There are many Tamil literary works that are valuable not just for their literary merits but also because they give us precious messages on how to live life, said Malayaman. There is a work called Elaadhi, and the title is, in fact, the name
of an indigenous medicine, made of cloves, the flowers of the jamun tree, pepper corns and dry ginger. But the work is not about ailments or their treatment. It is indeed about medicines, but not about medicines as we know in the conventional sense. It offers us invaluable medicines for life, because it tells us how we can get rid of ignorance and become more spiritual.
Elaadhi says a householder has a duty to offer food to those who beg, try to reform those who have wavered from the path of righteousness and care alike for relative and enemy. If a householder follows these rules, he will be comparable to an ascetic. This work defines a mother as one who has control over her mind, is virtuous, patient, generous and honest. If a woman has these qualities, she deserves to be thought of and honoured as mother to many in this world.
The importance of education is emphasised the world over, and Thiruvalluvar says the only blemishless wealth is education. There is no limit to the extent of one’s education. He points this out by saying that one should study till one’s last breath. Elaadhi says the beauty of a slender waist, the beauty in the way one walks, the beauty that comes
when one blushes — none of these are lasting. The only thing that gives lasting beauty is education.
Elaadhi says those who help the seeker of knowledge by providing him with food, clothes, reading material and a stylus to write with should be honoured as scholars themselves, for their generosity makes possible the acquisition
of knowledge by a sincere student. Yet another work in Tamil says it is important to spend the whole day studying. It has always been the tradition in our country to give importance to the acquisition of knowledge, both temporal and spiritual, and that is why we have a tradition of honouring our gurus, considering them divine. Our ancient literature affords many valuable lessons. If followed, they will make our earthly sojourn happy and lead us to God.
Comments
Post a Comment