Kural Chronicles

KURAL 2

PAAL: ARATHUPAAL

ADHIKAARAM: KADAVUL VAAZHTHU – PRAISE OF GOD

கற்றதனால் ஆய பயனென்கொல் வாலறிவன்
நற்றாள் தொழாஅர் எனின்.

Katradhanaal aaya payanenkol vaalarivan

Natraal thozhaar enin

What is the use of education if you do not worshp the divine feet of the Supremely wise God?

Katru: Being educated; Adhanaal aaya: because of; Payan: use; En kol: what is; Vaalarivan: God who is the form of pure wisdom; Natraal – Nalla Thaazh – divine feet; Thozhaar enin – if they do not worship, thozha means to worship

The purpose of all education is gaining wisdom and knowledge. With wisdom comes humility and the realization that there is a God who transcends all earthly knowledge. 

This was brought to me forcefully recently when I happened to spend some time in a hospital. I was surprised to hear learned and acclaimed doctors tell the patient to have faith and think positive thoughts. “ We only treat, God heals” they said.

On a lighter note I appreciated the wit of that renowned atheist , Kalaignar Karunanidhi , who explains this Kural to mean ‘If you do not have the humility to bow down before a person more wise and educated than you are, then what is the point of your education?’.