The Thirukkural, a classic Tamil text, offers timeless wisdom for navigating everyday life.
The Thirukkural is a classic work of Tamil literature, considered one of the greatest works of ancient Indian ethics. Here’s a breakdown of its key aspects:
- Meaning: “Thirukural” translates to “Sacred Couplets” referencing the 1,330 couplets (kurals) that make up the text.
- Content: Divided into three parts, it explores:
- Aram (Virtue): Right conduct, righteousness, and ethical principles.
- Porul (Wealth): Attaining and managing wealth effectively for a good life.
- Inbam (Love): Love, pleasure, and domestic life.
- Authorship: Traditionally attributed to Thiruvalluvar, though details are uncertain.
- Significance: Praised for its universality, wisdom, and concise verses. It offers practical advice for living a good life and is admired across cultures and religions.
- Legacy: Translated into numerous languages, the Thirukkural continues to influence people today. Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi considered it a valuable guide.
Would you like to learn more about a specific aspect of the Thirukkural, or perhaps see some couplet examples?
Here are some powerful Thirukkural couplets with life suggestions:
- Seek knowledge relentlessly.
“கேಳார் வினவார் இழப்பர் கடைசி கேடில் விழுச்சா ரென்பவர்” (Kēḷār viṉavār ilappar kadaisi Kēṭil viḷuccā reṉpavar)
- Meaning: Those who don’t ask questions will lose in the end, they are like those who fall into a well without seeing it.
- Hard work is the key to success.
“இといい வெகுளி யாதெனக் கேட்கின் உழைமை யுடைமை யு רעமை யில்லை” (Iitōi vekuli yāteṉak kēṭkin Uḻaimai yutamai yuramai yillai)
- Meaning: If you ask what is true happiness, it is to have effort, wealth and good health.
- Good character is your greatest wealth.
“யாதும் ஊர் யாதும் நாடே யாதும் மதமும் யாதும் இறைவனே” (Yātum ūṟ yātum nāṭē yātum matamum Yātum iraivanē)
- Meaning: All towns are one, all countries are one, all religions are one, and all gods are one.
- Respect your elders and teachers.
“ஆற்றின் அடிப்படைக் கல்வி யாதெனக் கேட்கின் வாய்மை யே ஓதற் குரித்தே” (Āṟrin atippaṭaik kalvi yāteṉak kēṭkin Vāymai yē ōtarak kuriत्तē)
- Meaning: If you ask what is the foundation stone of learning, it is truthfulness that is worthy of being taught.
- Be kind and compassionate.
“இன்சொல் இன்பம் எவனோ அவனே இயல்பின் இன்பம் எவனோ அவனே” (Iṉcol inpam evanō avaṉē Iyalpiṉ inpam evanō avaṉē)
- Meaning: Whomever speaks kind words, he enjoys happiness, and whoever has kindness in his nature, he enjoys true happiness.
- Control your anger.
“செல்லாமை யஞ்சித் தவத்திலும் மேலாம் செல்லாமை யஞ்சாமை யான்செய்யேன்” (Cellāmai yañcit tavattilum mēlām Cellāmai yañcāmai yānceyyen)
- Meaning: Fearing anger is superior even to penance. I would not perform penance without fearing anger.
- Be grateful for what you have.
“எல்லார்க்கும் இன்பம் தரும்செல்வம் எவனோ அவனே ஈகை” (Ellārkkum inpam tarumcelvam Evanō avaṉē īkai)
- Meaning: The wealth that gives happiness to all is charity.
- Don’t be envious of others.
Image credit
Rasnaboy, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons