Kural Chronicles

KURAL 5

ADHIKAARAM 1: KADAVUL VAAZHTHU – IN PRAISE OF GOD

இருள்சேர் இருவினையும் சேரா இறைவன்
பொருள்சேர் புகழ்புரிந்தார் மாட்டு.

Irulsaer iruvinaiyum saera iraivan

Porulsaer pugazhpurinthaar maatu

Those who understand and express the true greatness of God will not be affected by the darkness or ignorance that is the fruit of their  good deeds  or bad deeds.

Irul: darkness;  iruvinai: iru means two, vinai means action;  Saera: will not touch or reach;  Iraivan: God;  Porul: meaning;  Pugazh: fame;  Purinthu: understanding;  Maatu: speak

Phew! This one took some time to grasp. Let me try and explain what I understood.

Though the actual word ‘vinai’ means action, it is generally taken to be the fruits of your deeds in your previous birth. It is widely believed that if you have lived a life of virtue and goodness in the previous birth, you will be rewarded in this birth. That is nalvinai. Theevinai is the difficulty you  encounter  in return for evil deeds done in  the last birth.

Obviously we will have no idea of what we were or what kind of a life we lived in the previous birth. So nalvinai or theevinai comes from a place of ignorance. Another explanation for this darkness or ignorance or agnanam is – we are fools if we think we are responsible for anything we may have achieved or any sorrow we may face. It is purely God’s grace and will. If we truly understand and worship the greatness of God who is above joys or  sorrows, we will not be affected by either nalvinai or theevinai; We will be able to face whatever comes with equanimity.

Learn to take things as they come. Strive to live a life of goodness not to create nalvinai in the next but to be one with God. As one gets older the exuberance of youth gives way to realization of life. Prayers change from “God, I want success, wealth, stability, love, relationships, health etc., etc.”, to ” God, I want to rest at your feet. I do not want to undergo the trials and tribulations of another birth.”

God bless.