There are many ways for us to show our devotion to God, and Saint Thirumoolar points out that worship does not have to be expensive or grand.
It is customary for us to offer flowers in temples. But Thirumoolar says that it is enough if we offer a leaf instead. But will God be pleased with such an offering? Why not, when He was pleased with even stones! It is said that Sakkiya Nayanar offered only a small pebble to God, and it was accepted by Him, said Malayaman, in a discourse.
A person who is devoted to God must extend his love and care to animals too. Thirumoolar says we should offer grass to cows and also do what we can for other animals and birds too. We must offer at least a handful of food to one who cannot afford good food. If in a family of four, each of them offers a fistful of rice to a hungry man, then he will have enough to satisfy his pangs of hunger. In case one cannot afford even this, then one can gladden the hearts of others by speaking kindly to them. Soft, gentle words cost nothing.
Thiruvalluvar too advises the use of gentle words. He says harsh words are like an unripe fruit. But kind words are like a tasty, sweet, ripe fruit.
Will anyone want to eat a fruit in its unripe state, when a ripe fruit is available? Why then should one use harsh words, when it is possible for everyone to use kind words? Thiruvalluvar defines righteousness as including a smiling countenance, a heart full of love, and pleasant speech.
Thus there are simple ways to please God, and anyone can please Him with good conduct, and with the minimum of effort.
