There are many ways in which we can serve society. Serving our fellow human beings is bound to please the Supreme One, said Malayaman, in a discourse. The Saivite Nayanmar, Appoodi Adigal, for example, established rest houses, dug out ponds, and provided food and water to travelling pilgrims, and in all of his selfless actions, he had the full support of his family.
Tamil literature talks of the ways in which we may serve others. Tiruvalluvar says that to be pure of heart is also a form of dharma. The one with a spotless heart serves society by his very conduct. Such a person will be incapable of malice.
Naladiyar says that not carrying tales about others and not being curious about the secrets of others also constitute dharmic conduct. When we try to learn about other people’s secrets, we get half baked accounts. Suppose a man who has managed to find out a secret about someone then talks of this to someone else. The listener might then add something to the tale and spread it around, and soon someone else’s private life becomes the topic of discussion, with lots of imaginary additions to the original secret. If the man who is being talked about were to get to hear that his
secret is being discussed, then it will just lead to a lot of unhappiness. And so not poking one’s nose into other people’s lives is also a way to serve society.
Sirupanchamoolam is yet another Tamil literary work which talks of various ways in which we can serve society. It recommends digging a well to provide water to everyone. Building shelters for travellers to rest in is also mentioned. Sirupanchamoolam further says that accommodating destitute relatives in one’s house and looking after them is also a great dharma.
Helping women who are victims of false promises of their lovers, and looking after orphan children are also lauded by Sirupanchamoolam. If each one were to do something that is within his means, then many social problems will be automatically taken care of.
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