No one actually knows the real name of the book 'Thirukkural'. But since, it follows the grammatical syntax of 'Venpa', it is believed to have been named so. Similarly, the author of this masterpiece had no face to his text. If you dig deep into the realms of literature you'd come to know that the book itself has thirty one names to itself and the author eleven. Why would an author lose credit to a masterpiece? It wouldn't have been difficult for him to include a couplet with his identity, but I believe that he chose not to. In a world where identity is and will be everything this man decided to hide his identity so that people from all over the world could read and assimilate it without being held back by their cultural differences and belief system.
Thirukkural is apt for people of any caste and religion, it is so unique that one cannot describe it in just one context. Though written in Tamil, the word 'Tamil' isn't mentioned anywhere in any of the stanza's making it all the more palatable for people from all languages and communities. We are at an age where we think we have to beat around the bush to sound ethical and honest but Thiruvalluvar defied that making each of his couplet 7 words long, crisp and clear.
There are no digression of thoughts. Every couplet carries a message of its own conveyed in simple text that is understood based on one's own mindset. No two people need to interpret it the same way and the beauty of which is, it can never be misinterpreted. No wonder, there are so many books and websites trying to decode and encode this collection. It easily resonates with people from all over the world for which the standing evidence is the 82 language translation.
The way Thiruvalluvar went on to paint his impression in these 1330 couplets is a gentle progression of thoughts that are strengthened by ideas and then filled with emotions. Every topic has a pattern that assures the reader that the author's understanding will uphold against every argument. Every chapter begins with a couple of them defining the concept, following few taking an unbiased stand judging that which is being defined and the last few couplets dares to portray the life of one who does not adapt to these principles.
He went on to write about every aspect of a human's life describing, dissecting and delivering the required principle of a happy life. Who would dare to write about the principles of governing conduct and intimacy with the same ethics and under the same heading? The phrases that are used to depict the a woman and the joy one derives from reading it in his words gives poetry a whole new meaning!
From politics to service, from love to intimacy it has all that one needs to empower oneself. When there are no ties attached and when driven by an earnest desire to understand will come the ease of falling in love with Thirukkural. When you need a helping hand look no further, your answer might just be in those 1330 couplets. Thirukkural should be our go-to bible in adversities and celebrations. It teaches one to love and govern, to succeed and keep a level head, to earn and not boast and finally to live and not preach.
Thirukkural is apt for people of any caste and religion, it is so unique that one cannot describe it in just one context. Though written in Tamil, the word 'Tamil' isn't mentioned anywhere in any of the stanza's making it all the more palatable for people from all languages and communities. We are at an age where we think we have to beat around the bush to sound ethical and honest but Thiruvalluvar defied that making each of his couplet 7 words long, crisp and clear.
There are no digression of thoughts. Every couplet carries a message of its own conveyed in simple text that is understood based on one's own mindset. No two people need to interpret it the same way and the beauty of which is, it can never be misinterpreted. No wonder, there are so many books and websites trying to decode and encode this collection. It easily resonates with people from all over the world for which the standing evidence is the 82 language translation.
The way Thiruvalluvar went on to paint his impression in these 1330 couplets is a gentle progression of thoughts that are strengthened by ideas and then filled with emotions. Every topic has a pattern that assures the reader that the author's understanding will uphold against every argument. Every chapter begins with a couple of them defining the concept, following few taking an unbiased stand judging that which is being defined and the last few couplets dares to portray the life of one who does not adapt to these principles.
He went on to write about every aspect of a human's life describing, dissecting and delivering the required principle of a happy life. Who would dare to write about the principles of governing conduct and intimacy with the same ethics and under the same heading? The phrases that are used to depict the a woman and the joy one derives from reading it in his words gives poetry a whole new meaning!
Metaphor as his sword and semantics as his shield he wages a word war, only to humbly defeat.Unfortunately the approach that is used to deliver the message in our society is something I humbly disagree. Couplets should be first delivered and absorbed as meaning. Educational institutions should seek to give less importance to memorizing and delivering it and more towards understanding and adapting to it. I remember dreading reading the kural because little to no understanding I derived with all the emphasis on line and number of words. Couple of years of pure dedication in learning and adapting the couplets will go a long way in designing and creating the human race the world needs. Colleges should have Thirukkural as an elective since I believe it as the right time to understand the 'code of ethical living'.
From politics to service, from love to intimacy it has all that one needs to empower oneself. When there are no ties attached and when driven by an earnest desire to understand will come the ease of falling in love with Thirukkural. When you need a helping hand look no further, your answer might just be in those 1330 couplets. Thirukkural should be our go-to bible in adversities and celebrations. It teaches one to love and govern, to succeed and keep a level head, to earn and not boast and finally to live and not preach.
Last one was good . . live and not preach
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