Extreme Joy

Pattinathar was a ship merchant who had access to a life of pleasures. Lord Shiva came as his son and at the opportune moment, declared — ‘none of these will accompany you on your last journey’ — and vanished. Pattinathar realized that his worldly success had prevented him from enjoying the bliss of having God for his son. He became a staunch devotee of God and was revered as Pattinathadigal.

Bhadragiri was a renowned king. There was no pleasure he had not experienced. When people, out of ignorance, punished the great Pattinathar and the saint emerged unhurt, Bhadragiri renounced his kingdom and became an ardent disciple of Pattinathar.

All these are examples of extreme joy leading one to the path of spirituality.

Misery ends in joy and vice versa. Joy or sorrow — both lead you to God.