Vedas and Tamil classics

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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/stories/2005110100491500.htm