Hebrew Proverbs and Ancient Tamil Proverbs. Book of Proverbs and Tirukural: A Study in Comparison

Transcription

1 Hebrew Proverbs and Ancient Tamil Proverbs Book of Proverbs and Tirukural: A Study in Comparison

2 Contents I. Introduction II. Tirukural: An Overview III. Proverbs and Tirukural: A Comparison IV. Proverbs and Tirukural: Commonalities and Differences V. Place of Tirukural among Tamils Today VI. Conclusion VII. Resources

3 HEBREW TAMIL

4 I. INTRODUCTION Book of Proverbs contains a dedicated collection of Hebrew proverbs in the Old Testament. Tiru-ku-ral is selected from among the ancient Tamil literatures for comparative study, because of its ancient-ness, pithiness and its continued influence upon Tamils until today as a major moral force. Both books have universal flavor and appeal to morality, socialresponsibility, right-living, etc. TAMILNADU ( Land of Tamils )

5 II. TIRUKURAL: AN OVERVIEW

6 Prof. Kamil Zvelebil on Tirukural Tamil Scholar, Czech Republic Thirukkural is a contribution of the Tamil creative genius to the world cultural treasure and should be familiar to the whole world and admired and beloved by all in the same way as the poems of Homer, the dramas of Shakespeare, the pictures of Rembrandt, the cathedrals of France and the sculptures of Greece

7 Tirukural: What is It? Tiru-ku-ral is the oldest secular collection of proverbs / sayings in Tamil Language, one of the two classical languages in India (other language is Sanskrit). THE most-translated Indian book Author = Tiru-vallu-var, a Tamil Philosopher Tirukural dated around 2 nd cent BC Tiru = Honourable; Kural = Proverbial poems / couplet Tirukural is also known as Tamil Marai Tamil Scriptures Poy-ya-mozhi Infallible Sayings Uttara vedam Greatest Veda Deiva Nool Divine Book

8 . OVERVIEW 133 chapters and 1330 couplets 3 Major Divisions Aram (Virtue) Focuses on character, discipline (1-38 chapters) Porul (Wealth) Focuses on the world outside; social relationships, etc (39-108) Inbam (Love) Focuses on love, lust, heart-break and reunion ( chapters) Without disciplined character, one cannot meaningfully contribute to the society around and experience the virtues of love.

9 cont. OVERVIEW All kurals / couplets contains 7 words: 4 words in the first line 3 words in the second line The first Kural begins with Aa/அ (first letter) and the last kural (1330th) ends with in/ன (the 246 th /last letter of Tamil alphabets)

10 III. PROVERBS AND TIRUKURAL: A COMPARISON

11 SELECTED THEMES 1. God 2. Family 3. Pleasant Speech 4. Gratitude 5. Against Covetousness 6. Compassion 7. Anger / Evil 8. Learning 9. Knowledge of Power, Time, Place 10. Determination 11. Governance / King 12. Friendship 13. Folly 14. Not Drinking 15. Praise and Pain of Love

12 1. God (Tirukural) அகர ம தல எழ த ததல ல ம ஆத பகவன ம தற ற உலக (1) Aka-ra Mu-dha-la Ezhu-thel-laam Aa-dhi Pa-ka-van Mu-dha-tre Ula-ku As the letter A is the first of all letters, so the eternal God is first in the world கற தன ல ஆய பயதனன தக ல வ ல வன நற ள தத ழ அர என ன (2) Katradhanaal Aaya Payanenkol Vaalarivan Natraal Thozhaaar Enin Education is meaningless when it does not lead to the worship of true God

13 God (Tirukural) மலர ம ச ஏக ன ன ம ணட ற ர ந த ர ந லம ச ந ட வ ழ வ ர (3) Malarmisai Ekinaan Maanati Serndhaar Nilamisai Neetuvaazh Vaar Those who hold on to the feet of God shall flourish longer on the earth. தனக க வசம இல ல த ன த ள ற ர ந த ர க கல ல ல மனக கவசல ம ற ல அர த (7) Thanakkuvamai Illaadhaan Thaalserndhaark Kallaal Manakkavalai Maatral Aridhu Unless we unite ourselves with the incomprehensible God, it is impossible to remove endless anxiety from our minds.

14 God in Proverbs References: 1:7, 3:4,5,7,9, 8:13, 9:10, 10:27, 15:3, 28:14, etc God as the Creator of everything (3:19, 8:22), so acknowledge Him. God is present and administers the entire universe. Fear of the Lord is the central theme. Seeking wisdom without fearing God is folly (1:7). It relates every human conducts, and responses in relation to the Lord. God-centred world-view

15 2. Family அன ப ம அ ன ம உச த த ய ன இல வ ழ க சக பண ப ம பயன ம அத (45) Anpum Aranum Utaiththaayin Ilvaazhkkai Panpum Payanum Adhu Family life, motivated by love and virtue, endows it with usefulness and happiness. ததய வம தத ழ அள தக ழ நற த ழ ததழ வ ள தபய தயனப தபய ய ம மசழ (55) Theyvam Thozhaaal Kozhunan Thozhudhezhuvaal Peyyenap Peyyum Mazhai If a wife, who does not worship God, but her husband, say, "let it rain," it will rain.

16 Family (Tirukural) க ழல ன த ய ழ ன ததன பதம மக கள மழசலச த ல றகள தவர (66) Kuzhal Inidhu Yaazhinidhu Enpadham Makkal Mazhalaichchol Kelaa Thavar "The pipe is sweet, the lute is sweet," say those who have not paid attention to the prattle of their own children அன ப ல ர எல ல ம தமக க ர யர அன ப ச ய ர என ப ம உர யர ப ர க க (72) Anpilaar Ellaam Thamakkuriyar Anputaiyaar Enpum Uriyar Pirarkku The loveless ones want all for themselves; the tenderhearted will give all they have for others.

17 Family (Proverbs) References: 4:18-19, 12:4, 15:27, 17:6, 18:22, 19:4, 31:10 A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband (12:4) House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD (19:4) Proverbs assures that having a good family is God s blessing Wives role is emphasised (31:) Children are to be guided in right path and discipline emphasised God s word as base for family It s main context of teaching is family, evidenced in its use of father, mother, son, etc.

18 3. Pleasant Speech (Tirukural) அகன அமர ந த தல ன நன ற ம கனமர ந த இன த லன ஆகப தப ன (92) Akanamarndhu Eedhalin Nandre Mukanamarndhu Insolan Aakap Perin Sweet speech, with a cheerful countenance is better than a gift made with a joyous mind பண வ ச யன இன த லன ஆதல ஒர வற க அண யல ல மற ற ப ப (95) Panivutaiyan Insolan Aadhal Oruvarku Aniyalla Matrup Pira Humility and sweetness of speech are the ornaments of man; all others are not (ornaments)

19 Pleasant Speech (Tirukural) ற சமய ள ந ங க ய இன த ல மற சமய ம இம சமய ம இன பம தர ம (98) Sirumaiyul Neengiya Insol Marumaiyum Immaiyum Inpam Tharum Sweet speech, free from harm to others, will give pleasure both in this world and in the next இன ய உளவ க இன ன த க ல கன இர ப பக க ய கவர ந தற ற (100) Iniya Ulavaaka Innaadha Kooral Kaniiruppak Kaaikavarn Thatru To say unplesant things when plesant words are at hand is like eating unriped fruit when there is well-riped fruit

20 Pleasant Speech (Proverbs) References: 10:20, 12:18, 15:49, 16:24, 24:26, 25:11 Pleasant words are pure (15:26b) Pleasant words are as honeycomb (16:23) Proverbs contrasts wise words vs. foolish talk (16:13) Wisdom is knowing how to speak, when to speak, whom to speak, etc (17:27, 29:20). It warns people to keep away from bad speech slander, flattery, perversity, lying (6:12b)

21 4. Gratitude க லத த ன ற த ய த நன ததன ன ம ஞ லத த ன ம ணப தபர த (102) Kaalaththi Naarseydha Nandri Siridheninum Gnaalaththin Maanap Peridhu A favour conferred in the time of need, though it be small (in itself), is (in value) much larger than the world ம வற க ம ற ர றகண சம த வற க த ன பத த ள த ப ப ய ர நட ப (106) Maravarka Maasatraar Kenmai Thuravarka Thunpaththul Thuppaayaar Natpu Forsake not the friendship of those who stood with you in adversity; Forget not be benevolence of the blameless.

22 Gratitude (Tirukural) நன ம ப பத நன ன ற நன ல லத அன ற ம ப பத நன ற (108) Nandri Marappadhu Nandrandru Nandralladhu Andre Marappadhu Nandru Forget not any benefits received; Forget an injury even in the very inflicted moment எந நன தக ன ர க க ம உய வ ண ம உய வ ல சல த ய ந நன தக ன மகற க (110) Ennandri Kondraarkkum Uyvuntaam Uyvillai Seynnandri Kondra Makarku A killer of every virtue may yet eternal rest; but not for the killers of the virtue of gratitude.

23 Gratitude (Proverbs) References: 17:13 If a man pays back evil for good, evil will never leave his house Proverbs points out the importance of reciprocating gratitude Its advice to remember implies grateful recollection of received wisdom

24 5. Against Covetousness பசகப வம அச ம பழ தயன ந ன க ம இகவ வ ம இல ல ப ப ன கண (146) Pakaipaavam Achcham Pazhiyena Naankum Ikavaavaam Illirappaan Kan Hatred, sin, fear, disgrace; these four will never leave him who goes in to his neighbour's wife ப ன மசன றந க க த றபர ண சம ன ற ர க க தனன ற ஆன தவ ழ க க (148) Piranmanai Nokkaadha Peraanmai Saandrorkku Aranondro Aandra Vozhukku It is noble manliness not to look at the wife of another. This is the virtue and dignity of the great [men].

25 Against Covetousness ற ன பம தவஃக ய னல ல த ய ய றர மற ன பம றவண ட பவர (173) Sitrinpam Veqki Aranalla Seyyaare Matrinpam Ventu Pavar Those who desire the higher pleasures (of heaven) will not covet unjustly (in this life). அஃக யகன அ தவன ன ம ய ர ம ட ட ம தவஃக தவ ய த ய ன (175) Aqki Akandra Arivennaam Yaarmaattum Veqki Veriya Seyin What is the advantage of extensive knowledge/learning if a man is covetous and acts senselessly?

26 Against Covetousness (Proverbs) References: 3:31, 6:32-33, 15:27, 21:25-26, 28:16 A greedy man brings trouble to his family (15:27a) He that hates covetousness shall prolong his days (28:16b) Proverbs advises strongly against greed, envy and covetousness. It suggests fear of God as the antidote to covetousness (23:17)

27 6. Compassion ஆற ற வ ர ற ல ப ய ற ல அப ப சய ம ற ற வ ர ற ல ற ப ன (225) Aatruvaar Aatral Pasiaatral Appasiyai Maatruvaar Aatralin Pin It is better to provide food to the hungry, than holding a penance of fasting. அர ள ற ர ந த தநஞ ன ர க க ல சல இர ள ற ர ந த இன ன உலகம ப கல (243) Arulserndha Nenjinaark Killai Irulserndha Innaa Ulakam Pukal Those compassionate hearted will never enter the world of darkness

28 Compassion (Tirukural) அர ள ல ல ர க கவ வ லகம இல சல தப ர ள ல ல ர க க வ வ லகம இல ல க ய ங க (247) Arulillaarkku Avvulakam Illai Porulillaarkku Ivvulakam Illaaki Yaangu As this world is not for those without wealth, so the world-to-come is not for those without kindness வல ய ர ம ன தன சன ந சனக கத ன தன ன ன தமல ய ர றமற த ல ல ம த த (250) Valiyaarmun Thannai Ninaikka Thaan Thannin Meliyaarmel Sellu Mitaththu When you are about to be rude with the weak, remember how you have stood (trembling) before those stronger than yourself.

29 Compassion (Proverbs) References: 11:17a, 14:31b,21, 16:6, 19:17, 21:21, 25:21-22 He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord (19:17) He that follows after righteousness and mercy finds life, righteousness, and honour (21:21) Kindness results in one s own good (3:3-4, 11:17a) Kings are advised to rule with compassion and mercy (20:28) Proverbs points out that those merciful to their poor neighbours shall be blessed by the Lord

30 7. Anger and Evil தன சனத த ன க க க ன னங க க க க வ க க ல தன சனறய தக ல ல ஞ னம (305) Thannaiththaan Kaakkin Sinangaakka Kaavaakkaal Thannaiye Kollunj Chinam If a man wants to guard himself, let him guard against anger னத சதப தப ர தளன ற தக ண வன றகட ந லத தச ந த ன சகப சழய தற ற (307) Sinaththaip Porulendru Kontavan Ketu Nilaththaraindhaan Kaipizhaiyaa Thatru Destruction will come upon him who regards anger as his strength, as surely as the hand of him who strikes the ground will not fail to hurt.

31 Anger and Evil இன ன த ய த சர ஒற த தல அவர ந ண நன னயஞ த ய த வ ல (314) Innaasey Thaarai Oruththal Avarnaana Nannayanj Cheydhu Vital The punishment to those who have done evil is to shame them by showing kindness, in return ப ர க க ன ன ம ற பகல த ய ய ன தமக க ன ன ப ற பகல த றம வர ம (319) Pirarkkinnaa Murpakal Seyyin Thamakku Innaa Pirpakal Thaame Varum If a man inflict sorrow upon others in the morning, it will come upon him unsought in the very evening

32 Anger and Evil (Proverbs) Reference: 1:9b, 4:27,14, 14:7a, 15:1, 19:19, 22:24, 29:11, 30:33 An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hottempered person commits many sins (29:22). Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city(16:32) Proverbs advices against the vice of anger and making friendship with the hot-tempered (22:24-25) Learning to tame one s anger is wisdom (19:11). Do not pay back evil for evil (25:21-22)

33 8. Learning (Tirukural) கற க க க கற பசவ கற ப ன ந ற க அதற க த தக (391) Karka Kasatarak Karpavai Katrapin Nirka Adharkuth Thaka Let a man learn thoroughly whatever he may learn, and then exert the same energy to live by his learning. எண தணன ப ஏசன தயழ த ததன ப இவ வ ரண ட ங கண தணன ப வ ழ ம உய ர க க (392) Ennenpa Enai Ezhuththenpa Ivvirantum Kannenpa Vaazhum Uyirkku Letters (science/arts) and numbers (mathematics) are to be the two eyes of a learned man

34 Learning (Tirukural) கண ண ச ய தரன பவர கற ற ர ம கத த ரண ட ப ண ண ச யர கல ல தவர (393) Kannutaiyar Enpavar Katror Mukaththirantu Punnutaiyar Kallaa Thavar The learned are said to have eyes, but the unlearned have (merely) two sores in their face றகட ல வ ழ ச த ல வங கல வ தய ர வற க ம ல ல மற ச யசவ (400) Ketil Vizhuchchelvam Kalvi Yoruvarku Maatalla Matrai Yavai Learning is the true imperishable treasure; all other things are nothing in comparison

35 Learning (Tirukural) வ லங தக ட மக க ளசனயர இலங க ந ல கற றர ற சன யவர (410) Vilangotu Makkal Anaiyar Ilangunool Katraarotu Enai Yavar There is as much difference between the learned and the unlearned, as between human beings and beasts. எப தப ர ள ய ர ய ர வ ய க றகட ப ன ம அப தப ர ள தமய ப தப ர ள க ண ப த வ (423) Epporul Yaaryaarvaaik Ketpinum Apporul Meypporul Kaanpa Tharivu To test and discern the truth of every thing, by whomsoever spoken, is true wisdom.

36 Learning (Proverbs) Reference: 1:5, 4:13,20-22, 8:10, 12:1, 15:32-33, 23:23,26, A wise son hears his father s instruction (13:1a) My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways (23:26) Proverbs encourages to receive instruction and then live by it. It is foolish to avoid learning and instruction (16:22) Way to gain wisdom is by learning to accept instruction (12:1, 19:20) Seeking the Lord is the basis for understanding (1:7, 28:5b)

37 9. Knowledge of Power, Time and Place ப ல தபய க ட ம அச ற ம அப பண ஞ ல ம க த த ப தபய ன (475) Peelipey Saakaatum Achchirum Appantanjjch Aala Mikuththup Peyin The axle of a cart, loaded only with peacocks' feathers, can still break. So is the power of the weak when united. ஞ லங கர த ன ங சகக ட ங க லம கர த இ த த ற த ய ன (484) Gnaalam Karudhinung Kaikootung Kaalam Karudhi Itaththaar Seyin When a man acts in the right time, and at the right place, he might even conquer the world

38 Knowledge of Power, Time and Place க ல ழ களர ன நர யட ங கண ணஞ றவல ள ம கத த கள ற (500) Kaalaazh Kalaril Nariyatum Kannanjaa Velaal Mukaththa Kaliru Even a fox can kill a war-elephant, if it is trapped in the mud க ணந ட க க ற ம ந ட அவற ற ள ம சகந ட ம க க தக ளல (504) Kunamnaatik Kutramum Naati Avatrul Mikainaati Mikka Kolal Know a man s character, both good and faults; then judge him by what prevails.

39 Knowledge of Power, Time, Place (Proverbs) Reference: 15:23,28, 25:11, 29:20 A man finds joy in giving an apt reply - and how good is a timely word! (15:23) When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what is before you, (23:1) Proverbs reminds its readers to know their place and times (Prov. 18:21, 25:11). Foolish words, spoken without the realization of time or place, cause destruction (14:3a)

40 10. Determination எண ண ய எண ண ய ங தகய த ப எண ண ய ர த ண ண யர ஆகப தப ன (666) Enniya Enniyaangu Eydhu Enniyaar Thinniyar Aakap Perin A firm mind and resolute execution produce the desired outcome. எண ண த த ண க கர மந த ண ந தப ன எண ண வ தமன ப த ழ க க (467) Ennith Thunika Karumam Thunindhapin Ennuvam Enpadhu Izhukku Think carefully, and then undertake any enterprise; after having undertaken it, to say "We will think," is folly.

41 Patience அகழ வ சரத த ங க ம ந லம றப லத தம சம இகழ வ ர ப தப ற த தல தசல (151) Akazhvaaraith Thaangum Nilampolath Thammai Ikazhvaarp Poruththal Thalai To bear with those who revile us, just as the earth bears up those who dig it, is the first of virtues தப ற த த ல ப ப சன தயன ற ம அதசன ம த த லதன ன ம நன ற (152) Poruththal Irappinai Endrum Adhanai Maraththal Adhaninum Nandru Patience before adversity is better; even better is forgetting wrongs

42 Determination (Proverbs) Reference: 16:32, 19:11,21, 24:27 Do your planning and prepare your fields building your house (24:27) The Horse is prepared for the day of battle (21:31) Proverbs encourages the process of planning and preparation, while trusting the Lord. Proverbs emphasizes the finality of divine will. It is the Lord who bring the plans to fruition (19:21). Thus, success is not due to one s own determination, but God s blessing.

43 11. Governance / Kingship றவலன ற தவன தர வத மன னவன றக லத உங றக ததன ன (546) Velandru Vendri Tharuvadhu Mannavan Koladhooung Kotaa Thenin A good king does not find his success through weapons and war, rather in his sceptre that rules with justice. தக சலறமற தக ண ர ற தக ட றத அசலறமற தக ண ல லசவ த ய தத ழ க ம றவந த (551) Kolaimerkon Taarir Kotidhe Alaimerkontu Allavai Seydhozhukum Vendhu The king who gives himself up to oppression and acts unjustly (towards his subjects) is more cruel than the man who leads the life of a murderer

44 Governance / Kingship அகல தண க த த க க ய வ ர றப ல க இகல றவந தர ச ற ர ந தத ழ க வ ர (691) Akalaadhu Anukaadhu Theekkaaivaar Polka Ikalvendharch Cherndhozhuku Vaar Stand as if before fire in the presence of Kings, not too close to get burned up, not too far away to be unnoticed. உற ப ய ம ஓவ ப ப ண ய ம த ற பசகய ம ற ர த யல வத ந ட (734) Urupasiyum Ovaap Piniyum Serupakaiyum Seraa Thiyalvadhu Naatu The development of a country is measured by the absence of starvation, plagues, and vengeful enemies.

45 Kingship (Proverbs) Reference: 14:28, 16:12, 20:8,26, 25:2,5, 28:3, 29:4a,12 Throne is established in righteousness (16:12b) A wise king scatters the wicked (20:26a) Proverbs discusses about the conduct of the Kings: to search out (25:2); keep away from wine (31:4a) and wicked (16:12a, 29:12); and vision (29:18) Evil ruler is compared to roaring lion (28:15) It advises the commoners of their conduct before the kings. Even kings are subject to Yahweh, the unparalleled King of the Universe (21:1)

46 12. Friendship உட க சக இழந தவன சகறப ல ஆங றக இட க கண கசளவத ம நட ப (788) Utukkai Izhandhavan Kaipola Aange Itukkan Kalaivadhaam Natpu (True) friend readily hastens to the rescue, as the hand of one whose garment is loosened before the assembly. மர வ க ம ற ர றகண சமதய ன த த ம ஒர வ க ஒப ப ல ர நட ப (800) Maruvuka Maasatraar Kenmaion Reeththum Oruvuka Oppilaar Natpu Cherish the friendship of the righteous; but, renounce the friendship of the unworthy even if cost you a fortune.

47 Friendship தத ழ தசக ய ள ள ம பச தய ட ங க ம ஒன ன ர அழ தகண ண ர ம அசனத த (828) Thozhudhakai Yullum Pataiyotungum Onnaar Azhudhakan Neerum Anaiththu Beware of making friendship with your enemies. There may be weapons hidden in their tears and in their folded [worshipping] hands. ம கநக நட பத நட பன ற தநஞ த தகநக நட பத நட ப (786) Mukanaka Natpadhu Natpandru Nenjaththu Akanaka Natpadhu Natpu True friendship is not known from a smile on face, but a smile that comes from heart.

48 Friendship (Proverbs) Reference: 14:7,26a, 17:7,9 18:24b, 27:9,10a,6 Do not forsake your friend and your father s friend,(27:10a) A friend loves at all times (17:17a) Proverbs encourages to build up genuine friendship, Key qualities: constant (17:17), considerate (27:9,17), forgiving (17:9) and who gives earnest counsel (26:18-19). It advises against bad friendship (24:24a) as it will lead to trouble.

49 13. Folly றபசதசம என பதத ன ய ததன ன ஏதங தக ண ட த யம றப க வ ல (831) Pedhaimai Enpadhondru Yaadhenin Edhangontu Oodhiyam Poka Vital Pursuing evil instead of good is folly அ வ ல ர த ந தம சமப ப ழ க க ம ப சழ த ற வ ர க க ம த ய தல அர த (843) Arivilar thanthammai pezhikum pezhai Cheruvarkkum seithel arithu Foolish people inflict pain upon themselves, worse than what their enemies could bring.

50 Folly தவண சம எனப பட வ த ய ததன ன ஒண சம உச யம ய ம என ன ம த ர க க (844) Venmai Enappatuva Thiyaadhenin Onmai Utaiyamyaam Ennum Serukku The self proclamation of wisdom is the sign of vanity, pride and folly க ண த ன க ட ட வ ன த ன க ண ன க ண த ன கண ன ம த ன கண வ ற (849) Kaanaadhaan Kaattuvaan Thaankaanaan Kaanaadhaan Kantaanaam Thaankanta Vaaru A fool who pretends to be a wise shows his folly

51 Folly (Proverbs) Reference: 11:5b, 11:12, 14:16, 17:2,21, 19:3, 26:11, 27:22, 28:26a A man s own folly ruins his life (19:3) A way of the fool is right in his own eyes (12:15a). Proverbs describes the qualities of folly and warns of its dangers. Proverbs invites people to choose the path of wisdom; for, folly leads to self decimation. Folly leads to unproductive life that is neither beneficial for self (3:35), for family (19:3), nor for the community around.

52 14. Drinking உண ணற க கள சள உண ல ண க ன ற ர ன எண ணப ப றவண த ர (922) Unnarka Kallai Unilunka Saandroraan Ennap Pataventaa Thaar Don t drink liqor; else, you will be rejected by the company of the great. சகய ய சம உச த றத தப ர ள தக ட த த தமய ய ய சம தக ளல (925) Kaiyari Yaamai Utaiththe Porulkotuththu Meyyari Yaamai Kolal What madness it is to pay money and purchase unconsciousness!

53 Drinking த ஞ ன ர த த த ர ன றவ ல லர எஞ ஞ ன ற ம நஞ ச ண ப ர கள ள ண பவர (926) Thunjinaar Seththaarin Verallar Egngnaandrum Nanjunpaar Kallun Pavar Those who sleep resemble the dead; same way, those who drink resemble the poison-eaters கள த த சனக க ரணம க ட ட தல க ழ ந ர க க ள த த சனத த த த ர இ அற ற (929) Kaliththaanaik Kaaranam Kaattudhal Keezhneerk Kuliththaanaith Theeththureei Atru Advising a drunkard is like going under water with a torch in search of a drowned man

54 Drinking (Proverbs) Reference: 20:1, 21:17, 23:20-21,29-35, 26:9, 31:4-7 Wine is a mocker.. Whoever deceived by it is not wise (20:1) He who loves wine and oil shall not be rich (21:17b) Proverbs advises against drunkenness and asks people to keep away from the company of drunkards. It expounds extensively on the problems of drunkenness in 23:29-35 It suggests drinks for those suffering pain and poverty (31:6-7)

55 15. Praise and Pains of Love கண தண ட கண இசண றந க தக க க ன வ ய ச த ற கள என ன பயன ம இல (1100) Kannotu Kaninai Nokkokkin Vaaichchorkal Enna Payanum Ila When the eyes of the lovers meet, words are no longer needed. இன பம க ல மற ற க க மம அஃதட ங க ல த ன பம அதன ற தபர த (1166) Inpam Katalmatruk Kaamam Aqdhatungaal Thunpam Adhanir Peridhu The pleasure of love is as vast as the ocean; the pain of separation is even greater.

56 Praise and Pains of Love உள ள ன ம த ர ப தபர மக ழ த ய தல ல கள ள ன ம க மம இன த (1201) Ullinum Theeraap Perumakizh Seydhalaal Kallinum Kaamam Inidhu Love is sweeter than wine; because when remembered, it creates unparalleled delight. ஊட தல க மத த ற க ன பம அதற க ன பம க ட ம யங கப தப ன (1330) Ootudhal Kaamaththirku Inpam Adharkinpam Kooti Muyangap Perin Little playful fights adds to delight. An embrace feels stronger after a strife.

57 Love (Proverbs) Reference: 5:15-19, 30:18-19, 31:10-31 Drink waters from your own cistern (5:15a) The way of a man with a woman (30:19d) Proverbs approach to the theme of love is didactic. The raptures of pre-marital love is exalted elsewhere, in Song of Songs. Proverbs limits to focus more on family relations and the functions of wife. Proverbs advises to enjoy the union of lovers within marital boundaries.

58 IV. COMMONALITIES AND DIFFERENCES There are few surface similarities between these literary works 1. Both of these works promote individual as well as social morality in order to build a harmonious community. 2. Both cover several areas of human conduct and advises people to choose wise living. 3. Both have strong universal appeal, transcending their linguistic-ethnic boundaries. 4. Both works have strong moral categories that distinguish right and wrong, good and bad. 5. Both use elements in nature to teach generic yet profound truths, employing a host of literary devises prevalent in respective cultures.

59 Differences No. Tirukural Proverbs 1. Tirukkural, though acknowledges God, does not have any particular religious affinity. 2. Tirukkural limits its discussion on God to its first chapter only. 3. Tirukkural teaches morality based on ancient Tamil ethics and spirituality. 4. Tirukural presents generic truth and implicitly expects following. 5. Tirukkural does not personify wisdom, or folly as the pithy sayings are not descriptive. Proverbs is primarily a religious work that is targeted towards the followers of Yahweh. Entire Book of Proverbs looks at human conduct in relation to God. Proverbs is built on the foundations of Torah-centred worldview, for which fear of God is the key. Proverbs often employs vocative(my son, listen to..) and calls people to listen and follow. Proverbs uses personification, to praise wisdom (noble woman) and denigrate folly (wayward woman)

60 No. Tirukural Proverbs 6. Tirukkural limits itself within the moral categories of distinction: wise versus fool. 7. Tirukkural employs impersonal didactic and it s primary setting is the public arena. 8. Tirukural s each chapter (10 maxims) focuses on one topic. This is same for all 133 chapters. 9. 2/4 of Tirukural focuses on matters pertaining to politics and social relationships, its primary interest. 10. Each Kural is composed with literary aesthetics: stylistic, poetic, and well-structured. Differences Besides, Proverbs also expands on the spiritual categories of righteous versus wicked. Proverbs employs personal terms (Father, Mother, Son), showing that its primary sitz im leben is home. Proverbs have more fluid structure and a compilation, ranging different periods of time. Proverbs aims to work within heart: transforming the individuals before social changes. For most part, Proverbs employs short prosaic maxims; with a sporadic presence of poetic sections

61 V. PLACE OF TIRUKURAL AMONG TAMILS TODAY Tirukural is being taught in the schools and plays an important role in forming a Tamil moral identity. Regardless of religious affinity, Tamils learn Tirukural Most of the schools in Tamilnadu encourages the memorization of Tirukural every day Annual competitions are held to promote learning of Tirukural Several companies and public places displays Tirukkural for public viewing

62 Tirukural is often quoted in the speeches of teachers, religious leaders and state politicians. International Conference on Tirukkural encourages research on Tirukkural by Tamil scholars around the world. Tirukural and its various translations are made available online and free android/ios Apps. Tirukural is not only respected in its place of origin (Tamilnadu) but continues to be popular among the Tamil Diaspora. Tirukkural Today

63 On , Tamilnadu Government Opened a 133 feet Statue of Tiruvalluvar in the Southern Tip of India

64 VI. CONCLUSION As classic literatures, Tirukural and Proverbs can be compared; yet, as part of inspired word of God, Proverbs holds unique position. In the Indian context, knowing Tirukural and even quoting it in our conversation/talk with non-christians helps to build cultural bridges. They often serve as points of contact. And also, we have to appreciate our native literary richness and heritage, while knowing significant ideological/ theological differences.

65 Resources Tirukural in Tamil (original language): Tirukural in English: Tirukural in Tamil and English: Tirukural: English Translation and Commentary Tirukural: A Masterpiece of World Literature %20Part%20I- %20Version% htm G.N. Das, Readings from Tirukkural (New Delhi: Abhinav Publications, 1997). Kamil Zvelebil, Companion Studies to the History of Tamil Literature (Leiden: Brill, 1992).

66 Gnanaraj D. Korea, 2014