54.2 Against Forgetfulness from excessive joy

 54.2 Against Forgetfulness from excessive joy

 

Question:

What should one do when one’s mind is exhilarated with joy?

Answer:

One should think of those ruined

by neglect when his mind is exhilarated with joy.                      (Couplet – 539)

இகழ்ச்சியின் கெட்டாரை உள்ளுக தாந்தம்

மகிழ்ச்சியின் மைந்துறும் போழ்து.                                              (குறள் – 539)

 

Explanation:

When someone is elated with joy, he should think of others who have been ruined by neglect due to excessive joy. In another couplet in the Chapter on Abstinence from Liquor, Valluvar makes a similar statement. There he asks, “When a man is sober and witnesses the condition of a drunken person, why does he not realize the ill effects of drinking?” Both situations are somewhat similar. The drunken man might be so complacent about his mental acuity that he might think that he might not behave like other drunkards when he is drunk. Likewise, the one who is thrilled with joy might believe that he will never neglect his duties and that he will not be ruined. The elated one with joy is quite likely to neglect his duties. So, he should be aware of the possibility of forgetfulness due to excessive joy.