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One day, Kumaresan, the teacher noticed Gopãlan sitting alone and weeping. Gopãlan was intelligent, disciplined and good at studies. Concerned, the teacher embraced him with affection and asked him consolingly, "Child, why are you crying? Did anyone beat you? Or did someone chastise you?" Unable to reply, he wept bitterly.

Consoling him, the teacher requested him to tell him the reason for weeping. Gopãlan said, "I get very angry at times. At such times, I lose control over my senses and utter harsh words, which I repent later. With my harsh words I cause sorrow to others."

Listening to him patiently, his teacher said, "Oh Gopãla! Man should be emotive. An emotionless person is not human. One should know to admire the stars in the sky, the full moon, the meandering rivers and the falling waters. We should learn to relish the melodious songs of the birds, the cry of the mountains and the tenderness of the flowers. Only a person with good emotions can shine as a good poet, author, artist, musician or vocalist; or in the least admire them. We should be emotive when we cuddle babies; talk to our parents, the poor and the sick. At the same time negative emotions like anger, jealousy, hatred, picking up quarrel should not over take us. Using discrimination, we should control our emotions and conduct ourselves well. Prayer, dhyãna and proper breathing practice go a long way in accomplishing this."

The teacher also taught Gopãlan the ways to practice these.

Learning and practicing them, Gopãlan reaped great benefits in his life.

-Pammal Bãlãji

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