#Chapter1

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.

Rajamani, Lata, and Sahasranamam are having dinner when the conversation takes a deeper turn, discussing the 9th Thirukkural:

“The head that worships not the feet of Him who is possessed of eight attributes, is as useless as a sense without the power of sensation.”

Sahasranamam points out that without a guide, someone to lean on for wisdom and direction, we become like a sense without the ability to perceive. Rajamani compares it to Luffy’s journey in One Piece—just as Luffy needed Shanks to inspire his path as a pirate, we need someone who embodies wisdom to help us find our way.

“None can swim the sea of vice, but those who are united to the feet of that gracious Being who is a sea of virtue.”

Sahasranamam uses an example involving a lake and a tempting boat full of chocolates and video games to explain the idea of resisting distractions. He compares finding refuge in a virtuous path to staying safe from temptations, much like staying away from “Gundodaran Mama’s house” for Rajamani.

Rajamani reflects on the 7th Thirukkural:

“Anxiety of mind cannot be removed, except from those who are united to the feet of Him who is incomparable.”

Rajamani struggles with anxiety and asks his father, Sahasranamam, for guidance. Sahasranamam explains that only by turning to a higher power can we find peace. Rajamani humorously compares it to needing a phone charger to stay calm, but Sahasranamam clarifies that true peace comes from within, not from external distractions.

Rajamani ponders the 6th Thirukkural:

“Those who stand on the path of honesty, devoid of desires stemming from the five senses, will live a prosperous life devoid of falsehood, according to God’s truthful path.” ✨

Rajamani discusses distractions with his father, Sahasranamam, considering if living a life without sensory desires means cutting out distractions like social media and lies. Sahasranamam links it to living truthfully, leading to prosperity and happiness. Rajamani then relates it to One Piece, noting that legendary pirates like Gol D. Roger and Whitebeard embodied this kind of truthfulness, earning respect even in adversity.

“The two-fold deeds that spring from darkness shall not adhere to those who delight in the true praise of God.”

Appa simplifies the meaning through an example:

A thief who steals for the “greater good” and a philanthropist who gives selflessly—both confronted by their neighbors, yet only one has clean hands.

Later, Lata adds her take, connecting it to One Piece: Sanji steals food for a pirate, but even with good intentions, stealing is wrong.