Faith Column | May 12, 2025

People may face difficulties and struggles, and their problems may follow them wherever they go. A person may face certain consequences if he becomes an ingrate, quarrels or fights with elders, or thinks ill of the host who entertained him, allowed him to stay and offered food.

Trichy Sri Kalyanaraman said in a discourse that the Mahabharatha provides apt examples of how various people led pious and straightforward lives. We should show pity and sympathise with our relatives who suffer. Because his brother Pandu’s sons lived in the forest, Vidhura chose to stay in a small hut, though he occupied a significant position in the Kauravas’ kingdom. Even the grandsire Bhishma, though he lived in the palace, led a simple life. We should not go after name, fame, or money. Only a steadfast and disciplined life will bring God’s grace.

Saint Thiagaraja refused to accept a coveted post offered by the king. Swamy Vedanta Desika, who eked out his living by seeking alms, once found a small gold coin in the rice pot dropped by a household, and the Acharya pushed it as a worm.

On His mission to Hastinapura, Lord Krishna chose to stay at Vidura’s hut, who was excited in great joy, told whether his hut was the milk ocean or the reclining bed of Adisesha or the peepal leaf on which Lord Vishnu rested during the time of great Deluge. Krishna vehemently refused to stay at the palace of Duryodhana, and when questioned, He replied that one could not think ill of a person who offered food and shelter.

Duryodhana floated in the air, boasting that he had mustered the support of hundreds of kings to defeat the Pandavas in the war, but failing to recognise that he was bereft of Lord Krishna’s support.

Lord Devendra praised Karna, for although his mortal coil may vanish, his name and fame for charity will last forever.