Thirukkural (Ch.79-83)
A Timeless Ethical and Literary Masterpiece by Thiruvalluvar
Thirukkural, also known as the Kural, is a Tamil classic written by Thiruvalluvar, a renowned Tamil poet and philosopher. Thirukkural is a collection of 1330 couplets, or kurals, divided into three sections: Aram, Porul, and Inbam, each covering a different aspect of life. Chapter 79-83 of the Aram section discusses the importance of charity and the virtues of a philanthropist.
Chapter 79
Chapter 79 of Thirukkural is titled “Charity,” and it emphasizes the importance of giving to those in need. Thiruvalluvar suggests that charity is an essential duty of all individuals, regardless of their social status or financial means. He states that those who give to others will be rewarded with happiness and good fortune in their own lives.
Thiruvalluvar also highlights the importance of giving to those who are truly in need, rather than those who are undeserving. He states that those who give to those who are undeserving will not receive any blessings, and their charitable acts will be wasted. Thirukkural also emphasizes the importance of giving without expecting anything in return. This selfless act of giving will bring the giver greater satisfaction and happiness than any material reward.
Chapter 80
Chapter 80 of Thirukkural is titled “Gratitude,” and it discusses the importance of being thankful for the blessings one receives in life. Thiruvalluvar suggests that those who are grateful will receive even more blessings in the future. He states that those who are ungrateful will not receive any additional blessings, and may even lose the blessings they have already received.
Thiruvalluvar also suggests that one should be grateful not only to those who have directly helped them, but also to those who have indirectly helped them. For example, one should be grateful to the farmers who grow the food they eat, and to the teachers who have educated them.
Chapter 81
Chapter 81 of Thirukkural is titled “Avoidance of Faults,” and it discusses the importance of avoiding harmful behaviors and actions. Thiruvalluvar suggests that individuals should refrain from behaviors that harm themselves, others, or society as a whole. He states that those who engage in harmful behaviors will ultimately suffer negative consequences.
Thiruvalluvar also emphasizes the importance of recognizing one’s faults and working to correct them. He suggests that individuals should seek the advice of wise and virtuous people in order to better understand their faults and how to overcome them.
Chapter 82
Chapter 82 of Thirukkural is titled “Not Coveting Another’s Wife,” and it discusses the importance of respecting the sanctity of marriage. Thiruvalluvar suggests that individuals should refrain from seeking romantic or sexual relationships with married individuals. He states that those who violate the sanctity of marriage will ultimately suffer negative consequences.
Thiruvalluvar also emphasizes the importance of self-control in this chapter. He suggests that individuals should learn to control their desires and impulses in order to avoid engaging in harmful behaviors.
Chapter 83
Chapter 83 of Thirukkural is titled “Hospitality,” and it discusses the importance of welcoming guests and treating them with kindness and respect. Thiruvalluvar suggests that hospitality is an essential duty of all individuals, regardless of their social status or financial means. He states that those who welcome guests with kindness and generosity will be blessed with good fortune in their own lives.
Thiruvalluvar also emphasizes the importance of providing for the needs of guests. He suggests that hosts should provide food, shelter, and other basic necessities to their guests. Additionally, Thirukkural suggests that hosts should be mindful of their guests’ preferences and needs, and should do their best to accommodate them.
Thirukkural also discusses the importance of humility in hospitality. Thiruvalluvar suggests that hosts should not boast about their wealth or status, but should instead treat their guests as equals. He also emphasizes the importance of honesty in hospitality, suggesting that hosts should never deceive or cheat their guests.
Overall, the five chapters in the Aram section of Thirukkural that we have discussed emphasize the importance of moral and ethical behavior in all aspects of life. Thiruvalluvar stresses the importance of charity, gratitude, self-control, and hospitality, among other virtues. These kurals offer timeless advice that remains relevant and valuable to readers today.
Thirukkural has been praised for its universal values and ethical principles. It has been translated into many languages and is widely read and respected throughout the world. Its influence can be seen in various aspects of Tamil culture, from literature and art to politics and social activism.
In addition to its moral and ethical teachings, Thirukkural is also known for its literary and linguistic excellence. Thiruvalluvar’s poetry is praised for its simplicity, elegance, and clarity. The kurals are written in a unique form of Tamil verse, with each kural consisting of seven words and four syllables per word. This structure gives the kurals a rhythmic quality that is both pleasing to the ear and easy to remember.
Thirukkural’s literary and linguistic excellence has made it a subject of study and admiration for generations of scholars and poets. Its influence can be seen in the works of many Tamil writers and poets, as well as in the broader literary and cultural traditions of India and beyond.
In conclusion, Thirukkural is a timeless work of ethical and literary excellence. Its teachings on charity, gratitude, self-control, hospitality, and other virtues offer valuable guidance for readers today and for generations to come. Thiruvalluvar’s poetic and linguistic skills have made the kurals a masterpiece of Tamil literature and a source of inspiration for writers and scholars around the world. As we continue to grapple with the challenges of living in an increasingly complex and interconnected world, Thirukkural remains a beacon of moral and ethical guidance, reminding us of the enduring importance of living a virtuous and fulfilling life.