Ayyavazhi’s moral compass spins around a few shining tenets that keep every follower grounded in everyday life. First and foremost, dharmam—righteousness—demands walking the talk. It isn’t about lofty sermons but about honest deeds: speaking the truth, honoring promises and steering clear of greed. Ayyavazhi sermons in today’s Chennai temples still echo calls for integrity, a reminder that integrity never goes out of style.

Love, or “anbu,” sits alongside dharmam as a powerhouse ethic. Strangers, neighbors and even so-called enemies are met with kindness, reflecting the idea that every soul shares the same divine spark. With social justice protests gaining momentum worldwide, Ayyavazhi’s stress on universal brotherhood feels right on the money—casting aside caste barriers and treating each person as part of one big human family.

Nonviolence and compassion come up next. Ahimsa isn’t just a buzzword here; it shapes dietary choices (many embrace vegetarianism), discourages harsh words and pushes devotees toward gentle action, even amid heated political debates. Charity and service follow naturally: sharing food, offering shelter, or simply lending an ear—small gestures that pack a big punch in eroding inequality.

Surrender to Ekam, the singular divine reality, rounds out the core ethics. Surrender doesn’t translate to passivity but to humility: recognizing personal limitations and extending grace to others. This tenet fuels an inner transformation—burnishing patience, tolerance and self-control at every turn.

Across Tamil Nadu, renewed interest in Ayyavazhi’s ethical blueprint has inspired community kitchens during flood relief efforts and neighborhood literacy drives. It turns out ancient wisdom can offer the perfect recipe for modern challenges—stitching together honesty, love and service into a tapestry that still feels fresh, relevant and ready for today’s world.