Ha, cultivating a real life chinna veedu is one sorrow I managed to avoid, though she who should be obeyed taunts me that nobody but she would want me, there is some real pity LOL.
Now, my sufferings and misfortunes, where do I start, I was a very religious man at one time, though I didn't demand anything from other members of my family, the superstitious restrictions I placed upon myself surely caused sorrow and misfortunes to them, for which I feel sorrow now, how stupid of me, how come I didn't see the light soon enough. Pity me for that.
I wasted a lot of money, a boat load of money supporting religious activities, what a waste, money that could have been spent on relieving the suffering of truly oppressed and deserving people, and I feel sorrow for that now, how stupid of me, I should have known better. Pity me for that.
Didn't stand up to some people in defense of some others, I foolishly respected silly old ancient tradition aka sanatana dharmam, and I feel sorrow for that now, how stupid of me, it was unconscionable. Pity me for that.
Borrowing the words of திருமங்கை ஆழ்வார் and twisting the meaning for my context, "கள்வனேனானேன் படிறு செய்திருப்பேன், கண்டவா திரிதந்தேன்". So, there is lot to pity me, thanks for asking dear K. But alas, the kind of pity my dear brother sarang dishes out, is intended to cause more sorrow, not alleviate any.
But then, it doesn't bother me any more. I have crossed the ocean of religious and theistic ignorance. I am now free of all sorrow, and the misfortune of religious superstition is behind me. Continuing on திருமங்கை words, "தெள்ளியேன் ஆனேன்". I am a happy man now. Very happy. I am truly able to put to practice the maxim யாதும் ஊரே யாவரும் கேளிர். And, that brings me to the last point, which is, I only have pity for those who are swayed by the demagoguery of fundamentalist religious nationalism like that of BJP, RSS, Hindu Munnani, etc.
So, dear K, there you have it, pity me if you must for the times I wasted in the past, and your pity will be well placed and much appreciated, but also, join me in the present, for joyful celebration of the present, free of superstitions, with lots of friends engaged in what I would like to call enlightened hedonism ....