Holy Kural with Commentary by "Phd" Siva

#KROM 75. "Proper Behavior is the Highest Learning!" Those who learnt many kinds yet unable to put them in practice by their appropriate, exemplary behavior are still deemed to be unwise. உலகத்தோடு ஒட்ட ஒழுகல் பலகற்றும் கல்லார் அறிவு இலாதார்.  140 ulagatthODu oTTa ozhugal palakaRRum kallaar aRivu ilaadhaar. Here the reference to the "conduct according to the 'world'" implies exemplary, universal conduct, suitable according to the differing temperaments. The temperaments of people are primarily classified as thought-oriented, feeling-oriented, and energy-oriented. One who has mastery in natural behavior will be able to appropriately act, from his center, according to the people who exhibit different combinations of the above orientations. Sri Parimel Azhagar says, "The result of learning is intelligence and good behavior is the sign of intelligence. The best conduct is to live in complete harmony with the Nature!" --- #108GURU 41. ॐ  सु

#KROM 74. "Who is a Balanced Person?" A person with equanimity responds to different kinds of people by adapting suitable styles while maintaining his inner consistency. தகுதி என ஒன்று நன்றே பகுதியால் பாற்பட்டு ஒழுகப் பெறின்.  111 thagudhi ena onRu nanRE pagudhiyaal paaRpaTTu ozhugap peRin. ஸமபா4வ் மெனெத்தெ  சொக்கட்கு3ண்ணு  ஒண்டேஸ்பு2ரொ  ஸுபா4வ்தா4னுக் பொள்க3த்த களையத்.   (thagudhi = equanimity; pagudhi => prakruti = nature, characteristics) At one end, applying the same mode of behavior to all, as one believes inside, leads to rigidity. This kind of people either will impose on others by force if they can wield or will be ignored as irrelevant. At the other end, adjusting to the people according to their temperament without one's inner integrity will lead to despicable opportunistic behavior! Sri Valluvar lays down carefully here the "balanced" definition of encouraging outer adaptation while expecting integrity. --- #108GURU 40. ॐ समभाव स्

#KROM 73. "The Great Achievers!" Great are those who perform deeds that are most difficult to accomplish. Rest toil in mundane activities, unable to achieve lofty purpose. செயற்கரிய செய்வார் பெரியர் சிறியர் செயற்கரிய செய்கலாதார்.  26 seyaRkariya seyvaar periyar siRiyar seyaRkariya seykalaadhaar. Out of all human achievements, the most difficult accomplishment is to realize oneself and the greatest help one can offer to another human being is to help him realize himself! All other achievements, however esteemed they may be in the objective standards, are still limited by time, space, or form. --- #108GURU 39. ॐ आत्मज्ञान प्रदायक श्री सत्गुरवे नमः ஓம் ஆத்மஞான ப்ரதா3யக ஸ்ரீ ஸத்கு3ரவே  நம: #KURAL 26 Recently Occurred in Mind --- #PHD (D.l. Sivakumar​) Jai Gurudev! AUM! http://kromphd.blogspot.com (in English) http://soukromphd.blogspot.com (in Sourashtra)

#KROM 72. "The Top Most Activity Universally!" Sharing the food (and earnings) with others and protecting the lives of all forms are declared, by the scriptures of various lands, as the most noblest of all activities. பகுத்து உண்டு பல்உயிர் ஓம்புதல் நூலோர் தொகுத்தவற்றுள் எல்லாம் தலை.  322 pagutthu uNDu pal uyir Ombuthal nUlOr thogutthavaRRuL ellaam thalai. In this Kural, Sri Valluvar gives a comprehensive advice and also states it in a positive manner under the chapter of "Non-Killing." When a person feeds and nourishes a life-form, he will automatically abstain from doing any harm to that life-form let alone killing it! --- #108GURU 38. ॐ सकलजीव पोषक अन्नदात्रे नमः ஓம் ஸகலஜீவ போஷக அன்னதா3த்ரே நம: #KURAL 322 Recently Occurred in Mind --- #PHD (D.l. Sivakumar​) Jai Gurudev! AUM! http://kromphd.blogspot.com (in English) http://soukromphd.blogspot.com (in Sourashtra)

#KROM 71. "Help of a Wealthy Great Soul - Gold Medal!" Wealth of a great soul will help others like an unfailing medicinal herb. மருந்தாகித் தப்பா மரத்தற்றால் செல்வம் பெருந் தகையான்கண் படின்.  217 marundhaagith thappaa maratthaRRaal selvam perun thagaiyaankaN paDin. In this final Kural of the trio, the focus is on the "soul" ("Guru") quality of the giver. The soul quality is chiefly composed of all-encompassing qualities of wisdom, love, service, and bliss and can expand in these aspects infinitely without any limit. The medicinal herbs, cited in the simile, typically grow in wild terrains with less or no care offered in their growth. Also, commonly, all parts of the bush (branches, leaves, fruit, etc.) have medicinal value and are used in making different forms of medicines. While taking less or nothing from its surroundings in the form of care or maintenance, the unfailing life-giving herb exemplifies the ultimate act of "self-offering&

#KROM 70. "Help Offered By An Efficient Giver - A Silver Medal!" Wealth possessed by a noble, efficient person will be as beneficial to others like a bounteous fruit-bearing tree, at a townsquare, for its citizens. பயன்மரம் உள்ளூர்ப் பழுத்தற்றால் செல்வம் நயன் உடையான்கண் படின்.  216 payanmaram uLLUrp pazhutthaRRaal selvam nayan uDaiyaankaN paDin. The focus is on the "energy" ("mother") aspect of the giver, in this second Kural of the trio. The fruit-bearing tree, mentioned in the simile, exhibits its efficiency and usefulness in converting less-accessible forms of energy (sunlight, water, nutrients, etc.) into a more readily usable form of energy (food). In the act of giving, the tree sheds part of its body as fruit while, thankfully, possessing the regenerative ability for its prolonged use with periodic yields. Although not a must, a certain amount of care and maintenance help the tree to function at its best efficiency. In contrast with ot

#KROM 69. "Help of A Broadminded Soul - A Bronze Medal!" A broadminded, high-thinking person using his wealth willingly for the betterment of the world is like a pond full of water serving the needs of its surroundings! ஊருணி நீர் நிறைந்தற்றே உலகு அவாம் பேரறிவாளன் திரு.  215 UruNi neer niRaindhaRRE ulagu avaam pEraRivaaLan thiru. (UruNi = pond; avaam = willingly; thiru = wealth) In a set of three Kurals, Sri Valluvar has given three wonderful similes to illustrate the help offered by philanthropists of different characteristics. All three extol the use and greatness of the giver while attributing different shades ("good-better-best") based on the relative degree of their involvement and sacrifice in the act of giving. The first of the trio focuses on the "intelligence" ("father") aspect of the giver. Correspondingly, the use of pond in the metaphor indicates the rating of "good" for the giver's involvement and sacrifi

#KROM 68. "Dead While Living vs. True Living!" One who help others by understanding their (common) need is truly living; the other indifferent one is considered dead while living! ஒத்தது அறிவான் உயிர் வாழ்வான் மற்றையான் செத்தாருள் வைக்கப் படும்.  214 otthadhu aRivaan uyir vaazhvaan maRRaiyaan setthaaruL vaikkap paDum. (otthadhu = similar or common) In this Kural, Sri Valluvar reiterates the importance of proactively helping others which is essential for living. In life, unless one progresses upward, by default, he is on the downward mode only. One cannot remain neutral or indifferent, which will sooner or later become a negative state. Here, Sri Valluvar also gives a hint by mentioning "similar or common" aspect that the needs of all human beings have the same essence, i.e., increase happiness; decrease pain ("sukha pravrutti; dukha nivrutti"). --- #108GURU 34. ॐ सर्वजन जीवन परोपकाराय नमः ஓம் ஸர்வஜன ஜீவன பரோபகாராய நம: #KURAL 214 Recently

#KROM 67. "How to Become Prosperous?" A crow does not hide, when it finds its feed; instead calls its kind to share and feeds together. Those who do likewise (sharing their wealth with others without shielding it), will find their prosperity continue to grow! காக்கை கரவா கரைந்து உண்ணும் ஆக்கமும் அன்ன நீரார்க்கே உள.  527 kaakkai karavaa karaindhu uNNum aakkamum anna nIraarkkE uLa. It is a good thing that many work hard for their family but, after a certain point, if they are afflicted by the syndrome of "Us Four No More!," their growth will invariably hit a plateau. Here, the secret of continued success is spelled out. In a feast, when you call for food for the person sitting next to you, your empty plate will also get served along with. Similarly, the best way to develop one's prosperity is to include others' welfare in it. --- #108GURU 33. ॐ सकल ऐश्वर्य सम्पद् प्रतिभागाय नमः ஓம் ஸகல ஐச்வர்ய ஸம்பத்3 பிரதிபா4கா3ய நம: #KURAL 527 Recently Occurr

#KROM 66. "Evil of Glutting!" Without properly sensing one's digestive capacity, feeding on large quantity gluttonously will develop innumerable diseases! தீ அளவன்றித் தெரியான் பெரிது உண்ணின் நோய் அளவின்றிப் படும்.  947 thee aLavanRith theriyaan peridhu uNNin nOi aLavinRip paDum. [thee ~ (digestive) fire] Continuing the dynamics of how to feed oneself, Sri Valluvar advises to develop the sense for one's digestive fire and its capacity. There is no "one size fits all". Depending on the physical constitution and the nature of work, the intake varies from person to person. The Mother Nature ingeniously distributes the resources to the need by appropriate matching. Likewise It expects human-beings, armed with intelligence, to act accordingly. There is only so much one must feed as his capacity permits, regardless of his affordability. Otherwise the nature automatically balances out the extra energy in the form of disease. --- #108GURU 32. ॐ दीप्ता

#KROM 65. "Medicine-Free Living!" No need for medicines, if you eat after making sure that the previously taken food is properly digested! மருந்து என வேண்டாவாம் யாக்கைக்கு அருந்தியது அற்றது போற்றி உணின்.  942 marundhu ena vENDaavaam yaakkaikku arundhiyadhu aRRadhu poRRi uNin. (yaakkai =  body ) Sri Valluvar describes here the dynamics of feeding oneself. One should eat only as much as he can digest! If you feed more than you can digest, even when you can afford, the food energy will end up dissipating in the form of disease. Instead, consistent with the "energy economics" theme we saw before, feeding other needy persons would be the proper investment one can make! Sri Parimel Azhagar in his "encyclopedic" Kural commentary (circa 10 - 12th century), provides a gist of ancient Ayurvedic texts{1} throughout this entire chapter (95. மருந்து). In this Kural, he mentions the following indications on how to know the previously taken food has digest

#KROM 64. "Rain's Vital Benefit to the World!" O Rain, you become relishable food for those hunger-bound humans and higher life-forms who cannot survive without consuming it, in addition to being the life-giving water for the consumption of all life-forms! துப்பார்க்குத் துப்பு ஆய துப்பாக்கித் துப்பார்க்குத் துப்பு ஆயதூஉம் மழை. 12 thuppaarkkuth thuppu aaya thuppaakkith thupparkkuth thuppu aayathUum mazhai. (thuppu =  enjoyment; object of enjoyment; food  ) Sri Valluvar uses a "tongue-twister" figure of speech for describing the glory of rain in giving the vitality to the world. Hunger is a key aspect in the functioning of the world. It creates the need for food and the rain helps to fulfill the need, however, the fulfillment requires life-forms to exert effort on their part. Saint Vallalar echoes this Kural beautifully by praising the Lord for becoming the relishable healthy food in order to appease hunger in this world ("இப்பாரில் பசிக்கே தந்த

#KROM 63. "The Safest Money Deposit!" The safest deposit one can invest his earned wealth is to feed the needy who are in the grip of emaciating hunger! அற்றார் அழிபசி தீர்த்தல் அஃது ஒருவன் பெற்றான் பொருள் வைப்புழி. 226 aRRaar azhipasi theertthal akhdhu oruvan peRRaan poruL vaippuzhi. (vaippuzhi = safety locker) Wealth, a form of energy, is not immediately perishable, but cannot benefit the earner beyond a life-time; Whereas food, another form of energy, is quickly perishable, but can last beyond a life-time as good karma resulting from saving the highly-evolved life forms from deterioration. As we saw before, the karma never expires until it yields its results. Here, Sri Valluvar connects these two opposite ends of the "energy economics" spectrum, by advising to convert one form of seemingly non-perishable, yet limited-use wealth to another form which is perishable, yet bestows never-expiring benefit. --- #108GURU 29. ॐ क्षुध्रोग निवारण अक्षय पदुमनिद

#KROM 62. "Conquering Hunger is a Great Achievement!" Powerful are those who conquer their hunger, by meditation; even greater are those who eradicate hunger of others, by feeding them! ஆற்றுவார் ஆற்றல் பசியாற்றல் அப்பசியை மாற்றுவார் ஆற்றலின் பின். 225 aaRRuvaar aaRRal pasiyaaRRal appasiyai maaRRuvaar aaRRalin pin. In this Kural, Sri Valluvar mentions about an uncommon technique of transmuting life-force (praaNic energy) to conquer hunger. There are documented evidence of yogis{1} and even Christian saints {2} who lived by Universal Life-Energy (or God's Light) in place of food{3}. Although Sri Valluvar notes this as a great achievement, knowing the rarity of this feat, he pragmatically praises the act of feeding the poor as still greater achievement. Eradicating hunger is the best use the rich people can do by deploying their accumulated wealth, which is nothing but a form of potential energy. --- {1}- http://www.crystalclarity.com/yogananda/chap46.php (Sai

#KROM 61. "Breathlessness is Deathlessness!" Even the death can be conquered by those who intensely perform meditation, under proper guidance! கூற்றம் குதித்தலும் கைகூடும் நோற்றலின் ஆற்றல் தலைப் பட்டவர்க்கு. 269 kURRam kudhitthalum kaikUDum nORRalin aaRRal thalaip paTTavarkku. Breathlessness is deathlessness! Breath is the cord that ties the soul to the body. It is proven via scientific research, the faster the rate of breathing of a life form and the shorter its longevity and the slower the breathing rate, the longer the longevity. One who achieves stillness in breath by mastering through genuine meditation techniques can overcome the death. Two passages from the Christian Bible closely relates to this concept: {1} Be still, and know that I am God. {2} So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where

#KROM 60. "Immediate Execution of Karma!" Even if it is for a split moment, withstanding the wrath (power) of the realized saints of high caliber is extremely difficult! குணம் என்னும் குன்றேறி நின்றார் வெகுளி கணம் ஏயும் காத்தல் அரிது. 29 guNam ennum kunRu ERi ninRaar veguLi gaNamEyum kaatthal aridhu. It is quite rare to provoke a truly realized soul. However, if any misadventure ends up provoking such a saint, the execution of the karmic justice is immediate. The following story about Swami Trailanga of Benaras, from "Autobiography of a Yogi" by Sri Paramhansa Yogananda, illustrates this point: --- In spite of his round face and huge, barrel-like stomach, Swami Trailanga ate only occasionally. After weeks without food, he would break his fast with potfuls of clabbered milk {Butter milk} offered to him by devotees. A skeptic once determined to expose Trailanga as a charlatan. A large bucket of calcium-lime mixture, used in whitewashing walls, was placed

#KROM 59. "Yoga Technique for Sense-Control!" An adept who can control his (unruly elephants-like) five senses by using the "goad" of strongly magnetized energy flow will plant a seed for himself to be born in a world that is most elevated and sought after! உரன் என்னும் தோட்டியான் ஓர் ஐந்தும் காப்பான் வரன் என்னும் வைப்பிற்கு ஓர் வித்து. 24 uran ennum thOTTiyaan Or aindhum kaapaan varan ennum vaippiRku Or vittu. (uran = strong; thOTTi = anukusha = goad, elephant hook; varan = most elevated, desirable; vaippu = land) The master yogi Sri Valluvar encoded a yoga technique, in this Kural, for performing sense-control by using certain keywords (thoTTi, uran) . The shape of "goad" (elephant hook) resembles closely to the energy flow from spine to the spiritual eye - See the picture. Many advanced yoga techniques (1) follow this method of withdrawing the downward energy flow outgoing through senses into the spine and reverse it to flow upward. This is

#KROM 58. "Security is Primarily Internal!" What a well-guarded shelter would do (to a porous, disloyal heart)?  Only the self-protection that stems from consummate integrity of women is the foremost security! சிறை காக்கும் காப்பு  எவன்செய்யும் மகளிர் நிறை காக்கும் காப்பே தலை. 57 siRai kaakkum kaappu evan seiyyum magaLir niRai kaakkum kaappE thalai. Culturing of internal consciousness was given utmost importance by Sri Valluvar throughout in his entire Book of Kural and the external factors were assigned secondary or no importance. Being completely satisfied does not imply complacency here instead it places oneself in the path of excellence by competing against oneself to do better than before, instead of against others. The Perfection can only be sought inside, not externally. #108GURU 24. ॐ हेयोपादेय वर्जित सम्पूर्ण हृदयाय नमः ஓம்  ஹேயோபாதே3ய வர்ஜித சம்பூர்ண ஹ்ருத3யாய நம: #KURAL 57 Recently Occurred in Mind --- #PHD Jai Gurudev! AUM! http://kromphd.blogs

#KROM 57. "Love is a Prerequisite for Service!" What use is there if one wields all kinds of authority and power outside but devoid of love inside! புறத்து உறுப்பு எல்லாம் எவன்செய்யும் யாக்கை அகத்து உறுப்பு அன்பு இல் அவர்க்கு.  79 puRatthu uRuppu ellaam evan seiyyum yaakkai agatthu uRuppu anbu il avarkku. Many desire to become famous by offering their energy to the needy. It is a good thing! However, Sri Valluvar says that it is essential to have genuine love inside first. The trio: Love, Wisdom, and Energy must be balanced in order to have them expand perpetually. In this trio, the love and the wisdom one can strive to develop, however the energy is given based on the capacity one develops on the first two. If one does not have the love, the spent energy diminishes away without getting replenished and the unused energy is "spent" somehow by illness, financial loss, mental inharmony, etc, #108GURU 23. ॐ स्वान्त प्रेमावताराय नमः ஓம் ஸ்வாந்த ப்ரேமாவதாராய

#KROM 56. "Do No Evil if You Love Yourself !" One who is a lover of one's own (true) self, should not undertake any evil action! தன்னைத்தான் காதலன் ஆயின் எனைத்து ஒன்றும் துன்னற்க தீவினைப் பால்.  209 thannait thaan kaadhalan aayin enaitthu onRum thunnaRka theevinaip paal. (thunnutal = undertake, perform) An evil action is not something determined by some authority arbitrarily! An action is immediately determined as good or bad in the consciousness whether one is aware of it or not. Any evil action, which is nothing but an erroneous action, takes the performer's consciousness away from the balanced state (the natural state of the soul). Once moved away from the center, the consciousness must return back by the corresponding compensatory good action. In this KuRaL, Sri Valluvar advises to abstain from evil to begin with so that the energy can be conserved for expansive action. #108GURU 22. ॐ दुष्कर्म रहित स्वात्मप्रेम्याय नमः ஓம் துஷ்கர்ம ரஹித ஸ்வாத்மப்ரே

#KROM 55. "Aspiration and Integrity - Recipe for Greatness!" Be loyal to your own (higher) self in a manner women with integrity conduct themselves. This is the way to attain greatness! ஒருமை மகளிரே போலப் பெருமையும் தன்னைத்தான் கொண்டு ஒழுகின் உண்டு.  974 orumai magaLirE polap perumaiyum thannaith thaan koNDu ozhugin uNDu. Sri Valluvar emphasizes the principle of "inside out" here as he has done elsewhere. In order to achieve greatness, which is outwardly recognizable, one must possess the characteristics of a chaste woman, who is a symbol of inner strength. In addition, he also recommends an organic, holistic, continuous development to improve oneself by aspiring for the best one can achieve.     #108GURU 21. ॐ महिळभाव एकाग्रपूर्णचित्त स्वात्मानन्द महिमाय  नमः ஓம் மஹிளபா4வ ஏகாக்3ரபூர்ணசித்த ஸ்வாத்மானந்த3 மஹிமாய நம: #KURAL 974 Recently Occurred in Mind --- #PHD Jai Gurudev! AUM! http://kromphd.blogspot.com (in English) http://soukromphd.blogspot.

#KROM 54. "Talk Straight with No Hidden Agenda!" It is better if one can talk straight without convolution and is still better and balanced if there is no trace of conflict of interest inside. சொற்கோட்டம் இல்லது செப்பம் ஒருதலையா உட்கோட்டம் இன்மை பெறின்.  119 soRkOTTam illadhu cheppam oruthalayaa uTkOTTam inmai peRin. (kOTTam = kink; cheppam = best quality, balanced; oruthalai = certainty) If you look at any relationship issues, there will be some form of broken promise, either explicitly made or implicitly assumed, at the root of the issue. The degree of violation and the corresponding pain differ in a rather wide spectrum, from a trivial issue to a life-endangering issue. It is said that "Loyalty is the greatest virtue and betrayal is the worst sin." The saint-poet Avvaiyaar has defined chastity or loyalty as not breaking the promise ("kaRpu enappaduvadhu sol thiRambaamai")! #108GURU 20. ॐ वक्रहीन मितभाष वक्त्राय नमः ஓம் வக்ரஹீன மிதபா4ஷ வக

#KROM 53. "Loyalty is the Greatest Virtue!" There is nothing else a man would need than a virtuous woman with hard-core loyalty, as his wife. பெண்ணின் பெருந்தக்க யாவுள கற்பென்னும் திண்மை உண்டாகப் பெறின்.  54 peNNin perunthakka yaavuLa kaRpennum thiNmai uNDaagap peRin. All human beings (Jeevathmaas) are considered as "female" companions to the only "male" God (Paramaathma)*. Loyalty to the Truth (i.e., God)  is the utmost virtue every human being must cultivate and adhere to in order to attain rapid progress in spirituality. #108GURU 19. ॐ मातृका विशेष्य विश्वास सत्भावाय नमः ஓம் மாத்ருகா விசேஷ்ய விச்வாஸ ஸத்பா4வாய நம: #KURAL 54  Recently Occurred in Mind --- * -  This evening Bhaduri expounded various philosophical points connected with the life of Mirabai, a medieval Rajputani princess who abandoned her court life to seek the company of sadhus. One great-sannyasi refused to receive her because she was a woman; her reply brought him humbly

#KROM 52. "True Experience is the Antidote for Doubt!" The heaven (salvation) is nearer than the earth to an adept who becomes free from doubt based on the true experience. ஐயத்தின் நீங்கித் தெளிந்தார்க்கு வையத்தின் வானம் நணியது உடைத்து.  353 aiyatthin neengith theLindhaarkku vaiyatthin vaanam naNiyadhu uDaitthu. Doubts are of multidimensional nature. At the fundamental level, there will be lingering doubts about the nature of God, soul, relationship to the world, karma, reincarnation, etc. Different religions define these concepts using different terms by emphasizing certain aspects in them which leads to differences between them. In the initial phase, it is quite difficult for an aspirant to sort out the differences himself. However, these differences can be reconciled through the maturity one gains from his personal experience by following the true teachings of a Guru. With this mature understanding in the universality of the truth, the flashy world no longer lu

#KROM 51. "Joy Multiplies in Sharing Knowledge!" The learned get motivated to learn more when their learning results in giving joy not only to them, but also to others. தாம் இன்புறுவது உலகு இன்புறக் கண்டு காமுறுவர் கற்றறிந்தார்.  399 thaam inbuRuvathu ulagu inbuRak kaNDu kaamuRuvar kaRRaRindhaar. Learning helps to improve one's standard of living, in the near future, and leads to salvation, eventually. Moreover, while learning itself, one derives pleasure from appreciating the artistic verbal and visual expressions of the subject matter. A noteworthy, meritorious study gets duly praised and recognized everywhere. Since the knowledge is not a limited resource like material wealth, the acquisition and protection of it is less painful and does not attract intense competition and rivalry as in the latter. When others benefit from your learning, their sincere appreciations and gratitude will give you a refined joy that will fuel further quest in you for learning mor

#KROM 50. "Knowledge is Endless!" A person with professional getup who does not have acumen for learning to cover depth and breadth with a penetrating intensity is like a well-decorated clay-toy! நுண் மாண் நுழை புலம் இல்லான் எழில் நலம் மண் மாண் புனைபாவை அற்று.  407 nuN maaN nuzhai pulam illaan ezhil nalam maN maaN punaipaavai aRRu. Many hit a plateau of boredom after a comparable material success since they typically are unaware of the wide variety of subjects where they can usefully utilize their time. The knowledge is endless. One must have capability to dive deep, to a tiny particle level, and to cover breadth, as vast as the sky, with a penetrating intensity. The more one learns the more vistas open up! The great poet-saint Avvaiyaar echoes this Kural in her Vinayagar Agaval: "அணுவிற்கு அணுவாய் அப்பாலுக்கு அப்பாலாய் கணு முற்றி நின்ற கரும்புள்ளே காட்டி" There are several bodies of knowledge in the Sanatana Dharma (traditional name for Hinduism) w

#KROM 49. "Keen Listeners Only Speak Humble Words!" A person's speech will lack humility if he is not an astute listener to the fine, lofty topics! நுணங்கிய கேள்வியர் அல்லாது வணங்கிய வாயினர் ஆதல் அரிது.  419 nuNangiya kELviyar allaadhu vaNangiya vaayinar aadhal aridhu. By listening to the lofty ideals, one would automatically find himself to be infinitesimal in comparison with vastness of the ideal. Also, by nature, the hearing capability precedes the speech as a born deaf cannot speak. Similarly, without hearing proper subjects, a person's speech will lack its propriety. #108GURU 15. ॐ श्रोत्रिय विनयसम्पन्न भाषिताय नमः ஓம் ச்ரோத்ரிய விநய ஸம்பன்ன பா4ஷிதாய நம: #KURAL 419 Recently Occurred in Mind --- #PHD Jai Gurudev! AUM! http://kromphd.blogspot.com (in English) http://soukromphd.blogspot.com (in Sourashtra)

#KROM 48. "All Knowledge is Inside!" As you dig deeper (and remove the blocking crusts) in the well, the water oozes out. So does the fount of knowledge oozes out as you learn deeply (and remove the growth-blocking negative tendencies)! தொட்டனைத்து ஊறும் மணற்கேணி மாந்தர்க்கு கற்றனைத்து ஊறும் அறிவு.  396 thoTTanaitthu ooRum maNaRkENi maandharkku kaRRanaitthu ooRum aRivu. Through this beautiful analogy, Sri Valluvar figuratively conveys that the knowledge is truly inside and external aspects aid it to unfold. Here, the word "thoTTu" literally means "touching" that can be taken as either digging or removing the blocking deposits or both together, as done above. It is said, all-knowing intuitive knowledge is rooted in every heart with its circumference nowhere. It is also said, the true learning is really "unlearning" of what was learnt wrongly so that the all-knowing true nature of the soul shines forth. #108GURU 14. ॐ स्वयंप्रकाश आत्मत

#KROM 47. "Association is Stronger than Will Power!" One's intellectual attitude (or outlook) appears to be born of his mind, but, in reality, it is a result of the company he keeps! மனத்து உளது போலக் காட்டி ஒருவற்கு இனத்து உளது ஆகும் அறிவு. 454 manatthu uLadhu pOlak kaaTTi oruvaRku inatthu uLadhu aagum aRivu. As we saw earlier, the thoughts are universally not individually rooted, and so the formation of ideas follows the principle of receptivity. A set of multiple antennas collectively have a stronger receptivity of signals than an individual antenna. Similarly, depending on the company a person keeps his mental makeup is strongly influenced for better or worse. "Satsanga" (Association of the holy whose focus is on the Truth, i.e.,God) is of paramount importance for a spiritual aspirant. Sri Sankara Bhagavadpada says "Satsanga" leads to liberation in his famous Bhaja Govindam*. #108GURU 13. ॐ मुक्तिसाधन सत्संग वर्धनाय नमः ஓம் முக்திஸாத4

#KROM 46. "Thoughts are Universal!" A wise person will comprehend the true meaning behind the ideas that he hears from others regardless of their appearance or status. எப்பொருள் யார்யார் வாய் கேட்பினும் அப்பொருள் மெய்ப்பொருள் காண்பது அறிவு. 423 epporuL yaaryaar vaaik kETpinum apporuL meipporuL kaaNbathu aRivu. It is said that "Thoughts are universally, not individually, rooted." In this Kural, Sri Valluvar notes this impersonal, universal aspect of the truth. A person of discrimination must give higher weightage to the usefulness of the idea in order to accept it or not and assign lesser importance to the external factors. In Srimad Bhagavatham, it is mentioned that Sri DattaatrEya considered 24 different things of the world as his Guru*.   #108GURU 12. ॐ सर्वगत सद्गुरुतत्वाय नमः ஓம் ஸர்வக3த ஸத்3கு3ருதத்வாய  நம: #KURAL 423 Recently Occurred in Mind ---- * -   Timeless-Story-of-Guru-Dattatreya-and-his-24-teachers-.. --- #PHD Jai Gurudev! AUM! ht

#KROM 45. "A Subtle Head to Heart Relationship!" What is the use of one's intellect if he is not able to protect others by feeling their pain as his own? அறிவினான் ஆகுவது உண்டோ பிறிதின் நோய் தம் நோய் போல் போற்றாக் கடை. 315 arivinaan aaguvadhu uNDO piRithin nOi tham nOi pOl pORRaak kaDai. Here Sri Valluvar illustrates a wonderful symbiotic relationship between the intelligence and the feeling. The development of intelligence, which is a refinement of the thought process, must go hand in hand with the heart's feeling and the growth of both faculties together culminates in true wisdom. An one-sided development leads to imbalance in one's temperament that would result in misunderstanding others of different temperament - a root cause of all types of conflicts. In this Kural, Sri Valluvar is not content with just discouraging a negative behavior of avoiding conflicts and he goes a step forward and encourages a positive behavior of alleviating pain of others!

#KROM 44. "The Proper Healing (Problem-Solving) Method" A doctor treating a patient should first find out the manifested disease based on its symptoms, then find out its root cause and seek a proper remedy, and finally apply the remedy on the patient suitably, without any errors. நோய் நாடி நோய்முதல் நாடி அது தணிக்கும் வாய் நாடி வாய்ப்பச் செயல். 948 nOi naaDi nOimudhal naaDi adhu thaNikkum vaai naaDi vaaippach cheyal. This procedure is not only applicable for physical diseases but also is suitable for mental diseases. In general, for solving any problem this approach is useful. Many problems that manifest in physical plane have root causes in the mental plane, which is higher and subtler than the physical plane. In these cases, unless the mental issue is addressed, treating physical problem alone will be symptomatic and will not cure permanently. Similarly, many psychiatric disorders (mental issues) have root causes in causal or spiritual plane (e.g., insecurity, la

#KROM 43. "Seek the Company of Noble men!" Surround yourself in the protection of noble who can aid to redress your difficulties of the past and present, and prevent them from occurring in the future. உற்ற நோய் நீக்கி உறாஅமை முற்காக்கும் பெற்றியார்ப்  பேணிக் கொளல். 442 uRRa nOi nIkki uRaa amai muRkaakkum peRRiyaarp pENik koLal. The power of good company is of paramount importance! Finding a helpful person newly at the time of your difficulties is nearly impossible or will be less effective even if you happen to find one. It is far more effective to seek them actively in normal times and develop friendship with them so that they know your tendencies and environment. This familiarity will come handy, during trying circumstances, to address the issues holistically. #108GURU 9. ॐ त्रिकाले रक्षणकर मार्गबन्धवे नमः ஓம் த்ரிகாலே ரக்ஷணகர மார்க3ப3ந்த4வே நம: #KURAL 442 Recently Occurred in Mind ---- #PHD Jai Gurudev! AUM! http://kromphd.blogspot.com (in English) htt

#KROM 42. "Wisdom - The Great Cleanser!" Even unending, terrible flood-like sufferings can be remedied by the deep thinking of the wise. வெள்ளத்து அனைய இடும்பை அறிவுடையான் உள்ளத்தின் உள்ளக் கெடும். 622 veLLatthu anaiya iDumbai aRivuDaiyaan uLLatthin uLLak keDum. It is said, "Ignorance is the mother of all evils." Operating in human consciousness at various levels, the ignorance manifests as lack of faith, mental inefficiencies, and various physical diseases. The only permanent cure for ignorance is wisdom! Sri Valluvar here gives a subtle hint to seek the counsel of the wise, if you are unable to address it yourself, by referring wise impersonally! #108GURU 8. ॐ सर्व दु:खार्णव नाशनाय नमः ஓம் ஸர்வ து3:கா2ர்ணவ நாசனாய  நம: #KURAL 622 Recently Occurred in Mind ---- #PHD Jai Gurudev! AUM! http://kromphd.blogspot.com (in English) http://soukromphd.blogspot.com (in Sourashtra)

#KROM 41. "Learn From a Teacher" Learn a skill from one who has mastery on its workings, in a such a way that the teacher is pleased with your learning. செய்வினை செய்வான் செயல்முறை அவ்வினை உள்ளறிவான் உள்ளங் கொளல். 677 seivinai seivaan seyalmuRai avvvinai uLLaRivaan uLLang koLal. Besides saving time in not "reinventing the wheel", a few other advantages are there for learning from a master vs. self-learning: 1) the confidence level will be higher in the student who learnt it from a master and this is typically achieved from the non-verbal aspects. 2) As the student was helped by the master, although subtle, the student feels the joy in his heart (and the master too) whenever, in perpetuity, the feeling of gratitude is expressed. #108GURU 7. ॐ गुरुशिष्य पारंपर पोषकाय नमः ஓம் கு3ருசிஷ்ய பாரம்பர போஷகாய நம: #KURAL 677 Recently Occurred in Mind ---- #PHD Jai Gurudev! AUM! http://kromphd.blogspot.com (in English) http://soukromphd.blogspot.com (in Sour

#KROM 40. "Help Others Expecting No Reciprocity!" How can the world repay its debt to the life-giving rain? A capable one, like rain,  helps other deserving people, as a duty, without expecting reciprocation. கைம்மாறு வேண்டா கடப்பாடு மாரிமாட்டு என் ஆற்றுங் கொல்லோ உலகு. 211 kaimmaaRu vENDaa kaDappaaDu maarimaaTTu en aaRRung kollO ulagu. (kaimmaaRu = recompense; kaDappaaDu = kaDamai = duty) The nature has full of inter-dependencies in its workings. The energy flows from the higher potential to the lower potential, naturally without any reciprocation expected. Sri Valluvar shows the nature's model for giving and by mentioning it as a duty, he is also advising not to avoid helping others. #108GURU 6. ॐ अप्रतिकर ज्ञानामृत वर्षिताय नमः ஓம் அப்ரதிகர ஞானாம்ருத வர்ஷிதாய நம: #KURAL 211 Recently Occurred in Mind ---- #PHD Jai Gurudev! AUM! http://kromphd.blogspot.com (in English) http://soukromphd.blogspot.com (in Sourashtra)

#KROM 39. "Positive Signs of  the Virtuous!" Sweet, helpful words from inside out with an inviting pleasant mirth are the signs of virtuous! முகத்தான் அமர்ந்து இனிது நோக்கி அகத்தானாம் இன்சொலின் அதே அறம். 93 mugatthaan amarndhu inidhu nOkki agatthaanaam insolin adhE aRam. A pauper cannot donate money to others! A person who is devoid of peace and happiness cannot make others peaceful and happy. Even if one forcefully sacrifices for others' sake, this cannot be sustained for long, like a starving mother feeding her new-born baby. When an action is not genuinely performed inside out, it becomes a show over time, at times a sad one. :-( #108GURU 5. ॐ मन्दहसित स्वात्माराम सुभाषिताय नमः ஓம் மந்த3ஹஸித ஸ்வாத்மாராம ஸுபா4ஷிதாய நம: #KURAL 93 Recently Occurred in Mind ---- #PHD Jai Gurudev! AUM! http://kromphd.blogspot.com (in English) http://soukromphd.blogspot.com (in Sourashtra)

#KROM 38. "Minimum Criteria for Dharma!" Jealousy, Sensual Desire, Anger, and Harsh words do not ever accompany Dharma! அழுக்காறு அவா வெகுளி இன்னாச்சொல் இந்நான்கும் இழுக்கா இயன்றது அறம். 35 azhukkaRu avaa veguLi innaacchol innaangum izhukkaa iyanRadhu aRam. After setting the upper bar of Dharma in the previous Kural, Sri Valluvar here sets the lower bar of Dharma, with the outwardly observable negative aspects, and together defines the boundary for spirituality. One important aspect of the spiritual teachings is that they are directional, i.e. relative to where one is in the spiritual evolution and where he needs to progress to. Even though the goal is perfection, as set in the previous Kural, the aspirant is expected to do his best towards the direction of the goal. The benefit the aspirant derives will be as proportional to the effort he exerts! #108GURU 4. ॐ काम क्रोध मात्सर दुर्भाष रहिताय नमः ஓம் காம க்ரோத4 மாத்ஸர து3ர்பா4ஷ ரஹிதாய நம: #KURAL 35 Recently Oc

#KROM 37. "Criteria for Dharma - Simply Defined Yet Difficult to Achieve!" Making one's mind free from all impurities is an all-inclusive, complete Dharma (set of virtues). Everything else is only restless pomp and show! மனத்துக்கண் மாசு இலன் ஆதல் அனைத்து அறன்; ஆகுல நீர பிற. 34 manatthukkaN maasu ilan aadhal anaitthu aRan aakula nIra piRa. (aakula = aaravaaram = pomp and show, restlessness) The mental "impurities" referred here are any negative attitudes, emotions, or tendencies... So, what is the connection between one's mental purity to Dharma, that too all-inclusive? One sees the world through his mind. He reflects outside what is inside him. It is difficult to know what is right or wrong so long as the judging mind itself is not pure. When he cleanses his mind, the world appears to him as they are, in reality, and then, it becomes effortless (i.e., without mental "friction") for him to perform actions that are in tune with nature

#KROM 36. "Perfect Words of a Saint Tally with Scriptures!" A true Saint's perfect, truthful words are in tune with the scriptures of the land and they indicate his greatness. நிறைமொழி மாந்தர் பெருமை நிலத்து மறைமொழி காட்டி விடும். 28 niRaimozhi maandhar perumai nilatthu maRaimozhi kaaTTi viDum. The holy scriptures are referred by the word "Agama" in Sanskrit, which also means "intuitive knowledge" that every human being has potential to attain. One who does not have scriptural knowledge may wonder how to assess if Saint's teachings are in tune with scriptures or not. The best way is to feel the heart, not head, whether it is at peace or aggravated upon hearing them. Even though the listener may not be intellectually comprehend what he heard, if his heart feels at peace, it is likely to be true. #108GURU 2. ॐ परिपूर्ण वेदागम वाकीशाय नमः ஓம் பரிபூர்ண வேதாக3ம வாகீசாய நம: #KURAL 28 Recently Occurred in Mind ---- #PHD Jai Gurudev! AUM

#KROM 35. "Dharma - A Safe and Sure Path for Here and Beyond!" Surrendering to the Lotus Feet of the God, in the form of Guru, who is the ocean of Dharma (Virtues, Righteousness, Natural Conduct) is the sure way to cross the ocean of samsaara. There is no other path than Dharma that is safe and sure for here and beyond.       அற ஆழி அந்தணன் தாள் சேர்ந்தார்க்கு அல்லால் பிற ஆழி நீந்தல் அரிது. 8 aRa aazhi andhaNan thaaL sErndhaarkku allaal piRa aazhi neendhal aRidhu. Sri Valluvar underscores the importance of Dharma in this Kural. The religion that was practised in India itself was known by the name "Sanaathan Dharma (Eternal Path)," before the name "Hinduism" was given to it. Dharma is said to be a balanced path which is also narrow and razor-edged. Many seek to escape quickly from the sufferings of the world without adhering the course of Dharma and they unfortunately end up in the hands of hypocrites who lead them in a wrong direction, as a blin

#KROM 34. "Look at Actions, Not Appearance!" Arrow is straight yet it harms; Harp (yaazh) is bent yet its music pleases! Likewise, without getting carried away by outwardly appearances, let the renunciate's beneficial or adverse actions be your guide in deciding whether to follow him or to ignore him. கணை கொடிது யாழ்கோடு செவ்விது ஆங்கு அன்ன வினைபடு பாலால் கொளல். 279 kaNai koDidhu yaazhkODu sevvidhu aangu anna vinaipaDu paalaal koLal. Sri Valluvar emphasized clearly here, with a powerful and comprehensive analogy, to look at their course of the actions rather than appearance before placing your faith in renunciates. In spiritual path, it is common to encounter sycophancy of zealots who unduly praise their masters and their "miracles". Beware of these! In these circumstances, the best guidance would be to see how those so-called miracles or actions can relate to you personally and to see how it may benefit you to advance spiritually! (Let's see th

#KROM 33. "Hypocrites were Many Even In Sri Valluvar's Time!" There are many who are dirty in their mind but project themselves as exalted beings performing religious customs, such as bathing in holy rivers, pretentiously. மனத்தது மாசு ஆக மாண்டார் நீராடி மறைந்து ஒழுகும் மாந்தர் பலர். 278 manatthadhu maasu aaga maaNDaar nIraaDi maRaindhu ozhugum maandhar palar. (maaNDaar = maaNbu uDaiyaar pOl = Like exalted beings; Note that "maaNDaar" means "died" in recent usage in Tamil but, in this Kural, it is not used that way.) It is somewhat of a comforting feeling that even in Sri Valluvar's days, there were numerous hypocrites under the cover of religion and is not new... It is said, "if you are not a saint, behave like one." This is a profound advice for emulating inner attitudes and conduct of a saint that makes a person advance spiritually. But if the person imitates saint's outwardly appearance and actions without the corresp

#KROM 32. "Lofty but Empty Words Invite Troubles!" Those who claim they had renounced everything but not in truth will invite troubles to themselves, at their most inconvenient situations, that will make them whine helplessly. பற்று அற்றேம் என்பார் படிற்று ஒழுக்கம் எற்று எற்று என்று ஏதம் பலவும் தரும். 275 paRRu aRREm enbaar paDiRRu ozhukkam eRRu eRRu enRu Edham palavum tharum. For making tall claims without matching action, the motive is to elicit favors from their listeners. Once favor is gained undeservedly, it must get neutralized by its opposite action, at some point in time. That is the Law of Nature! The trickster will end up attracting the very same thing that he wanted to avoid, as thoughts act like magnets. As mentioned before, no human intelligence can outsmart the Universal Intelligence which puts everything, from a tiny atom to the galaxies, into motion. #KURAL 275 Recently Occurred in Mind ---- #PHD Jai Gurudev! AUM! http://kromphd.blogspot.com (

#KROM 31. "Conscience is Eternally Vigilant!" Never betray knowingly, thinking that nobody is watching; Your own conscience will scorch you in return, without fail. தன் நெஞ்சு அறிவது பொய்யற்க; பொய்த்த பின் தன் நெஞ்சே தன்னைச் சுடும். 293 than nenju aRivadhu poyyaRka; poyttha pin than nenjE thannaich chuDum. One's own conscience is watching always in every state of consciousness and its scope is universal although it is centered in every human heart. It is said, "All things betray thee, who betrayest Me." (*) This is the biggest punishment one would get for a crime that apparently goes unnoticed by other human beings or by law enforcement! #KURAL 293 Recently Occurred in Mind ---- * -  THE HOUND OF HEAVEN by Francis Thompson ---- #PHD Jai Gurudev! AUM! http://kromphd.blogspot.com (in English) http://soukromphd.blogspot.com (in Sourashtra)

#KROM 30. "Vainglorious Towering Image!" What use of projecting a sky-high towering personality oneself when his conscience knows his guilt and takes a dig at him? வான் உயர் தோற்றம் எவன் செய்யும் தன் நெஞ்சம் தான் அறி குற்றப் படின். 272 vaan uyar thoRRam evan seyyum than nenjam thaan aRi kuRRap paDin. It is a common sight to see people trashing (verbally, at times physically too) a hypocrite when he is exposed! While Sri Valluvar advises caution in believing by outwardly signs, he does not suggest people to "teach a lesson" or hurt back the exposed hypocrite. Instead, he wants us to let the hypocrite's conscience do the judgement! #KURAL 272 Recently Occurred in Mind ---- #PHD Jai Gurudev! AUM! http://kromphd.blogspot.com (in English) http://soukromphd.blogspot.com (in Sourashtra)

#KROM 29. "May Escape from Human Law but Not Nature's Law!" The five elements of nature will smile to themselves, in mockery, by observing the behavior of a treacherous person, who commits crimes in secrecy thinking that no one is watching!    வஞ்ச மனத்தான் படிற்று ஒழுக்கம் பூதங்கள் ஐந்தும் அகத்தே நகும். 271 vanja manatthaan paDiRRu ozhukkam bhoothangaL aindhum agatthE nagum. Hypocrites and criminals will be on rise where there is laxity in Government's law. Since the perpetrators' focus is only on ensuring they are not caught by the law enforcement, they use the best means such as religion where they cannot be caught easily. Alas! the poor hypocrites cannot cheat the Nature! (Let's see how Nature deals with these criminals...)  #KURAL 271 Recently Occurred in Mind ---- #PHD Jai Gurudev! AUM! http://kromphd.blogspot.com (in English) http://soukromphd.blogspot.com (in Sourashtra)

#KROM 28. "The Most Cruel Beings"! There are no worse cruel beings than those who pretend to live like a renunciant but do not renounce in their heart. Why? Because, they perpetrate the worst sin of destroying the sacred faith in their followers. நெஞ்சில் துறவார் துறந்தார் போல் வஞ்சித்து வாழ்வாரின் வன்கணார் இல். 276 nenjil thuRavaar thuRandhaar pOl vanjitthu vaazhvaarin vankaNaar il. People approach a saint for their wise counsel and (physical, mental, and spiritual) healing power with the hope of attaining peace immediately and salvation eventually. They offer the best of their belongings to the saint, out of love and respect, for the higher cause. The pseudo saints by betraying this most sacred trust of Guru-Disciple relationship, they perpetrate the worst sin as they do severe harm in return for the best they receive! #KURAL 276 Recently Occurred in Mind ---- #PHD Jai Gurudev! AUM! http://kromphd.blogspot.com (in English) http://soukromphd.blogspot.com (i

#KROM 27. "A Hidden Hunter"! A person doing forbidden activities under the cover of religion and spirituality is like a hunter hidden behind a bush entrapping birds, without their awareness! தவ மறைந்து அல்லவை செய்தல் புதல் மறைந்து வேட்டுவன் புள் சிமிழ்த்தற்று . 274 thava maRaindhu allavai seidhal pudhal maRaindhu vETTuvan puL cimizhtthaRRu. (pudhal = bush; puL = bird; cimizhtthal = entrap, catch) Another striking analogy to the cunning, opportunistic tendency of hypocrites! #KURAL 274 Recently Occurred in Mind ---- #PHD Jai Gurudev! AUM! http://kromphd.blogspot.com (in English) http://soukromphd.blogspot.com (in Sourashtra)

#KROM 26. "A Cow in Tiger's Clothing"! In order to enjoy the privileges of the society, undeservedly, one who project himself as a strongman while lacking inner strength is like a grazing cow garbed in tiger skin! வலி இல் நிலைமையான் வல்லுருவம் பெற்றம் புலியின் தோல் போர்த்து மேய்ந்தற்று. 273 vali il nilaimaiyaan valluruvam peRRam puliyin thOl pOrtthu mEindhaRRu. (peRRam = cow) It is a very striking analogy with a poetic imagination! This cow can graze easily and "royally" at whatever field of grass it wishes to. Even while seeing a grass eating tiger in amazement, nobody will dare to drive it away as "who would confront a tiger?!" Similarly, the hypocrite pretending to be a saint can abuse the privileges, offerings, privacy, and the respect society offers to his advantage without anybody daring to challenge him! The strength mentioned here mainly refers to the inner strength, i.e., mental and spiritual. While the word "vali" mea

#KROM 25. Beware of Outwardly Religious but Dark Inside! Beware of those who outwardly decorate themselves with ocher (saffron color, symbolizes purity) robe, but are dark inside in their heart. They are like the bead 'kunRimaNi' with its body in red color with a black dot at its corner. புறம் குன்றி கண்டனையரேனும் அகம் குன்றி மூக்கிற் கரியார் உடைத்து. 277 puram kunRi kaNDanayarEnum agam kunRi mUkkiR kariyaar uDaitthu. (kunRi (1st ) = kunRimaNi = a red color bead with a black dot at its nose; kunRi (2nd) = defect) Inner attitude is more important than outer symbols. Although outer religious signs help for easy identification and also help to keep away the notorious elements from mingling, they are relevant only with the corresponding inner realization or intention. Otherwise, these inconsistent hypocrites by their actions mislead commoners to lose faith in the religion. #KURAL 277 Recently Occurred in Mind ---- #PHD Jai Gurudev! AUM! http://kromphd.blogspot.co

#KROM 24. What is Surrender? It is better to learn from a teacher by surrendering to him, as the poor bows before the rich for monetary help; otherwise, they remain as illiterates and get devalued. உடையார் முன் இல்லார் போல் ஏக்கற்றும் கற்றார் கடையரே கல்லாதவர். 395 uDayaar mun illaar pOl EkaRRum kaRRaar kaDaiyarE kalladhavar. (EkkaRRu = bowing) Surrender or the symbolic bowing implies openness to receive his teacher's guidance with faith. Faith, confidence, trust, and belief refers to same aspect with descending degree of importance. In any mundane or lofty transactions, in order to know something unknown, one must implicitly or explicitly believe first. But, most of the worldly transactions can be objectively proven and hence, there is not much importance given to the belief aspect. However, in spiritual and psychological aspects, these cannot be proven until one experiences them and so, faith is of paramount importance in these. While one must be careful before confid

#KROM 23. First Step in Spirituality! One who accepts the given situation or condition without seething in anger and seeks to learn from it will get the guidance of the Virtue. கதம் காத்துக் கற்று அடங்கல் ஆற்றுவான் செவ்வி அறம் பார்க்கும் ஆற்றின் நுழைந்து. 130 kadham kaatthuk kaRRu aDangal aaRRuvaan sevvi aRam paarkkum aRRin nuzhaindhu. (kadham = anger; sevvi = condition) When one feels angry even if it is hidden, his mental faculty loses the balance to see things as they are. Accepting the present moment without mental resistance gives the best chance of grasping the totality of the problem. As Sri Valluvar poetically expressed, Virtue will thrust itself into that person's life to help him! #KURAL 130 Recently Occurred in Mind ---- #PHD Jai Gurudev! AUM! http://kromphd.blogspot.com (in English) http://soukromphd.blogspot.com (in Sourashtra)

#KROM 22. Where Book Learning Fails? Even if one reads variety of lofty books, only his natural intelligence will still prevail during real-life situations. நுண்ணிய நூல் பல கற்பினும் மற்றும் தன் உண்மை அறிவே மிகும். 373 nuNNiya nool pala kaRpinum maRRum than uNmai aRivE migum. Normally, self-help is the best form of help when acting upon aspects where mind is the actor! However, when it comes to life's learning or spirituality, it involves understanding one's own mind (i.e., mind is acted upon by the same mind as actor). As we saw before (Kural 849), it is not easy for himself to comprehend beyond what one knows. Reading lofty books intellectually merely reflect his own state of consciousness. More over, the spiritual path (Dharma) is mentioned as a narrow, razor-edge path. It is easy to get a wrong interpretation with limited intelligence and the consequence of that would be grave.  The more important ingredient to break this apparent paradox is faith in the guidance

#KROM 21. Why is it Hard to Believe in Spirituality? One who tries to explain something to a stubbornly egoistic person will end up confused himself, as the stubborn will continue to see only as he wants to see. It is hard to offer help to a fool as it may backfire and so, wise keep their own counsel. காணாதாற் (கு) காட்டுவான் தான்காணான் காணாதான் கண்டானாம் தான் கண்டவாறு. 849 kaaNathaaR (ku) kaaTTuvaan thaankaaNaan kaaNaathaan kaNDaanaam thaan kaNDavaaRu. People know only as much as what comes within the range of their consciousness. Without getting help, they will not be able to understand those who have broader consciousness than themselves or those who have a different range of consciousness (e.g., a reason-predominant person will have issues understanding a feeling-predominant person). In this Kural, while commenting on stupidity, Sri Valluvar inadvertently describes the nature of consciousness and its relevance to faith. Spirituality is about evolving one's own cons

#KROM 20. "Every saint is a sinner who never gave up!" Without time-boxing one's expectation, if one can continually put proper effort without getting dejected by apparent downfalls, he can defeat his Karma driven away, showing its back! It is said, "Every saint is a sinner who never gave up!" ஊழையும் உப்பக்கம் காண்பர் உலைவு இன்றித் தாழாது உஞற்றுபவர். 620 Uzhaiyum uppakkam kaaNbar ulaivu inRith thaazhaadhu ujnaRRupavar. So then, why did Sri Valluvar say, "no amount of thinking can outsmart it" in Kural 380? Is there a contradiction? Every moment occurs to an individual as per his past karma and the free-will of the individual. At the present moment, that individual cannot do anything to outsmart it. This is what is mentioned in Kural 380. However, in future, the same individual can use free-will properly with persistent effort in order to overcome the Karma. These are mentioned in Kural 619 and 620. There is no real contradiction as they h

#KROM 19. Effort's supremacy over Karma! Even when something does not happen due to one's karma, his sincere effort made with the human body does yield returns. தெய்வத்தான் ஆகாது எனினும் முயற்சி தன் மெய் வருத்தக் கூலி தரும். 619 deivaththaan aagaathu eninum muyaRchi than mei varuththak kooli tharum. If you carefully analyze the cause of Karma, it is nothing but your own making which was done by the use of your free-will, at some point in time in the past. The proper use of free-will gets you good Karma and its misuse gets you bad Karma. Hence if some of the results are not to your liking, those can be undone by their compensating opposite actions with proper use of free-will. #KURAL 619 Recently Occurred in Mind ---- #PHD Jai Gurudev! AUM! http://kromphd.blogspot.com (in English) http://soukromphd.blogspot.com (in Sourashtra)

#KROM 18. Karma's inevitability! Karma is supremely powerful and no amount of thinking and planning will be able to outsmart it.   ஊழின் பெரு வலி யாவுள? மற்றொன்று சூழினும் தான் முந்துறும். 380 Uzhin peru vali yaavuLa? maRRonRu sUzhinum thaan mundhuRum. Many conclude this Kural as finality and give up making effort. This is a wrong attitude! Sri Valluvar himself clarifies in other places that this is not final as it sounds and we will see them in the next few Kurals! #KURAL 380 Recently Occurred in Mind ---- #PHD Jai Gurudev! AUM! http://kromphd.blogspot.com (in English) http://soukromphd.blogspot.com (in Sourashtra)

#KURAL 378 Recently Occurred in Mind #KROM 17. Infinite Variables Equation Solver - continued! ---- A pauper is not able to give up material life and take up Sannyaas to lead an ascetic life of poverty! Even though his material conditions have driven him to give up, he is not able to do. Why? துறப்பார்மன் துப்புரவு இல்லார் உறற் பால ஊட்டா கழியும் எனின். thuRappaarman thuppuravu illaar uRaR paala UTTaa kazhiyum enin. "Life is a challenging riddle!" Because a human being does not operate in silo and there are numerous other living and non-living things he interacts with. Individual free-will and cause and effect of past actions of all the involved make a complex web of variables to solve. Nobody else but only God solves the equation of these infinite variables every moment, with His Vast Intelligence! So, why does God have to go through so much effort? Can He not let the results instantly manifest? What prevents Him from doing it immediately? The important t

#KURAL 377 Recently Occurred in Mind #KROM 16. Infinite Variables Equation Solver! ---- A millionaire has amassed a huge wealth yet is unable to enjoy! Why? "Life is a challenging riddle!" Because a human being does not operate in silo and there are numerous other living and non-living things he interacts with. Individual free-will and cause and effect of past actions of all the involved make a complex web of variables to solve. Nobody else but only God solves the equation of these infinite variables every moment, with His Vast Intelligence! வகுத்தான் வகுத்த வகை அல்லால் கோடி தொகுத்தார்க்கும் துய்த்தல் அரிது. vagutthaan vaguttha vagai allaal kODi thogutthaarkkum thuitthal aridhu. 377 (Why does God have to go through so much effort? Can He not let the results instantly manifest? What prevents Him from doing it immediately?) ---- #PHD Jai Gurudev! AUM! http://kromphd.blogspot.com (in English) http://soukromphd.blogspot.com (in Sourashtra)

#KURAL 319 Recently Occurred in Mind #KROM 15. 100% Accountability! ---- Can I get away with doing something wrong when no one else noticing it? Unfortunately, the answer is "No" :-( ! There is 100% accountability! There are truly no "lucks" or "accidents" under God's Law! Nobody can escape the results of the actions performed! As mentioned earlier, not all results manifest immediately. Those yet-to-be-manifested results accumulate as one's Karma and remain in that individual's consciousness until they get manifested or negated by opposite actions. Some results may happen instantly, while others may happen in few days, months, or years,  may take one life time, many life times, or even many yugas. But, each one of them shall have to execute without exception! பிறர்க்கு இன்னா முற்பகல் செய்யின் தமக்கு இன்னா பிற்பகல் தாமே வரும். piRarkku innaa muRpagal seiyyin thamakku innaa piRpagal thaame varum. (OK, will the results always come b

#KURAL 320 Recently Occurred in Mind #KROM 14. Good begets good; Bad begets bad! ---- If one inflicts pain on others, he gets to suffer in return as its result. So, those who want to avoid suffering should not hurt others. Good begets good; Bad begets bad! It seems obvious, what is so special about it? In many of our dealings, we may find that the results are not immediately seen and, at times, we may even see contradictory results! Why? Although each action is judged immediately in the doer's consciousness, the results may not manifest right away! That is because, the results require appropriate place, time, and instruments for them to manifest. --- நோய் எல்லாம் நோய் செய்தார் மேல ஆம்; நோய் செய்யார் நோய் இன்மை வேண்டுபவர். nOi ellam nOi seidhaar mEla (v)aam; nOi seiyaar nOi inmai vEnDubavar. (OK, will the results always come back to the doer? How many days it may take?) ---- #PHD Jai Gurudev! AUM! http://kromphd.blogspot.com  (in English)

#KURAL 972 Recently Occurred in Mind #KROM 13. Why is there difference among human beings? ---- God created all human beings in the same way with mind and a body, equipped with senses. However, every human being differs in character from others by the actions they perform based on individual's own  wishes! பிறப்பு ஒக்கும் எல்லா உயிர்க்கும் சிறப்பு ஒவ்வா செய் தொழில் வேற்றுமையான். piRappu okkum ellaa uyirkkum siRappu ovva sei thozhil vERRumaiyaan. All life-forms operate on one fundamental principle: to avoid pain and to increase pleasure (dukha nivritti, sukha pravritti)! However, the actions are directional that can be in good or bad direction or fall somewhere in between. Depending on the nature of action, the fruits of action ensue accordingly as pleasure or pain or in between. (E. Brother: Then, why so much differences in humans at the time of birth itself? Some are born in poverty, with terrible diseases, handicapped, etc. Do the results of actions not show up rig

#KURAL 1071 Recently Occurred in Mind #KROM 12. Amazing Paradox: So Similar Yet Poles Apart! ---- In this Kural, Sri Valluvar puts low-minded people on one side of the balancing scale and common people on the other side and weighs! The lowly look exactly similar to commoners, however, in their character both sets are poles apart. Sri Valluvar declares that he has not seen such a paradox between two groups in any single race of the animal kingdom! By not using "people" word to refer the lowly and on the other hand commoners are referred just as "people" without any adjectives, he is also hinting that the base people are so low in their consciousness level that they cannot even be considered as people! :-( மக்களே போல்வர் கயவர் அவரன்ன ஒப்பாரி யாம் கண்டது இல். makkalE pOlvar kayavar avaranna oppaari yaam kaNDadhu il. (Y. Brother: It is a bit disturbing to think about the base people's state the way how Valluvar described! Is it really even possible