42 APRIL 2021 SPECIAL FEATURE T H I R U K K U R A L : Life Lessons Short, Crisp and Simplified

Compiled by : KIDAMBI RAJ

that he might have been INTRODUCTION influenced at least with the tenets of Jainism, hirukkural, written by Thiruvalluvar, is one of the like Ahimsa (non-vio- Tmost notable literary and ethical treatises in the lence), Asteya (virtue Indian languages. There is a consensus among the of self-restraint), historians and academic authorities that Thirukkural and Aparigraha (non- was written around 2,000 years ago. Thirukkural possessiveness). But these is one of the few literary works that have survived tenets are drawn from a over the past 2,000 years and is regarded as relevant. yogic concept developed Thirukkural aims at guiding human beings to lead a by ancient Rishis and moral, ethical, and valuable life in this world. Ac- Munis and cannot be nar- cording to Thiruvalluvar, “One who lives an ideal rowed down to a subsect life in this world will be ranked amongst the Gods of universal philosophies. in heaven.” Thirukkural deals with certain essential The Thirukkural, but permanent aspects of life in an ever-changing also called Kural, is a world, such as morality, ethics, politics, and romance. collection of 1,330 cou- Well-known philosophers like Buddha, Confucius, plets organized into 133 Socrates, Plato, and Machiavelli have generally dealt chapters. This literature with selected aspects of human values and experi- belongs to the Sanga ence. But Thiruvalluvar covers the whole spectrum Tamil period. Kural con- of human experiences very comprehensively. In its sists of three main groups - Chart of Organisation of the Kural essence, Thirukkural is a treatise par excellence on called Aram (Dharma/ spirituality that: the art of living. Kural is considered one of the most Ethics), Porul (Wealth), and Inbam (Love). Each widely translated non-religious works in the world. of these groups has multiple sections that are “Pious men are called the priestly ones for, they As of 2014, this work has been translated into about called Iyal, and each of those has several chapters are clothed in robes of compassion for all life.” The 82 world languages. English language alone has about called Adhikarams. Each chapter has ten couplets, final introductory theme is the nature of virtue, out- 57 versions available so far. and each couplet has two lines. The first line has lined in broad brush strokes across the ten couplets four (4) words, and the second line has three (3) in this chapter. For example, the alternative inter- terms. pretations of virtue include: “Virtue is living in such ABOUT THIRUVALLUVAR a way that one does not fall into these four: envy, The first group Aram or virtue has four anger, greed and unsavory speech” and “Virtue is chapters Praising God, The Importance of merely that which should be done in life and vice Rain, Greatness of Renunciation, and Asserting merely that which should be avoided.” The body of Virtue. These four concepts are a foundation to the the book of virtue, following on from the introduc- whole work and not just the book on virtue. In the tion, is structured into the following themes: first four introductory chapters, Valluvar acknowl- edges God’s Primordial and places his values in the “the way of the householder,” “the way of the context of the whole So. For example, he says on renunciate,” and “destiny.” learning and limits of rationalism: The second group Porul (wealth), has the What has learning profited a man if it has not following themes: «Reality,» «Ministers,» led him to worship the good feet of him who «Qualities of a Country or State,» and a general is pure knowledge itself. He says of the con- section on the qualities of people and various other cept of good vs. evil and that these opposites are aspects of wealth. illusionary, and one may transcend these opposites While “The way of the householder” is a descrip- by meditating on that which is immutable. Valluvar tion of Tamil culture’s core personal values, the makes the non-sectarian references to God referred book on wealth addresses themes of leadership and to as «infinity, the immutable, worshipful one.» group structures. Having sent in place the limitations of reason, good, evil. So on, the weaver focuses on the impor- tance of the ecology and man’s relations to it: “It is the unfailing fall of rain that sustains the world; therefore, look upon rain as the nectar of life.” “Rain produces man’s wholesome food, and rain itself forms part of his food besides.” Emphasizing the cyclical destructive and creative powers of nature, he says: “It is rain that ruins and rain again that raises those it has ruined.” - Thiruvalluvar Statue at Kanyakumari On man’s reliance on nature and the importance of nature relative to human functions such as charity Thiruvalluvar, popularly and affectionately and spirituality: “Unless the heavens grant their - Tirukural in French on a train in France called Valluvar, is the author of the great Tamil gifts, neither the giver’s generosity nor the ascetic’s literary work, Thirukkural. According to one legend, detachment will grace this wide world.” Thus, on what it takes to be a “householder,” the he was born in Mylapore, a part of the present-day The importance of the primal spirit and nature is Kural says: Chennai in Tamil Nadu, but moved to Madurai the qualities and significance of spiritual leaders or “He alone may be called a householder who supports to submit the Thirukkural for the then Pandian renunciates. This echoes the ancient Tamil belief students, elders, and renunciates pursuing their good King and his college of poets. He is sometimes that the world is sustained not just by the forces of paths.” By way of example, in discussing the functions called Theiva Pulavar (Divine Poet), Valluvar, Poy- the physical plane (i.e., the power of nature such as of a householder, the Kural has an entire chapter on yamozhi Pulavar, Senna Pothar, Gnana Vettiyan, rain) and by spiritual forces; an imbalance in either hospitality, that most familiar of Tamil verse: and Ayyan. Literary accounts indicate that he was a could lead to the destruction of the world. As with weaver by profession. There are various claims as to “The whole purpose of earning wealth and main- the rest of the Kural, which is a secular work, the taining a home is to provide hospitality to guests.” who he was – A Jain. Whoever he was, his thoughts chapter does not refer to organized or institutional- have been addressing universal values. Jains claim ized religion, merely noting by way of definition of “When a guest is in the home, it is improper to JULYAPRIL 2020 2021 www.monsoonjournal.com 15TH YEAR IN CIRCULATION a parfait media publication MONSOON JOURNAL 433 SPECIALCANADA FEATURE NEWS hoard one’s meal, even if it happens to be the nectar of immortality.” “Charity’s merit cannot be mea- sured by gifts given. It is measured by the measur- ingThomson the receiver’s merits”. Rogers Launches $100 Million Class Action The third group Inbam (Love), deals with the subject matter of love, including pre-marital love andagainst post-marital love. There Aviva are no instructions Insurance Company of Canada here, nor any guidelines. Thiruvalluvar simply exhibitsThomson the poet Rogers in him hasat his issued best, a a must-read as a result of an outbreak of a con- forCanada-wide any human (above class aaction certain pro- age! The agetagious limit or infectious disease (“conta- isceeding to understand claiming the nuances $100 million dealt in here andgious not disease coverage”). becausein damages of explicit on behalf sexual ofcontent, Cana- another commonCanadian businesses small and misconceptiondian businesses about who this havebook). been large have applied to Aviva for interruption claims and seeks dam- Aviva should immediately review deniedANECDODTAL business interruption contagious disease coverage and ages including punitive damages on their policies to determine whether insurance by Aviva Insurance have been denied coverage by Aviva, their behalf. they include these signifi cant cov- CompanyKarkka kasadara of Canada karpavai katrapin which takes the position that the “Aviva has allegedly failed to erages that are often referred to as NirkaToronto, atharkku ON, July thaga! 06, 2020 global COVID-19 pandemic does not honour its good faith obligations Restrictive Access, Negative Public- (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Thomson qualify as a contagious or infectious to its policyholders with respect to ity or Interruption by Civil Author- RogersThe above-quoted has issued a famous Canada-wide Thirukkural coupletdisease under the Policies. business interruption claims result- ity coverages,” say Robert Ben and provides a moral compass for living for the Tamils. class action proceeding claiming The Representative Plaintiff, ing from the COVID-19 pandemic. Stephen Birman It tells them: $100 million in damages on behalf Nordik Windows Inc., is a window This has put Canadian companies For further information regarding of“ CanadianLet a man/woman businesses learn who thoroughly have whatevermanufacturing and installation com- on the brink when they are most this claim, please contact: he/shebeen denied may learn, business and interruptionlet his/her conduct pany be wor located- in Ontario, which had vulnerable,” said Robert Ben and Robert Ben thyinsurance of his/her by Avivalearning Insurance.” Com- to close its operations for several Stephen Birman, partners at Thom- ([email protected] Valluvar Kottam in Chennai pany of Canada (“Aviva”) during the months as a result of the COVID-19 son, Rogers. or 416-868-3168) or COVID-19If learning pandemic. the couplet doesn’t come easypandemic. for Thomsond’oeure Rogersof Indian has and been world literature.Many Canadian This is due businesses and spirit are that preachStephen positive Birman love and forgiveness not only to the great artistic merit of the work but and peace. Tamils,Aviva Laura sold EnterpriseBrent Frederiksen, Insurance a Grade contacted 9 stu- by Canadian businesses unaware that they have contagious ([email protected] also to the lofty humane ideas permeating it, which 8. John Murdoch - 19th Century Christian dentPolicies from (the Denmark “Policies”), presented to Canadian quite a challenge.who have suffered extreme econom- disease coverage and have not sub- or 416-868-3137) Yet, she and her fellow students from Odsherreds are equally precious to people worldwide, of all Missionary in Ceylon and India. Indeed, it is businesses, which included protec- ic hardship asperiods a result and of countries. Aviva’s mitted claims to Aviva. generally acknowledged that no treatise is equal to Efterskoletion for the School loss of in business Faarevejle, income Denmark failure, were to honour their business “Canadian businesses insured by able to learn and recite the above Kural and other 4. Arno Lehman - 19th-century Dravidolo- the Kural in any Indian language. couplets and explain their meanings. These students gist The style of the Kural was matchless compara- 9. Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948) - Father of from Demark, who was in Chennai on an exchange ble only with the perfection of the manner in Greek; Indian Nation, Philosopher, and Writer. I wanted program, recited several couplets of Thirukkural and the Kural was to Graul; the peerless of pearls in this to learn Tamil, only to enable me to study Vallu- explainedOntario their intentions Building to Tamil Govt. Trades Minister Affirmold and rich classicalZero literature Tolerance of the Tamilians for - var’sRacism Thirukkural inthrough Construction his mother tongue itself. as also in our time the Kural was called ‘the greatest No one has given such treasure of wisdom like him. for TORONTO,Tamil Official July Language03, 2020 (GLOBEand Tamil discriminationCulture, Mr. and collective interests of workers which K. Pandian, and his staff at the Secretariat campus. masterpiece of Tamil literature and according to 10. Rev. George U. Pope - One of the ear- NEWSWIRE) -- “There is no place we will work withour learned editor, embodying the nationalization ly Christian Missionariescan only be achieved to Tamil whenNadu workers and Thefor racist Minister activity presented on any all construction the exchange studentsemployers to create feel safe at work. Securing workplaces with copies of Thirukkural and Ponniyin Selvan. and synthesis of the wisdom and ideas of the earlier translated Kural to English Thiruvalluvar’s poem site in Ontario,” said Patrick Dillon, a safe environmentTamil literature. is by no meansfree a long from one. harassment, However, intimidation, in value, it far Business Manager of the Provincial for workers.” 5. Leigh Lisker - (from the Encyclopedia outweighs the andwhole discrimination of the remaining of any Tamil worker litera - QUOTESBuilding and OF Construction WESTERN Trades SCHOLARS “Our ON members Americana Vol. XV – Page 26 The third type of ture and is onebased of the on select his or numbers her ancestry, of great race, works THIRUKKURALCouncil of Ontario (PBCTCO). “Re- build an Ontar- that have enteredreligion, into the or anyvery other soul difference,of a whole is the 1.cent eventsDr. Albertin Toronto Schweitzer have reminded - French-Ger io for- everyone’s people and cangoal never of thedie. Council. Complete Diversity in itself, enrich- the manus that Theologian, there is more philosopher, work to do Physician in bene & fi t regardless sole work of itses author our communities has come down and respectful the esteem while Bhagavad Gita Nobelfi ghting Peace racism Prize and Winner promoting a more of race, gender, of ages uninjured;workplaces hardly aare single a key various ingredient reading to an of in a forced and chilly manner gives as a motive any importanceinclusive is found. society. Thirukkural is an integral forinclusive remaining culture.” inactive life that it is in accordanceage, sexual orien- “The Ontario Building Trades tation, or ability. painting of a civilizationDillon went that onis harmonious to say, “With in re- itself with the order of the universe, the Kural justifies and which posses a recognizable unity. itCouncil – what has an advance!zero tolerance - by the for ideaany of ethicalAn acattack- on one spect to the incidents that took place The Council’s Statement of Princi- tivity.form of Work racism and or profit intimidation,” place a manDillon in a positioncommunity to is an on construction sites in Toronto, the ples on Workplace Equity statesMemorials that: dosaid. good. “These On hatethe varied crimes questions do not re concerningfl ect attack the on all of us,” stated Dillon. Provincial Building Trades Council The Provincial Building and Con- conductthe hardworking of man to women himself and and men the whoworld., “RecentThiruk- events both in Canada and 1. Valluvarsupports Kottam a full in investigationChennai, Tamil and Nadu ap- kural’swork together utterances to build are characterized a better Ontar- by nobilitythe United and States have highlighted struction Trades Council of AOntario temple-like is propriatememorial prosecutionto Thiruvalluvar, of those Valluvar involved goodio.” sense. There hardly exists in the literaturethe need of for more work to deal with committed to striving for racialKottam, equal- was builtin these in Chennai cowardly in acts.”1976. This monu- the “Theworld construction a collection industry of maxims is in whichsystemic we find racism, especially anti-black ity and worker solidarity. Discrimina-ment complex consistsThe Provincial of structures Building usually and found Con- in soworking much loftyhard wisdom.to be inclusive Earth andand life negationracism. are We need to- doStatue more of andThiruvalluvar the attory the Schoolactions, of including Oriental and acts Dravidianof intimi- temples,struction including Trades a Counciltemple carvedof Ontario from locatedrepresentative in the thought of all Ontarians, of Jesus in and so far as Ontariohe did not Building TradesAfrican are Studies ready (SOAS) to atdation Russell in Square the construction in London workplace,three people. Ofrepresents granite and 150,000 a shallow trades rectangular workers assume that the Kingdom of God would be realized is proud of the efforts made to include work with employersearly writing and community is exemplified are by completelythe Kural (literally unacceptable pond. and theThe auditoriumthroughout adjoining the province. this memorial is in this natural world. On the contrary, Valluvar be- organizationscouplet), to fi nd solutions perhaps that the most widelyCouncil known has a Tamilzero tolerance relatively policy to- large and can seat up to 4,000. lievednew Canadians that the liberated and underrepresent- man could find his heaven ed communities,” Dillon said. “Our make our communitiesclassic. This better, is a workhealthi- of didacticwards morality such acts. whose The Building Trades in this very real world and said that perfect bliss 1330 couplets are remarkable for their economy 2. Statue at Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, workplace should be free of racial er and more inclusive.” fi ght for, and continue to advance the could be attained by an individual in this natural and clarity of style, for the wide range of human There is a 133 feet tall statue of Thiruvalluvar erect- world itself, and it is unnecessary to wait indefinite- situations for which they provide guidance, and ed at Kanyakumari at the southern tip of the Indian ly for the transformation of the world to transform their unique blend of worldly wisdom and idealistic subcontinent, where the Arabian Sea, the Bay of oneself. Thus, he took life and world affirmation to a ethics. Bengal and the Indian Ocean converge. The 133 feet loftier plane than Christ did. 6. Brother Lucien - Durban, South Af- denote Thirukkural’s 133 chapters or athikarams, 2. Rev. Dr. J. Lazaus - One of the authors rica Large numbers of people in the West are and the show of his three fingers represents the three of a commentary in English on Thirukku- hopefully thirsting to know what ancient India has themes Aram, Porul, and Inbam. They are the three ral. The Kural is composed in the purest Tamil. In to contribute to the philosophy of life. The Thiruk- sections on Morals, Wealth, and Love. The statue about 12,000 words that the poet has employed to kural stands with distinction amongst those Eastern was designed by V. Ganapathi Sthapati, a temple convey his thoughts, there is scarcely fifty Sanskrit literature treasures that go to make their hopes well- architect from Tamil Nadu. origin. No known Tamil work can even approach founded. the purity of Kural. It is a standing rebuke to the 7. Kamil Zvelabil - A Czechoslovakian Tam- 3. Statue at Russell Square in London, modern Tamil. il Scholar – Tamil Culture Vol. V, No. 4. Thirukku- England There is also a statue of Thiruvalluvar 3. Alexander Phtigorsky - Greatest Philos- ral is a contribution of the Tamil creative genius to outside the School of Oriental and African Studies opher of Russia in the 20th & 21st centuries; a the world’s cultural treasure and should be familiar in Russell Square, London. Philologist, well-versed in Russian, Latin, En- to the whole world and admired and beloved by all glish, German, Italian, French, Tamil, Sanskrit in the same way as the poems of Homer, dramas of 4. Thirukkural couplets displayed in French Pali, and Tibetan. He joined Moscow’s Institute Shakespeare, the picture of Rembrandt, the Cathe- in trains in France We know that Thirukkural of Oriental Studies to study Tamil and Hinduism. dral of France and the sculptures of Greece. The couplets are displayed in Tamil Nadu State buses. He compiled the first Russian-Tamil dictionary kural is one of the world’s most excellent books, A French translation of couplets has been seen on in 1960. The Kural is rightly considered a Chefs one of those singular emanations of human heart trains in France.