28.1 Improper Conduct

 28.1 Improper Conduct

Question:

What is the difference between a genuine ascetic and a fake one? 

Answer:

The saintly appearance of a man without inner strength is

like a grazing cow under the cover of a tiger's skin.                                                   (Couplet – 273) 

One who indulges in vice under cover of a saint's trappings

is like bird-hunter hiding behind a bush.                                                                  (Couplet – 274)

Many people clean their bodies with water but

hide their evil thoughts in their minds.                                                                (Couplet – 278)

 

வலியில் நிலைமையான் வல்லுருவம் பெற்றம்

புலியின்தோல் போர்த்துமேய்ந் தற்று.                                                                      (குறள் – 273) 

தவமறைந்து அல்லவை செய்தல் புதல்மறைந்து

வேட்டுவன் புள்சிமிழ்த் தற்று.                                                                                     (குறள் – 274) 

மனத்தது மாசாக மாண்டார் நீராடி

மறைந்தொழுகு மாந்தர் பலர்.                                                                                 (குறள் – 278)

 

Explanation:

These days we hear about several fake ascetics and saints who pretend to be virtuous and cheat their followers and others. Recently, a well-known man who everyone thought to possess several noble qualities and was a faithful follower of God was arrested for sexual misconduct with girls in a school run by his establishment. Another fake ascetic and self-styled Godman charged with sexual abuse, assault, rape, and other crimes has purchased an island and sought United Nations Organization's recognition for his island as a sovereign nation. 

From the Thirukkural couplets cited above, it appears that such fake ascetics were there even during Valluvar's days. That is why Valluvar compares the one who pretends like an ascetic to a grazing cow in tiger's skin. Since a tiger never eats grass, it is easy to detect the pretender. Also, Valluvar compares the imposter to bird-hunter hiding behind the bush and trying to kill a bird. Furthermore, he says that the imposter cleans his body with water while his mind is full of evil thoughts.

The difference between a real ascetic and a fake one is that the real ascetic will not engage in unlawful and unrighteous activities like the imposters.