Tirukkural, the great poetic work by saint Tiru Valluvar, embodies values that are ever relevant and unchanging. The greatest classic of the Tamil language, it dates back anywhere between 2 BC and 8 AD. It comprises two parts, 'Tiru' and 'Kural': 'Tiru' can mean sacred, as well as beautiful, and 'Kural' means concise. Brevity is the charm of this scriptural text with its terse and forcible verses like sutras or aphorisms.
About the Author
Tiru Valluvar stands on a high moral pedestal along with Patanjali, Shankara and Buddha. Tiruvalluvar was lived in Tamil Nadu over two thousand years ago. Very little is known of him. He lived in Mylapore, which today is a part of the city of Chennai (Madras), and worked as a weaver to earn his living. According to legends, he was a man of intense cognizance, enlightment, free spirit and hard work. Many stories have been written about his greatness. However, most scholars today find it rather difficult to sift out fact from fiction.
Universal Ethical Content
The greatest value of Kural is its universal ethical content. The scripture is divided into three books: Aram (virtue), Porul (wealth) and Inbam (love)- consisting of 1330 couplets clustered in 133 chapters elucidating different aspects of human virtues or vices.
There are 37 chapters in the first book, the first four called Payiram or prefactory matter, the next twenty about Ill-aram (the householder’s dharma) and the next thirteen about Turavaram (the path of renunciation)
The second book on Porul contains 70 chapters, the first twenty dealing with Kings and their duties, the succeeding thirty two chapters with the other matters concerning the state, and next thirteen, with sundry concerns.
The third book on Inbam contains 25 chapters, the first seven being on pre marital love (kalavu) and the next eighteen on marital love.
Each chapter contains 10 couplets. A couplet consists of seven cirs, with four cirs on the first line and three on the second. A cir is a single or a combination of more than one Tamil word. For example, Thirukkural is a cir formed by combining the two words Thiru and Kural, i.e. Thiru + Kural = Thirukkural.
The cirs make the Thirukkural a unique text. Depending on the need, a cir may be split into more than one word and two or more cirs may be combined to form a new cir. For example, the first two cirs "KuntrehRi YaahnaipPohr" in kural 758 consist of four words "Kuntru + EhRiya + Avanai + Pohr". The combination of the first three words gives rise to mean "the person who climbed up a hilltop". On the other hand, if one decides to split the two cirs into three words "KutrehRi + Yaanai + Pohr" then the combination of the last two words will mean " elephants at war".
The meaning of a couplet, therefore, will vary depending on the logic (or purpose) of combining or splitting the cirs. However, the flexibility in applying the logic makes the task of interpretation less arduous.
There are 37 chapters in the first book, the first four called Payiram or prefactory matter, the next twenty about Ill-aram (the householder’s dharma) and the next thirteen about Turavaram (the path of renunciation)
The second book on Porul contains 70 chapters, the first twenty dealing with Kings and their duties, the succeeding thirty two chapters with the other matters concerning the state, and next thirteen, with sundry concerns.
The third book on Inbam contains 25 chapters, the first seven being on pre marital love (kalavu) and the next eighteen on marital love.
Each chapter contains 10 couplets. A couplet consists of seven cirs, with four cirs on the first line and three on the second. A cir is a single or a combination of more than one Tamil word. For example, Thirukkural is a cir formed by combining the two words Thiru and Kural, i.e. Thiru + Kural = Thirukkural.
The cirs make the Thirukkural a unique text. Depending on the need, a cir may be split into more than one word and two or more cirs may be combined to form a new cir. For example, the first two cirs "KuntrehRi YaahnaipPohr" in kural 758 consist of four words "Kuntru + EhRiya + Avanai + Pohr". The combination of the first three words gives rise to mean "the person who climbed up a hilltop". On the other hand, if one decides to split the two cirs into three words "KutrehRi + Yaanai + Pohr" then the combination of the last two words will mean " elephants at war".
The meaning of a couplet, therefore, will vary depending on the logic (or purpose) of combining or splitting the cirs. However, the flexibility in applying the logic makes the task of interpretation less arduous.
On Virtue
In this section, known as the Arthuppaal, Tiruvalluvar makes comments on what is good and what is bad. He describes life and lays down a code of conduct or behaviour. The first ten verses are in praise of God.
At the very outset, Valluvar impresses on our mind the supreme aim of human life. It is the attainment of God. God is the basis of all peace, bliss and knowledge.
Likewise, God is the end of all knowledge. The goal of life, which is birthlessness and the end of all pain and suffering, can be reached only by those who have surrendered totally at His divine feet.
There are none so great as those who have renounced the world. They have knowledge of both worlds, the world of trials and hardships, which is the world we live in, as well as the world of peace and eternal bliss.
The ascetic controls the five senses, namely the senses of sight, sound, smell, touch and taste. This is the first step to God-vision. It is the seed, which eventually flowers in heaven. The fully developed Yogi who has mastered the senses is truly a king. The rest of the world, who are slaves to their senses and passions, are obliged to bow to such a sage of wisdom.
In a beautifully simple way, Tiruvalluvar wastes no time in talking about what is good and what is not. Goodness is purity of mind, and that which ought to be done. Vice is that which has to be avoided.
Valluvar is interested mainly in the welfare of people and the happiness of mankind. He does not want needless misery and suffering for the sake of merely upholding a moral idea. Now he talks on truthfulness. Understand the second verse well (292). It is by no means a passport to widespread untruthfulness.
"If you should ask what truth may be,
It’s speech from every evil free". (291)
"If it will yield pure, unmixed good,
Truth may be replaced by falsehood". (292)
"All virtue’s aim is not to kill,
For killing leads to every kind of ill". (321)
"You may lose your life but still,
Another being you should not kill". (327)
Saints have repeatedly spoken of the unreal nature of this world. They can never give us true happiness. Valluvar says:
"Only the base and ignorant
Hold transient as permanent". (331)
"A day seems real but it is a knife
That daily saws a portion from your life". (384)
"The soul from body any day,
Like bird from egg-shell, flies away".(338)
Tiruvalluvar deals with the subject of reincarnation. Reincarnation is one of the cardinal tenets of the Hindu religion.
"Death is sinking into slumbers deep
Birth again is waking out of sleep". (339)
The goal of life is the attainment of the state of permanent happiness. For this, renunciation is necessary. Renunciation means giving up all wealth, pleasures of the senses, and the fruits of all actions. It does not mean running away to a cave or to an Ashram. The senses must be subdued and the ego crushed. Birth carries with it the seeds of suffering. Happiness comes only when we realise God and overcome both birth and death.
It is desire that is the source of all pain and suffering. If one can gain mastery over desire, one experiences true freedom and enjoys lasting peace and bliss. Desires can never be satisfied by fulfilling them. Trying to satisfy them by fulfilling them will be like adding fuel to the fire to extinguish the flame. Desires make the mind restless with all kinds of thoughts whirling about.
On WealthThe second section is known as Porutpaal and deals with man’s urge to acquire wealth. Tiruvalluvar gives wonderful advice to those who are in power. These include kings, rulers and employers. He lays down high standards of conduct for rulers and leaders of men. Such persons must be learned and courageous, and have an ability to express themselves in public. They must have an ability to choose the right place, time and people for various activities of the State. A king must be humble and listen to the advice of wise men.
A ruler must be well read. A wise ruler is a good ruler. He must be versed in both mathematics and the arts, that is, numbers and letters. These are the true eyes through which man sees the world.
There must be no hesitation in eradicating faults. A good leader corrects his own errors first, before pointing out those of others. The head of a state cannot afford to make any errors. The spirit of perfect humility, service of the people, and complete freedom from desire are the hallmark of a great king.
It is important for a king to have worthy friends. This applies, of course, to everyone. As water gets discoloured when a little soil is put into it, so also man’s character, wisdom and reputation are all influenced by the company he keeps. Good friendship grows from strength to strength. A full moon is destined to lose its intensity, but good friendship can never weaken. A true and sincere friend is one who gently corrects your faults and helps you to improve. He is always true and frank in his relationship towards you. The face does not always reveal what lies in the heart. So, beware of false friendship.
It is desire that is the source of all pain and suffering. If one can gain mastery over desire, one experiences true freedom and enjoys lasting peace and bliss. Desires can never be satisfied by fulfilling them. Trying to satisfy them by fulfilling them will be like adding fuel to the fire to extinguish the flame. Desires make the mind restless with all kinds of thoughts whirling about.
On WealthThe second section is known as Porutpaal and deals with man’s urge to acquire wealth. Tiruvalluvar gives wonderful advice to those who are in power. These include kings, rulers and employers. He lays down high standards of conduct for rulers and leaders of men. Such persons must be learned and courageous, and have an ability to express themselves in public. They must have an ability to choose the right place, time and people for various activities of the State. A king must be humble and listen to the advice of wise men.
A ruler must be well read. A wise ruler is a good ruler. He must be versed in both mathematics and the arts, that is, numbers and letters. These are the true eyes through which man sees the world.
There must be no hesitation in eradicating faults. A good leader corrects his own errors first, before pointing out those of others. The head of a state cannot afford to make any errors. The spirit of perfect humility, service of the people, and complete freedom from desire are the hallmark of a great king.
It is important for a king to have worthy friends. This applies, of course, to everyone. As water gets discoloured when a little soil is put into it, so also man’s character, wisdom and reputation are all influenced by the company he keeps. Good friendship grows from strength to strength. A full moon is destined to lose its intensity, but good friendship can never weaken. A true and sincere friend is one who gently corrects your faults and helps you to improve. He is always true and frank in his relationship towards you. The face does not always reveal what lies in the heart. So, beware of false friendship.
"With soil changes the water’s taste;
With mates changes the mental state".(452)
"Good men’s friendship grows like crescent moon;
Friendship with fools, like full moon will wane soon". (782)
"Though the wicked should unbounded friendship show,
It’s better if their friendship does not grow". (811)
"Beware of men who are full of deceit,
Whose hearts are bitter but whose smile is sweet". (824)
Rulers, while exercising discipline, must be compassionate and kind, and refrain from harshness. Cruelty brings ruin.
"Harsh words and punishment beyond the right
Is a file that saws away a monarch’s might". (567)
"True modesty and kindly word combined,
He is a jewel; the rest are not refined". (595)
Never give up trying. Have a strong will. These are the secrets of success. Without effort there is no gain. Tiruvalluvar exhorts us to be energetic. When troubles come, face them. Every failure is a stepping stone to success. He who refuses to be defeated by failure will overcome all grief and pain.
Those who speak to large audiences have a responsibility. They have to choose their words carefully, and should use the time allotted to them profitably. Book knowledge is empty if one does not have the ability of transmitting it to others effectively.
There is no harm, Valluvar goes on to say, in amassing wealth. But such wealth should be earned by the individual by honest means. Money gained by a person in a deceitful manner or by causing pain and suffering to others ought to be spurned.
Despite the seriousness with which Tiruvalluvar deals with lofty themes, there is a light-hearted side to his nature. His wit overflows in the chapter entitled ‘Not Drinking". It is remarkable that even two thousand years ago, alcoholism and gambling were rife among the people of that time. The hilarity, with which the poet saint approaches these themes, ought to be sufficient to turn any drinker or gambler away from these vices.
Those who speak to large audiences have a responsibility. They have to choose their words carefully, and should use the time allotted to them profitably. Book knowledge is empty if one does not have the ability of transmitting it to others effectively.
There is no harm, Valluvar goes on to say, in amassing wealth. But such wealth should be earned by the individual by honest means. Money gained by a person in a deceitful manner or by causing pain and suffering to others ought to be spurned.
Despite the seriousness with which Tiruvalluvar deals with lofty themes, there is a light-hearted side to his nature. His wit overflows in the chapter entitled ‘Not Drinking". It is remarkable that even two thousand years ago, alcoholism and gambling were rife among the people of that time. The hilarity, with which the poet saint approaches these themes, ought to be sufficient to turn any drinker or gambler away from these vices.
"To buy with money one’s unconsciousness,
Is nothing but rank foolishness". (925)
The saint says that there is no such thing as drinking ‘secretly’.
"Who drink in secret and whose eyelids close,
At them the village laughs, for all the village knows". (927)
" ‘I do not drink’, make no such foolish claim,
For what you hide, the drink will soon proclaim". (928)
"To reason with a man who is dead tight
Is like searching under water with a light". (929)
Alcohol, drugs and gambling are addictive. A single taste of any of these vices drives one to greed, and a desire for more. A fish, attracted by the bait on a hook, will find it nearly impossible to gain release after a bite at the baited hook. Likewise, an addict cannot escape easily from an addiction. This is especially true of gambling. Avoid these vices like one avoids a king cobra. You lose your wealth and your dignity and can gain nothing but poverty.
"Dress, wealth, food, fame and learning all depart,
If on gambler’s gain he sets his heart". (939)
On Noble Birth
Tiruvalluvar has written thirteen chapters on themes other than virtue, stately wealth and love. They are described as ‘Miscellaneous’. The first is on ‘Noble Birth’.
Nobility is a state of mind. Although the word is often used to describe people of royal birth, nobility is within the reach of all, even beggars. What then are the signs of nobility? Amongst other things, they are good conduct, modesty, truth, humility, cheerfulness, generosity, and kind and courageous words. One must have a charitable heart even though one does not have the means. He must show excellence in speech, be humble and treat everyone, be he a servant or king, with great respect. He should always speak sweetly and lovingly.
Tiruvalluvar has written thirteen chapters on themes other than virtue, stately wealth and love. They are described as ‘Miscellaneous’. The first is on ‘Noble Birth’.
Nobility is a state of mind. Although the word is often used to describe people of royal birth, nobility is within the reach of all, even beggars. What then are the signs of nobility? Amongst other things, they are good conduct, modesty, truth, humility, cheerfulness, generosity, and kind and courageous words. One must have a charitable heart even though one does not have the means. He must show excellence in speech, be humble and treat everyone, be he a servant or king, with great respect. He should always speak sweetly and lovingly.
‘The high born will not stray from these things three:
Good conduct, truth and modesty". (952)
"A smile, generosity, good words and courtesy:
These are the signs, they say, of true nobility". (953)
"The high born, though they have no means for charity,
Won’t lose their ancient liberality". (955)
"Plants reveal the soil from which they grow,
And men of noble birth, their speech will show". (959)
On Honour
Shun acts that will cast doubts on your honour. Success and failure can be used to advantage; success should make one more respectful and failure strengthen one’s dignity.
Shun acts that will cast doubts on your honour. Success and failure can be used to advantage; success should make one more respectful and failure strengthen one’s dignity.
On greatness
Greatness is a quality of mind, not of birth. All are equal at birth. Our actions make us different from one another.
Greatness is a quality of mind, not of birth. All are equal at birth. Our actions make us different from one another.
"Living beings are all alike at birth,
The difference comes from acts of special worth". (972)
"High born, whose souls are mean, are never great;
The low, of lofty mind, are not of low estate". (973)
On Perfection
While the road to perfection is a long, slippery and very difficult one, the mastery of a few virtues will take one there by leaps and bounds. Do not kill any being or creature. Even loftier than this is not to injure anyone in thought, word and deed. Ahimsa is one of the highest of virtues. Give up the detestable faultfinding habit. Always return good for evil.
While the road to perfection is a long, slippery and very difficult one, the mastery of a few virtues will take one there by leaps and bounds. Do not kill any being or creature. Even loftier than this is not to injure anyone in thought, word and deed. Ahimsa is one of the highest of virtues. Give up the detestable faultfinding habit. Always return good for evil.
"Not killing is the essence of penance;
Not finding fault is virtue’s excellence. (984)
"The strength of the noble ones is humility;
With that, the wise disarm all enmity". (985)
On Courtesy
It is wrong to belittle others. Even highly intelligent people lose respect from everyone if they are not courteous.
It is wrong to belittle others. Even highly intelligent people lose respect from everyone if they are not courteous.
"Though sharp as file, their intellect is good,
Who are void of courtesy are blocks of wood". (997)
On Wasted Wealth
What is the use of money if it is not used for the common good? Imagine a fruit tree in a busy market place. If it bears tasty fruit, it brings joy to people, but if it bears poisonous fruit, it is of no use; its presence is a source of great pain. A wealthy miser is like such a tree. He has everything, but is in greater need than others, for he is not really happy and peaceful.
What is the use of money if it is not used for the common good? Imagine a fruit tree in a busy market place. If it bears tasty fruit, it brings joy to people, but if it bears poisonous fruit, it is of no use; its presence is a source of great pain. A wealthy miser is like such a tree. He has everything, but is in greater need than others, for he is not really happy and peaceful.
"Who neither spend their wealth nor give,
Amidst their millions, in want they live". (1006)
On Modesty
If you desire to attain perfection, you must not be afraid to have a genuine feeling of shame whenever you commit any mistakes. Those who have no feelings of guilt are usually unaware of their faults. Some people consider it a weakness to blush. On the contrary, blushing is not at all a weakness, but a virtue. It reveals a sense of shame and is a sign of modesty and humility.
If you desire to attain perfection, you must not be afraid to have a genuine feeling of shame whenever you commit any mistakes. Those who have no feelings of guilt are usually unaware of their faults. Some people consider it a weakness to blush. On the contrary, blushing is not at all a weakness, but a virtue. It reveals a sense of shame and is a sign of modesty and humility.
‘Food, clothing and the rest are common to the race,
But modesty is mankind’s special grace". (1012)
"Those who have no shame at heart, their stance
Is like wooden dolls; when pulled by string, dance". (1020)
Tiru Valluvar knew that even though virtue is supremely important, without wealth it was seldom practicable:
"Will that hunger return?
Which nearly killed me yesterday?" ~ Kural: 1048
At the same time, Tiruvalluvar criticizes useless wealth:
"He is poor though a millionaire
Who neither gives nor spends." ~ Kural: 1005
On Politics & Governance
Valluvar has spoken words of wisdom on state administration by lucidly explaining the relationship between the king, his ministers and subjects. He has subtly put forward the importance of learning, friends, agriculture and social service, while condemning corruption and nepotism, the scourge of modern day politics as evil and unwise.
"Punish a sinner by paling him
With a good deed, and forget." ~ Kural: 314
Love and EmotionThe last section of Kural is entirely devoted to love and Valluvar speaks in mystic beauty about this prime emotive feeling of human beings. It is a paean to youthful love and its trials and tribulations.
"A Goddess? A peacock? Or a womanDecked in jewels? Asks my heart amazed?" ~ Kural: 1081
Spiritual Liberation through KnowledgeTiru Valluvar speaks in length about virtue, wealth and love with righteousness and touch the lives of many generations with his eloquent poetry and innate wisdom.
Valluvar believes that with this knowledge of virtue, wealth and love one can lead the soul to nirvana and salvation. In effect, the fourth and final objective of human existence — 'moksha' or spiritual liberation is left to speak for itself.
Valluvar's valuable writings in the Tirukkural guide our actions and thoughts, with a perfect blend of personal character, social conduct and the state's responsibility to build a prosperous and thriving
Valluvar believes that with this knowledge of virtue, wealth and love one can lead the soul to nirvana and salvation. In effect, the fourth and final objective of human existence — 'moksha' or spiritual liberation is left to speak for itself.
Valluvar's valuable writings in the Tirukkural guide our actions and thoughts, with a perfect blend of personal character, social conduct and the state's responsibility to build a prosperous and thriving
