecdotes, episodes and homilies from the Vedas, epics and the Azhwars, the author lets us gain an easy passage into a vast spiritual literature, inaccessible otherwise. In the history of ethical thought, the approach to the problem of conduct is generally two-fold — either a priori through formulation of basic principles of conduct or a posteriori through less exacting empirical standards, which are more realistic. The ethics of the Gita avoids the extremes and preaches a conduct code that is not only logically valid but emotionally satisfying in practice.
The various qualities like modesty, non-injury, patience, sincerity, self-restraint, non-attachment and devotion are all elucidated with apt examples and illustrations. Conquest of the ego and possessiveness is another theme well brought out through the humble lives of eminent preceptors and Acharyas.
Among the other equally instructive pieces, the one on Nammazhwar’s reflections is worthy of special mention. The contents, appearing at first sight as a disparate assembly, coalesce into a serendipitous unity of thought to the delight of the diligent reader.
Titled after the great world-teacher, the volume opens and concludes fittingly with emphasis on the sanctity of an enduring preceptor-disciple relationship, which sustains the uninterrupted transmission of a sacred heritage handed down by sages and the Azhwars. The author has indeed unveiled the treasure stashed away in the Vedas.
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