JOIN USLife is a journey amidst all sorts of people. Whether by choice or circumstances, we have to live amidst slanderers, gossip mongers, cheats, charlatans, thieves and downright evil and wicked persons.
Writers and poets have always found these crooked characters to be rich sources of material for their satirical works. One such famous work is the ‘Kalividambanam’ written by the eminent seventeenth century scholar Neelakantha Deekshita. He waxes eloquent in showing his ‘special regard’ for these men.
Slanderers and carriers of tales abound everywhere. Their primary occupation lies in concocting the wrongdoings of others and ‘mutually conveying’ information from person to person, along with their own juicy toppings. They are so skilled in their trade that it is hard not to believe them. As the poet says “meditation and recitation of holy verses at sacred places destroys only bad Karma, but backbiting in the King’s ears (powerful and influential men) immediately destroys all Karma”.
Convincing the King assures them of ample rewards. In fact, the poet sarcastically says that even the king cannot give gifts befitting the efforts of these liars. Only the Lord of death can reward them, doubly or trebly. “When a vulture sits on the house, it is acalamitous portent, but a wicked person residing nearby brings instant calamity” says the poet, highlighting the dangers posed by such evil persons. Now for the miserly and covetous persons.
“Miserly men know the real meaning of hospitality, for every morsel of food they may have to give as alms is perceived as the Meru mountain by them,” says the poet. A ghost
protecting hidden treasures may give it up when the rightful owner is found, but a greedy man will never give anything to anybody. Guile, cunning and hypocrisy are the favourite tools of trade for many. That they somehow succeed in winning favours and recognition from an ill informed society is tellingly portrayed in this stanza. “One rupee is offered to a novice, ten to a poet, hundred to an actor and a thousand to a cheater who puts on a show in this world. But to a real scholar, nothing is given.”
Here a few golden words of advice from the poet for cheats and hypocrites. “Always appear detached, as if you never desire anything. Riches will find their way to you. Wear holy robes, smear yourself with ashes, sit motionless with eyes closed on a mat of sacred
Darbha grass with rosary beads in your hands. People will flock around you. Stay in holy places, declare some dead well known scholar as your preceptor and if asked about your occupation, say it is teaching.”
Finally, the poet cautions against wicked people. “If you punish wicked people, they turn against you. If you coax them, they increase their attacks. Not giving anything or giving a little makes them angry. If you give generously, they go back to their evil ways. So avoiding them is the best course of action.”