4 minute read
Thirukkural - Timeless Wisdom of Thiruvalluvar
from June 2021
By Kothai Ramanathan
Standing on the Kanyakumari coast, Indian mainland’s southernmost tip, one cannot miss the statue of Thiruvalluvar erected on an island just off the coast. At 133 ft, the figure is certainly not the tallest in India. Still, it is a tall reminder of the 133 chapters of the Thirukkural that Thiruvalluvar has left behind espousing his views on virtue, wealth and love. In an age where wit and wisdom get packaged in byte-sized tweets of 140 characters, the Thirukkural could be considered a consolidation of tweets that contain timeless wisdom.
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The Thirukkural is a classic Tamil text consisting of 1330 short couplets or Kurals, which have captivated great thinkers and shaped many minds. Structured as three divisions, the Kural consists of the first 38 chapters that focus on moral and cosmic order (dharma), the next 70 on political and economic matters (artha), and the remaining about pleasure (kama). Estimated to be about 2000 years old, the Thirukkural has not only stood the test of time but continues to be a shining light, a beacon, guiding one and all through the vagaries of life.
Each kural or couplet contains precisely seven words; four words on the first line and three on the second. With such an economy of words and strictness of structure, can a Kural convey anything worthwhile, one may begin to wonder.
But savour this for a thought on controlling one’s speech. In this couplet, Thiruvalluvar talks about the need to guard ourselves regarding what we speak and warns that a loose tongue will lead to misery.
In a related couplet on the importance of speaking pleasantly, Thiruvalluvar says that “speaking with cheerful countenance is even better than gifts given with joy.” One is never too old to reflect and ponder on such nuggets of wisdom.
In an age where it seems ever harder to untangle the truth from the untruth, the right from the wrong, the Kural helps us find our moral compass and lead a life of righteousness. With anxiety and distractions becoming the ruling force, Thiruvallur suggests that “anxiety of mind can only be conquered by those who are united to the feet of Him who is incomparable.”
Similarly, the Kural deals with all the aspects of our lives - Fear, Anger, Gratitude, Fame, Jealousy, Compassion, Charity and more. And not being confined to any particular religion or dogma, the Kural presents a secular and robust code of conduct that applies universally. This probably is one of the many reasons for its widespread acceptance.
Thiruvalluvar Statue off Kanyakumari Coast, India
As we struggle with newer and newer health issues and ailments, the Kural advises what modern dietary thinking has only recently found out. Thiruvalluvar talks about the correct quantity of food to be consumed and the importance of understanding which food is agreeable and which is not.
The Kural’s second division, the biggest of the three, discusses the political and economic dimensions. Addressing the Army recently, the Indian Prime Minister quoted the following Kural to highlight a strong army’s qualities.
While wealth in itself is an important topic covered in the Kural, it makes it very clear that “wealth of learning / knowledge is the only true wealth.” The Kural suggests that it is better to employ wealth for useful purposes or charity and should not be hoarded. On Charity, the Kural has this to offer.
The Kural has had a significant influence on many eminent people. Leo Tolstoy's concept of non-violence is said to have been bolstered when he read the German translation of the Thirukkural, which he is later said to have instilled in Mahatma Gandhi when the young Gandhi corresponded with him seeking his advice.
While there are many memorials in remembrance of Thiruvalluvar and Thirukkural, and the 15th of January celebrated as Thiruvalluvar day, true respect to the scripture would be when we try to understand his teachings and try to imbibe them into our lives. Surely, one small tweet-sized Kural everyday should do us wonders?
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