Tirukural

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Image:Tiruvalluvar Statue Kanyakumari.jpg

Tirukural (திருக்குறள் in Tamil) is an important work of Tamil literature by Tiruvalluvar written in the form of couplets expounding various aspects of life. It contains 1330 couplets divided into 133 chapters of 10 couplets each. Each couplet consists of seven words, with four words on the first line and three on the second. It is sometimes claimed that Tiruvalluvar wrote more than 1330 couplets, and that the rest of the work has gone missing. However, this is unlikely since several different writers of later years in different areas of India all alluded to the standard 1330 verses, merely choosing to group them in different ways.

Contents

Etymology

Curiously, the word 'Kural' too has a generic meaning. Roughly translated, it means a pithy couplet (compare sutra). 'Tirukural' is thus a honorific reference to the collection of couplets. Essentially, the 'Kural' is really a vast assortment of interlinking 'kurals.' By most, it is understood that the 1330 couplets conform well to subdivisions of ten kural adhikarams or 'chapters,' each on specific themes ranging anywhere from righteous living to proper governance of a kingdom.

Sections

  1. Arathuppal (or justice division) contains lessons on dharma and morals.
  2. Porutpal (or material division) contains teachings on man's duties and the right way of leading one's material life.
  3. Inbathuppal (or the division of love) teaches love.

Classical status

Though the Tirukural was written nearly two millennia ago, it is easily comprehended by the modern speakers of this ancient language. This fact underlines the surmise of many scholars that Tamil has undergone very little corruption, over the years and also gives an insight into the long standing heritage of the Tamils. It is mandatory for school children in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu to study Thirukkural right from their inception into the curriculum. This may make Tirukural seem dogmatic but it is seldom thought of so. Thirukkural has taken the place of a gospel among the educated Tamil intelligensia, but without any intensive religious leanings. Thus, it finds a widespread acceptance as the Gospel of the Tamils, among followers of all religions, creed and castes.

Tirukural and religion

Image:Picture of Thiruvalluvar.jpg

Tiruvalluvar's faith is disputed. There are accounts that he was a Jain. In any case, Tamil people consider Tiruvalluvar to be a holy saint; and his work is called poy-ā—mozhi (false-never—speech). Many say that Tiruvalluvar was not concerned whether he followed Mahavira, and that he ignored the artificial boundaries between religions. It is generally believed that his works were neutral towards religions.

However, Jain influence on ancient and classical Tamil culture is deep. Tiruvalluvar's seminal moral scripture is revered by Tamils of all creeds including Hindus, Jains, and Christians. The Kural offers many clear indications of its author's Jain identity. Among other things, Tiruvalluvar's (1) introductory reverence for an "Adi Bhagavan" (a common Jain reference to Lord Rishabha) having specifically eight spiritual attributes (in Jainism, God, or the pure soul, has eight major attributes); (2) insistence upon complete vegetarianism and not eating even already killed/dead animals (in stark contrast to Buddhism); (3) praise for ascetics who "control the five senses"; (4) rejection of ritual sacrifices (contrary to common Vedic Hindu practices); (5) insistence upon eschewing violence even against one's enemies (in contrast to the Bhagavad Gita); and (6) other frequent allusions to Jain moral attitudes, each indicate a devoutly Jain moral thinker. However, The Kural was composed in a deftly non-sectarian fashion. Thiruvalluvar upheld universal human virtues which are also embraced and cherished by the Christians and Hindus of Tamil Nadu.

The first couplet

அகர முதல எழுத்தெல்லாம் ஆதி
பகவன் முதற்றே உலகு

Agara mudala ezhuthellam adhi
bagavan mudatrae ulagu.

Loosely translated, it means

A leads the letters just as the First Lord
leads and lords the entire world.

References

  • Subramaniyam, Ka Naa, Tiruvalluvar and his Tirukkural. Bharatiya Jnanpith: New Delhi 1987.

External links

Online English translations

Book edition

  • Thirukkural (Original in Tamil with English Translation) by W.H. Drew (Translator), John Lazarus (Translator), W. H. Drew - ISBN 8120604008
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