A TRIBUTE TO SAGE VAZHLUVAR: THE GREATEST TAMIL POET

I am currently writing my own interpretation of the Thirukkural (Tamil: திருக்குறள், also known as the Kural) authored by the Shaivite Saint Thiruvazhluvar which is a classic in Tamil literature from the Sangam period spanning between 300 BCE and 300 CE. The Thirukkural is one of the most important works in the Tamil language. It has been given many names and highlights all the vital aspects of life as known to man.

Thirukkural consists of 1330 couplets or Kurals which are divided into 133 chapters of 10 couplets each. The 133 chapters are grouped into three sections based on certain principles, namely:

Righteousness and the right way to live - 380 couplets

Wealth and the right way to accumulate wealth - 700 couplets

Love and propriety in love - 250 couplets

However, there is an underlying fourth principle which has not been openly addressed by any scholar. All three sections have their philosophy based on this fourth principle and only one who understands this fourth principle can live by these 1330 couplets.

While there are several commentaries and translations on this important treatise, mine is based on my personal belief that the work is not to be taken on its mere external meaning and it has certain inner meanings connected to this fourth principle and the right way of living to aid main in his path of spiritual enlightenment. If one were to understand and live by all that the saint writes one will certainly realise Godhead. Unfortunately we are all caught up in our selfish pursuits and fall short of what he propounds and expounds.

There have been several commentaries written on Thirukkural over the centuries. The Latin translation of Thirukkural was made by Constanzo Beschi in 1730. The first ever English Translation of Thirukural by GU Pope brought the Thirukkural to the western world in 1886. Thirukkural has been translated to more than 35 languages across the world by various authors.

Over the next few months, I will slowly attempt to share my understanding of the Thirukkural with you all and I request all of you to forgive me if my interpretations do not fit into your schematic perceptions of life.