The Sculptor Within Us – English Translation of the Tamil Reflection

The Sculptor Within Us – English Translation of the Tamil Reflection

Dear beloved ones,

Warm greetings to you all.

We often fail to recognize the value or the hidden wonder of things that lie plainly before us. This is because we allow our minds to be consumed by trivial distractions, causing us to miss out on golden opportunities.

A short story I once read comes to mind.

A sculptor was walking down a street when he noticed a large boulder lying in front of a shop. He asked the shopkeeper, “May I take this stone with me?” The shopkeeper replied generously, “Please do. It’s only a nuisance to me.”

The sculptor then struggled to roll the boulder back to his workspace. There, he began chiseling away the unnecessary parts of the stone, gradually shaping it into a beautiful statue.

Later, he placed the statue for sale. Many people competed to buy it, offering high prices. The one who finally purchased it for a large sum was none other than the same shopkeeper who had given away the stone.

He asked the sculptor, “How did you create such a magnificent statue?” The sculptor replied, “This statue was already hidden within the stone that lay in front of your shop. I simply removed the parts that weren’t needed.”

My dear hearts, within each of us lies a hidden sculpture of beauty and strength. To bring it forth, we must learn to chisel away the unnecessary clutter from our minds.

Our mind is like a garden. If we sow good seeds, beautiful flowers will bloom. But if we neglect to remove the weeds, they will overrun everything. Similarly, by removing unhelpful thoughts and nurturing positive ones, life blossoms beautifully.

Sometimes, the challenges we face are actually the tools that sculpt us. The hammer and chisel may make noise and cause discomfort, but the result is a work of art. Likewise, the noise of suffering strengthens us.

Each day of life is a new lesson. Some days bring joy, others teach patience. Both are essential. Without darkness, we cannot appreciate light; without sorrow, we cannot truly savor happiness.

No matter how many obstacles we encounter, they are not meant to stop us—they are meant to strengthen us. Just as a tree sways in the wind but deepens its roots, we too must anchor ourselves when challenges arise.

That is the true challenge before us.

Life is filled with sweet moments.

Rather than living as prisoners of the past, it is far better to become architects of the future.

Just as each year is shaped by seasons—spring, summer, autumn, and monsoon—life too is shaped by phases of joy and sorrow.

As we adapt our lifestyle to the changing seasons, we must also learn to adjust to the emotional climates of life. This is the path to peace.

Walking the path of integrity may not bring us many companions, but those who walk with us will be people of noble character.

My dear younger generation,

Life is flavorful. Our pains become powerful experiences that equip us to face anything.

You possess the strength to absorb truth and become radiant lights that dispel the darkness of the world.

You can do it.

With love,  

Sakthi Sakthithasan

Life is not a pre‑planned map. It is a continuous flow.

Life is not a pre‑planned map.  

It is a continuous flow.  

When what we desire does not happen immediately, we feel disappointed. 

Yet behind those delays lies the universe’s precise calculation. 

Once we realize this, the quality of our life changes completely.  

The Law of Attraction and the Vibrational Stance embody profound philosophy. When we connect their essence with lived experience, we see both the timing of life and the maturity of the mind.  

We often grieve when certain doors do not open for us. But the truth is, our present state of mind may not be ready to bear the responsibilities behind that door or to sustain the success it offers.  

A plant cannot be expected to bloom before it grows. 

It must strengthen its roots, firm its stem, and only then will flowers blossom. This is nature’s law.  

Likewise, when things in life are postponed, it means either we have not yet matured enough for that stage, or the circumstances have not yet ripened in our favor.  

Recognizing this, we gain clarity: “I am not ready for this yet.” That is not failure it is a stage of protection and preparation.  

Every event unfolds in a specific order. Just as a roof cannot be built without a foundation, every small experience in life becomes the groundwork for the next great transformation.  

The obstacles we face today give us the strength we need for tomorrow’s heights.  

When the thought “Everything happens in the right sequence” sinks deep into our mind, needless anxiety and comparison fade away.  

Time is not merely the ticking of a clock; it is a silent force that ripens each thing at its own pace.  

The Secret of Vibrational Stance and Present Satisfaction

The moment we say, “I enjoy where I am now,” our inner world becomes peaceful.  

Most people live in memories of the past or worries about the future, missing the beauty of the present. 

But the highest vibrational stance is to be happy with what we have today.  

This is not a state of complacency.

    

Rather, it is the maturity of saying: 

“I know where I want to go, but I love the journey more than the destination.”  

This mindset becomes the bridge that connects us with the universe.  

When someone says, “I am content with the present and excited for what is to come,” they rise to the highest vibrational frequency.  

Contentment is not stagnation—it is a calm beginning.  

Anticipation brings childlike enthusiasm.  

When these two feelings unite, the Law of Attraction works most powerfully.  

What we resist chases us.  

What we enjoy comes seeking us.  

Life stops appearing as a struggle and begins to unfold as a beautiful expansion.  

We stand within a small circle and view the world, but the universe is boundless.  

What we call “loss” is often only a pause before a greater transformation.  

“Everything is expanding” is nature’s unchanging truth.  

A seed must perish before it becomes a tree. 

Likewise, the ending of old thoughts or opportunities signals the birth of grander possibilities.  

When we trust the path and begin to enjoy the journey, reaching the destination becomes only an added bonus.  

Wisdom lies in accepting each stage of life as it comes.  

We must leave what is beyond our control in the hands of time, while keeping our vibration positive.  

The deep belief that “Everything happens at the right time” gives unmatched calmness. 

That calmness brings the right decisions and the right people into our lives.  

Living joyfully while eagerly awaiting growth is an art. 

Those who master this art do not merely live life they sculpt it into poetry.  

There is no need to rush, no need to force.  

If we remain calm and trust deeply, the universe will crown us at the perfect time.  

With love,  

Sakthi Sakthithasan  

My heart…and me......

My heart…and me......

All of us who have fallen into this web called life are moving toward the goal of escaping from it.  

Yet, from the moment we fall into this web until the day we leave it, we assign ourselves many roles and enact them upon the world’s stage.  

Whether we wish it or not, this drama continues to unfold.  

But if we act with sincerity, the time we spend within this web can become joyful.  

A life without problems never exists for human beings.  

Then why do some appear to live without any troubles at all?  

That is what Bharathi called an “illusion of sight.”  

Those who take the knots of life’s problems as challenges, and find joy in untying them, seem to live happily.  

But that does not mean they are free of difficulties.  

What we consider the greatest problem becomes small when faced with something larger.  

It makes us marvel at life’s strange proportions.  

I knew a friend who, after returning from abroad, wished to settle overseas with his family.  

He tried four times and failed.  

He faced financial troubles.  

Yet he did not despair.  

He kept his smile unchanged.  

He intensified his efforts.  

He worked harder than before, gathered resources, and tried again.  

To everyone’s surprise, he succeeded, moved abroad with his family, and began a new life.  

Even there, while others complained of “bad luck,” he built his own business, gave his children a better education, and raised his standard of living.  

And still, the same smile stayed on his face.  

He never forgot those who supported him during his struggles.  

This happened more than forty years ago.  

Even today, he keeps in touch with me, simply because I once offered him small help.  

Why do I share this?  

Because in life, we must not ride the horse of boredom.  

We must choose the horse of effort, and steer it with the reins of hard work.  

And along the journey, we must cultivate the habit of enjoying the good moments that appear before us.  

I speak these thoughts as a fool who realized them only after time had passed.  

“To live somehow” is one extreme.  

“To live in a certain way” is another.  

Life becomes complicated when caught between these two.  

Wisdom lies in learning to live in a balance between them.  

The dirt on our own back is never visible to us,  

but we become experts at spotting the dirt on others.  

Human life lies between the animal and the divine.  

It is easy to become animal-like, but impossible to become divine.  

Yet if our life’s direction is a journey from the animal path toward the divine path, that itself is the sign of moving toward the right goal.  

Life is meant to be experienced,  

to be enjoyed,  

to be revered.  

But all our experiences, joys, and reverence must remain within the boundaries of humanity.  

That is the true way of living.  

I have let many opportunities slip away without realizing their weight.  

Only after they passed far beyond me did I recognize them, when I was too immature to understand.  

Now?  

Has wisdom fully matured?  

No.  

But on this journey, truths are becoming clearer little by little.  

Sharing those truths with dear hearts makes the journey sweeter.  

I will speak again.  

With love,  

Sakthi Sakthithasan

Now Here: Spirituality and the Truth of Life

Now  Here: Spirituality and the Truth of Life

When we begin to understand the deeper truth of life, the most important realization we attain is “Now” and “Here.”  

The past exists only as memory.  

The future has not yet been formed.  

But the present moment alone keeps us alive, awake, and real.  

The past is the burden of memory.  

Though the past has shaped us, it is not alive in this moment.  

Our victories and defeats, joys and sorrows all exist only as memories.  

To keep revisiting them in regret separates us from living in the present.  

Accepting the past is necessary, but not being trapped in it is the first step of the spiritual journey.  

The future is the illusion of imagination.  

It has not yet arrived.  

It exists only in our imaginations, plans, and fears.  

Worrying about the future pulls us away from the present moment.  

From a spiritual perspective, the future is the fruit of the seed we plant in the “Now.”  

If we live consciously in the present, the future will naturally take shape in a good way.  

The present moment alone is the truth of life, the reality.  

“Now” and “Here” is our true life.  

Every breath we take, every feeling we experience, every sight we behold all happen only in the present moment.  

This is the center of spiritual awareness.  

Meditation, prayer, music, and communion with nature all anchor us in the “Now.”  

The Spiritual Dimension of “Now”

Many spiritual traditions especially Buddhism, 

Yoga, and Vedanta declare that living in the present moment is true liberation.  

To live in the “Now” is to free the mind from past memories and future anxieties, and to rest in pure awareness.  

This is the source of bliss.  

It is the guide to a joyful life.  

Gratitude:  

Giving thanks even for the small things we have in the present moment.  

Awareness:  

Living fully conscious of every action, every breath, every relationship.  

Letting Go:  

Releasing the burden of the past and the fear of the future  and resting in the present.  

Love:  

Living in the “Now” fills us with love, compassion, and joy.  

The true wealth of life is “Now” and “Here.”  

The past is a treasury of memories.  

The future is a painting of imagination.  

But the present moment is the truth of life, the awakening of the soul, the source of happiness.  

We are truly alive, truly joyful, truly spiritualonly in the “Now” and “Here.”  

With love,  

Sakthi Sakthithasan

The Power of Attitude and Life Transformation

The Power of Attitude and Life Transformation

One of the fundamental pillars of human life is attitude.  

Our thoughts, approach, and beliefs not only shape the events around us but also determine the quality of our lives.  

The difference between a good day and a bad day often lies in our attitude.  

Attitude is the inner response we give to external circumstances.  

The same event may appear as a challenge to one person and as an opportunity to another.  

The reason is their attitude.  

Those with a positive attitude see challenges as opportunities for growth.  

Those with a negative attitude see the same situation as an obstacle.  

Thought is the state of perceiving what surrounds us and responding to it.  

Our mind is a powerful tool.  

If we fill it with positive thoughts, our life begins to change.  

Negative thoughts pull us down.  

Positive thoughts lift us up.  

Thus, the way we shape our thinking determines the direction of our life.  

Belief is a vital part of attitude.  

The belief that “we can” drives us forward on the path of progress.  

Without belief, no effort can be complete.  

Those who believe have already achieved half the victory.  

They move toward the purpose of their soul.  

If we want to change life, we must first change our attitude.  

A change in attitude brings a change in thought, a change in thought brings a change in action actions change life.  

This is the fundamental cycle of transformation.  

Positive Thinking: 

Cultivate good thoughts in daily life.  

Seeing Challenges as Opportunities:

    

When facing challenges, recognize the lessons within them.  

Building Belief: 

Establish firmly in the mind the belief that “we can.”  

Self-Reflection: 

Examine daily thoughts and remove negative ones.  

Attitude is everything.

It determines the quality of our life and the journey of our soul.  

Those with a positive attitude make life rich and meaningful.  

Belief, thought, and approach together drive us forward on the path of progress.  

Therefore, if we wish to change our life, we must first change our attitude.  

When we realize the power of attitude and shape it positively, our life becomes radiant.  

With love,  

Sakthi Sakthithasan

Education and Life: The Endless Journey of Light

With a pleasant morning wish, I arrive once again at your doorstep with a shower of words.  

In this journey called life, none of us know how many milestones await us.  

But the expectation that each moment of this journey should be lived joyfully is the right of every one of us.  

The real question we must ask ourselves is,how much have we contributed with dedication and positive thoughts toward that joy?  

Positive thoughts are not mere ideas.  

Only when they transform into actions does their value grow.  

A small help, a small smile, a small encouragement these can bring great changes in another’s life.  

Achievement is not about how long we lived.  

It is about the positive impact we leave behind in society during the time we lived.  

The true measure of achievement is the example we set for the younger generation that follows us.  

Achievements are not measured only by titles, positions, or wealth.  

The good footprints one leaves in life, the humanistic thoughts one nurtures, and the hopes one instills these are the real achievements.  

I often ask myself,did I truly make use of the opportunities I received in ways that helped society progress?  

But my present dream is at least to record what I have seen, heard, and missed, for the sake of the younger generation.  

The younger generation is the reflection of our future.  

The guidance we give them will shape tomorrow’s society.  

Therefore, sharing our experiences and mistakes becomes a guiding lamp for them.  

The greatness of education must be understood in the right way. Education is not merely about collecting degrees.  

Nor is it only in grand institutions that true education resides.  

There is no age limit for learning.  

Life itself is a school, and the lessons we learn here are profound.  

Every day, life teaches us new lessons.  

Failure, success, joy, sorrow—all are teachers.  

True education is to recognize and learn from them.  

Let me share a story I read:  

In a forest hermitage lived the great sage Bharadwaja.  

After completing intense penance, he thought, “Now I must learn all the Vedas and become a great scholar.”  

Even after studying the Vedas for a hundred years, he was not satisfied. He meditated upon Indra and asked for more time to study.  

Indra appeared and granted him another hundred years.  

Still unsatisfied, Bharadwaja asked again, and Indra gave him yet another hundred years.  

Even then, he was not content.  

Finally, Indra wanted to reveal the truth. He took Bharadwaja outside and showed him three huge mountains beside a handful of sand.  

Indra asked, “Can this handful of sand ever become those mountains?”  

Bharadwaja replied, “No matter how long one tries, this handful of sand can never become those mountains.”  

Smiling, Indra said, “Education is like that. No matter how much you study, you can never reach its shore. Even Saraswati, the goddess of learning, is always learning.”  

Dear ones,  

Education is an endless book. The more you read, the more it deepens.  

Education is the light of our lives.  

It not only illuminates us but also those around us.  

When a learned person shares knowledge, it becomes the seed for society’s growth.  

So, never miss an opportunity. Hold the weapon of education in your hand, and with the chisel of your talent, carve a beautiful statue that uplifts everyone’s future.  

You can do it.  

With love,  

Sakthi Sakthithasan

A Reflection on Response, Imagination, and True Freedom"

In a small eatery, a man is having his meal.

Two tables ahead of him, two women and a man are sipping coffee.

Suddenly, a cockroach falls on one of the women’s shoulders.

Startled, she screams loudly and slaps the cockroach off her shoulder. 

It lands on the man nearby.

He too begins a similar drama of panic and shouting.

Seeing the commotion, a waiter rushes over.

When the second woman slaps the cockroach, it lands on the waiter’s shoulder.

But the waiter, without any panic, calmly observes the cockroach, gently holds its wings, and takes it outside to release it.

Watching all this, the man begins to reflect.

Was the cockroach the reason for all the screaming?

If the cockroach was the cause, why didn’t the waiter react the same way?

No! The cockroach wasn’t the cause of the panic.

The real issue was that the two individuals didn’t have the ability to handle the situation calmly.

Life constantly tests us with unexpected events. 

But how we respond to those events reveals our true character. 

The same situation may make one person laugh and another cry. 

The difference lies not in the event, but in the mindset with which it is faced.

That’s when the man begins to think, when someone acts angrily or mistakenly toward us, why do we get angry? 

It’s because we lack the ability to handle such situations with composure.

When stuck in traffic, why do we become irritated and increase our stress?

Because we haven’t developed the skill to handle such moments peacefully.

A calm mind is a weapon. 

It protects us and elevates us. 

The person who maintains peace in chaos, conflict, and pressure is truly strong. 

Even if we can’t change external circumstances, we can always change our internal response.

Dear beloved ones,

The above is a fictional incident!

But if we understand the life lessons hidden within it, we can find simple solutions to many of life’s challenges.

Often, we imagine things that don’t exist and create suffering for ourselves based on those imaginations

Imagination can be our friend or our enemy. 

Good imagination uplifts us; false imagination brings us down. 

Fear of “what if,” or suspicion of “they must have said this about me,” leads us into unnecessary pain. 

Living in imagination without knowing the truth is like searching for a path in darkness.

Once, Abraham Lincoln asked his secretary, “If you call a horse’s tail a leg, how many legs does it have?”

The secretary replied, “Five legs.”

Lincoln said, “No, it still has only four legs. A tail cannot be a leg.”

Yes, dear ones!

No matter how we imagine something, it doesn’t become real!

Truth must be accepted as it is.

    

Mislabeling, misinterpreting, and misunderstanding lead us astray. 

True freedom in life is living in alignment with truth. 

We must not deceive ourselves by hiding, altering, or decorating the truth with imagination.

Imagining things we don’t truly know like assuming someone said something about us and then suffering because of it, is entirely useless.

True freedom for a person is to live in a space where they can enjoy their rights without obstruction. 

That doesn’t mean destroying someone else’s freedom.

My dear youth, you are not weak. 

You are capable of absorbing what is right in the right way and bringing pride to yourselves and your society.

You can do it.

With love,  

Sakthi Sakthithasan

Anger, Words, and Life

Anger, Words, and Life

In human life, anger is a natural emotion.  

But the words we use in moments of anger can leave a deep impact on others.  

Anger is temporary.  

It disappears within a few minutes.  

Yet the words spoken in anger can cause long-lasting pain in another’s heart.  

This is the foundation of the idea: “In times of anger, restraint in words is essential.”  

Anger is an immediate reaction to a situation.  

It disturbs a person’s state of mind.  

But anger does not last long.  

Within minutes, it fades away.  

However, the words spoken in that short span of time can remain etched in another’s mind.  

Words are not mere sounds.  

They carry the power to create emotions in others.  

Words spoken in anger can cause wounds that never heal.  

For example, in a family, if one person uses insulting words in anger, those words can cause unforgettable pain.  

Even after anger subsides, those words may remain in memory for a lifetime.  

That is why, even within families, restraint in words during anger is necessary.  

If parents use harsh words toward children in anger, it can leave deep scars in the child’s mind.  

Similarly, words spoken in anger between spouses can destroy trust in the relationship.  

Among friends too, restraint in words during anger helps preserve the bond.  

Words spoken in anger can break friendships.  

In society, insulting words directed at someone can cause long-lasting pain in that person’s heart.  

In professional settings, restraint in words during anger is equally important.  

If a manager or colleague uses harsh words in anger, it can damage workplace relationships.  

It may even hinder career growth.  

Restraint in words during anger prevents hurting others.  

Restraint allows space for thought.  

After anger subsides, words spoken calmly can strengthen relationships.  

The idea “Anger fades, but words live on” applies to every aspect of life.  

Anger is temporary.  

But words leave a permanent impact.  

Therefore, showing restraint in words during anger is a vital way to protect human relationships.  

If this principle is practiced in every moment of life, relationships will grow stronger and the mind will remain peaceful.  

Sakthi Sakthithasan

Self-Control: The Foundation of Civilization

Self-Control: The Foundation of Civilization

Self-control is the growth of cultural civilization.  

It is the power that allows us to see today’s actions as tomorrow’s consequences.  

There is a time to sow and a time to reap. The clarity to recognize this truth comes only through self-control.  

If understanding others is our skill, then understanding ourselves is our true strength.  

When we gain the ability to direct our thoughts toward the path we choose, it becomes easier to cultivate the discipline to keep our emotions under control.  

This quality is the essential foundation of self-control.  

The true meaning of self-control is to do what must be done at the right time—even if it feels difficult in that moment.  

It is not desire but discipline that determines our future prosperity.  

Resisting small temptations is not a barrier to happiness,it is the firm step we build toward a stable, peaceful, and prosperous future.  

A Message to the Youth

A mind without desires cannot be human.  

But a mind that controls desires is greater than a mind controlled by them.  

Self-control provides the path to self-respect and self-realization.  

The first cause of success in life is self-confidence.  

Yet, if that confidence spreads without limits, it turns into arrogance.  

The line separating the two is very thin.  

True confidence must have the patience of a seed.  

We bury the seed in the soil, but the seed waits with faith.

I am not buried, I am sown. One day I will emerge as a fruitful plant.  

We are not rejected by time. 

Every blow that falls upon us is the chisel of time shaping us. 

With this belief, perseverance becomes the foundation of success.  

When I was young, nine out of ten things I attempted ended in failure.  

My mind refused to accept this. 

I thought: I must succeed in nine out of ten.  

That realization gave birth to the truth: 

If I attempt ninety things, nine will succeed.  

This was said by Bernard Shaw.  

Therefore, never abandon effort. 

Acting with confidence as the foundation is the key.  

Self-control is not mere restriction it is a higher freedom.  

It is easy to be enslaved by desires, but true liberation lies in becoming the master of desires.  

Only then does every step of life remain in our hands.  

Success does not come solely from external circumstances.  

It is the result of inner attitude.  

Self-control, self-confidence, and patience together form an unshakable strength.  

Obstacles do not come to stop us; they come to make us stronger.  

Our mind must remain focused on a single goal without scattering.  

Self-control is the tool that guides the mind toward that goal.  

When the mind is disciplined, no matter how complex life becomes, we can face it with ease.  

Ultimately, self-control is the cornerstone of our life.  

On that stone, we can build our dreams, our efforts, and our future.  

No matter how tall the building rises, its strength will always depend on the foundation of self-control.  

With such understanding, you will succeed.  

You can do it.  

With love,  

Sakthi Sakthithasan

The Sound of the Wind: A Guide to Life

The Sound of the Wind: A Guide to Life

Human life is an endless journey.  

In that journey, the experiences we gain, the people we meet, and the challenges we face all shape us.  

Yet, at times, we get lost in the speed of life and forget to listen to the true voice within us.  

The sound of the wind through the trees is not merely nature’s music.  

It is the wisdom of our ancestors, the reflections of our inner self, and the guidance for our life.  

The sound of the wind reminds us that life is not just a race, but a journey of thought. 

As our ancestors always cautioned, we must slow down, listen carefully, and absorb what others have to say.  

The experiences, advice, and reflections of others enrich our lives.  

The wind through the trees carries those lessons to us.  

The greatest quest of humankind is the answer to the question: “Who am I?”  

This is not merely a philosophical thought.  

It is the foundation of our existence.  

When we know who we are, the purpose of our life, the meaning of our actions, and the value of our relationships all become clear.  

The sound of the wind reminds us never to forget this question and to keep searching for its answer.  

The modern world moves fast.  

Technology, work, competition, and desires push us into a relentless race.  

But in that speed, we must not lose ourselves.  

The wind’s message is: “Pause, reflect, and listen to your inner voice.” True happiness lies in finding peace within.  

Life emphasizes that we are not alone.  

Everyone teaches us something through their experiences.  

Listening to others, understanding their feelings, and absorbing their wisdom enrich our lives.  

The sound of the wind teaches us this attentiveness.  

Well-being is not just material wealth.  

It is a blend of mental peace, spiritual fulfillment, and social harmony.  

The wind advises us never to stop seeking knowledge.  

Knowledge is not only in books, but also in nature, in human experiences, and in the reflections of our inner self. 

The sound of the wind through the trees is a guide for our life.  

It reminds us to control the speed of life, to listen to others, and to keep searching for the answer to “Who am I?”  

That search makes our life meaningful and our well-being complete.  

With love,  

Sakthi Sakthithasan

The Hidden Key Within: Reflections on Time, Joy, and Inner Strength

Time is precious. The work accomplished in time is even more precious.  

Tasks done after the right time, however skillfully completed, do not yield the true result.  

Joy and sorrow both alternate in life, coming and going in cycles.  

Just as handkerchiefs slip away without our notice, so too must we learn to let our worries slip away without clinging to them.  

Likewise, the joys we attain must be cherished and kept close to our hearts, as one would tuck a pen near the chest pocket.  

Often, our inability to complete tasks on time is not due to lack of effort, but because we refuse to adapt to circumstances.  

The coconut tree draws water from its roots and transforms it into sweet tender water at its crown, offering it to us.  

In the same way, true virtue lies in using the resources available to us not only to grow ourselves but also to bring sweetness into the lives of others.  

Take a field, for example: the useful crop is only the paddy stalk. Yet the water that nourishes the paddy also sustains the weeds around it.  

So too, those who live around good people naturally benefit from their goodness.  

The petals of the screw pine flower are larger than those of the jasmine, but it is the jasmine that gives fragrance.  

The ocean may be vast and full, but its water is not drinkable. Yet the small sandy pit nearby yields fresh water fit to drink.  

Judging a person by appearance is never wise.  

A stopwatch can be started and stopped at will.  

But the clock of life, once set in motion, cannot be turned back, nor paused at our convenience.  

We do not know when Time, that power beyond us, will stop its course. Yet we do have the ability to make its journey lighter. How, you ask?  

The magical key lies nowhere else but within our own mind, under our control.  

Some discover it quickly, some take longer, and some complete their journey without ever finding it.  

What does this key unlock?  

It opens the door of contentment deep within us, letting in the light of clarity.  

It trains us to regulate how we respond to sorrow or joy, teaching us not to be overwhelmed by grief nor lost in indulgence.  

When we let sorrow dominate our emotions, we lose the taste of joy.  

The moments of happiness we receive, we often dismiss as mere duty fulfilled, instead of savoring them.  

Have I found where that key lies within me? No—that is the truth.  

I too am searching for it, along with you. And when I share this search aloud with you, it becomes a little sweeter.  

We often mistake bending as weakness and standing firm as strength. Yet is it not true that a bent bow sends the arrow farther than a rigid one?  

An open nest will attract many birds. Some will peck and leave, while others will build beautiful homes and live.  

Can we lock the nest just because some birds may peck, thereby losing the joy of seeing those that build and thrive?  

Similarly, can we lock our hearts just because some may wound them?  

My beloved younger generation!  

Keep the doors of your hearts open. Embrace the useful changes, and transform yourselves into powerful individuals who can change the direction of the nation.  

Life flows like a river.  

In its course, stones, sand, flowers, and even impurities may mix. Yet the river’s flow does not stop.  

So too, in our lives, obstacles, challenges, joys, and sorrows all mingle.  

The strength to endure and move forward is what elevates a human being.  

We cannot stop the flow, but we can learn to guide it gracefully.  

No matter how much knowledge or wealth one possesses, if the mind lacks peace, neither knowledge nor wealth will be of use.  

Peace of mind is a simple key, but attaining it is a difficult journey.  

To reach it, we must restrain our desires, adjust our expectations, and clarify our thoughts.  

Without peace of mind, happiness cannot endure.  

In life’s journey, every person we meet teaches us a lesson.  

Some give us joy, some give us sorrow—but both give us experience.  

That experience itself becomes our guide.  

We must remember with gratitude those who give us joy, and forgive and forget those who give us sorrow.  

The ability to balance both is true wisdom in life.  

Dear youth,  

Keep the doors of your mind open. Welcome new ideas, new experiences, and new opportunities the world offers.  

At the same time, hold firmly to your core values, virtues, and humanity.  

When openness to change combines with strength to preserve fundamentals, you will become the powerful force that can change the nation’s course.  

You can do it.  

With love,  

Sakthi Sakthithasan

It is Me… Yes, It is Me

It is Me… Yes, It is Me

​The wheel of time spins at an incredible velocity.

Life moves in different directions for everyone, driven by an endless search for one thing or another.

​We are granted only one opportunity to live and pass away in this world.

Birth and death are not in our hands.
   
However, the course of our lives is determined by certain crucial decisions we make during the time in between.
   
Even the circumstances that drive those decisions sometimes occur beyond our control.

​It is within such states that the future fortresses of our ambitions are built, and our active efforts toward them continue to unfold.

​Inside each of us, a unique talent is born.
   
It lies dormant within us, often without our own knowledge.

The primary purpose of education is to discover its location and its sanctuary.

​Primary education serves to dust off the layers of the soul and clear the chambers of the mind.

Through that clarity, we can identify our innate talent and elevate our lives by refining it.

Often, we waste years of our lives by failing to recognize our own potential, instead trapped in the misunderstanding of trying to imitate the talents of others.

​Faith is essential in life; it is rare for those without it to succeed.

However, it is foolish to lose opportunities to develop one’s intellect in the name of that faith.

​If we blindly believe in one thing and lose the ability to weigh the truths in what another says or fail to analyze the beliefs held by others we stunt our own intellectual growth.

To cling to a single idea while discarding all others is like placing a lock on our mental freedom.

​I am reminded of a short story I read

An elder among the Native Americans was sharing life lessons with his grandson.

He said, "Son, I feel as though there are two wolves inside my mind.

One is filled with anger, revenge, and rage.

The other is filled with love, compassion, and a forgiving nature.

They are constantly fighting with each other."

​The grandson asked, "Grandfather, which one is going to win the fight?"

The elder replied, "Son, the one I feed is the one that will win.

​Truly, we alone are responsible for our actions, the course of our lives, and the way we live.

It is very easy to blame circumstances and situations for what happens to us or the positions we reach.

But if we honestly admit the truth to our inner selves, we and our self-control are the foundation of everything.

​Life is not just the path we travel; it is also the footprints we leave behind.
   
Many times, we mortgage the golden moments of the present by grieving over past bitterness and lost opportunities.
   
Just as one who tries to fix a broken mirror gets cut by its sharp edges, one who carries bitter memories destroys their own peace.

The first step of mental maturity is to move past what cannot be changed.

​Self-discipline is not a chain that binds a person; it is the bridle that leads them in the right direction.

An uncontrolled mind is like a wild river flowing without direction it only brings destruction.

But a refined mind is like a stream that makes even a wasteland bloom.

The purity of our thoughts determines the quality of our actions.

For one who clears the clutter of thought and focuses on the goal, success is not an unreachable fruit.

​In today’s mechanical world, understanding between relationships is becoming rare.

"Empathy" the ability to approach a matter from another’s perspective is diminishing.

Rather than stubbornly insisting that our word is gospel, listening to the reason in others' perspectives broadens our knowledge.

To share and understand is a higher virtue than to argue and win.

That is the seed of social peace.

​Failure is not an end.

it is the beginning of a lesson.

Not everyone who falls is a loser,only the one who stays where they fell is defeated.

Every slip exists to point out our weaknesses and strengthen us.

Only when wounds turn into scars do we realize the strength of the struggle.

For one armed with perseverance, every obstacle is a stepping stone.

​The habit of sharing takes humanity to the next level.

The value of our wealth or knowledge is only fulfilled when it serves another.

A small spring that quenches thirst is greater than a river joining the sea.
.  
Identifying with the vast space of public welfare rather than the narrow circle of selfishness is the hallmark of a fulfilling life.

We become great by what we give.
​
​The search is not in the outside world.

It is a journey that must happen within us.

When we move toward the answer to the question "Who am I?", the clamor of the external world becomes meaningless.
  
Only a silent mind is worthy of perceiving the secrets of the universe.

If we become the sculptors who carve ourselves, there is no doubt that our life will shine as a masterpiece.

​With Love,
Sakthi Sakthithasan

The Journey of Life: A Flow of Relationships

The Journey of Life: A Flow of Relationships

​Life's journey is like a long river.

Many tributaries join it along the way, while some part ways at certain points.
   
Every person we encounter in life comes to us for a specific reason.

The words "Not everything needs to become beautiful and permanent" scream the greatest truth of life.

Our disappointments often stem from the expectation that everyone we meet will travel with us for a lifetime.

​Some relationships are like seasonal flowers.

They bloom and offer us boundless joy during their brief presence.

Though they are not permanent, the experiences they provide define the course of our lives.

​In our journey, some people act as mirrors.

They don't tell us what is right or wrong through advice,instead, they make us realize it through their actions or the wounds they inflict.

They serve as catalysts, showing us who we are capable of becoming.

Whether it is the love they showered or the betrayal they committed, it pushes us toward self-reflection.

This very introspection helps us "learn to love ourselves."

To accept and love oneself completely is the greatest maturity a human can achieve.

​At times, when life feels weary and lonely, an unexpected person arrives to provide a sense of comfort.

They may not stay long, but that brief moment acts as a potent medicine.

They might be someone who walks with us through the night, listening to our life stories.

Having a listening ear when the heart is heavy is a magnificent blessing.

They come into our lives for a specific period perhaps to carry our secrets or share our burdens.

Once that part of the journey is over, their departure is simply the work of destiny.

​Many relationships are like friendships formed with fellow passengers on a train.
   
When their station arrives, they must bid farewell.

We should not come to a standstill just because they have left.

Instead, we should wholeheartedly thank them for the memories they gave and the lessons they taught.

​Even if a relationship breaks or a person leaves, the change they sparked within us remains forever.

We must move forward by using that change as our capital.

Life is not a stagnant pond; it is a flowing river.

It must bypass stones and banks to reach the ocean.

​The people who crossed our paths provided the energy or the direction needed for that journey.

Rather than filling the void they left with sorrow, we should fill it with the virtues they imparted.

​Gratitude for past people makes us stronger.

​The pain they gave matures us.

​The love they offered inspires us to show love to others.

​Ultimately, human relationships are the needs of a particular time.

Their lack of permanence is not a failure;
 
it is nature. In one way or another, every person is a sculptor carving our soul.

Once they finish their carving, they move on.

We, having become beautiful statues, must continue to move forward.

​With this clarity, every meeting becomes sweet, and every parting becomes free of bitterness.

​With Love,
Sakthi Sakthithasan

“Vision, Faith, and the Journey of Life”

“Vision, Faith, and the Journey of Life”

Yesterday is not like today. Tomorrow will not be like today.  

When we bid farewell to the history called “yesterdays,” we carry with us the books of experience to use in our journey along the road called “today,” heading toward the town called “tomorrow.”  

No one can tell us in advance the twists, turns, obstacles, or victories that lie along today’s path.  

Only the language of experience “I went this way yesterday but could not reach the place I intended” is what we clearly know.  

Life is at once a trial and a possibility.  

Trials should not weaken us, and possibilities should inspire us.  

Between the two, what guides us is faith and self-confidence.  

It is the hope that we will reach the town called “tomorrow” that keeps our journey moving forward.  

But are the goals of that journey within reach?  

In striving to reach them, are we unjustly hindering someone else?  

Do we have love and compassion as companions?  

A person’s journey should not be only for personal success, but also for the progress of society.  

Only when personal achievements are tied to social welfare do they become lasting.  

Otherwise, they scatter like dust in the wind.  

By questioning these things, we prepare ourselves for the victory of our faith.  

Self-examination must always continue within us.  

Do all who have vision truly understand everything correctly? That is doubtful.  

What is the true nature of vision? That itself is a question.  

Do we weigh everything correctly based only on what appears before our eyes? The fitting answer is “no.”  

True vision is not merely recording outward appearances, but perceiving the hidden truth behind them.  

Vision begins with the eyes, but it is completed only by the clarity of the heart.  

I wish to share a story I read recently.  

Under a banyan tree sat a Zen monk, well known to the villagers.  

One day, a man came by and asked rudely, “Hey old man! Did anyone pass this way?”  

The monk replied, “No, I haven’t seen anyone pass this way.”  

A little later, another man came and asked, “Sir, did anyone pass this way?”  

The monk replied, “Yes, a man just passed this way asking the same question.”  

After some time, another person came and asked respectfully, “Greetings, venerable one! Did anyone pass this way?”  

The monk replied, “Yes, my lord! First a soldier came, asking the same question. Then a minister came, asking likewise.”  

The king was astonished: “Monk, you have no eyesight, so how did you identify them as soldier, minister, and king?”  

The monk answered, “No eyesight was needed. Their manner revealed their identity.  

The first spoke harshly, with authority and no respect that was a soldier.  

The next spoke with some courtesy and restraint that was a minister.  

You spoke with great humility and respect that is the mark of a king.”  

Thus, vision is not merely recognizing physical features.  

True vision is the decision made with inner clarity, considering surrounding causes and qualities.  

Every moment of life is like a seed. Its growth depends on how it is nurtured.  

Vision, experience, and faith are like water, light, and soil for that seed. Used rightly, the seed becomes a tree, the tree gives shade, and the shade supports many.  

Just as a seed holds within itself the potential to become plant, tree, flower, fruit, and grain, so too humans hold within themselves the power needed for growth of knowledge.  

We plant the seed in the earth and water it; it naturally draws sunlight and grows.  

But we humans blame external circumstances for our obstacles.  

Why?  

Because we fail to recognize the natural power for growth hidden within us.  

If we ourselves cannot identify our inner talents, how can others reveal them to us?  

Others may encourage the search, but they cannot discover where those talents lie hidden.  

We must believe in ourselves and cultivate confidence that we are in no way lesser than others.  

Yet that confidence must not cross its boundary and grow into arrogance.  

The paddy stalk bends under the weight of its grain not out of weakness, but out of humility.  

If we cultivate our minds as fertile fields for noble qualities, no obstacle can prevent us from using our talents for personal growth and social progress.  

I trust that my young people will strive to shine as such a society of wonderful qualities.  

You can do it.  

With love,  

Sakthi Sakthithasan

A LessonSeed of Light: Breaking Through Darkness

A Lesson

Seed of Light: Breaking Through Darkness

The seed does not fear the darkness around it; instead, it teaches us a profound lesson about life.  

The seed is buried in the soil, unable to see anything outside. 

Yet it trusts the life force within itself and strives upward toward the light. 

This is the fundamental lesson of life , no matter how dark the circumstances may be, our focus must always remain on progress and light.  

In everyday life, we face many challenges. 

Work, family, social relationships all present obstacles, confusions, and situations that feel like darkness. 

But like the seed, we must not fear that darkness; rather, we must treat it as the foundation for growth. 

Without darkness, the seed cannot sprout. 

Likewise, without challenges, a human being cannot grow. 

Every obstacle strengthens us, every difficulty leads us to a new path.  

The seed has only one focus to reach the light. 

Similarly, human beings must keep their attention fixed on their goal. 

In daily life, we are often distracted by others’ opinions, fear, doubt, or failure.

    

But if our mind remains steadfast on a single goal, nothing can stop us. 

The light represents our dreams, our values, and our true purpose in life. 

The determination to move toward that light is the essence of success.  

When the seed breaks through the soil, it uses its small strength to push aside stones and hard earth. 

In the same way, human determination, though it may seem small, can break through great obstacles. 

The difficulties and hardships surrounding us in life are like the soil’s darkness around the seed. 

But our determination, our faith, and our effort are the forces that pierce through them.  

The seed’s journey fearless of darkness, moving toward light becomes a guide for us in achieving philosophical success.

    

True success in life is not only in outward achievements it lies in inner strength, in staying focused on our goal, and in seeing challenges as opportunities for growth.

Every person, like the seed, must break through the darkness of life and move toward the light to attain genuine success.  

Thus, the lesson of the seed is immense for ordinary people in daily life. 

A life lived without fear of difficulties, with determination, with focus on the goal, and with a steady march toward light is a life of philosophical victory.

    

Darkness will always surround us, but not fearing it and breaking through it with resolve is what leads us to the true light.  

With love,  

Sakthi Sakthithasan

Pause for a thought

In this short journey called life, many travel alongside us.  

Not all fellow travelers are chosen by us.  

We select only a few.  

The rest are joined to us by the force of time.  

Among them, some do us good, while some may cause us harm.  

Life is a continuous lesson.  

Every meeting, every experience shapes us.  

The people we encounter, their actions, become opportunities to reveal the hidden strengths within us.  

Yet, when others do harm, we must forgive them—though we should not forget the lesson that comes from it.  

Forgiveness is not a sign of weakness.  

It is the pinnacle of strength.  

When we forgive, we release the burden of the past and move toward the light of the future.  

At the same time, we must preserve the good deeds of those who help us, keeping them forever in our hearts.  

Remembering goodness enriches our minds.  

It teaches us to live with gratitude.  

A grateful heart always brings peace and joy.  

I will share a short story I once read:  

Two friends living by the seashore went on a journey to a nearby town.  

While resting by the beach, a disagreement arose between them, and one friend slapped the other on the cheek.  

The friend who was slapped wrote in the sand: “My friend slapped me on the cheek.”  

Later, as they continued their journey, they grew tired and sat again by the shore.  

The friend who had been slapped went into the sea to bathe.  

Suddenly, a huge wave swept him away. His friend, the one who had slapped him earlier, jumped into the water and saved his life.  

Once safe on the shore, the rescued friend found a sharp stone and carved into a rock: “My friend saved my life.”  

Surprised, the other asked: “When I slapped you, you wrote it in the sand. Why now do you carve this into stone?”  

The friend replied: “The wrong you did, I wrote in the sand so that the winds of forgiveness would erase it. But the good you did—saving my life—I carved into stone so that it will remain forever.”  

This story teaches us a profound truth:  

Forgetting wrongs cleanses our hearts.  

Preserving goodness makes our lives meaningful.  

This is the beauty of human relationships, and the true wealth of life.  

My dear growing generation,  

This is a very simple story.  

But the meaning hidden within it is deep. I trust you will understand.  

You can.  

With love,  

Sakthi Sakthithasan

The Nature of the Human Mind and the Realm Beyond

The Nature of the Human Mind and the Realm Beyond

The nature of the human mind, its restless emotions, and the vast expanse of peace beyond them are worthy of deep exploration.  

In human life, thoughts, feelings, desires, and fears are like temporary waves. 

They rise and fade away.  

Anger comes and subsides within minutes; love grows in certain circumstances and diminishes in others; greed and fear appear and disappear depending on situations.  

All these are merely waves on the surface of the mind.  

But beyond these waves, in the depths of the mind, lies boundless awareness. 

That is our true state.  

One who strives to realize this awareness seeks inner peace beyond the noise and storms of life. 

Such an effort makes a person truly powerful.  

For no matter how loud the external world may be, one who has attained inner peace remains unaffected.  

Such a person has the strength to test the very shores of life.  

That is, they possess the ability to live freely, beyond the limitations imposed by life.  

This realization is intangible, infinite, and eternally free. It cannot be bound by any object.  

One who realizes this can face life’s complexities with ease.  

Even if anger arises, it does not control them; even if greed appears, it does not mislead them; even if fear comes, they can transcend it.  

Thus, one who attains inner peace, though living in the world, stands firm without being scattered by its challenges.  

The impact of this on ordinary human life is immense.  

Most people are carried away daily by thoughts and emotions. 

Work, family, and social relationships all stir waves in the mind. These waves exhaust a person.  

But one who strives for inner peace is not disturbed by them. They can see life clearly.  

When making decisions, clarity of thought and balance of emotion guide them. 

This enables them to handle difficulties with ease.  

Moreover, one who attains inner peace naturally expresses love. 

Their love is not bound by conditions. It is free, infinite.  

Thus, they build good relationships in society.  

Since greed does not control them, they live simply. 

Since fear does not bind them, they live courageously.  

In this way, one who attains inner peace, though living in the world, transcends its challenges and lives freely.  

This explains the nature of the human mind, its restless emotions, and the realm of peace beyond them.  

One who realizes and lives by this truth can transcend life’s complexities and live freely and peacefully.  

This is the true strength of human life.  

With love,  

Sakthi Sakthithasan

The Path of Seeking

The Path of Seeking

A Journey from Mistakes toward Clarity  

Life is not a fixed point; it is a continuous flow.  

In that flow, the call of “Let us seek… we shall find” becomes a great force that propels us forward.  

What we seek differs for each person.  

For some, it may be ambition; for others, peace; and for yet others, self-discovery.  

But a life without seeking is like a stagnant pond.  

Only when we begin to search does the universe start to reveal its secrets to us.  

This search is not a straight line.  

It is a path full of ups and downs, twists and turns.  

Every step we take on this path brings a new experience.  

In this journey of seeking, “mistakes will happen” is not a bitter truth, but a natural law.  

A child learning to walk falls many times.  

Those falls teach its legs the balance of the ground.  

Likewise, the mistakes in our lives are not failures; they are “correction markers” guiding us toward the right direction.  

If no mistakes occur while doing something, it means we are not trying anything new.  

Therefore, instead of fearing mistakes, when we accept them as our teachers, the fear of life fades and a new courage is born.  

The phrase “there is no other way” does not confine us to a narrow circle; rather, it makes us understand a reality.  

There are no shortcuts to success or wisdom.  

Only through mistakes and repeated effort can one attain completeness.  

When we realize that “practice and mistakes are the way”, we will not feel disheartened when we fail.  

Instead, we will think positively: “By going this way, the goal cannot be reached”—and that itself is a lesson learned.  

When practice and experience walk hand in hand, an ordinary person transforms into an achiever.  

Over time, “mistakes gradually decrease”—this is a scientific truth.  

A musician may strike many wrong notes at first, but through continuous practice, his fingers naturally find the right strings.  

Similarly, as we keep facing life’s challenges, our decision-making sharpens.  

We slowly gain the wisdom to know when to pause and when to accelerate.  

As mistakes lessen, our self-confidence reaches new heights.  

This change does not happen overnight.  

It is a patient evolutionary growth.  

At the end of this long journey, “greater and greater clarity arises.”  

Clarity does not come merely by reading books or listening to sermons.  

It comes when we dive into the ocean of experience and bring up pearls.  

When clarity dawns, the purpose of our life becomes precise.  

We gain the wisdom to distinguish what is essential and what is unnecessary.  

This clarity leads a person to an unshaken state of mind.  

In that state, whether success or failure comes, one remains balanced.  

Finally, the guiding mantra of life is: “Do not stop midway, keep going.”  

Often, we give up when we are closest to the goal.  

We forget that when darkness is deepest, dawn is nearest.  

Only the one who keeps trying continuously earns a place in history.  

The mistakes we make do not weaken us; they refine us.  

Therefore, let us continue to seek, welcome mistakes, and make practice our companion.  

One day, the clarity and success we seek will be ours.  

Until then, tireless effort and unwavering faith are the marks of a complete life.  

With love,  

Sakthi Sakthithasan

Exchange of Light: Our Energy, Our Kindness, Our Magnetism

No matter how ordinary our life may seem, every single day the energy we radiate leaves a deep impact on the minds of those around us.  

Even before we speak, our body language, the calmness or tension visible on our face, the steadiness of our walk all of these send a message to the people near us. 

That is why the idea “Our energy is felt before we speak” holds such relevance in everyday life.  

In a family, if someone wakes up in the morning with a smile and speaks kindly to others, the entire atmosphere of the home brightens. 

At the same time, if someone behaves with anger or fatigue, that energy affects everyone else. 

This is the simplest example of how our energy manifests.  

Every decision we make, every word we speak, every action we take is guided by our inner intention. 

To “move with a good intention” means to place the welfare of others above selfish motives. 

For instance, helping a colleague at work, explaining a lesson to a friend at school, or showing the way to an elderly person on the street all these are expressions of our intention.  

Leading with kindness is vital in daily life.

    

When a teacher guides students not with harshness but with affection, their eagerness to learn increases. 

When a manager treats employees with respect, the productivity of the team multiplies. 

Kindness is not merely compassion; it is the ability to understand another’s situation and provide the support they need.  

The idea “The light we radiate returns to us” reminds us of the law of exchange in life. 

If we radiate love, love will return. 

If we share trust, trust will strengthen us.

    

For example, when someone performs good deeds in society, that very society returns appreciation and support to them.  

When we believe in our own light, we become magnetic. 

This means that when we value ourselves and trust our abilities, others are naturally drawn to us. 

A student who believes in their talent becomes a source of inspiration for friends and teachers. 

A mother who trusts in her love unites her entire family in the magnetic force of that affection.  

In everyday life, practicing these ideas is simple. 

Keeping our mind calm when we wake up, adding good intention to our actions throughout the day, treating others with kindness, and trusting in our abilities all these make our energy shine.  

Thus, our energy, intention, kindness, and trust together illuminate not only our own life but also the lives of those around us.

    

The light we radiate each day has the power to transform the world around us.

    

And that light, when it returns to us, strengthens us even more.  

With love,  

Sakthi Sakthithasan

Reflection of the Mind: A Journey Toward True Success in Life

Reflection of the Mind: A Journey Toward True Success in Life

Many events unfold around us.  

Even if it’s the same event, the eyes that observe it determine its nature.  

One person’s words may wound another’s heart, while the same words may evoke a different feeling in someone else.  

Two Zen monks were watching a flag fluttering in the wind.  

One monk said, “Did you see how fast the flag is moving?”  

The other replied, “No, no the wind is blowing fast, the flag isn’t moving.”  

As they debated, their guru passed by and said, “Disciples! Neither the flag moves nor the wind blows only your mind is moving.”  

The event is singular, but the difference in perception gives rise to different mental signals.  

Once this is understood, it becomes easier to comprehend all events in life.  

Life is like a mirror.  

What we reflect in it is what we see.  

If the mind is calm, the world appears calm.  

If the mind is disturbed, the world seems chaotic.  

Thus, the practice of mastering the mind is the beginning of true wisdom.  

A common trait among most people is judging others based on outward appearance.  

I’m reminded of a short story I read:  

In a village, there lived a man whom everyone considered a fool based on his actions and appearance.  

When shown two objects one small but valuable, and the other large but cheap he would always choose the larger, cheaper one.  

The villagers would gather and mock him for fun.  

One day, a friend of a villager visited and was told about this “fool.”  

They summoned him and offered a small five-rupee coin and a large one-rupee coin.  

He happily chose the one-rupee coin.  

Later, the visitor privately tested him again this time offering a diamond ring in one hand and a large fifty-paise coin in the other.  

Again, the man chose the larger coin.  

The visitor asked, “Why didn’t you take the diamond ring?”  

The man replied, “Sir, I’m poor. Every day, ten people play this game with me.  

If I choose the valuable item once, they’ll stop playing.  

Then I’ll lose my daily income of a few rupees!”  

The visitor was stunned. He smiled inwardly, realizing who the real fool was.  

This story teaches us that beyond visible intelligence, understanding context is vital.  

Sometimes what appears foolish may stem from deep thought.  

Judging a person by appearance or action is flawed.  

Truths we grasp today may be disproven tomorrow.  

Accepting this without agitation is the maturity that defines success in life.  

Our knowledge is like a child playing on the shore,  

Delighted by finding a pretty shell or a unique stone,  

Unaware of the vast, mysterious ocean of wonders yet to be explored.  

If we realize that knowledge has no bounds,  

We’ll always remain learners.  

Instead of saying “I know,”  

We’ll live with the awareness that “There’s more to know.”  

Likewise, we revel in the small space called “I,”  

Delighting in the desire called “mine,”  

Unaware of the vast world before us,  

Where wonders lie buried in the ocean of public good.  

What does it mean to succeed?  

Is it always being first in everything?  

If you can do something better than before,  

That itself is a personal victory.  

Success isn’t about defeating others in competition.  

It’s about surpassing yourself.  

If you do better today than yesterday,  

That’s true progress.  

And when you grow this way, external success will follow naturally.  

My dear young ones, understand all this well,  

And you will become truly successful in life.  

You can do it.  

With love,  

Sakthi Sakthithasan