Stories Inspired by Thirukkural - Chapter 1:10 - Ocean-Birth-Rebirth

Rajaram and Lata discuss the 10th Thirukkural:

“They swim the sea of births, the ‘Monarch’s’ foot who gain; None others reach the shore of being’s mighty main.”

Sahasranamam teaches young Rajaram that life is like an ocean—filled with waves of struggles and desires. The only way to cross it is by holding onto something greater than ourselves—faith, wisdom, or purpose.

Years later, Rajaram explains this to Lata using One Piece: Luffy’s unwavering belief in his nakama (crew) is what keeps him going. Just like faith is a boat that helps us navigate life, Luffy’s crew is his anchor in the storm.

💡 What keeps you afloat in life’s ocean? Is it faith, family, or a dream you’re striving for? Let me know in the comments below!

🔔 Subscribe for daily Thirukkural insights! #Thirukkural #LifeLessons #Faith #Purpose #OnePiece

The script:

பிறவிப் பெருங்கடல் நீந்துவர் நீந்தார் இறைவன் அடிசேரா தார்

They swim the sea of births, the ‘Monarch’s’ foot who gain; None others reach the shore of being’s mighty main.

இறைவனுடைய திருவடிகளைப்‌ பொருந்தி நினைக்கின்றவர்‌ பிறவியாகிய பெரிய கடலைக்‌ கடக்க முடியும்‌: மற்றவர்‌ கடக்க முடியாது.

None can swim the great sea of births but those who are united to the feet of God.

[Scene opens in a serene village home, decades ago. A young Rajamani sits by the riverbank, watching his father, Sahasranamam, wash his feet after prayer.]

Sahasranamam: “Rajamani, today’s lesson is about a powerful truth from Thiruvalluvar. Listen closely: ‘பிறவிப் பெருங்கடல் நீந்துவர் நீந்தார் இறைவன் அடிசேரா தார்.’

It means, ‘Those who hold on to the feet of the Divine can cross the vast ocean of birth and life, while those who don’t, remain stranded.’ What do you think this ocean is?”

Young Rajamani: (thinking) “Is it… this river, Appa?”

Sahasranamam: (smiling) “No No… It’s bigger than the river. Imagine it’s the vast ocean of life, filled with waves of challenges, struggles, and desires. Now tell me, how do you cross an ocean?”

Young Rajamani: “With a boat, Appa!”

Sahasranamam: “Exactly! The boat is the grace and wisdom of the Divine. If you try to swim alone, the currents of anger, greed, and sorrow will pull you under. But if you hold on to the boat—your principles, your faith—you’ll make it safely to the shore.”

[Scene fades to the present day. Rajamani and his daughter, Lata, are sitting on the floor, folding laundry. Lata pauses to ask a question while holding a One Piece T-shirt.]

Lata: “Appa, do you think pirates believe in God? Like, in One Piece, Luffy doesn’t pray or anything, but he’s so fearless.”

Rajamani: “Interesting question, Lata. Do you remember when Luffy and his crew faced Enel on Skypiea?”

Lata: “Of course! Enel thought he was a god, but Luffy defeated him because he had no fear of lightning.”

Rajamani: “Exactly. Now think of Enel as someone who represents the waves of arrogance and greed, the kind that sinks most people. But what saved Luffy?”

Lata: (excitedly) “His unwavering belief in himself and his dream! He didn’t let Enel’s so-called godlike power scare him.”

Rajamani: “And what do you think gave Luffy that strength? His nakama, his principles, and his complete focus on his goal. That’s what Thiruvalluvar means here. The ‘Divine feet’ symbolize holding on to values greater than yourself. They give you the strength to cross the ocean of life.”

Lata: “So, you’re saying Luffy’s faith in his crew is like someone’s faith in God or in good principles?”

Rajamani: “Exactly, ma. Without such a foundation, even the bravest person will falter. Luffy’s crew is his boat. Without them, he wouldn’t get far.”

[Lata nods thoughtfully, folding the T-shirt with care.]

Host: “And now, dear viewers, think about your own life. What is your ‘boat’ in this vast ocean of existence? Is it faith, family, discipline, or perhaps a dream you’re striving toward?

What keeps you afloat when the waves of doubt, fear, or temptation rise high? Reflect on Thiruvalluvar’s wisdom: holding on to something greater than yourself is the key to crossing life’s challenges.

The ocean is vast, but with the right boat, the shore is always within reach. Until next time, may your journey be steady and your values unwavering.”

[The scene fades with soft flute music and an image of a calm ocean under a sunrise.]