ஆத்திச்சூடி # 32: கடிவது மற (ka-di-va-thu ma-Ra)
Translation: Refrain from harsh words.
Rumination: "கடிவது" means "using harsh words and "மற" means "forget." So this maxim exhorts one to refrain from using harsh words. Auvaiyar's exhortation to "forget" underscores the pragmatism behind this habit which has crept into our everyday lives. We feel momentarily powerful when we substitute dysphemism for euphemism. However, harsh words always leave an indelible scar on us, our relationships, and our opponents. Very often we realize much later in life that we could have exercised restraint. Using harsh words proves the vulnerability within us. The fear within us and our impotence often explodes as harsh words on others. Refraining from harsh words will be a big favor not to others, but to us primarily. We all have that as our weapon to wreak a surprise attack on basically anybody and it is this propensity that Auvaiyar wants to ablate once and for all. It is difficult, but then it can be an exercise worth considering. We must not forget to forget using harsh words and that is an uphill task.
Quotes: " Try in thine own experience, each; that ye speak not for one whole day unkindly of any; that ye say not a harsh word to any, about any; and see what [such] a day would bring to you…" -- Edgar Cayce Reading.
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Maxim # 31: அனந்த லாடேல் -- Never indulge in sloth.
ஆத்திச்சூடி # 31: அனந்த லாடேல் (an-uhn-dhal AA-dEl)
Translation: Never indulge in sloth.
Rumination: "அனந்தல்" means "sleep" and "ஆடேல்" means "never indulge." So this maxim means that one must never indulge in oversleeping or slothfulness. Our bodies need rest, certainly not slothfulness. It is funny to run into people whose only goal is to secure a sinecure for their career. Once smitten by this bug of sloth, a person's productivity plummets down so rapidly that it will be very difficult to restore it back. There are families, which have been torn apart because of one of the partners indulging in excessive sloth. It is a kind of latent addiction too. Rust formed on iron, if unremoved will ultimately eat into it completely. One has to consistently look in retrospection over one's life to see if sloth has crept into the inner annals. Procrastination is the harbinger of the setting in of slothfulness. Therefore, the only way to cut back on sloth is to sense and nix procrastination from all spheres of one's activities. Attempts must be made to keep one's mind healthy with more activities, if one finds extra time to spare each day. Research has proven that those who are consistently challenging themselves with mental exercises during and well beyond mid-age slash down the risks of being afflicted with Alzheimer's Disease or dementia.
Quotes:
Translation: Never indulge in sloth.
Rumination: "அனந்தல்" means "sleep" and "ஆடேல்" means "never indulge." So this maxim means that one must never indulge in oversleeping or slothfulness. Our bodies need rest, certainly not slothfulness. It is funny to run into people whose only goal is to secure a sinecure for their career. Once smitten by this bug of sloth, a person's productivity plummets down so rapidly that it will be very difficult to restore it back. There are families, which have been torn apart because of one of the partners indulging in excessive sloth. It is a kind of latent addiction too. Rust formed on iron, if unremoved will ultimately eat into it completely. One has to consistently look in retrospection over one's life to see if sloth has crept into the inner annals. Procrastination is the harbinger of the setting in of slothfulness. Therefore, the only way to cut back on sloth is to sense and nix procrastination from all spheres of one's activities. Attempts must be made to keep one's mind healthy with more activities, if one finds extra time to spare each day. Research has proven that those who are consistently challenging themselves with mental exercises during and well beyond mid-age slash down the risks of being afflicted with Alzheimer's Disease or dementia.
Quotes:
- "You must avoid sloth, that wicked siren." -- Horace, 65-8 B.C., Ancient Greek Poet.
- "Thou seest how sloth wastes the sluggish body, as water is corrupted, until it moves." -- Ovid, 43-17 B.C., Ancient Roman Poet.
Monday, February 14, 2005
Maxim # 30: அறனை மறவேல் -- Never forget virtue.
ஆத்திச்சூடி # 30: அறனை மறவேல் (aRa-nai ma-Ra-vEl)
Translation: Never forget virtue.
Rumination: "அறன்" means "virtue" and "மறவேல்" means "never forget." So it is "never forget virtue." In the very first maxim we were exhorted to "desire to perform virtue." Now it is time to be reminded of not having to forget the virtue earned. In a generic sense, virtue is an exemplification of attaining perfection in almost any sphere by a person. Virtue can be intellectual, moral, religious, human, cultural so on and so forth. To many attainment of virtue is a destination, its growth gets stunted. It is never as a life-long journey. Aphasia then sets in and the person is no more able to even focus on the virtue he wants to attain. Opposite of virtue is the vice. Though it may give temporary respite, it has the power to prevail over virtue. How many of us have seen otherwise good people having been addicted to pornography, lewd and lascivious lust of sexual addiction, alcohol, drugs, gambling etc? Any amount of flame can be extinguished by water, thanks to its innate nature. Similar is vice, capable of always prevailing over virtue. That is the reason, one has to always be mindful of attaining virtues. A person focused on virtues cannot be distracted by vices. Hinduism asserts virtue to be the fundamental constituent of the Law of Dharma. Many other religions do too.
Quotes: "Just as treasures are uncovered from the earth, so virtue appears from good deeds, and wisdom appears from a pure and peaceful mind. To walk safely through the maze of human life, one needs the light of wisdom and the guidance of virtue." -- Lord Buddha, 563 -483 B.C.
Translation: Never forget virtue.
Rumination: "அறன்" means "virtue" and "மறவேல்" means "never forget." So it is "never forget virtue." In the very first maxim we were exhorted to "desire to perform virtue." Now it is time to be reminded of not having to forget the virtue earned. In a generic sense, virtue is an exemplification of attaining perfection in almost any sphere by a person. Virtue can be intellectual, moral, religious, human, cultural so on and so forth. To many attainment of virtue is a destination, its growth gets stunted. It is never as a life-long journey. Aphasia then sets in and the person is no more able to even focus on the virtue he wants to attain. Opposite of virtue is the vice. Though it may give temporary respite, it has the power to prevail over virtue. How many of us have seen otherwise good people having been addicted to pornography, lewd and lascivious lust of sexual addiction, alcohol, drugs, gambling etc? Any amount of flame can be extinguished by water, thanks to its innate nature. Similar is vice, capable of always prevailing over virtue. That is the reason, one has to always be mindful of attaining virtues. A person focused on virtues cannot be distracted by vices. Hinduism asserts virtue to be the fundamental constituent of the Law of Dharma. Many other religions do too.
Quotes: "Just as treasures are uncovered from the earth, so virtue appears from good deeds, and wisdom appears from a pure and peaceful mind. To walk safely through the maze of human life, one needs the light of wisdom and the guidance of virtue." -- Lord Buddha, 563 -483 B.C.
Friday, February 11, 2005
Maxim # 29: இளமையில் கல் -- Learn at a younger age.
ஆத்திச்சூடி # 29: இளமையில் கல் (ila-mai-yil kal)
Translation: Learn at a younger age.
Rumination:This only makes sense, isn't it? "இளமையில்" means "at a younger age" and "கல்" is a double entendre that means "learn" in this context. "கல்" must not be interpreted to its other well-known meaning of "stone." So, better interpret it as "learn at a younger age" to something as ridiculous as "suffer from kidney stones at a younger age." I inquired my friend at work about how his two-year old kid was faring. He was at Cloud Nine to recall how alacritous the toddler is picking up Russian and English alphabets, numerals, etc. He also drew my attention to research studies that suggest that children's brain is distinctly different in composition and activity to that of the elders. Learning at a younger age is indispensable as studies show that the overall personality of a human-being is almost well established by the age of 5. Kids need interaction to learn at such a tender age. In the recent times, parents have cutback their interactions with kids due to invasion of TV into their bed-rooms, where TV performs the function of a baby-sitter to young kids. As the saying goes, "make hay while the sun shines," a kid has to be inculcated with positive attitude towards learning so that apart from co-curricular and extra-curricular activities, the kid can start learning from its own failings, trials, falls, etc. Rather than pandering to rear a mammothrept it would behoove well to rear a self-made person out of that kid.
Quotes: " When I was younger, I could remember anything, whether it had happened or not; but my faculties are decaying now and soon I shall be so I cannot remember any but the things that never happened. It is sad to go to pieces like this but we all have to do it." -- Mark Twain.
Translation: Learn at a younger age.
Rumination:This only makes sense, isn't it? "இளமையில்" means "at a younger age" and "கல்" is a double entendre that means "learn" in this context. "கல்" must not be interpreted to its other well-known meaning of "stone." So, better interpret it as "learn at a younger age" to something as ridiculous as "suffer from kidney stones at a younger age." I inquired my friend at work about how his two-year old kid was faring. He was at Cloud Nine to recall how alacritous the toddler is picking up Russian and English alphabets, numerals, etc. He also drew my attention to research studies that suggest that children's brain is distinctly different in composition and activity to that of the elders. Learning at a younger age is indispensable as studies show that the overall personality of a human-being is almost well established by the age of 5. Kids need interaction to learn at such a tender age. In the recent times, parents have cutback their interactions with kids due to invasion of TV into their bed-rooms, where TV performs the function of a baby-sitter to young kids. As the saying goes, "make hay while the sun shines," a kid has to be inculcated with positive attitude towards learning so that apart from co-curricular and extra-curricular activities, the kid can start learning from its own failings, trials, falls, etc. Rather than pandering to rear a mammothrept it would behoove well to rear a self-made person out of that kid.
Quotes: " When I was younger, I could remember anything, whether it had happened or not; but my faculties are decaying now and soon I shall be so I cannot remember any but the things that never happened. It is sad to go to pieces like this but we all have to do it." -- Mark Twain.
Thursday, February 10, 2005
Maxim # 28: அழகலா தன செயேல் -- Never perform unproductive tasks.
ஆத்திச்சூடி # 28: அழகலா தன செயேல் (azha-gu alAA-dha-na se-yEl)
Translation: Never perform acts that aren't beautiful.
Intended Translation: Never perform unproductive tasks.
Rumination:In this maxim, "அழகு" means "beauty" and "அலாதன" means "that which is not" and "செயேல்" means "never do." Therefore, it literally means, "never perform acts that aren't beautiful." "Beauty" in this maxim is an allegory to imply productivity of a task. Duality of nature, people, incidents etc. always surprise me. Even a flame needs its counterpart in darkness to reveal its own beauty. Only in the midst of the ugly, one gets to appreciate beauty. So, there is no point in exhorting anybody to just do "beautiful acts." Rather, how about, "do not do things that are not beautiful." Recently I came across a friend who had established a very successful career that would have made octogenarians envy. Within 5 years after graduation, this person had ascended the pecking order all the way from that of an entry-level worker to that of a working-partner. Whenever I run into different personalities like these I get into this Socratesian mode to question what is it that impels these persons to be so charged up? A dumb observation would then be, they were lucky. I honestly do not think so, as it only denigrates the success of the person. If it were to be luck, why aren't others lucky? I hear you say, well others weren't lucky enough to be lucky. Sorry, I am an existentialist when it comes to these questions. Auvaiyar's maxim attempts to answer this question. Sagacious people do not trade their energies on useless tasks. They have their priorities right and run towards their finishing lines with the finesse of an athlete. When a person expends his energies on negative tasks, it ultimately comes home to roost. Successful persons, then teach us that they were primarily successful not because they knew how to perform productive tasks, but more so in identifying, deflecting and avoiding the unproductive tasks.
Quotes: "To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive, and the true success is to labor." -- Robert Louis Stevenson, 1850-1894, (Oxford Dictionary of Quotations 6th Ed.)
Translation: Never perform acts that aren't beautiful.
Intended Translation: Never perform unproductive tasks.
Rumination:In this maxim, "அழகு" means "beauty" and "அலாதன" means "that which is not" and "செயேல்" means "never do." Therefore, it literally means, "never perform acts that aren't beautiful." "Beauty" in this maxim is an allegory to imply productivity of a task. Duality of nature, people, incidents etc. always surprise me. Even a flame needs its counterpart in darkness to reveal its own beauty. Only in the midst of the ugly, one gets to appreciate beauty. So, there is no point in exhorting anybody to just do "beautiful acts." Rather, how about, "do not do things that are not beautiful." Recently I came across a friend who had established a very successful career that would have made octogenarians envy. Within 5 years after graduation, this person had ascended the pecking order all the way from that of an entry-level worker to that of a working-partner. Whenever I run into different personalities like these I get into this Socratesian mode to question what is it that impels these persons to be so charged up? A dumb observation would then be, they were lucky. I honestly do not think so, as it only denigrates the success of the person. If it were to be luck, why aren't others lucky? I hear you say, well others weren't lucky enough to be lucky. Sorry, I am an existentialist when it comes to these questions. Auvaiyar's maxim attempts to answer this question. Sagacious people do not trade their energies on useless tasks. They have their priorities right and run towards their finishing lines with the finesse of an athlete. When a person expends his energies on negative tasks, it ultimately comes home to roost. Successful persons, then teach us that they were primarily successful not because they knew how to perform productive tasks, but more so in identifying, deflecting and avoiding the unproductive tasks.
Quotes: "To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive, and the true success is to labor." -- Robert Louis Stevenson, 1850-1894, (Oxford Dictionary of Quotations 6th Ed.)
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
Maxim # 27: வஞ்சகம் பேசேல் -- Refrain from malicious speech.
ஆத்திச்சூடி # 27: வஞ்சகம் பேசேல் (van-jug-am pE-sEl)
Translation: Refrain from malicious speech.
Rumination: In this maxim, "வஞ்சகம்" means "malice" and "பேசேல்" means "never talk." Therefore a person must not indulge in malicious talk. This point has been repeatedly reinforced by our ancestors for ages. Malicious talk may have a few curious onlookers at the outset, but soon sets one's own house in fire. In the darkest abyss of one's spite, hatred, and ignominy the seed of malice germinates. It may start first as an insinuation, then on repetitious utterances gains notoriety as a credible notion and finally finishes the opponent of his rightful share to equality and freedom to reputation. It is interesting though, that a person who starts this game is ultimately caught into this thraldom because one cannot expect grapes from thorn-bushes. Anybody who speaks malice commits an act that is malum in se (evil in itself). Initially the person might feel happy that somebody else's house is under fire, but alas, those fires then engulf his own peace of mind to ultimately ruin his soul. As such Auvaiyar makes a strong case to refrain from malicious talk.
Quotes: "And the tongue is a fire. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue -- a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth comes blessing and cursing. This ought not to be so." -- James 3:6-10, The Holy Bible (RSV).
Translation: Refrain from malicious speech.
Rumination: In this maxim, "வஞ்சகம்" means "malice" and "பேசேல்" means "never talk." Therefore a person must not indulge in malicious talk. This point has been repeatedly reinforced by our ancestors for ages. Malicious talk may have a few curious onlookers at the outset, but soon sets one's own house in fire. In the darkest abyss of one's spite, hatred, and ignominy the seed of malice germinates. It may start first as an insinuation, then on repetitious utterances gains notoriety as a credible notion and finally finishes the opponent of his rightful share to equality and freedom to reputation. It is interesting though, that a person who starts this game is ultimately caught into this thraldom because one cannot expect grapes from thorn-bushes. Anybody who speaks malice commits an act that is malum in se (evil in itself). Initially the person might feel happy that somebody else's house is under fire, but alas, those fires then engulf his own peace of mind to ultimately ruin his soul. As such Auvaiyar makes a strong case to refrain from malicious talk.
Quotes: "And the tongue is a fire. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue -- a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth comes blessing and cursing. This ought not to be so." -- James 3:6-10, The Holy Bible (RSV).
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
Maxim # 26: இலவம் பஞ்சிற்றுயில் -- Sleep in silk-cotton mattresses.
ஆத்திச்சூடி # 26: இலவம் பஞ்சிற்றுயில் (ila-vam pan-jil thu-yil)
Translation: Sleep in silk-cotton mattresses.
Rumination: This maxim has to be split rightly in order to derive sense out of it: "இலவம் பஞ்சில்" means "silk cotton variety" and "துயில்" means "sleep." Auvaiyar is not a marketing person for silk-cotton variety. Rather, her exhortation has to do with the quality of sleep itself. Studies show that very many people suffer from health issues because of sleep related disorders. Modern society has even started to treat sleeping time as unproductive time. Doctors suggest a minimum of 8 hours sleep each day for a human body to function properly. Preparations for competitive examinations, as well as parents' over ambitious nature are all undermining the essence of sleep in kids. The only way to stay invigorated each day and charged up to do the best at our work and studies then is to have a wonderful sleep each night, every night.
Quotes: "My mind is not a bed to be made and re-made." -- James Agate, 1877-1947, British drama critic and novelist. (Oxford Dictionary of Quotations 6th Ed.)
Translation: Sleep in silk-cotton mattresses.
Rumination: This maxim has to be split rightly in order to derive sense out of it: "இலவம் பஞ்சில்" means "silk cotton variety" and "துயில்" means "sleep." Auvaiyar is not a marketing person for silk-cotton variety. Rather, her exhortation has to do with the quality of sleep itself. Studies show that very many people suffer from health issues because of sleep related disorders. Modern society has even started to treat sleeping time as unproductive time. Doctors suggest a minimum of 8 hours sleep each day for a human body to function properly. Preparations for competitive examinations, as well as parents' over ambitious nature are all undermining the essence of sleep in kids. The only way to stay invigorated each day and charged up to do the best at our work and studies then is to have a wonderful sleep each night, every night.
Quotes: "My mind is not a bed to be made and re-made." -- James Agate, 1877-1947, British drama critic and novelist. (Oxford Dictionary of Quotations 6th Ed.)
Monday, February 07, 2005
Maxim # 25: அரவ மாட்டேல் -- Never take risks for machoism.
ஆத்திச்சூடி # 25: அரவ மாட்டேல் (ara-vum AA-tAyl)
Translation: Never take risks for machoism.
Rumination: I just laughed over this, but, was also taken back by the deep Philosophical meaning imbedded behind it. "அரவம்" means "snake," and "ஆட்டேல்" means "never flaunt." Tamil movies are replete with scenes of an effeminate hero handling a serpent by accident, only to turn the whole audience respond with a raucous laughter. Children have a tendency to just handle any object that attracts their attention. Despite being admonished, they evince keen interest in precisely doing what they are told not to. They are inquisitive and such activities boosts their self-esteem, and ultimately aids in their maturity process. However, Auvaiyar doesn't despise any of that. Calculated risks are worth taking, but not all risks are worth taking. Why would somebody flaunt a snake? It is not an act of macho, but moribund. Ipso facto, a snake never harms a human-being unless provoked. A sagacious act of transmogrifying an enemy into a friend is much better than provocation to war. Look no further than the Iraqi crisis for a case in point. We need snake-charmers not snake-flaunters lest we be bitten by those snakes! Auvaiyar's maxim must not be misinterpreted to shun taking risks, rather it has a subtle humor in it to demand prudence in all the risks one takes. Be prudent even as you take risks, can be another novel interpretation of this maxim.
Quotes: "Cautious, careful people, always casting about to preserve their reputation and social standing, never can bring about a reform. Those who are really in earnest must be willing to be anything or nothing in the world's estimation, and publicly and privately, in season and out, avow their sympathy with despised and persecuted ideas and their advocates, and bear the consequences." -- Susan B. Anthony.
Translation: Never take risks for machoism.
Rumination: I just laughed over this, but, was also taken back by the deep Philosophical meaning imbedded behind it. "அரவம்" means "snake," and "ஆட்டேல்" means "never flaunt." Tamil movies are replete with scenes of an effeminate hero handling a serpent by accident, only to turn the whole audience respond with a raucous laughter. Children have a tendency to just handle any object that attracts their attention. Despite being admonished, they evince keen interest in precisely doing what they are told not to. They are inquisitive and such activities boosts their self-esteem, and ultimately aids in their maturity process. However, Auvaiyar doesn't despise any of that. Calculated risks are worth taking, but not all risks are worth taking. Why would somebody flaunt a snake? It is not an act of macho, but moribund. Ipso facto, a snake never harms a human-being unless provoked. A sagacious act of transmogrifying an enemy into a friend is much better than provocation to war. Look no further than the Iraqi crisis for a case in point. We need snake-charmers not snake-flaunters lest we be bitten by those snakes! Auvaiyar's maxim must not be misinterpreted to shun taking risks, rather it has a subtle humor in it to demand prudence in all the risks one takes. Be prudent even as you take risks, can be another novel interpretation of this maxim.
Quotes: "Cautious, careful people, always casting about to preserve their reputation and social standing, never can bring about a reform. Those who are really in earnest must be willing to be anything or nothing in the world's estimation, and publicly and privately, in season and out, avow their sympathy with despised and persecuted ideas and their advocates, and bear the consequences." -- Susan B. Anthony.
Sunday, February 06, 2005
Maxim # 24: இயல்பலா தனசெயேல் -- Never perform deeds that are opposed to Natural Law.
ஆத்திச்சூடி # 24: இயல்பலா தனசெயேல் (iyal-bu alAA-dha-na se-yEl)
Translation: Never perform deeds that are opposed to Natural Law.
Rumination: This maxim reflects the zeitgeist of Auvaiyar's times. My respect for Hinduism is very profound for its celebration of nature. Our ancestors were people who adored and lived in accordance with nature. Naturally Auvaiyar stresses the need for one to not be an iconoclast to keep burying the very foundations of nature. True, all tradition need not be universal truth and every tradition craves for reformation, which always comes in the form of a revolution. Caste is one such evil that prevailed and still prevails for centuries. Even the Christian world, which had treated slavery to be natural for aeons, nixed it out of their annals as an effete, unnatural blemish degrading the dignity of mankind, in the modern times. This maxim has to be split as follows to make sense out of it: "இயல்பு" means "natural," "அலாதன," means "that which is apart," and "செயேல்" means "never do." Therefore, it is literally translated as "never do things that are against nature." Take the example of Leo Tolstoy who considered military might as inherently flawed against Natural Law. Or consider Bapu Mahatma Gandhi, who took to Satyagraha in order to protest the British laws that were inherently flawed and stacked against Natural Law. These are great men who challenged ordinary men and women to question their consciences whenever they had to subscribe to man-made law that was intrinsically opposed to natural law. However, these are days where vulgar activism makes a mockery of the very concept of Satyagraha, non-violence, and non-cooperation. It is against these tendencies that Auvaiyar gives this caution: never do activistic foofaraws just so you get publicity to elevate yourself to a celebrity status. In other words, don't be flamboyantly chimerical. Just be natural. I mean, your own natural self.
Quotes: "It is so far from being natural for a man and woman to live in a state of marriage, that we find all the motives which they have for remaining in that connection, and the restraints which civilized society imposes to prevent separation, are hardly sufficient to keep them together." -- James Boswell, Life of Samuel Johnson (1791), 31 March 1772. (Oxford Dictionary of Quotations 6th Ed.)
Translation: Never perform deeds that are opposed to Natural Law.
Rumination: This maxim reflects the zeitgeist of Auvaiyar's times. My respect for Hinduism is very profound for its celebration of nature. Our ancestors were people who adored and lived in accordance with nature. Naturally Auvaiyar stresses the need for one to not be an iconoclast to keep burying the very foundations of nature. True, all tradition need not be universal truth and every tradition craves for reformation, which always comes in the form of a revolution. Caste is one such evil that prevailed and still prevails for centuries. Even the Christian world, which had treated slavery to be natural for aeons, nixed it out of their annals as an effete, unnatural blemish degrading the dignity of mankind, in the modern times. This maxim has to be split as follows to make sense out of it: "இயல்பு" means "natural," "அலாதன," means "that which is apart," and "செயேல்" means "never do." Therefore, it is literally translated as "never do things that are against nature." Take the example of Leo Tolstoy who considered military might as inherently flawed against Natural Law. Or consider Bapu Mahatma Gandhi, who took to Satyagraha in order to protest the British laws that were inherently flawed and stacked against Natural Law. These are great men who challenged ordinary men and women to question their consciences whenever they had to subscribe to man-made law that was intrinsically opposed to natural law. However, these are days where vulgar activism makes a mockery of the very concept of Satyagraha, non-violence, and non-cooperation. It is against these tendencies that Auvaiyar gives this caution: never do activistic foofaraws just so you get publicity to elevate yourself to a celebrity status. In other words, don't be flamboyantly chimerical. Just be natural. I mean, your own natural self.
Quotes: "It is so far from being natural for a man and woman to live in a state of marriage, that we find all the motives which they have for remaining in that connection, and the restraints which civilized society imposes to prevent separation, are hardly sufficient to keep them together." -- James Boswell, Life of Samuel Johnson (1791), 31 March 1772. (Oxford Dictionary of Quotations 6th Ed.)
Saturday, February 05, 2005
Maxim # 23: மண்பறித் துண்ணேல் -- You shall not covet.
ஆத்திச்சூடி # 23: மண்பறித் துண்ணேல் (mun-pa-Ri-thu un-nEl)
Translation: Never extort others' lands to feed yourself.
Intended Translation: You shall not covet.
Rumination: This maxim echoes the final of Ten Commandments -- You shall not covet. "மண்" means "land," "பறித்து," means "extort," and "உண்ணேல்" means "you shall never eat." Therefore, it is literally translated as "never extort others' lands to feed yourself." One need not be a 'Vasool Raaja' to covet and extort others. Covetousness then is buried deep in our day to day affairs, without us realizing it. The next time you have time to spare, please visit any Family Court to see how married spouses bitterly fight it out. Most of them fight not to save, but to lose (This statement is deep in its Philosophical connotation that I leave it to your interpretation.) They try to outsmart each other by literally ripping off the other party under the garb of equitable rights. The state enshrines Family Laws to make sure that a divorce does not incapacitate either of the spouse by enacting them. However high-earning spouses are merely treated as ATM machines to milch whatever one can under the guise of equitable rights and thus marriage and divorce have become leading industries that breed greed. Whether marriage is one about hearts, minds, or souls, it is very pertinent to note that divorces are all about avarice, greed, and inconsolable obsession about money! One can extend this simple illustration to many abuses perpetrated under the garb of equitable justice. Under the garb of global competition, we even justify the outrage of extortion being perpetrated under covert means. Countries extort poor nations under unfair global policies; companies extort clients and customers under unfair trade practices; people extort others through henchmen, lawyers, and hitmen. Covetousness is mean; call it under whatever sacrosanct right that prompts your justification. It inherently shows the moral poverty existing within a person. And guess what? No amount of the coveted substance can offer a sense of contentment to the covetous person. There lies the person's curse for all eternity. Auvaiyar's maxim clearly exhorts today's children to be instilled of the value of being contented and resigned to self, without transgressing into other person's possessions.
Quotes: "Thou shall not covet, but tradition approves all forms of competition." -- Arthur Hugh Cloud, 1819-1861, English Poet. (Oxford Dictionary of Quotations 6th Ed.)
Translation: Never extort others' lands to feed yourself.
Intended Translation: You shall not covet.
Rumination: This maxim echoes the final of Ten Commandments -- You shall not covet. "மண்" means "land," "பறித்து," means "extort," and "உண்ணேல்" means "you shall never eat." Therefore, it is literally translated as "never extort others' lands to feed yourself." One need not be a 'Vasool Raaja' to covet and extort others. Covetousness then is buried deep in our day to day affairs, without us realizing it. The next time you have time to spare, please visit any Family Court to see how married spouses bitterly fight it out. Most of them fight not to save, but to lose (This statement is deep in its Philosophical connotation that I leave it to your interpretation.) They try to outsmart each other by literally ripping off the other party under the garb of equitable rights. The state enshrines Family Laws to make sure that a divorce does not incapacitate either of the spouse by enacting them. However high-earning spouses are merely treated as ATM machines to milch whatever one can under the guise of equitable rights and thus marriage and divorce have become leading industries that breed greed. Whether marriage is one about hearts, minds, or souls, it is very pertinent to note that divorces are all about avarice, greed, and inconsolable obsession about money! One can extend this simple illustration to many abuses perpetrated under the garb of equitable justice. Under the garb of global competition, we even justify the outrage of extortion being perpetrated under covert means. Countries extort poor nations under unfair global policies; companies extort clients and customers under unfair trade practices; people extort others through henchmen, lawyers, and hitmen. Covetousness is mean; call it under whatever sacrosanct right that prompts your justification. It inherently shows the moral poverty existing within a person. And guess what? No amount of the coveted substance can offer a sense of contentment to the covetous person. There lies the person's curse for all eternity. Auvaiyar's maxim clearly exhorts today's children to be instilled of the value of being contented and resigned to self, without transgressing into other person's possessions.
Quotes: "Thou shall not covet, but tradition approves all forms of competition." -- Arthur Hugh Cloud, 1819-1861, English Poet. (Oxford Dictionary of Quotations 6th Ed.)
Friday, February 04, 2005
Maxim # 22: பருவத்தே பயிர்செய் -- Make hay while the sun shines.
ஆத்திச்சூடி # 22: பருவத்தே பயிர்செய் (pa-ru-va-thE pa-yir sey)
Translation: Plant the seedlings at the right season.
Intended Translation: Make hay while sun shines.
Rumination: This maxim reminds me of the sagic advice given by my friend, guru, and philosopher, Dr. Lt. A. I. Edinbarough at PSG Tech, who used to very often tell us, "Imagine an object caught in the midst of an eddy. Even though it is incapable of ascending up the air on its own, the very fact that it is in the midst of an eddy lends itself to transcend to greater heights. In life, we all need to seize the opportunity of landing ourselves right into the epicenter of such eddies. Success, then lies in doing things at the appropriate time, than in capable of doing things at anytime." I don't even know if my guru still recollects this, but yet I do. Anyways, the crux of the maxim lies in identifying opportunities and doing things at the right moment without procrastination. "பருவத்தே" means "at the right season," and "பயிர்" means "crop," and "செய்" means "sow." Therefore, the maxim exhorts one to "sow the appropriate crop at the appropriate season." In English we have proverbs such as "make hay while the sun shines," "strike the rod when it is hot," and "a stitch in time saves nine." I love the Latin Maxim, which is commonly used in everyday English: carpe diem -- seize the day. One has to literally seize the day in order to stay focused in his career and personal chores, which is not an ordinary thing in this highly competitive world. It is refreshing to see Auvaiyar using an allegory that is only too familiar to the Tamils of yesteryears, whose main occupation was farming. In fact, the recent spate of suicides in Andhra Pradesh was partly related to the agrarian crisis of poor planning on the part of the farmers who sowed the costly crops at a time when the international market for those harvested crops were plummeting down. In any case, we need to be prudent in identifying the right moment as well as be alacritous in utilizing the same to the fullest extent for our betterment.
Quotes: "Carpe diem." (Seize the day!)
Translation: Plant the seedlings at the right season.
Intended Translation: Make hay while sun shines.
Rumination: This maxim reminds me of the sagic advice given by my friend, guru, and philosopher, Dr. Lt. A. I. Edinbarough at PSG Tech, who used to very often tell us, "Imagine an object caught in the midst of an eddy. Even though it is incapable of ascending up the air on its own, the very fact that it is in the midst of an eddy lends itself to transcend to greater heights. In life, we all need to seize the opportunity of landing ourselves right into the epicenter of such eddies. Success, then lies in doing things at the appropriate time, than in capable of doing things at anytime." I don't even know if my guru still recollects this, but yet I do. Anyways, the crux of the maxim lies in identifying opportunities and doing things at the right moment without procrastination. "பருவத்தே" means "at the right season," and "பயிர்" means "crop," and "செய்" means "sow." Therefore, the maxim exhorts one to "sow the appropriate crop at the appropriate season." In English we have proverbs such as "make hay while the sun shines," "strike the rod when it is hot," and "a stitch in time saves nine." I love the Latin Maxim, which is commonly used in everyday English: carpe diem -- seize the day. One has to literally seize the day in order to stay focused in his career and personal chores, which is not an ordinary thing in this highly competitive world. It is refreshing to see Auvaiyar using an allegory that is only too familiar to the Tamils of yesteryears, whose main occupation was farming. In fact, the recent spate of suicides in Andhra Pradesh was partly related to the agrarian crisis of poor planning on the part of the farmers who sowed the costly crops at a time when the international market for those harvested crops were plummeting down. In any case, we need to be prudent in identifying the right moment as well as be alacritous in utilizing the same to the fullest extent for our betterment.
Quotes: "Carpe diem." (Seize the day!)
Thursday, February 03, 2005
Maxim # 21: நன்றி மறவேல் -- Always be grateful.
ஆத்திச்சூடி # 21: நன்றி மறவேல் (nun-Ri ma-Ra-vAyl)
Translation: Never forget to be grateful.
Intended Translation: Always be grateful.
Rumination: This is pretty easy to understand as well. "நன்றி" means "gratitude," and "மறவேல்" means "never forget." It is good to forget certain things in life, but certainly not the acts of unconditional love, kindness, and benevolence extended to us. Being grateful of those favors extended is primarily for our good than to those to whom it was extended. If one turns ungrateful, that person is soon engulfed with hubris thereby denying all rightful contributions to his or her own personal growth. A sense of holistic belonging to a society with social responsibility towards others is completely forgotten. If we are grateful to the favors we have received, we will be impelled on our own to help others. That is why one must never forget to be grateful to all the blessings received. It is in this sense of reaching out to others that Auvaiyar lays stress on not forgetting our own gratefulness to others from whom we might have received numerous blessings for aeons.
Quotes: "One single grateful thought raised to heaven is the most perfect prayer." -- G.E Lessing, 1729-1781, German dramatist and critic. (Oxford Dictionary of Quotations 6th Ed.)
Translation: Never forget to be grateful.
Intended Translation: Always be grateful.
Rumination: This is pretty easy to understand as well. "நன்றி" means "gratitude," and "மறவேல்" means "never forget." It is good to forget certain things in life, but certainly not the acts of unconditional love, kindness, and benevolence extended to us. Being grateful of those favors extended is primarily for our good than to those to whom it was extended. If one turns ungrateful, that person is soon engulfed with hubris thereby denying all rightful contributions to his or her own personal growth. A sense of holistic belonging to a society with social responsibility towards others is completely forgotten. If we are grateful to the favors we have received, we will be impelled on our own to help others. That is why one must never forget to be grateful to all the blessings received. It is in this sense of reaching out to others that Auvaiyar lays stress on not forgetting our own gratefulness to others from whom we might have received numerous blessings for aeons.
Quotes: "One single grateful thought raised to heaven is the most perfect prayer." -- G.E Lessing, 1729-1781, German dramatist and critic. (Oxford Dictionary of Quotations 6th Ed.)
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
Maxim # 20: தந்தை தாய்ப் பேண் -- Safeguard your Father and Mother.
ஆத்திச்சூடி # 20: தந்தை தாய்ப் பேண் (thun-thai thAAi pAyn)
Translation: Safeguard your Father and Mother.
Rumination: This one is pretty self explanatory. "தந்தை" refers to Dad, "தாய்" to Mom, and "பேண்" to "protect" or "safeguard." The Book of Tora common to three major faiths of Islam, Judaism, and Christianity has its fifth commandment as, "Thou shalt honor thy father and mother." Indian culture celebrates the ladder of perfection as a route that starts with one's mother, father, teacher and finally to the Eternal One who encompasses all the rest. However, the journey starts with one's mother and father. It amazes me that Auvaiyar is not exhorting subservience in a child to its parents. Rather, she shoulders a responsibility on the kid to "safeguard" or "protect" its parents. It is obvious that she is talking in clairvoyant terms with lots of hope in the young kids. These days, the value, honor, and respect to human life is being undermined in every way. Geriatric parents are considered to be an abominal excess awaiting good riddance. Career and personal ambitions allow no wiggling room to even consider the welfare of one's parents in any decision-making. I have noticed with pain as to how the geriatrics are lampooned, cursed, abused and even physically assaulted in India. Sudden spurt in hospices and homes for the aged are a fitting denouement to the crass indifference of modern day youths. Many tend to compare old-aged parents to that of kids. Sure, the former signifies the crepuscular twilight of the dusk and the latter the refreshing rays of dawn in the wonderful horizon of humanity. He who loves his kids, yet not his parents, seems to deceive himself. Because every morning ends with an evening. As my favorite lines of John Donne goes, "Never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee."
Quotes:
Translation: Safeguard your Father and Mother.
Rumination: This one is pretty self explanatory. "தந்தை" refers to Dad, "தாய்" to Mom, and "பேண்" to "protect" or "safeguard." The Book of Tora common to three major faiths of Islam, Judaism, and Christianity has its fifth commandment as, "Thou shalt honor thy father and mother." Indian culture celebrates the ladder of perfection as a route that starts with one's mother, father, teacher and finally to the Eternal One who encompasses all the rest. However, the journey starts with one's mother and father. It amazes me that Auvaiyar is not exhorting subservience in a child to its parents. Rather, she shoulders a responsibility on the kid to "safeguard" or "protect" its parents. It is obvious that she is talking in clairvoyant terms with lots of hope in the young kids. These days, the value, honor, and respect to human life is being undermined in every way. Geriatric parents are considered to be an abominal excess awaiting good riddance. Career and personal ambitions allow no wiggling room to even consider the welfare of one's parents in any decision-making. I have noticed with pain as to how the geriatrics are lampooned, cursed, abused and even physically assaulted in India. Sudden spurt in hospices and homes for the aged are a fitting denouement to the crass indifference of modern day youths. Many tend to compare old-aged parents to that of kids. Sure, the former signifies the crepuscular twilight of the dusk and the latter the refreshing rays of dawn in the wonderful horizon of humanity. He who loves his kids, yet not his parents, seems to deceive himself. Because every morning ends with an evening. As my favorite lines of John Donne goes, "Never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee."
Quotes:
- "I once picked up a woman from a garbage dump and she was burning with fever; she was in her last days and her only lament was: ‘My son did this to me.’ I begged her: You must forgive your son. In a moment of madness, when he was not himself, he did a thing he regrets. Be a mother to him, forgive him. It took me a long time to make her say: ‘I forgive my son.’ Just before she died in my arms, she was able to say that with a real forgiveness. She was not concerned that she was dying. The breaking of the heart was that her son did not want her. This is something you and I can understand."-- Blessed Mother Teresa.
- "It is easy to love the people far away. It is not always easy to love those close to us. It is easier to give a cup of rice to relieve hunger than to relieve the loneliness and pain of someone unloved in our own home. Bring love into your home for this is where our love for each other must start. " -- Blessed Mother Teresa.
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
Maxim # 19: இணக்கமறிந் திணங்கு -- Probe the congeniality before befriending a person.
ஆத்திச்சூடி # 19: இணக்கமறிந் திணங்கு (e-nak-kam aRi-ndhu e-nan-gu)
Translation: Probe the congeniality before befriending a person.
Rumination: The maxim must be read by splitting the words as follows: "இணக்கம் அறிந்து இணங்கு." The terms "இணக்கம் " means "congeniality," "அறிந்து" means "after probing," and "இணங்கு" means "befriend." Therefore one has to befriend a person only after that person's congeniliaty is well probed. My greatest asset lays in the camaraderie I enjoy with my friends. Each friend of mine is a crowning jewel in the diadem of my success. In contemporary language we talk about "matching of wavelengths." That is precisely what Auvaiyar lays down as a criterion to not just friendship, but to any relationship. In retrospect, I know where I had overlooked the wisdom behind this maxim when entering into what should have been a life long relationship as enshrined by our faith and culture of our times. Almost every society -- be it the West or the East -- is rampant with divorces, judicial separations, and annulments primarily because of the absence of congeniality and bonhomie in the persons entering into a relationship. Probing such a quality in each other is quintessential before consummating a relationship. In fact Thiruvalluvar wonderfully puts it in his Kural 510 -- "தேரான் தெளிவும் தெளிந்தான்கண் ஐயுறவும் தீரா இடும்பை தரும்," i.e., "Gaining a person without probing as well as suspecting a person after gaining always result in endless misery." Notice the stress given to "probing" on all these counts, before electing to have the person in a relationship. The secret to success of any relationship involving two people is pretty simple: just be as best friends to each other. And that can happen only when the probity, congeniality, and bonhomie of the other person is thoroughly probed before accepting into one's life.
Quotes: When you gain a friend, gain him through testing, and do not trust him hastily. A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter. He that has found one has found a treasure. There is nothing so precious as a faithful friend, and no scales can measure his excellence. A faithful friend is an elixir of life. -- Holy Bible, Ecclesiasticus 6:7,14-16 (RSV)
Translation: Probe the congeniality before befriending a person.
Rumination: The maxim must be read by splitting the words as follows: "இணக்கம் அறிந்து இணங்கு." The terms "இணக்கம் " means "congeniality," "அறிந்து" means "after probing," and "இணங்கு" means "befriend." Therefore one has to befriend a person only after that person's congeniliaty is well probed. My greatest asset lays in the camaraderie I enjoy with my friends. Each friend of mine is a crowning jewel in the diadem of my success. In contemporary language we talk about "matching of wavelengths." That is precisely what Auvaiyar lays down as a criterion to not just friendship, but to any relationship. In retrospect, I know where I had overlooked the wisdom behind this maxim when entering into what should have been a life long relationship as enshrined by our faith and culture of our times. Almost every society -- be it the West or the East -- is rampant with divorces, judicial separations, and annulments primarily because of the absence of congeniality and bonhomie in the persons entering into a relationship. Probing such a quality in each other is quintessential before consummating a relationship. In fact Thiruvalluvar wonderfully puts it in his Kural 510 -- "தேரான் தெளிவும் தெளிந்தான்கண் ஐயுறவும் தீரா இடும்பை தரும்," i.e., "Gaining a person without probing as well as suspecting a person after gaining always result in endless misery." Notice the stress given to "probing" on all these counts, before electing to have the person in a relationship. The secret to success of any relationship involving two people is pretty simple: just be as best friends to each other. And that can happen only when the probity, congeniality, and bonhomie of the other person is thoroughly probed before accepting into one's life.
Quotes: When you gain a friend, gain him through testing, and do not trust him hastily. A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter. He that has found one has found a treasure. There is nothing so precious as a faithful friend, and no scales can measure his excellence. A faithful friend is an elixir of life. -- Holy Bible, Ecclesiasticus 6:7,14-16 (RSV)
Monday, January 31, 2005
Maxim # 18: இடம்பட வீடெடேல் -- Build a house without encroachment.
ஆத்திச்சூடி # 18: இடம்பட வீடெடேல் (e-dum-pa-duh vEE-de-dAyl)
Translation: Build a house without encroachment.
Rumination: The term "இடம்பட" means "without encroaching on extra space" and "வீடெடேல்" means "never erect a house." Therefore this maxim lays down moderation as a fundamental criterion while erecting houses. At least in India, I have observed the tendency to use every available inch of space that inevitably enroaches upon a neighbor's property. Many disputes have risen thereof, often resulting in vigilante justice or as law suits in the already overburdened courts. Building a house with less floor-space to provide additional room for gardening is not an attractive proposition anymore. Population explosion has made it almost impossible to afford independent housing in India. However, states like Kerala offer hope. Although the population density is pretty high, Keralites tend to appreciate nature and have an innate predilection to grow trees within their compounds. They do not use every inch of floor space to erect their houses. Apart from exhorting moderation, this maxim also implies the indirect physical and mental health benefits arising out of building a simple house without encroaching every available inch of space.
Quotes: For a man's house is his castle, and each man's home is his safest refuge -- Edward Coke.
Translation: Build a house without encroachment.
Rumination: The term "இடம்பட" means "without encroaching on extra space" and "வீடெடேல்" means "never erect a house." Therefore this maxim lays down moderation as a fundamental criterion while erecting houses. At least in India, I have observed the tendency to use every available inch of space that inevitably enroaches upon a neighbor's property. Many disputes have risen thereof, often resulting in vigilante justice or as law suits in the already overburdened courts. Building a house with less floor-space to provide additional room for gardening is not an attractive proposition anymore. Population explosion has made it almost impossible to afford independent housing in India. However, states like Kerala offer hope. Although the population density is pretty high, Keralites tend to appreciate nature and have an innate predilection to grow trees within their compounds. They do not use every inch of floor space to erect their houses. Apart from exhorting moderation, this maxim also implies the indirect physical and mental health benefits arising out of building a simple house without encroaching every available inch of space.
Quotes: For a man's house is his castle, and each man's home is his safest refuge -- Edward Coke.
Sunday, January 30, 2005
Maxim # 17: ஞயம்பட உரை -- Speak words that beget happiness
ஆத்திச்சூடி # 17: ஞயம்பட உரை (gna-yam-pa-da ur-ai)
Translation: Speak words that beget happiness.
Rumination: The term "ஞயம்பட" means "begetting happiness" and "உரை" means "speak." According to Auvaiyar, the ultimate objective of any speech must lie in bringing happiness to those who hear it. In fact, Tiruvalluvar's Kural 100, quoted in my blog accurately captures the concept. There are both good and bad things to talk about. Any time one is overly obsessed with either one of those, his speech becomes not only predictable and monotonous, but also tepid and cloying. And when the subject matter is overly concerned about the negative things, it becomes distressing and tortuous. Therefore cherry-picking a topic for conversation is in itself an art. Moreover, one doesn't need the company of doom's-day sayers. We all need people around us with whom we can have conversations and then feel as though those were the best moments of our lifetime. In other words, the pursuit of any speech or conversation must ultimately lie in begetting happiness in the other person. Even friendly admonishments may acquire a new sense of meaning, if this objective is kept in the radar-scope of any conversation.
Quotes: Think twice before you speak, because your words and influence will plant the seed of either success or failure in the mind of another. -- Napoleon Hill.
Translation: Speak words that beget happiness.
Rumination: The term "ஞயம்பட" means "begetting happiness" and "உரை" means "speak." According to Auvaiyar, the ultimate objective of any speech must lie in bringing happiness to those who hear it. In fact, Tiruvalluvar's Kural 100, quoted in my blog accurately captures the concept. There are both good and bad things to talk about. Any time one is overly obsessed with either one of those, his speech becomes not only predictable and monotonous, but also tepid and cloying. And when the subject matter is overly concerned about the negative things, it becomes distressing and tortuous. Therefore cherry-picking a topic for conversation is in itself an art. Moreover, one doesn't need the company of doom's-day sayers. We all need people around us with whom we can have conversations and then feel as though those were the best moments of our lifetime. In other words, the pursuit of any speech or conversation must ultimately lie in begetting happiness in the other person. Even friendly admonishments may acquire a new sense of meaning, if this objective is kept in the radar-scope of any conversation.
Quotes: Think twice before you speak, because your words and influence will plant the seed of either success or failure in the mind of another. -- Napoleon Hill.
Saturday, January 29, 2005
Maxim # 16: சனி நீராடு -- Take a special shower on Saturdays.
ஆத்திச்சூடி # 16: சனி நீராடு (sa-ni nEE-rAA-du)
Translation: Take a special shower on Saturdays.
Rumination: The term "சனி" means "Saturday" and "நீராடு" means "take bath." Literally, this maxim underscores the importance of taking special bath on Saturdays. For many, special bath may mean an oil-bath or a head-bath. Auvaiyar's penchant for cleanliness is amply evident in this maxim. A good shower not only relieves stress but can also provide ample opportunities for ruminating new ideas. Quality time at the showers is a luxury during weekdays. Hence the maxim's reference to Saturdays. And celebrate the coincidence of today being a Saturday as well.
Quotes: It is the height of luxury to sit in a hot bath and read about little birds. -- Lord Alfred Tennyson.
Translation: Take a special shower on Saturdays.
Rumination: The term "சனி" means "Saturday" and "நீராடு" means "take bath." Literally, this maxim underscores the importance of taking special bath on Saturdays. For many, special bath may mean an oil-bath or a head-bath. Auvaiyar's penchant for cleanliness is amply evident in this maxim. A good shower not only relieves stress but can also provide ample opportunities for ruminating new ideas. Quality time at the showers is a luxury during weekdays. Hence the maxim's reference to Saturdays. And celebrate the coincidence of today being a Saturday as well.
Quotes: It is the height of luxury to sit in a hot bath and read about little birds. -- Lord Alfred Tennyson.
Friday, January 28, 2005
Maxim # 15: ஙப்போல் வளை -- Be a gregarious person.
ஆத்திச்சூடி # 15: ஙப்போல் வளை (nGa-pOl va-lai)
Translation: Be amenable as the alphabet 'ங'.
Intended Translation: Be a gregarious person.
Rumination: The term "ஙப்போல்" refers to "like the alphabet ங" and "வளை" to "amenability." Literally, this maxim asserts what John Donne wrote in his wonderful poem, "No man is an island." In the previous maxim, Auvaiyar exhorted one to not twist facts, whereas in this one she exhorts one to twist one's very self. She wants people to be amenable with one another. By "twisting" she alludes to the innate deficiencies of a human mind that needs to be uprooted. Ego is one such malaise. A person with ego cannot befriend others easily and cannot enjoy their camaraderie. This maxim must not be overstretched to religious brothers and sisters who detach themselves of all earthly chores and settle down for an eremitical lifestyle to seek God and Supreme Knowledge. However it must be applied for the hoi polloi who are tossed in between the frenzy of privacy and the stresses of everyday life that have almost made building rock-solid friendship a thing of the past. Understanding this maxim to lead an active lifestyle of bonhomie will help nourish friendship. In Tamil, the alphabet ''ங" never gets the primacy. No word starts with this alphabet, save this maxim as it is used in an ironic sense. However, its raison détre is to vivify the other alphabets. It is only seen in the company of others. Similarly, one must be gregarious to discover his own self in others.
Quotes:
Translation: Be amenable as the alphabet 'ங'.
Intended Translation: Be a gregarious person.
Rumination: The term "ஙப்போல்" refers to "like the alphabet ங" and "வளை" to "amenability." Literally, this maxim asserts what John Donne wrote in his wonderful poem, "No man is an island." In the previous maxim, Auvaiyar exhorted one to not twist facts, whereas in this one she exhorts one to twist one's very self. She wants people to be amenable with one another. By "twisting" she alludes to the innate deficiencies of a human mind that needs to be uprooted. Ego is one such malaise. A person with ego cannot befriend others easily and cannot enjoy their camaraderie. This maxim must not be overstretched to religious brothers and sisters who detach themselves of all earthly chores and settle down for an eremitical lifestyle to seek God and Supreme Knowledge. However it must be applied for the hoi polloi who are tossed in between the frenzy of privacy and the stresses of everyday life that have almost made building rock-solid friendship a thing of the past. Understanding this maxim to lead an active lifestyle of bonhomie will help nourish friendship. In Tamil, the alphabet ''ங" never gets the primacy. No word starts with this alphabet, save this maxim as it is used in an ironic sense. However, its raison détre is to vivify the other alphabets. It is only seen in the company of others. Similarly, one must be gregarious to discover his own self in others.
Quotes:
- The worst solitude is to be destitute of sincere friendship -- Francis Bacon.
- Two are better than one. If one falls, the other will lift up his companion. Woe to the solitary man! For if he should fall, he has no one to lift him up. So also, if two sleep together, they keep each other warm. How can one alone keep warm? -- Holy Bible (RSV), Ecclesiastes 4: 9-11
Thursday, January 27, 2005
Maxim # 14: கண்டொன்று சொல்லேல் -- Never twist facts.
ஆத்திச்சூடி # 14: கண்டொன்று சொல்லேல் (kuhn-du-on-Ru sol-lEl)
Translation: Never twist facts.
Intended Translation: Never indulge in calumniation.
Rumination: The term "கண்டொன்று" has to be split into two as "கண்டு" and "ஒன்று," meaning things that "you see" and that "contrary to what you see" respectively. "சொல்லேல்" refers to "never speak." Literally, this maxim exhorts one to refrain from committing calumniation and detraction. Hypothetically there must not be any difficulty in speaking exactly what one has seen. Yet, the malice, bias, and self-deception inherent in any human mind decorates, exaggerates, and caparisons factoids as facts. These are days when nations "sex-up" their Intel reports to rush to war. Individuals too often cross the line of Rubicon from simple gossip to systematic character-assassination. It is all possible because of an inherent capability of human mind to be contended with itself about diametrically opposite notions at any given time. And only my favorite George Orwell can talk about it in such a way that it will forever get etched in your minds. And so, do not forget to read George Orwell's In Front of Your Nose.
Quotes: The point is that we are all capable of believing things which we know to be untrue, and then, when we are finally proved wrong, impudently twisting the facts so as to show that we were right. -- George Orwell, 1946.
Translation: Never twist facts.
Intended Translation: Never indulge in calumniation.
Rumination: The term "கண்டொன்று" has to be split into two as "கண்டு" and "ஒன்று," meaning things that "you see" and that "contrary to what you see" respectively. "சொல்லேல்" refers to "never speak." Literally, this maxim exhorts one to refrain from committing calumniation and detraction. Hypothetically there must not be any difficulty in speaking exactly what one has seen. Yet, the malice, bias, and self-deception inherent in any human mind decorates, exaggerates, and caparisons factoids as facts. These are days when nations "sex-up" their Intel reports to rush to war. Individuals too often cross the line of Rubicon from simple gossip to systematic character-assassination. It is all possible because of an inherent capability of human mind to be contended with itself about diametrically opposite notions at any given time. And only my favorite George Orwell can talk about it in such a way that it will forever get etched in your minds. And so, do not forget to read George Orwell's In Front of Your Nose.
Quotes: The point is that we are all capable of believing things which we know to be untrue, and then, when we are finally proved wrong, impudently twisting the facts so as to show that we were right. -- George Orwell, 1946.
Wednesday, January 26, 2005
Maxim # 13: அஃகஞ் சுருக்கேல் -- Never skimp on grains to shortchange others.
ஆத்திச்சூடி # 13: அஃகஞ் சுருக்கேல் (ak-kam su-ru-kEl)
Translation: Never skimp on grains to shortchange others.
Intended Translation: Honesty is the best policy.
Rumination:The term "அஃகஞ்" refers to "grains" and "சுருக்கேல்" to "refrain from shortchanging." Literally, this maxim exhorts to avoid skimping on grains to shortchange others. In those days, local economy was sustained with practices that included bartering. One need not be a grocer to trade grains. Hence bartering of grains was ubiquitous. Greedy people shortchanged the buyer by reducing the amount of grains exchanged or sold for a return. In other words, Auvaiyar stresses the importance of being honest in all our affairs and transactions. This maxim can also be applied to modern times where most jobs are sedentary. At the comfort of a high-speed T1 connection, workers can wile away their precious time at work to cyber-loafing. Studies do suggest that there is an increased tendency in workers to malinger in order to run personal errands. These activites result in shortchanging one's employers, customers, and clients. It is very important to apply age-old maxims like this for contemporary contexts because it is the spirit behind the maxim that counts; not literal words.
Quotes: Your honesty is not to be based either on religion or policy. Both your religion and policy must be based on it -- John Ruskin 1819-1900 (Oxford Dictionary of Quotations 6th Ed.)
Note: This concludes the first 13 alphabets of Tamil, i.e., from அ to அஃ. They are known as உயிர் எழுத்துக்கள் (Lifeline alphabets).
Translation: Never skimp on grains to shortchange others.
Intended Translation: Honesty is the best policy.
Rumination:The term "அஃகஞ்" refers to "grains" and "சுருக்கேல்" to "refrain from shortchanging." Literally, this maxim exhorts to avoid skimping on grains to shortchange others. In those days, local economy was sustained with practices that included bartering. One need not be a grocer to trade grains. Hence bartering of grains was ubiquitous. Greedy people shortchanged the buyer by reducing the amount of grains exchanged or sold for a return. In other words, Auvaiyar stresses the importance of being honest in all our affairs and transactions. This maxim can also be applied to modern times where most jobs are sedentary. At the comfort of a high-speed T1 connection, workers can wile away their precious time at work to cyber-loafing. Studies do suggest that there is an increased tendency in workers to malinger in order to run personal errands. These activites result in shortchanging one's employers, customers, and clients. It is very important to apply age-old maxims like this for contemporary contexts because it is the spirit behind the maxim that counts; not literal words.
Quotes: Your honesty is not to be based either on religion or policy. Both your religion and policy must be based on it -- John Ruskin 1819-1900 (Oxford Dictionary of Quotations 6th Ed.)
Note: This concludes the first 13 alphabets of Tamil, i.e., from அ to அஃ. They are known as உயிர் எழுத்துக்கள் (Lifeline alphabets).
Tuesday, January 25, 2005
Maxim # 12: ஒளவியம் பேசேல் - Refrain from words of jealousy.
ஆத்திச்சூடி # 12: ஒளவியம் பேசேல் (auv-vi-yum pE-sale)
Translation: Refrain from words of jealousy.
Rumination: The term "ஒளவியம்" refers to "words of jealousy" and "பேசேல்" to "refrain from speaking." So, this maxim exhorts one to refrain from speaking words of jealousy. It arises out of a perverted sense of love over things that pertain to self or outside one's self. Any circumstance that may undermine one's own position sets off a rage of jealousy. The ultimate love for one's own longings now gets perverted and makes one look impoverished in front of others ascent towards glory. Words of spite, anger, and jealousy flow out, rather than plaudits. More than the person who becomes the target of one's jealousy, it often ruins the peace of the very person engulfed by it. One can relate to jealousy at workplace merely because some poor soul feels that it could not withstand the pressures of corporate rat-race. Apart from examining ways to reinvigorate one's own career, jealousy sets off to workplace politiking. Refraining from uttering words of jealousy helps a person to maintain serenity.
Quotes: Though jealousy be produced by love, as ashes are by fire, yet jealousy extinguishes love as ashes smother the flame. -- Marguerite of Angouleme. (Oxford Dictionary of Quotations 6th Ed.)
Monday, January 24, 2005
Maxim # 11: ஓதுவ தொழியேல் -- Never cease to learn.
ஆத்திச்சூடி # 11: ஓதுவ தொழியேல்(O-dhu-va-thu O-zhi-yAle)
Translation: Never cease to learn.
Rumination: The term "ஓதுவது" refers to "learning" and "ஒழியேல்" to "never cease." So, this maxim exhorts one to keep learning always. Many scholars have translated "ஓதுவது" as reading. However, I interpret that word to connote learning in general of which reading is only a part. President Abraham Lincoln once said, "I don't think much of a man who is not wiser today than he was yesterday." By this, even he exhorted the fact that learning must be continuous, not even continual. Learning is not confined to reading and listening alone. The very tragedies, travails, and experiences one undergoes in life, have profound educational value. Every person, thing, language, culture or place we run into is our guru that teaches us something that we never knew before. Socrates' exhortation of "an unexamined life is not worth living," enables us to appreciate the power of learning by asking questions. Many think that they are simpletons, if they were to ask questions. Rather, Socratesian wisdom has proven to us the value of learning by asking questions. If we want to learn, the whole world is there as our laboratory for exploration and experimentation. All we need is that encouragement and inquisitiveness of a toddler.
Quotes:
- Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. -- Henry Ford.
- Where there is much desire to learn, there of necessity will be much arguing, much writing, and many opinions. For opinion in good men is but knowledge in the making. -- John Milton.
Sunday, January 23, 2005
Maxim # 10: ஒப்புரவு ஒழுகு - Be a cosmopolite.
ஆத்திச்சூடி # 10: ஒப்புரவு ஒழுகு (op-pur-avu ozhu-gu)
Translation: Be a cosmopolite.
Intended Translation: When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
Rumination: The term "ஒப்புரவு" refers to "worldly practices du jour" and "ஒழுகு" to "follow." So, this maxim exhorts one to adapt and acclimate to the worldly practices that are prevalent in one's own locale for the maintenance of social order. The English idiom of, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do," succinctly captures this idea. We are 'programmed' human-beings. We tend to see things in our own ways. When placed in a new situation, culture, or a country, a few of us get antsy by being judgmental and carping about it saying that our status quo ante seemed to be much better. Apart from causing physical and mental anguish, such an embitterment also robs the opportunity to learn and benefit from the new situation, culture, or whatever it may be. Auvaiyar stresses the need for raising up a child as a cosmopolite -- one who is at home in every place. In Socrates' words, "a citizen of the world," to be precise.
Quotes:
- "I am neither an Athenian nor a Greek; I am a citizen of the world." -- Socrates, circa 469 B.C - 399 B.C.
- "I am a Hindu, a Muslim, a Christian and a Jew; for, either I am all of these or I am none of these". -- Mahatma Gandhi.
Saturday, January 22, 2005
Maxim # 9: ஐயமிட்டு உண் -- Feed the hungry before enjoying your meal.
ஆத்திச்சூடி # 9: ஐயமிட்டு உண் (i-yum-mi-tu un)
Translation: Feed the hungry before enjoying your meal.
Intended Translation: Charity to others is paramount.
Rumination: The term "ஐயமிட்டு" refers to "after alms-giving" and "உண்" to "you shall eat." The sequence of actions is pretty interesting. First comes feeding others, then comes feeding the self. Many of us would have witnessed the giving away of rotten and stale foods to wayside beggars. It will be better for us to throw such foods to the bin than to abuse the human dignity in the other person by granting it as alms. We must not give to others what we ourselves cannot eat and none of us can eat fungi, bacteria infested, rotten and stale foods. That brings us to the crux of this maxim. If we want to feed others, let us do it first, before we set to eat. In that way, we are truly sharing our goodness in charity; not discharging our wastes as charity. "The worst form of violence is poverty," said Mahatma Gandhi. Hunger is like childbirth, we all can talk about its pangs, but can only feel it when we ourselves undergo it. As long as there are millionaires in this world with riches beyond their needs, so long will there be paupers with needs way under their means. Hence hunger and poverty is to stay. Ergo, this maxim again does not contradict the previous one, if taken in the proper context. We cannot be indifferent to the hungry at our doorsteps. Allegorically, hunger in this maxim may also mean about the spiritual hunger of love, care, tenderness, bonhomie, camaraderie and attention in a person who is forlorn. We may even have our closest kith and kin suffering from such hungers. We need to tend to their needs first, before reveling in ours.
Quote: "Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired, signifies in a final sense a theft from those who hunger and are not fed—those who are cold and are not clothed. This world in arms is not spending its money alone—it is spending the sweat of its laborers, the genius of its scientists, the hopes of its children." -- President Dwight Eisenhower, at a speech in 1953.
Translation: Feed the hungry before enjoying your meal.
Intended Translation: Charity to others is paramount.
Rumination: The term "ஐயமிட்டு" refers to "after alms-giving" and "உண்" to "you shall eat." The sequence of actions is pretty interesting. First comes feeding others, then comes feeding the self. Many of us would have witnessed the giving away of rotten and stale foods to wayside beggars. It will be better for us to throw such foods to the bin than to abuse the human dignity in the other person by granting it as alms. We must not give to others what we ourselves cannot eat and none of us can eat fungi, bacteria infested, rotten and stale foods. That brings us to the crux of this maxim. If we want to feed others, let us do it first, before we set to eat. In that way, we are truly sharing our goodness in charity; not discharging our wastes as charity. "The worst form of violence is poverty," said Mahatma Gandhi. Hunger is like childbirth, we all can talk about its pangs, but can only feel it when we ourselves undergo it. As long as there are millionaires in this world with riches beyond their needs, so long will there be paupers with needs way under their means. Hence hunger and poverty is to stay. Ergo, this maxim again does not contradict the previous one, if taken in the proper context. We cannot be indifferent to the hungry at our doorsteps. Allegorically, hunger in this maxim may also mean about the spiritual hunger of love, care, tenderness, bonhomie, camaraderie and attention in a person who is forlorn. We may even have our closest kith and kin suffering from such hungers. We need to tend to their needs first, before reveling in ours.
Quote: "Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired, signifies in a final sense a theft from those who hunger and are not fed—those who are cold and are not clothed. This world in arms is not spending its money alone—it is spending the sweat of its laborers, the genius of its scientists, the hopes of its children." -- President Dwight Eisenhower, at a speech in 1953.
Friday, January 21, 2005
Maxim # 8: ஏற்பது இகழ்ச்சி - Receiving is despicable.
ஆத்திச்சூடி # 8: ஏற்பது இகழ்ச்சி (yEr-pa-thu iga-zh-tchi)
Translation: Receiving is despicable.
Rumination: The term "ஏற்பது " refers to "receiving" and "இகழ்ச்சி" to "despicable." Here is a maxim to test our logic, cognition, and contextual propriety. In Maxims 3 and 4, Auvaiyar stresses the importance of "giving," whereas she shuns "receiving" in the current maxim. If viewed under the proper context, the paradox can be eliminated. Many scholars interpret 'receiving' to mean alms. However, 'receiving' implies much more than receiving alms. Just as in Maxim 3 one must not receive beyond one's wants and needs. Auvaiyar's maxim is an admonishment to slothful idlers, who are always trigger-happy to receive help from others. So it is, to all those grafted unscruples, who abuse their official positions for huge bribes, thereby rendering their societies corrupt. When a person receives favors, he is inclined to return in favor something that he would have refrained from had he not received the initial favor. Thus, one becomes imprisoned by his own act of receiving. Also, when an able person politely refuses to receive a favor, that favor can reach to those people who are more in need. A case in point would be India's polite refusal to take help from other foreign nations in wake of Tsunami devastation, as that paved way to help other ravaged nations. Also, India was spared of any obligation to return curry-favors against its conscience in a bitterly divided and war-stricken world.
Quote: It is more blessed to give, than to receive. -- Holy Bible (Acts 20:35).
Translation: Receiving is despicable.
Rumination: The term "ஏற்பது " refers to "receiving" and "இகழ்ச்சி" to "despicable." Here is a maxim to test our logic, cognition, and contextual propriety. In Maxims 3 and 4, Auvaiyar stresses the importance of "giving," whereas she shuns "receiving" in the current maxim. If viewed under the proper context, the paradox can be eliminated. Many scholars interpret 'receiving' to mean alms. However, 'receiving' implies much more than receiving alms. Just as in Maxim 3 one must not receive beyond one's wants and needs. Auvaiyar's maxim is an admonishment to slothful idlers, who are always trigger-happy to receive help from others. So it is, to all those grafted unscruples, who abuse their official positions for huge bribes, thereby rendering their societies corrupt. When a person receives favors, he is inclined to return in favor something that he would have refrained from had he not received the initial favor. Thus, one becomes imprisoned by his own act of receiving. Also, when an able person politely refuses to receive a favor, that favor can reach to those people who are more in need. A case in point would be India's polite refusal to take help from other foreign nations in wake of Tsunami devastation, as that paved way to help other ravaged nations. Also, India was spared of any obligation to return curry-favors against its conscience in a bitterly divided and war-stricken world.
Quote: It is more blessed to give, than to receive. -- Holy Bible (Acts 20:35).
Thursday, January 20, 2005
Maxim # 7: எண், எழுத்து இகழேல் - Never despise Math and Language.
ஆத்திச்சூடி # 7: எண், எழுத்து இகழேல் (en, ezhu-thu iga-zh-El)
Translation: Never despise Math and Language.
Intended Translation: Strive harder in Sciences and Arts.
Rumination: The terms, "எண் " and "எழுத்து" refer to "numbers" and "alphabets" respectively, whereas "இகழேல்" refers to "never despise." The keen acumen of our ancestors in the field of Mathematics and Fine Arts always amazes me. Just take the case of Mathematical patterns deeply embedded even in works of literature (e.g. Venpaas, Seyyuls, Kurals, etc.). If the Tamils could have had literary conferences during the Sangam Period dating back to several centuries before Christ, it only speaks of the level of sophistry they had in literature during those times. Numerous temples, palaces, dams and other works of legacy bear a fitting testimony to the love and mastery of arts and sciences by the Tamils. Any culture cannot survive, if the older generation does not pass those values to the newer generations. Hence, Auvaiyar's clairvoyant exhortation makes complete sense to this day. If India is an intellectual superpower and if wanderlust Indians can become modern-day globetrotters, it is all owing to their investment in mastering the rudiments of English language, together with their strides in Science and Technology. Anybody, who would have aced through those competitive examinations would vouchsafe for the noetic widom behind Auvaiyar's maxim. Invariably, a candidate's success in those examinations is dependent upon Math and Verbal. And President George Bush has vowed that his primary goal is to enable every American child read and do Math. I, in the state of Georgia, know that the Georgia lawmakers are striving hard to reform education, after Georgia came last, ranking 50th in the SAT's Verbal and Math scores in the year 2000.
Quote: Mathematics, rightly viewed, possesses not only truth, but supreme beauty -- a beauty that is cold and austere, like that of a sculpture. -- Bertrand Russell.
Wednesday, January 19, 2005
Maxim # 6: ஊக்கமது கைவிடேல் - Never lose hope.
ஆத்திச்சூடி # 6: ஊக்கமது கைவிடேல் (OO-kam-athu kai-vi-dEl)
Rumination: The term, "ஊக்கமது," literally refers to "hope" and "கைவிடேல்," to "never lose." So, "never lose hope." It is a pity that there are more suicides than homicides in the United States and am sure it is the case with many other countries. "There is truly one serious philosophical problem and that is suicide," said Albert Camus. Engulfed with hopelessness, a person feels like a fish out of water. But then, even that fish flaps, turns, hopes for a fresh lease of life if it can get back to its waters. Similarly, we all hope for a number of things in our lives. As long as we have hope within us, we tend to be alive. The moment we lose hope, we are already dead -- psychologically, spiritually, and emotionally as well. Situations will test our endurance and hope will keep us afloat. At least that's what stories such as Lance Armstrong's prove to us. Let us then adopt the state motto of South Carolina (my favorite one too) as our own: Dum spiro, spero. (As long as I breathe, so long will I hope.)
Quote: True hope is swift, and flies with shallow's wings. Kings it makes Gods, and meaner creatures kings. -- William Shakespeare.
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
Maxim # 5: உடையது விளம்பேல் -- Never reveal your possessions.
ஆத்திச்சூடி # 5: உடையது விளம்பேல் (uda-yathu vilam-bEl)
Intended Translation: Never wash your dirty laundry in public.
Rumination: The term, "உடையது," literally refers to "your possessions." However, the intended meaning is that it is better to be tightlipped about one's inner personal secrets and issues. Many people derive a false sense of comfort, peace, and closure by imprudently sharing every intimate detail of their life in the open, even when uncalled for. Little do they realize that they have created a Frankenstein out of their own folly. Western societies do have a better notion of privacy and private space and individuals tend to respect that. The term "விளம்பேல்," literally translates to, "be tightlipped." The English idiom of "do not wash your dirty laundry in public," correlates to this Auvaiyar's maxim. Useless talk costs lives, they say. This is the spirit behind this maxim.
Quote: Talk of the Devil and he is bound to appear. -- Old Saying.
Monday, January 17, 2005
Maxim # 4: ஈவது விலக்கேல் -- Never stop giving.
ஆத்திச்சூடி # 4: ஈவது விலக்கேல் (EE-vathu vi-lak-kEl)
Translation: Never stop giving.
Rumination: The term, "ஈவது," refers to acts of charity. Our minds are still afresh with the cataclysmic tsunami devastation. Tragedy unfolded; humanity responded. The farthest epicenter of the tsunami quake evoked a response from the closest epicenter of one's own heart. Numerous aid-agencies thankfully acknowledged the record amounts donated for a single tragedy. Such humble acts of generosity reminds us of our closeness to each other. Many who contributed would have experienced that inner peace of partaking in other peoples' sufferings. The sublime nature of charity enriches both the giver and the taker. However, such charitable acts must never cease. More than tsunamis, innocent lives are being lost, every single day, all over the globe, due to poverty, hunger, disease, terrorism, racism, infant mortality, genocides, etc. Such evils can be eighty-sixed only by our sustained giving. In other words, our charitable donations, however small they may be, must never cease. Auvaiyar, precisely asserts that with the term, "விலக்கேல்," that is to say, "never cease."
Note: One can only cease something that is already in motion. Therefore, one can infer that charity is innate in a human heart and those rivulets of mercy that gush forth must never be stopped.
Quote: Charity is good only when it comes as a true sacrifice. Only then the receiver who receives the material gift receives the spiritual gift too. If it is not a sacrifice, but a mere discharge of superfluous excess, it will only irritate those who receive it. -- Leo Tolstoy.
Translation: Never stop giving.
Rumination: The term, "ஈவது," refers to acts of charity. Our minds are still afresh with the cataclysmic tsunami devastation. Tragedy unfolded; humanity responded. The farthest epicenter of the tsunami quake evoked a response from the closest epicenter of one's own heart. Numerous aid-agencies thankfully acknowledged the record amounts donated for a single tragedy. Such humble acts of generosity reminds us of our closeness to each other. Many who contributed would have experienced that inner peace of partaking in other peoples' sufferings. The sublime nature of charity enriches both the giver and the taker. However, such charitable acts must never cease. More than tsunamis, innocent lives are being lost, every single day, all over the globe, due to poverty, hunger, disease, terrorism, racism, infant mortality, genocides, etc. Such evils can be eighty-sixed only by our sustained giving. In other words, our charitable donations, however small they may be, must never cease. Auvaiyar, precisely asserts that with the term, "விலக்கேல்," that is to say, "never cease."
Note: One can only cease something that is already in motion. Therefore, one can infer that charity is innate in a human heart and those rivulets of mercy that gush forth must never be stopped.
Quote: Charity is good only when it comes as a true sacrifice. Only then the receiver who receives the material gift receives the spiritual gift too. If it is not a sacrifice, but a mere discharge of superfluous excess, it will only irritate those who receive it. -- Leo Tolstoy.
Sunday, January 16, 2005
Maxim # 3: இயல்வது கரவேல் - Never hoard that you can afford to give.
ஆத்திச்சூடி # 3: இயல்வது கரவேல். (e-yal-vathu kara-vEl)
Translation: Never hoard that you can afford to give.
Intended Translation: Never hoard more than you need.
Rumination: Here Auvaiyar's reasonability comes to the fore. The term, "இயல்வது," refers to the affordability of the donor and she doesn't get uppity in demanding anything more. Hoarding beyond one's affordability constitutes avarice or greed. Avarice is a real vice for a growing child, who perceives every other kid to be a pillager of its own belongings. Certain parents stash all their children's toys when guests with children visit them. Such actions do corrupt the immaculate minds of children. Auvaiyar's advice is clear. Never stash or hoard (கரவேல்) more than what you actually need. Teach the child the art of giving.
Quote: Virtue and charity start at home. If you got to go somewhere else to display it, then it is not a virtue. -- Leo Tolstoy.
Translation: Never hoard that you can afford to give.
Intended Translation: Never hoard more than you need.
Rumination: Here Auvaiyar's reasonability comes to the fore. The term, "இயல்வது," refers to the affordability of the donor and she doesn't get uppity in demanding anything more. Hoarding beyond one's affordability constitutes avarice or greed. Avarice is a real vice for a growing child, who perceives every other kid to be a pillager of its own belongings. Certain parents stash all their children's toys when guests with children visit them. Such actions do corrupt the immaculate minds of children. Auvaiyar's advice is clear. Never stash or hoard (கரவேல்) more than what you actually need. Teach the child the art of giving.
Quote: Virtue and charity start at home. If you got to go somewhere else to display it, then it is not a virtue. -- Leo Tolstoy.
Saturday, January 15, 2005
Maxim # 2: ஆறுவது சினம் -- Anger simmers down.
ஆத்திச்சூடி # 2: ஆறுவது சினம்.( AA-ru-va-thu si-nam)
Translation: Anger simmers down.
Extended Translation: Anger must always be simmered down.
Rumination: Have you ever seen a person impervious to anger? Sorry, I haven't yet. Even Scriptures and Vedas are replete with Gods being roused to anger. I love Auvaiyar's pragmatism when she talks about "simmering down" (ஆறுவது) anger, by which she implies subtly that you cannot totally get rid of anger in this earthly life. Anger will die only when I die. Even the Bible exhorts one to refrain from escalating a situation of anger when it says, "Irascimini et nollite peccare" (Never sin when provoked to anger). Anger is akin to an earthquake. It releases too much of an energy, within too short a time that can hardly be harnessed for the good of humanity. Unbridled anger provokes 'aftershocks' too. A good thing about anger is that it is evanescent as an earthquake. It never lasts for long. However, it is within that evanescence that we can wreak the greatest havoc with our unbridled emotions and power to inflict damage on others. Anger intoxicates a human mind that often results in an irreversible and permanent damage. Great men and women have carved their niches in the history of immortality by positively channelizing their anger over their oppressed societies and cultures. Uncontrolled anger has only given rise to terrorists, criminals, and leaders rushing to unjust wars. Therefore, anger by itself is not a vice; uncontrolled anger is. Therefore, Auvaiyar stresses the aspect of simmering down or subsiding down one's own anger. A literal translation of her maxim asserts the innate quality of anger -- Anger simmers down. Anger is capable of subsidence. The extended meaning behind that maxim is that anger must always be simmered down, i.e, one must work hard to douse one's anger. Ergo, a child must be taught the art of letting it go.
Quote: In times of stress and adversity, it is always best to keep busy, to plow your anger and your energy into something positive. -- Lee Iacocca, American businessman.
Translation: Anger simmers down.
Extended Translation: Anger must always be simmered down.
Rumination: Have you ever seen a person impervious to anger? Sorry, I haven't yet. Even Scriptures and Vedas are replete with Gods being roused to anger. I love Auvaiyar's pragmatism when she talks about "simmering down" (ஆறுவது) anger, by which she implies subtly that you cannot totally get rid of anger in this earthly life. Anger will die only when I die. Even the Bible exhorts one to refrain from escalating a situation of anger when it says, "Irascimini et nollite peccare" (Never sin when provoked to anger). Anger is akin to an earthquake. It releases too much of an energy, within too short a time that can hardly be harnessed for the good of humanity. Unbridled anger provokes 'aftershocks' too. A good thing about anger is that it is evanescent as an earthquake. It never lasts for long. However, it is within that evanescence that we can wreak the greatest havoc with our unbridled emotions and power to inflict damage on others. Anger intoxicates a human mind that often results in an irreversible and permanent damage. Great men and women have carved their niches in the history of immortality by positively channelizing their anger over their oppressed societies and cultures. Uncontrolled anger has only given rise to terrorists, criminals, and leaders rushing to unjust wars. Therefore, anger by itself is not a vice; uncontrolled anger is. Therefore, Auvaiyar stresses the aspect of simmering down or subsiding down one's own anger. A literal translation of her maxim asserts the innate quality of anger -- Anger simmers down. Anger is capable of subsidence. The extended meaning behind that maxim is that anger must always be simmered down, i.e, one must work hard to douse one's anger. Ergo, a child must be taught the art of letting it go.
Quote: In times of stress and adversity, it is always best to keep busy, to plow your anger and your energy into something positive. -- Lee Iacocca, American businessman.
Friday, January 14, 2005
Maxim # 1: அறம் செய்ய விரும்பு - Desire to perform acts of virtue.
ஆத்திச்சூடி # 1: அறம் செய்ய விரும்பு. (aRum sey-yuh virum-bu)
Translation: Desire to perform acts of virtue.
Rumination: Poetess Auvaiyar must have been a brilliant optimist who understood child psychology well. She deems it fit to approach her first maxim on the topic of virtue in a very positive light. By not exhorting the children to disdain from performing acts of vice, she only exemplifies the need to approach them positively. Many parents and elders do have a pessimism when it comes to dealing with children and they must be keen to imbibe this subtlety from Auvaiyar. Also, it is interesting to note that she didn't explicitly say, "desire to earn virtue." Rather, it is clearly implied. She might have thought that whatever little virtue a kid may already have, it would suffice if it is encouraged to perform it. The more you dig the soil, the closer you are to a spring of water. A kid, when encouraged to perform acts of virtue automatically learns to inculcate more virtues.
Quote: The man of superior virtue is not conscious of his virtue, and in this way he really possesses his virtue. The man of inferior virtue never loses sight of his virtue, and in this way he loses his virtue -- Lao Tzu, circa 604 - circa 531 B.C.
Translation: Desire to perform acts of virtue.
Rumination: Poetess Auvaiyar must have been a brilliant optimist who understood child psychology well. She deems it fit to approach her first maxim on the topic of virtue in a very positive light. By not exhorting the children to disdain from performing acts of vice, she only exemplifies the need to approach them positively. Many parents and elders do have a pessimism when it comes to dealing with children and they must be keen to imbibe this subtlety from Auvaiyar. Also, it is interesting to note that she didn't explicitly say, "desire to earn virtue." Rather, it is clearly implied. She might have thought that whatever little virtue a kid may already have, it would suffice if it is encouraged to perform it. The more you dig the soil, the closer you are to a spring of water. A kid, when encouraged to perform acts of virtue automatically learns to inculcate more virtues.
Quote: The man of superior virtue is not conscious of his virtue, and in this way he really possesses his virtue. The man of inferior virtue never loses sight of his virtue, and in this way he loses his virtue -- Lao Tzu, circa 604 - circa 531 B.C.
Thursday, January 13, 2005
தினம் ஒரு ஒளவையாரின் ஆத்திச்சூடி -- Aathichudi - A Maxim A Day.
Many of my friends had requested me to blog regularly. Due to hectic schedules at work-front, I had to play truant on this one for a long time now. However, on Sunday, January 9th, 2005, while I was at Publix, shopping for my groceries, I got a call from my dear friend Velraja, who with all his inquisitiveness asked me, "Rex, I was playing a Tamil cassette for kids that comprises the moral maxims of our great old Poetess Auvaiyaar, which are rendered as songs. However, I don't understand all those maxims as they are composed and rendered in scholarly Tamil. For example, I do have a confusion as to what ஏற்பது இகழ்ச்சி ('yEr-padhu igazh-chEE') means. In this, what does ஏற்பது ('yEr-padhu') mean?"
The ethical treatise that my friend was referring to was ஆத்திச்சூடி, which is pronounced as 'AA-thi-chOO-di.' It means, "A garland of 'aththi' flowers," probably alluding to the Saivite God of Creation -- Lord Shiva, who use to be caparisoned with this floral garland. Anyway, while we debated and arrived at a consensus on what it means, my brilliant and intelligent friend countered me as to how that maxim contradicts another one in a different place. All of this made me think. After a long time, I felt so good at the level of an intellectual debate we had on a seemingly fleeting and trivial issue. Scholarly Tamil, especially those works that date back to several centuries, always need some probing to understand. Most of those words are seldom used in the contemporary Tamil dialects. Therefore, I decided to start learning at least one maxim a day to understand and share the same with my friends, thereby critically expounding some of these great puranic works of Classical Tamil. I am a mere Tamil aficionado and do not have any scholarly exposure to Tamil. I may be consulting informally with my parents, books, or friends, if I have problems in deciphering the meanings for these maxims. Therefore, should you observe any errors in either my translations or ruminations, kindly do let me know and I will make suitable modifications. Please do jot down your own thoughts and critiques so that it will truly be a learning experience for me.
ஆத்திச்சூடி (AA-thi-chOO-di) comprises 108 single-line maxims. It was composed by the great old Tamil Poetess Auvaiyaar, who belonged to the last Sangam era. Her devotion to Lord Vinayaka (Elephant God) and Lord Muruga (Tamil God) is well known. Her many other works appear in the great epic of Tamils' bravery, namely புறநானூறு ('puruh-nAAn-OOru'), roughly translated as the "Four Hundred Great Anthologies of Tamils' Bravery." Through ஆத்திச்சூடி (AA-thi-chOO-di) maxims (which were part of her 'Ethical Books' collection) she wanted to captivate and inculcate moral and ethical thoughts in the younger minds. 'Catching them young' was her mantra. These maxims are still being taught for the kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade kids in India. However, my audience for this blog is not kids; rather it is their parents. Therefore, I want to present content in a way that would be more appealing to parents so that they can present it in a way pleasing to their kids. I will present one maxim a day for the next 108 days. I want to make it simple and lucid. Therefore, I will blog each entry with four portions.
Many of my friends are baby-boomers; a few of them are in the family way. On the eve of Tamils' Thanksgiving Feast Day of Pongal, I wish to dedicate this small effort of mine to all my beloved friends and their cute, lovable kids. As a philologist, I specially commend my friend Velraja for inspiring me to take up this work for my own learning, understanding, and sharing. Very many thanks to my dearest buddy Srikanth in Madras, who satiates my Tamil thirst by gifting me some of the rare Tamil books out there in the market. Certainly this exercise is going to be a valuable, healthy 10-minute diversion for me during the next few days.
Wish you all a Happy Pongal. Pongal O Pongal.
Rex S. Arul
Smyrna, Georgia, USA
January 13, 2005.
The ethical treatise that my friend was referring to was ஆத்திச்சூடி, which is pronounced as 'AA-thi-chOO-di.' It means, "A garland of 'aththi' flowers," probably alluding to the Saivite God of Creation -- Lord Shiva, who use to be caparisoned with this floral garland. Anyway, while we debated and arrived at a consensus on what it means, my brilliant and intelligent friend countered me as to how that maxim contradicts another one in a different place. All of this made me think. After a long time, I felt so good at the level of an intellectual debate we had on a seemingly fleeting and trivial issue. Scholarly Tamil, especially those works that date back to several centuries, always need some probing to understand. Most of those words are seldom used in the contemporary Tamil dialects. Therefore, I decided to start learning at least one maxim a day to understand and share the same with my friends, thereby critically expounding some of these great puranic works of Classical Tamil. I am a mere Tamil aficionado and do not have any scholarly exposure to Tamil. I may be consulting informally with my parents, books, or friends, if I have problems in deciphering the meanings for these maxims. Therefore, should you observe any errors in either my translations or ruminations, kindly do let me know and I will make suitable modifications. Please do jot down your own thoughts and critiques so that it will truly be a learning experience for me.
ஆத்திச்சூடி (AA-thi-chOO-di) comprises 108 single-line maxims. It was composed by the great old Tamil Poetess Auvaiyaar, who belonged to the last Sangam era. Her devotion to Lord Vinayaka (Elephant God) and Lord Muruga (Tamil God) is well known. Her many other works appear in the great epic of Tamils' bravery, namely புறநானூறு ('puruh-nAAn-OOru'), roughly translated as the "Four Hundred Great Anthologies of Tamils' Bravery." Through ஆத்திச்சூடி (AA-thi-chOO-di) maxims (which were part of her 'Ethical Books' collection) she wanted to captivate and inculcate moral and ethical thoughts in the younger minds. 'Catching them young' was her mantra. These maxims are still being taught for the kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade kids in India. However, my audience for this blog is not kids; rather it is their parents. Therefore, I want to present content in a way that would be more appealing to parents so that they can present it in a way pleasing to their kids. I will present one maxim a day for the next 108 days. I want to make it simple and lucid. Therefore, I will blog each entry with four portions.
- Original maxim in Tamil (transliteration in parenthesis).
- Translation of the Tamil maxim in my own English.
- Rumination or discussion on the maxim itself.
- A relevant or random quote for the day.
Many of my friends are baby-boomers; a few of them are in the family way. On the eve of Tamils' Thanksgiving Feast Day of Pongal, I wish to dedicate this small effort of mine to all my beloved friends and their cute, lovable kids. As a philologist, I specially commend my friend Velraja for inspiring me to take up this work for my own learning, understanding, and sharing. Very many thanks to my dearest buddy Srikanth in Madras, who satiates my Tamil thirst by gifting me some of the rare Tamil books out there in the market. Certainly this exercise is going to be a valuable, healthy 10-minute diversion for me during the next few days.
Wish you all a Happy Pongal. Pongal O Pongal.
Rex S. Arul
Smyrna, Georgia, USA
January 13, 2005.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)