TAMIL
Didactical work
NEDUNTHERU S. KANNAN
DESIKARIN NEEDHI NOOL: V. N. Gopala Desikachariar; Akshara Publications, 5-A, 5th Street, S.S.Avenue, Sakthi Nagar, Porur, Chennai-600116. Rs. 40.
THE ABILITY to overcome the fault-lines and regulate one’s personal life is what distinguishes humans from others. All the same, many tend to be guided by self-interest at the expense of the common good.
The thesis of “the might being always right” is tempting, as its winning chances are held as the proof. The result is that people generally are driven by the urge to achieve their objectives at any cost and by any means, fair or foul. The secular authority is keen more on awarding punishment than on inducing, encouraging and rewarding righteous conduct. The laws of the state, designed to punish the wrong-doer, are respected for fear of punishment.
On the other hand, scriptural texts and the traditionally handed down injunctions have to do with voluntary practice of moral principles.
‘Subhashita Neevi’ is such a code drafted by Vedanta Desika at the instance of a contemporary king and it speaks about leading a life of rectitude in this skewed world, the attributes of a just ruler, and the merits of a preceptor, with telling illustrations.
This book is a commentary on that unique didactical work of 144 verses, and Gopala Desikachariar has sustained Desika’s subtle humour throughout, even as he insightfully discusses the human frailties and the nemesis that spared neither the evil-doer nor the self-righteous.
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