THIRUKKURAL, A Great Masterpiece in World Literature

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An article on THIRUKKURAL , Sacred work of Hinduism to enthuse the Internet

readers to go through this masterpiece in Tamil literature, for its ethical

and political values and literary greatness.*

 

THIRUKKURAL, A Great Masterpiece in World Literature

 

*http://www.geocities.com/Athens/4240/thirukkural1.htm*l

*[image: Thiruvalluvar]

Thiruvalluvar

*

**Introduction: *

 

Of the world's languages, the Tamil language is very ancient, equal to that

of Sanskrit and few have placed their origin and antiquity correctly. Tamil

literature is vast and varied. Many poems and literary marvels were created

2000 years ago; apart from depicting the life of people living at that age,

these have lessons for the future, which are immortal and applicable to all

ages.

 

Among these literary masterpieces is Thirukkural authored by a great and

saintly poet and philosopher named Thiruvalluvar, who belonged to the

peasant community of South India and eked out his living from a meager

income from his weaving profession.

 

The Thirukkural is "Thiru" plus "Kural". The second portion of its name is

given because of the short length of the verses; the word "Thiru" denotes

its sanctity. The Kural is considered equivalent to the Vedas of the Hindu

scriptures.

 

*

Universality: *

 

Its immortality and universality are unquestionable. One of the reasons for

its wide translation in different languages of the world is the undeniable

fact that the ethics and the values it carries are applicable to all

religions, all countries and all times. This catholicity and universality is

a unique feature for any literary works of ancient or modern times.

 

Erudite Tamil Poets as well as kings of the three Tamil Kingdoms

acknowledged the literary greatness of Thirukkural in South India. It is

said that at the time of its first presentation to the King's court, the

Pandyan King wanted its greatness to be made known to all poets and the

public alike. He put it to test by placing the manuscript along with those

of other contemporary works in a golden lotus plank and allowed it to float

in the tank at the famous temple of Madurai Meenakshi. The sanctified plank

that would recognize only masterpieces is said to have rejected all other

works and retained only the Thirukkural. Each one of the 1330 couplets is

noted for its brevity and rich meaning. Contemporary poets have compared

each couplet to a tiny mustard seed which has seven seas of knowledge inlaid

in it.

 

In its essence, Tirukkural is a treatise par excellence on the art of

living. Tiruvalluvar the author, diagnoses the intricacies of human nature

with such a penetrating insight, perfect mastery and consummate skill

absorbing the most subtle concepts of modern psychology, that one is left

wondering at his sweep and depth. His prescriptions, leavened by godliness,

ethics, morality and humanness are sagacious and practical to the core. They

cut across castes, creeds, climes and ages and have a freshness which makes

one feel as if they are meant for the present times.

 

* Broad Divisions: *

 

The couplets are divided into three parts. The first part, which deals with

dharma(righteousness), guides one on how to conduct himself and live in the

world and describes the values to be followed in life. The second part has

lessons on governance of a nation and one's conduct in a society. The last

portion deals with love and lovers. The three parts are presented further in

thirteen sub-parts called "Iyal" and 133 chapters called "Athikaram". Each

chapter contains ten couplets, thus totaling 1330 couplets in all.

 

A small example

 

*

Kurals on "Soft Words and Speech Control": *

 

I begin with the chapter on [image: Tamil Script] (soft word), which is one

of the very many couplets that constantly reminds me on how to be polite and

nice in expressing our thoughts to others. We can win the world through our

sweet words and create a bond of everlasting love and affection.

 

[image: Tamil Script]

 

The English translation of this couplet is:

 

"Behold the man who useth hard words when sweet ones serve: he prefereth the

unripe fruit to the ripe."

 

When gentle words are available, why do men choose the words that hurt? Is

it not foolish to pick up unripe berries when ripe ones can be had for the

plucking?

 

This couplet does not require any further explanation. What a beautiful way

of presenting the thought! Here, there could not have been a better and more

appropriate comparison of soft words with readily available ripened fruits.

 

In another couplet (*99*), he says that each one has direct personal

experience of the marvelous effect of kind words from others and yet when we

speak, we forget that we should do the same things to others and not indulge

in harsh speech. He further points out in verses *92 & 93* that even gifts

to the distressed should be accompanied by kindly words, gracious and loving

looks coming from the bottom of the donor's heart; otherwise, the very gifts

or alms will become counterproductive and will hurt rather than mitigate the

suffering.

 

On the same subject of speech, the saint poet advocates refraining from

slander (*181 to 190)* and avoiding worthless talks (*191 to 200*).

 

The following couplet says, even if one speaks harshly face to face, he

should not slander behind one's back.

 

[image: Tamil Script]

 

[image: Tamil Script]

 

Meaning: "If a man can scan his own faults as he does of his enemies, can

ever evil come to him?" (Here the poet sees this as a benefit not only to

the man who practices this, but also to all the living beings as could be

inferred from the words [image: Tamil Script].)

 

In ten couplets thereafter, the poet points out the effect and futility of

vain-speaking.

 

[image: Tamil Script]

 

Meaning: Speak only such words as are worth saying; refrain from profitless

and worthless words.

 

Some of the other striking couplets are given as under:

 

He, who indulges in purposeless talks causing disgust to his company, earns

universal contempt. (194)

 

Indulging in indecent talks in mixed company does greater mischief than even

wrongs done to friends. (192)

 

He that multiplies empty words declares loud his want of worth. (193)

 

Even the worthy will lose honour and respect if they indulge in

vain-speaking. (195)

 

Those of unclouded mind and clear vision will not speak fruitless words,

even by oversight. (199)

 

 

 

--

devishakti_india

( divyabhakti )

( http://spiritualhinduism.blogspot.com )

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