Vedas and Tamil classics

10-31-2005, 09:19 AM

Vedas and Tamil classics

C. L. Ramakrishnan
VEDANGALAI ETRUP POTRUM TAMIZH ILAKKIYANGAL: K.C. Lakshminarayanan;
LKM Publications, Old No. 15/4, New No. 33/4, Ramanathan Street, T.
Nagar, Chennai-600017. Rs. 500.

THIS BOOK is an extensively researched work covering a very wide
range of scriptural texts, seers and religious institutions, quotes
from which show material establishing the inter-relation between the
Vedic tenets and Tamil classics.

One is reminded of the real meaning of the term `Ubhaya Vedanta',
which aptly fits the author regarding his scholarship in Sanskrit and
Tamil, in the area of philosophy. Presented in 45 chapters, it
centres on the three aspects mentioned above, with a useful appendix.

The author convincingly explains that the Tamil saints and scholars
were well acquainted with the Vedas and the Vedic practices and
followed them with reverence.

Certain words like `Ganapatyam', `Aranyam' and `Parinama vada' while
explaining the statement `Aham Brahmasmi', the order of creation of
the universe said to be given in the Purusha Sukta, and the
Vajasaneyi appearing in the Krishna Yajur Veda perhaps need to be
crosschecked.

Also, reference to politics, corruption and social changes affecting
morality could have been avoided, as this book is not on ethics.

The author should be congratulated for bringing out this excellent
work highlighting that the Vedic Dharma has been the undercurrent in
the life of the Tamil people as seen from its hoary and enviable
literature.
http://www.hindu.com/br/2005/11/01/s...0100491500.htm