Contradictions in Tirukkural
This is a very pertinent question. I would like copy paste below the relevant part from my article "Introduction to the Kural and its author" (http://www.geocities.com/nvkashraf/k.../Kural-Int.htm)
A close look at the different chapters would reveal that Valluvar composed every chapter, perhaps in response to a demand or request to produce 10 best couplets on a particular subject. He would bring together all his experience, the knowledge he has gained in mastering other texts and all the information available as folklore in order to compose 10 couplets on a subject, say on Ignorance. He would then do so for another subject, say on Virtue. Given the fact that there are similarities in ideas between couplets within and between chapters, it would appear as if the poet, while producing the best 10 on a subject, did not show any concern as to what similes and superlatives he used earlier while writing on other subjects. This may perhaps be the reason for some repetitions in ideas and 'contradictions' we find in the Kural. He would write on the evils of drinking in one chapter (Chapter 93), but at the same time eleswhere say that love is sweeter than wine (Chapter 109). To cite another instance, if you ask him "What is wealth of all wealth?", he would say two different things: "the wealth of wealth is the wealth of grace" (couplet 241) and "the wealth of wealth is the wealth of hearing" (couplet 411). Similarly, if you want to know which of the virtues should one follow dearly even at the expense of other virtues, he would say it is speaking truth in couplet 297, it is trespassing the bounds of another's wife in couplet 150 and in couplet 181 say that its the quality of not being called a slanderer! The same Valluvar who says what is natural or inborn in us cannot be ejected (Kural 376 on "Fate") would say while emphasizing the value of "Exertion" that inherent natural flaws can be overcome by getting rid of laziness (Kural 609). For a purist these may appear as contradictions but it is the style Valluvar follows while emphasizing the importance of a particular code of ethic. To know more on this, click here for the article: The unique style of Thiruvalluvar.
Re: Tirukural and Religion
Quote:
Originally Posted by Uppuma
Friends,
Religion of God, HINDUISM in itself is Universal and accepts all other was of Worship. All rivers leads to Sea, or to climb a mountain there are many sides.
As Valluvar clearly agrees Vedics and rejects Jainistic Style totally.
Valluvam is not a Religious book, but it supports AND Standsby Vedic Hinduism
Uppuma
:evil:
Painting such relegious colours on THIRUKKURAL is a waste of time. Let us discuss what it conveys.
:lol: Ventha Uppumava vaegaatha Uppumava :lol: :lol: :lol:
