Kural Chronicles

KURAL 8

ADHIKAARAM 1: KADAVUL VAAZHTHU – IN PRAISE OF GOD

அறவாழி அந்தணன் தாள்சேர்ந்தார்க் கல்லால்
பிறவாழி நீந்தல் அரிது.

Aravaazhi andhanan thaallsaernthaarku allaal

Piravaazhi neenthal arithu

God is omniscient. He is an ocean of dharma. Only those who prostrate themselves at His feet will be able to swim through the ocean of life.

Aravaazhi: the sea of dharma, aazhi meaning sea or ocean;  Andhanan: learned person;  thaall: feet;  saernthaar: those who reach;  Allaal: if you do not;  Pira vaazhi: other oceans;  Neenthal: swimming;  Arithu: difficult

Life is as difficult and arduous as swimming through an ocean. The ocean is a vast unknown. On the surface, from the banks, it looks so serene and beautiful. You could hardly believe the same ocean could rise in a storm or a tsunami. A person who ventures to swim in the deep ocean has any number of hazards to face – it may be sharks, whales, other sea creatures, it may be ships and other vehicles, it may be icebergs, it may be the water currents themselves, it may be his own weariness. If you can brave all the difficulties you will also view untold beauty.

 Life too is as vast and unknown as the ocean. How overwhelming it would be to be left to face the wide world is so beautifully expressed by Abraham Lincoln in a letter to his son’s teacher.

“It is an adventure that may take him across continents. All adventures that probably include wars, tragedy and sorrow. To live this life will require faith, love and courage.”

(The letter is a sublime and comprehensive expression of what it takes to live life the right way, about the things that really matter in life. Please do look it up. It is a beautiful and thought provoking read. )

Valluvar sums it up in seven words – Place your faith in He who is the ocean of wisdom and virtue and you will get the courage and peace necessary to navigate the other two oceans of material life and inner journey. Another take on it is – you need wisdom and virtue to make the right choices in life, to fight some battles, to ignore others, and face minefields and garlands with equal poise and courage. Live your life with a faithful and peaceful heart. Life will be beautiful.