Kural 972: All Life on Earth is Same: பிறப்பொக்கும் எல்லா உயிர்க்கும்

More than a two thousand years ago, the great Tamil work "Tirukkural" (திருக்குறள்) (Sacred Verses) speaks about equality and against stratification based on birth. This kural forms the subject of this short post.

Kural 972: குறள் 972

பிறப்பொக்கும் எல்லா உயிர்க்கும் சிறப்பொவ்வா

செய்தொழில் வேற்றுமை யான்

Transliteration

piRappuokkum ellA uyirkkum siRappuovvA

seythozil vaetRRumai yAn.

Translation

All life on earth is same in origin; but each one's merit varies according to avocations and skills; not by birth. (J. Narayanasamy)

All human beings agree as regards their birth but differ as regards their characteristics, because of the different qualities of their actions. (Pope, Drew, Lazarus & Eillis)

Comment

Tirukkural is praised for its universality, which cuts across space and, more importantly, time. This kural is the best example of its eternal character. First, a word by word, literal, meaning:

பிறப்பு: Birth

ஒக்கும்: is the same

எல்லா: All

உயிர்க்கும்: living persons

சிறப்பு: special

ஒவ்வா: somethings that does not conform to

செய்தொழில்: vocation 

வேற்றுமை: Difference

Uyirkum (உயிர்க்கும்) can mean living beings but in the present context, it refers to living beings. That the kural refers to humans and not all living beings is the view of many commentators (such as Parimelazhagar, Pope et al, etc.

Nevertheless, Tiruvalluvar may have referred to Uyirkum (உயிர்க்கும்)  to mean all living beings. If such a construction is adopted, he could have meant: By birth, all living beings are the same, but among humans the difference depends on their actions. 

Another point that is worth noting is that sirappu (சிறப்பு), though literally singular, is plural in the context (Parimelazhagar). It refers to Ciṟappiyalpukaḷ or distinctive characteristics.

Thus, the Kural states: By birth, all humans are the same, but what distinguishes one from another is the manner in which he/she goes about with his/ her vocation.

Pastmasters & Prisoners of the Past: நன்னூல் (Nannool)

Nannool (நன்னூல்) is one of the most important books on Tamil Grammar. The work has been extensively used as a bridge to the intricate ancient Tamil Grammar book Tholkaappiyam. Nannool is taught in undergraduate courses on Tamil and is the base for Tamil Grammar taught in schools in India. It is stood the test of time for more than 800 years.

While the erudition and glory of the book cannot be questioned, the work, like any other, is a prisoner of its historical and social circumstances. Some of the ideas given in the work may be abhorrent in the present circumstances. For instance, in listing out the characteristics of a good teacher, Nannool mentions that the teacher should belong to an upper caste:

“குலன் அருள் தெய்வம் கொள்கை மேன்மை

கலை பயில் தெளிவு கட்டுரை வன்மை

நிலம் மலை நிறைகோல் மலர் நிகர் மாட்சியும்

உலகியல் அறிவோடு உயர்குணம் இனையவும்

அமைபவன் நூல் உரை ஆசிரி யன்னே” (நூற்பா 26)

Here, the term “குலன்” refers to higher caste.

Another example from the same stanza is the work’s requirement that the teacher should be a theist “தெய்வம் கொள்கை“, and not an atheist.

These provide an idea about the social setup during those days. But these do not have any relevance to the present. Such is the case not only in respect of Nannool but for all works of the past. 

The past masters were also prisoners of their era. Nevertheless, we have to separate the grain from the chaff and look at the wonder that is Nannool, which deals with ideas that are thought to have emerged only in the modern times.

Sloka 11: Tam Eva

Introduction

In the previous post, we saw that Bhishma answers one by one, in a different order, the six questions raised by Yiudhishtra. We also saw what the tenth Sloka was. 

Sloka 11

Transliteration

tam eva cārcayan nityaṃ bhaktyā puruṣam avyayam |

dhyāyan stuvan namasyaṃśca yajamānas tam eva ca || 11 ||

Meaning

And engaged in worshipping Him with devotion, meditating upon Him, glorifying Him, offering

obeisance and adoring Him (Pandit U.Ve. Sri Rama Ramanuja Achari)

Comment

This sloka is the answer to the fourth question.Readers may recollect that the fourth question was: "Which is the deity whose name has to be chanted?". To this, Bhishma says the eternal and unchanging Lord Krishna is the one who should be worshiped, meditated upon, glorified, and held in deep reverence. 

Note that this sloka does not seem to be complete from a grammatical point of view without reading the next sloka. However, what is implied that a person who does what Bhishma says will be released from the cycle of birth and death.

தமிழில் விளக்கம் (Tamil Explanation)

இந்த ஸ்லோகத்தின் பொருள் கீழ்வருமாறு:

"மாறுபாடற்ற அந்தப் புருஷனையே பக்தியுடன் அர்ச்சித்தும் அவனையே மேலும் த்யானித்தும் புகழ்ந்தும் நமஸ்கரித்தும் வழிபடுவன்;"

இந்த ஸ்லோகம் யுதிஷ்டிரரின் நான்காவது கேள்விக்கு பதிலாகும்.

[அண்ணாவின் உரை (ராமகிருஷ்ணா மடம்) மற்றும் சூர்யமூர்த்தி உரை ]

Why Coronavirus is a good thing for husbands

[Disclaimer: This is totally a work of fiction and does not represent the views of anyone, including that of the person posting this. It is totally an exaggeration and represents a totally false version of reality.] 

1. No shopping: Yay! Gone are the days when women did shopping therapy. For those who do not know what shopping therapy, you are must definitely be unmarried and single. Shopping therapy is shopping with the view to wreak vengeance on innocent husbands. For those of you who do not know who an innocent husband is, know this: Every husband is innocent.

2. No e-tail therapy: The above explanation applies equally to this.

3. No haircuts: People, by haircut, I do not mean the haircut under the Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code, but that nagging and irritating experience of going to the saloon kadai (barber shop) on a Sunday afternoon taking your child who's hell bent on being a combination of Dennis the Menace and Problem Child in the saloon kadai. For those unmarried/ married people without kids, taking your child to the saloon kadai is the scariest experience, second only to the temper of a pregnant wife. During the lockdown and for a few months thereafter, all you need to do is take the scissors and cut hair like Prabhu Deva in Minsara Kanavu/ Sapnay (1997).

4. No Grocery Shopping: For those living in cities, the worst worst experience is being forced to accompany your wife for the monthly grocery purchase on a Sunday. Taking the car out and driving the frigging thing on a Sunday is in itself a tedious job. Finding parking space is as difficult as landing the lander on the moon. Even if you manage to do that, the size of the shopping cart and the billing counter galloping like a mad horse or a crazy guruvayoor temple elephant is the most disheartening experience. 

5. No You-don't-spend-time-with-me Complaint: After having spent the entire Sunday morning and afternoon on soul sapping chores, you sit comfortably connecting the headphone to the mobile to use the remaining few hours of weekend to do what weekends are meant for, relax, wifey darling comes up with the scariest complaint any husband faces (applies equally to a boyfriend, I guess): YOU DON'T SPEND ENOUGH TIME WITH ME! This spine-chilling phrase is succeeded by a firman for a nearby fancy mall or worse, to an exotic destination location. Both these demands have the same effect: these will empty out your savings. 

With Corona Virus, the only constant question is: "when will your office start?!"

[Note: The 'husband" in the post is sexist and has the mind-set of an MCP. Do not try to be one at home.]

COVID19 & Religious Hatred: A Way Forward

The current crisis that the world is unique and something that the world is not simply prepared for. Every day gives rise to a set of challenges. It is not easy at all. Given such extreme circumstances, it is easy for all of us to react adversely. But no matter what we do, we should not endanger the lives and safety of others.

It is in this context that the Tablighi Jamaat incident and the subsequent actions are to be seen. Several thousand persons met at a place together, notwithstanding the COVID19 crisis that the world was facing. This was reportedly in defiance of several legal provisions. Thereafter, it appears that the self-quarantine restrictions were not taken seriously jeopardizing lives of many. Not only those from the Tablighi Jamaat, many did not, and do not, know the importance of self-quarantine.

So what is the way forward?

1) We all should put our prejudices aside and work towards the common goal: getting rid of the COVID19. 

2) We can do that only if we protect ourselves and our family members from getting infected or from spreading it to others.

3) It is not unsurprising for many to doubt or suspect compliance of the lockdown restrictions. We should as parents, children, siblings, relatives, friends, or acquaintances of such persons (who doubt or suspect lockdown restrictions) inform them the importance of lockdown: this is essential.

4) Every person who can influence others- be it head of family, panchayat head, head of a political party, priest, maulvi, or whoever- should immediately communicate the importance of lockdown and self- quarantine to those under his/ her influence.

5) Such an influencer, along with his/ her team, should ensure supply of essential items to the group and take care of the group's needs, and at the same time ensure lockdown and self- quarantine. 

6) Only by taking steps as per (3) and (4) can we all educate our parents, children, siblings, relatives, friends, or acquaintances and ensure they comply with the lockdown measures so as to prevent spreading of COVID19.

For the next ten to fourteen days, we need to keep our prejudices away and ensure that we act towards the common goal: getting the world rid of the COVID19.  

Sloka 10:Vishnu Sahasranamam: Jagat

In the previous post, we saw Slokas 8 and 9 together. We saw that Yudhishtra asks several questions to Bhishma. We also stated that these questions constitute the most fundamental religious questions. In this and subsequent posts, we shall see how Bhishma replies. Bhishma enters into a monologue. Bhishma's reply begins from sloka 10 and ends at sloka 22. Given the depth of meaning in these slokas, we will devote a post to each sloka. This post discusses sloka 10.

There is another aspect regarding the structure of Vishnu Sahasranamam, which is worth noting here. The first sloka (śuklāṁbaradharaṁ viṣṇuṁ) (here and here) till the sixth sloka (yasya smaraṇamātreṇa) (here) are not a part of the Anushasana Parva of Mahabharata. These slokas constitute the Purvabhaga or the Prologue to the Vishnu Sahasranamam. It is only from Sloka 7 (here) that Vishnu Sahasranamam as in the Mahabharata begins. Although Slokas 7 to 22 are strictly not a part of the Sahasranama (thousand names), they constitute a prelude to the Sahasranama. Nevertheless, in line with tradition, the numbering of the Slokas in this series of posts (here) begins from śuklāṁbaradharaṁ viṣṇuṁ and continues till the end. 

Sloka 10

Transliteration

śrī bhīṣma uvāca

jagatprabhuṁ devadevamanaṁtaṁ puruṣōttamam |

stuvannāmasahasreṇa puruṣaḥ satatōtthitaḥ || 10  

Meaning

The supreme ("uttamam") Purusha, who is ever up and working for the welfare of all, the Lord ("prabhum") of the world ("jagat") the endless ("anantam") – Sri Maha Vishnu.

Commentary

Slokas 10-22 are important because Bhishma replies to those fundamental questions thast Yudhishtra asks. The importance of Bhishma and his answers, which is what Vishnu Sahasranamam is about, has been aptly summed by Parasara Bhattar, the great Vaishnavite commentator of Vishnu Sahasranamam. Prof. A Srinivasa Raghavan, the translator of Bhattar's work states so of the six reasons:

"1. It is the essence of Mahabharata which is a mine of good things.

2. It has been sung by several sages in many places.

3. It has been strung together by the great sage Vyasa.

4. It is considered the opinion of Bhishma that it is the best and easiest of all Dharmas.

5. It is accepted by all that it is the easiest and most important successful means for the attainment of all fruits.

6. It is in conformity with the teachings of Bhagavad Gita and other religious texts."

(Prof. A. Srinivasa Raghavan, Sri Vishnu Sahasranama: with the Bhashya of Sri Parasara Bhattar, p. II-III- "ASR", for short)

jagatprabhu: the lord of the world

devadeva: the god of gods

ananta: eternal, boundless, eternal, infinite

purushottama: the highest being/ Supreme Spirit

stuvan: praising

nama: name

sahasrena: by a thousand

satatam: continuously

Readers may recollect that in the eighth and the ninth slokas, Yudhishtra poses six questions, which are listed below:

"1. Which is the Supreme Deity?

2. Which is the highest goal?

3. Which is the deity that is to be worshipped?

4. Which is the deity whose name has to be chanted?

5. Which is the greatest Dharma?

6. Which is the means that will bring about release from Bondage?" [ASR, p. III]. 

Bhishma does not answer the question in the same order in which Yudhishtra poses the questions. Commentators suggest that Bhishma answers the questions almost in reverse order. He answers the sixth question first, moves on to the fourth, then the third and then the fifth, the second and, lastly, the first- 6-4-3-5-2-1.

For the sixth question, Bhishma answers: "The chanting of the names of Sri Krishna , who is the Supreme Deity and Purushottama, should be done for obtaining release from bondage." [ASR, p. III]

Sloka 8 & 9: Vishnu Sahasranamam

In the previous post, we saw the questions raised by Yudhishtra in the eighth sloka on the Supreme Being. Yudhishtra asks: "Who is the One Supreme Being which the Scriptures declare? What is the one Supreme Goal which should be sought ? By the recitation of what mantra is a person released from the bonds of repeated birth and death? Which in your opinion is the highest form of religion?" (translation by Pandit U.Ve. Sri Rama Ramanuja Achari). In the ninth sloka, Yudhishtra continues with his questions. As we stated in the previous post, the 8th and the 9th slokas represent the fundamental questions on the purpose of life for every Hindu. Hence, the previous post and the present post are combined in the form of a single post so that the meaning of both the slokas become clear.

Slokas 8 and 9: Text 

Transliteration

śrī yudhiṣṭhira uvāca 

kimekaṁ daivataṁ lōke kiṁ vāpyekaṁ parāyaṇaṁ | 

stuvaṁtaḥ kaṁ kamarcaṁtaḥ prāpnuyurmānavāḥ śubham || 8 ||

kō dharmaḥ sarvadharmāṇāṁ bhavataḥ paramō mataḥ |

kiṁ japanmucyate jaṁturjanmasaṁsārabaṁdhanāt || 9 ||

Meaning:

Yudhishthira asked:

In this wide world, Oh Grandpa,

Which is that one God,

Who is the only shelter?

Who is He whom,

Beings worship and pray,

And get salvation great?

Who is He who should oft,

Be worshipped with love?

Which Dharma is so great,

There is none greater?

And which is to be oft chanted,

To get free.

From these bondage of life, cruel? (Swami Krishnananda)

Another Meaning

Yudhisthira said:— Who is the One Supreme Being which the Scriptures declare? What is the one Supreme Goal which should be sought ? By the recitation of what mantra is a person released from the bonds of repeated birth and death? Which in your opinion is the highest form of religion?

What spiritual path is that, which according to thy judgment is the foremost of all paths? What are those mantras by reciting which a being becomes freed from the bonds of birth and death? (Pandit U.Ve. Sri Rama Ramanuja Achari)

Commentary

(from the previous post on the 8th sloka): In the 8th and the 9th Slokas, Yudhishtra ask certain questions, which the Hindus regard as the fundamental questions regarding the purpose of life and how to pursue it. Since Vishnu Sahasranamam, through Bhishma, answers these questions, the Sahasranama is one of the most important works for a Hindu. You would hear the Sahasranamam being played in the morning in every Hindu home. The purpose of this is to be reminded of the answers to these fundamental questions.

Yudhishtra first starts of with THE question: "Who is the One Supreme Being which the Scriptures declare?". Thereafter, he asks what should the ultimate purpose of life or goal of a person be? "What is the one Supreme Goal which should be sought?" He then asks: "By the recitation of what mantra is a person released from the bonds of repeated birth and death?". Yudhishtra, knowing the multitude of paths towards gods, through different religions, sects, practices, etc., and the consequent confusions that ensue, asks: "Which in your opinion is the highest form of religion?".

He asks Bhishma's advice on what spiritual path is that which is the foremost of all paths. He also asks what mantras free a person from the bonds of birth and death.

These questions constitute the fundamental purpose of the Hindu philosophies and are the gateway to a spiritual life. 

Sloka 8 and Further Explanation on Sloka 7

 Readers of the last post would recollect that the seventh post starts with what Vaisampayana says: Having heard about dharma and acts of purification, Yudhishthira, to Bhῑsma (son of Śantanu) spoke once again. What Yudhistra states forms the subject of this post. But from the perspective of Vishnu Sahasramanam, the first six slokas are not a part of the Mahabharata but are recited as a matter of practice. The Anushasana Parva of the Mahabharata begins from the seventh Sloka, which we say in the previous post.

Sloka 8: Text

śrī yudhiṣṭhira uvāca 

kimekaṁ daivataṁ lōke kiṁ vāpyekaṁ parāyaṇaṁ | 

stuvaṁtaḥ kaṁ kamarcaṁtaḥ prāpnuyurmānavāḥ śubham || 8 ||

Meaning

Yudhishthira asked:
In this wide world, Oh Grandpa,
Which is that one God,
Who is the only shelter?
Who is He whom,
Beings worship and pray,
And get salvation great?

(Swami Krishnanda)

Another Meaning

Yudhisthira said:— Who is the One Supreme Being which the Scriptures declare? What is the one Supreme Goal which should be sought ? By the recitation of what mantra is a person released from the bonds of repeated birth and death? Which in your opinion is the highest form of religion? (Pandit U.Ve. Sri Rama Ramanuja Achari)

Comment

In the 8th and the 9th Slokas, Yudhishtra ask certain questions, which the Hindus regard as the fundamental questions regarding the purpose of life and how to pursue it. Since Vishnu Sahasranamam, through Bhishma, answers these questions, the Sahasranama is one of the most important works for a Hindu. You would hear the Sahasranamam being played in the morning in every Hindu home. The purpose of this is to be reminded of the answers to these fundamental questions.

kim: who

ekaṁ: greatest/ supreme

daivatam: Lord

lōke: in the world 

parāyaṇaṁ: literally, chief object but here refers to shelter

stuvaṁtaḥ: by praising/ glorifying

kaṁ: whom 

kamarcaṁtaḥ: worship

prāpnuyur: attain

mānavāḥ: beings 

śubham: peace and prosperity 

The important thing about the Vishnu Sahasranamam is that when Yudhishtra asks these questions and Bhishma answers it, Lord Krishna listens to it. More on what Yudhishtra says in the next post.

Tamil Explanation:

தர்மபுத்திரர் கூறியது:

உலகில் காணப்படும் வேதம் முதலான எல்லா நூல்களிலிலும் கூறப்படும் ஒன்றேயான தெய்வம் எது?

ஒன்றேயான புகலிடம் எது?

எவரை துதித்து மனிதர்கள் உயர் நலம் அடைவார்கள்?

எவரை அர்ச்சித்து உலகோர் எல்லா இன்பங்களையும் அடைவார்கள்?