There is an interesting legend in ancient Tamil tradition about debate between Nakkeerar and Lord Shiva. Nakkeerar was the royal poet of Madurai and during a poem competition he found mistake in a poem written by Lord Shiva for his devotee(who was participating in the competition). Shiva was enraged and he came disguised as a poet to argue with Nakkeerar. The argument became extremely intense and Nakkeerar refused to budge even after knowing that its Shiva himself whom he is arguing with. Finally, in rage Shiva opened his third eye and burnt Nakkeerar. For more details on the poem and its meaning read https://ramanan50.wordpress.com/2015/07/14/poem-written-by-lord-shiva-text-meaning/
Now there are two different versions from here on.
According to one view, after Nakkeerar got burnt to ashes, the other poets stood up and told Shiva that you are wrong and Nakkeerar's view is correct. You have to bring him back to life. Shiva had to concede to their demands and bring him back. This view is taught in Tamil schools and kids are taught to be brave and stand up for truth, no matter who your opponent is. There is a famous saying attributed to Nakeerar, "A flaw is a flaw, even if burns me down"
According to another view, everyone prayed to Shiva for showing mercy on Nakkeerar. Shiva obliged, brought him to life and then asked him to learn under Sage Agastya. This view gives a different perspective about truth. Its not uni-dimensional and simply arguing will not help you to find it. You need humility, purity of heart and openness of mind to get a glimpse of it.
Both views are right in there own respect. Its good to stand up for truth but also need to understand that truth is much bigger and no single view point is correct. The vedas say "ekam sat, tad vipra bahuda vadanti" There is only one truth, but wise people call it by different names. This understanding is very much required in current times, where people have strong opinions and don't have time to investigate the other valid interpretations of truth.
Now there are two different versions from here on.
According to one view, after Nakkeerar got burnt to ashes, the other poets stood up and told Shiva that you are wrong and Nakkeerar's view is correct. You have to bring him back to life. Shiva had to concede to their demands and bring him back. This view is taught in Tamil schools and kids are taught to be brave and stand up for truth, no matter who your opponent is. There is a famous saying attributed to Nakeerar, "A flaw is a flaw, even if burns me down"
According to another view, everyone prayed to Shiva for showing mercy on Nakkeerar. Shiva obliged, brought him to life and then asked him to learn under Sage Agastya. This view gives a different perspective about truth. Its not uni-dimensional and simply arguing will not help you to find it. You need humility, purity of heart and openness of mind to get a glimpse of it.
Both views are right in there own respect. Its good to stand up for truth but also need to understand that truth is much bigger and no single view point is correct. The vedas say "ekam sat, tad vipra bahuda vadanti" There is only one truth, but wise people call it by different names. This understanding is very much required in current times, where people have strong opinions and don't have time to investigate the other valid interpretations of truth.
Nice. The purport is good.
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