The quality of mercy

How to deal with those who do evil to us? To bear no enmity towards an enemy is an act of grace, says the poet Bharathi.

To do good even unto those who want to do evil to us is the

most efective way to deal with such evil, says Tiruvalluvar.
The policy of an eye for an eye or a tooth for a tooth is not
always advised. The wise realise that one may perhaps
derive a brief sense of happiness or satisfaction by reacting
strongly when wronged by someone.

But if one pardons the act, he will reap a lifetime of peace

and well being. Sekkizhar, Sundaramurthy Nayanar and
Nambiandar Nambi pay homage to Meiporul Nayanar who
lives up to the fundamental obligation laid down in Saiva
Siddhanta which is to worship a Siva devotee as the Lord
Himself, said Sri M. Janakiraman in a lecture.

Meiporul displays exceptional sense of forgiveness in his

deathbed when he protects the traitor who comes filled with hatred in the guise of a learned Adiyar and kills him
mercilessly without any scruples whatsoever.

The name Meiporul indicates that he perceives only the

truth which means God is the only reality to him. He is eager to honour anyone who comes in the form of a Sivan Adiyar without reckoning their merits or faults.

He implicitly believes that reward or punishment for

individual merit or fault lies within the jurisdiction of the
omniscient Lord who alone is aware of the inner worth of all.

That is why even though the king had the chance and power

to retaliate, he did not do so. Such is his jnana that he sees the work of God in the situation when he is fortunate to think of the Lord’s auspicious feet during his last moments.