"Swamiji! I can't say I don't have faith in spirituality, but in my busy life, I have not allocated time for it" said Pachaiyappan.
"Why did you have me stay in your house, then?" asked Saint Arutchelvam.
"It was my friend Manickam who made this arrangement. My house is the biggest in this village. I have earmarked the entire first floor for you. You have this room with all facilities. The space outside can be used for your devotees to sit and listen to your talk. There is no other place in this village that has such large space and facilities for your comfortable stay for three days and for your devotees to come here to see you, listen to you and interact with you" said Pachaiyappan, proudly.
"Tell me something about your background."
"I started my business in a small way, by buying old goods from households and selling them to dealers. Today, I have a steel roll mill and a factory making cooking vessels" began Pachaiyappan. He then narrated his struggles, the challenges faced by him and his achievements.
"Oh, very good! I hope you are taking good care of your family."
"Of course, I am. I am giving a large sum as monthly allowance to my wife and my two sons. They can use that money to buy things, go to places and otherwise spend it the way want."
"Do you go on tours with your family members?"
"I don't have time for such things. After all, I give them a liberal allowance. They can travel to the places they like."
"What about going to films or other programs with them?"
"I have told them that they they could go wherever they want, but that they should not ask me to come along. I am always occupied with my business. I don't even watch TV with them, sitting at home!"
"Do you visit temples?"
"Swamini! As I had told you already, I have not turned my mind to topics like religion, God, spirituality etc. I have not even pondered over the question whether there is a God."
"Are your parents alive?"
"No. They passed away several years back."
"Do you perform annual ceremonies for them?"
"After performing the funeral rites for them, I have not performed any other rite. I don't even consciously think of their death anniversaries. Sometimes, I may remember the anniversary on the particular date. I will think, 'Oh, today is 17th August. My father passed away this day.' But I would stop with that thought and pursue my normal activities."
"Do you contribute to charities, or help the poor in some way?"
"Swamiji! I believe that everyone has to take care of himself. I find the very idea of helping others repulsive."
Arutchelvam closed his eyes for a few seconds. He then told Pachaiyappan. "Ask Manickam to come here."
"Why, Swamiji? If you need something, I will get it done" said Pachaiyappan.
"Pachaiyappan! You have not been following any of the duties prescribed by noble men. You are not even being affectionate towards your family members. I don't feel right about staying in your house. I will ask Manickam to find some other place for me to stay. Siting under a tree will also be fine" said the Saint.
Thirukkural
Section 2
Materialism
Chapter 54
Avoiding Forgetfulness and Complacency
Verse 538 (in Tamil):
pugazhndhavai pORRIch cheyal vENdum seyyAdhu
igazhndhArkku ezhumaiyum il.
Meaning:
Deeds that have been extolled by the wise and noble men should be done diligently. Those who belittle these deeds and neglect to perform them will not find happiness in any of their seven births.
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