Foreword

Cover
 Acknowledgement

Thank the Divine in making my dreams come true.

Thank my parents (MNS Mani & Lakshmi Mani) for this life-

time opportunity.

This book is dedicated to my close family, friends,

teachers and people who influenced me over a period. I am
fortunate to be surrounded by people who seem to be a role-model
in their role with their exemplified actions.

The source and content credits goes to online resources

including Wikipedia, oldtamilpoetry.com, sangam resources.

 Contents

Foreword

About Tamil Language

Tamil Poets

World is my family
Karma theory

Life's entanglement
Anger management

Helping others
Healthy Body

Cry for yourself

Friendship

Relationship
Presentation

Help the needy

Detachment
Faults in friendship

Talent
Spouse

What makes your clan?

Karma
 Foreword
Why do we buy and read books? We need some new interesting
content that bring us refreshing thoughts!.It's our natural

instinct to be curious and reflect our beliefs into ancient

writings.

I always felt that a good book should forget me to keep

track of time and force to realign my other schedules to finish

reading it. This could be books in self-improvement process,

biographies, memoirs, philosophy related subjects. It's better

if there is a some sort of mystery or mystic added. If it's an

ancient wisdom combined with modern scientific analysis, both my

mind and heart believes them.

I was born and brought up at cities in Southern India. The

state is called Tamil Nadu. The language used there is called

state is called Tamil Nadu. The language used there is called

Tamil. It's one of the very ancient and still used by millions

of people across the countries. Besides the language, that land

has ancient cultures and tradition running for many centuries.

When I visit my cities there on vacation, I get fresh

perspective on the age-old wisdoms and practices. That made to

think about writing this book so that many more can adapt the
beliefs to the practical extent possible.

The content in this book is just to give the readers an

idea of the ancient texts in Tamil Language. You can do

additional search on specific poets and their contributions.
 Tamil Language

Tamil Language

Tamil is one of the 22 scheduled languages of India. It's

spoken by people in the state of Tamil Nadu and people living in

other parts of India that are originally from Tamil Nadu. It is

also the official language of Singapore and Sri Lanka countries.

Tamil is spoken by the Tamil Diaspora in USA, Canada, Malaysia,

Fiji and many other countries.

Tamil is one of the longest-surviving classical language in

the world. Tamil inscriptions from 500 BC have been found in

places. A recorded Tamil literature has been documented for over

2000 years. There are about 78 millions speakers of this

language (source: wikipedia)

The current Tamil script consists of 12 vowels, 18

consonants and one special character, the aytam (ahk). The

consonants and one special character, the aytam (ahk). The

vowels and consonants combine to form 216 compound characters,

giving a total of 247 characters.

There are lot of ancient texts in Tamil Language.

Thirukural is one of them, which has been translated in many

languages. It's short verses with immense content has made many

people explaining them into many books.

Tamil

The earliest known inscriptions in Tamil date back to 2,200

BC. Tamil literature emerged in around 300 BC, and the language
used from then until the 700 AD is known as Old Tamil. From

700-1600 AD the language is known as Middle Tamil, and since

1600 the language has been known as Modern Tamil.

Tamil was originally written with a version of the Brahmi

script known as Tamil Brahmi, and by the the 5th century AD this

script had become more rounded and developed into

the vatte script. The modern Tamil script arichuvadi however,

was created during the 7th century based on the Grantha script,
as descendent of Brahmi. Over time the script has changed

somewhat, and it was simplified in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Notable features
● Type of writing system: syllabic alphabet
 ● Direction of writing: left to right in horizontal lines

● When they appear the the beginning of a syllable, vowels

are written as independent letters.

● Some of the non-standard consonant-vowel combinations are

not used in official documents.

● The alphabet was originally written on palm leaves. As a

result, the letters are made up mainly of curved strokes

which didn't rip the leaves.

Used to write:
Tamil , a Dravidian language spoken by around 52 million
people mainly in southern India and Sri Lanka, and also in

Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, Canada, the USA, UK and Australia.

It is the first language of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, and

is spoken by a significant minority of people (2 million) in

north-eastern Sri Lanka.

Tamil alphabet

Vowels and vowel diacritics

Non-standard consonant-vowel combinations
Consonants
 The final five consonants (the blue ones) are known
as grantha letters and
are used to write consonants borrowed from Sanskrit, and

also some words of English origin.

Numerals
 The numerals rarely appear in modern Tamil texts. Instead,
'Arabic' numerals (1, 2, 3, etc.) are used.

Other symbols

Sample text in Tamil

 Transliteration

Maṉitap piṛaviyiṉar čakalarum čutantiramākavē

piṛakkiṉṛaṉar; avarkaḷ matippilum urimaikaḷilum čamamāṉavarkaḷ.

Avarkaḷ niyāyattaiyum maṉačāṭčiyaiyum iyaṛpaṇpākap peṛṛavarkaḷ.

Avarkaḷ oruvaruṭaṉoruvar čakōtara uṇarvup pāṅkil naṭantukoḷḷal
vēṇṭum.
Source: Omniglot site

Tamil Poets
The inspiration and source of this book comes from great
Tamil poets who has written hundreds of poems or verses many
centuries back. You can do google search for specific books on

them to read the full contents. I have taken their best messages
suitable for current environment. I have added my own
explanations if the poem or proverb is not self-explanatory.
explanations if the poem or proverb is not self-explanatory.

Readers can research additional resources to get more

comprehensive details on these proverbs.

Tiruvalluvar

Tirukkural (also known as Kural), is a classic tamil

language text consisting of 1330 very short couplets.
Thiruvalluvar was an ancient Saint lived in Tamil Nadu.

His works is considered a great resource on eithics and

morality. The text are considered originated in 5th century.

The teaching are grouped into three sections: virtue,

wealth and love. No other ancient texts delve on romance so much

in details than Tirukkural. The contents have been translated in
more than 40 Indian and non-Indian languages.

The kural is structured into 133 chapters, each containing

10 couplets. The couplets are just one and half sentences each.
 (Statue of Tiruvalluvar in Kanyakumari city)

The first part is called Aram (Dharma) dealing with moral

values of an individual and essentials of yoga philosophy

(chapter 1-38)

Example:

'Venduthal vendamai ilanadi sertharkku yandum idumbai yela'

If you live detached life (without desired or hatred)and

surrender yourself to God's feet- there is no sufferings in this

worldly life
 The second part is called porul (artha or polity) dealing
with socio-economic values about society and administation
(Chapters 39-108)
Example:

'Solluthal yarkkum eliya ariyavam solliya vannam seyal'

Anyone can say that I am going to do this way. To do it in

action as the way you said is the most difficult thing

The last part is called Inbam (kama or love) dealing with

psychological values and love (Chapters 109-133)

 'Udambodu Uyiryedai enna muttrenna madanthaiyo yemmidai

natpu'

The relationship between spouses is like relationship

between body and soul

Naaladiyaar
 (photo source: tamil surangam.com)

Sometimes people don't know the real name of the person

when the pen-name gets popular. Naaladi in tamil means four
lines. The poet who wrote 400+ poems each containing just four
lines is known as Naaladiyaar (person who wrote four lines). His

contribution belongs to post Sangam Tamil period, which

contribution belongs to post Sangam Tamil period, which

correspond to 100 to 500 BC. These poems emphasizes morals and

eithics, highlighting righteous behaviour. The palm leaf

manuscripts dates back to 1812. These poems are most quoted ones
even in current Tamil literature and social talk shows. These
poems tag well with Tirukkural and there is a famous tamil

proverb combining these two authors.

(Aalum vaelum pallukkuruthi; naalum irandum sollukkuruthi)

Literal translation: "Banyan and neem maintain oral health;

Four and Two maintain moral health."

Before toothpaste and brush were invented, people brushed

their teeth using herbal tree sticks. Banyan tree or Neem tree
are known for their health benefits
Four here means Naaladaiyar verses of four lines and Two

refer to the short two lines (actually one and half sentences)
of Tirukkural
 Mundrurai Arayanar

This poet is known for four hundred proverbs. Researchers

feel there is lot of Jain world view in these proverbs. It is

supposed to have been written in 4 th Century AD.

How can you expect wealth and wellbeing if you have not
done good deeds in the past life?
If you just compare others who are happy and wealthy, does
it bring you the results as well?

If you have not invested then don't expect any returns

 Sivavakkiyar

(photo: poemhunter.com)

Sivavakkiyar (in Tamil language meaning who always speaks

about Lord Shiva) was a Tamil Poet believed to be lived in 10th
Century and lived for many centuries. Many of his contributions
are still referred in contemporary Tamil literature. His popular
are still referred in contemporary Tamil literature. His popular

poems include human body leaving this world for higher purposes.
He was a strong proponent of leaving materialistic desired in
life towards merging with super consciousness.

Avvaiyar
 Statue of Avvaiyar - source Wikipedia

Avvaiyar name has very interesting stories. It's believed

that there are three different women sharing the same pseudo-

name. They have been on different time periods. One in 3rd

Centure who has written poems called 'Purananuru', they have 59
poems. The second one lived during 10th century and has written
Avvai Kural, about 310 short poems in 31 chapters. The third
Avvaiyar has written lot of religious texts including self-
improvement texts like Nalvazhi (in Tamil, meaning good path)
and Moodhurai (learned wisdom from old person).
Aathichoodi(wisdom garland) written by her is the most popular

one.

13 key alphabhet has short proverbs in Aathichoodi

(source: wikipedia)

World is my family
World is my family!
 Yaadum Oore, Yavarum Kelir

Simple translation: Every place is our place; listen

everyone

This verse comes from an ancient text in Tamil Language.

This historic & still contemporary language has many texts
written hundreds of years back. Out of the famous eight
compilation comes from one popular writings called
'Purananooru'. It was written by poet Kaniyan Poongunran.

In his times, there were no facebook, no twitter or

internet. There was no electronics and world-wide travel. We
have the most advanced technologies now and we are connected
every second across the countries in the world. But still there
are narrow mind-set like son-of-the soil policies, language
barriers, building walls on long-distance borders, mentioning
certain ethnic people as thieves/rapists. The poet was able to

perceive the entire world as one large family. His intention may
be to enjoy the life with welcoming everyone without narrow
mindsets. The idea may be the world environment where everyone
can go anywhere and everyone can treat that place as their own
place.
 Karma theory
Karma theory
 'Theethum nanrum pirar thara vaara'

Simple translation: Good or bad does not come from others

This verse comes from an ancient text in Tamil Language.

This historic & still contemporary language has many texts
written hundreds of years back. Out of the famous eight
compilation comes from one popular writings called
'Purananooru'. It was written by poet Kaniyan Poongunran.

Modern 'Epigentics' calls for something above our genes.

Scientists and researchers say our thoughts can invoke emotions,

emotions into personality. What you perceive good or evil are

all in your thoughts and emotions. This proverb in very short
few lines exemplifies the concept well.
 Life's entanglement

Poem by Sivavakkiyar

Adukaati vengaiyey agapathu maru pol

Madugatti ennai nee madhi mayakka lagumo

Kodugatti yanaiyey kondrurittha kotrava
 Veedukaati ennai nee velipadutha venumey

Goat is a bait to catch the tiger, in a forest

Wealth is a bait to fool down the intelligence
Oh Lord, who killed the elephant like ignorance
Liberate me from this earth

What is liberation?. Always feel inner happiness and being

connected to the super consciousness? But towards achieving that

goal, humans are always distracted by wealth accumulation,

relationship attachment, etc. This poem quotes the pattern in
those days where the goat is tied to the tree to capture the
tiger. Our mind is attached to the worldly things before the
death arrives. Realizing this ignorance itself is a path to
liberation.
 Anger Mangement

(Poem by Naaladiyar)

Madithu irapprum irakka, madhiyathaar midithu irapparum

iraaka

Mithithu erey eeyum thalaimel iruthalal, akthu arivar kayum

katham inmai nandru
 People who gave respect does mean they live longer, they
die
People who disrespected does not mean they live shorter,

they also die one day

Even the fly roaming around can sit on one's head
As I understand the ups and downs in life, let me not get
angry at all on anyone

Detachment is the most difficult process in life. It does

not mean one has to renunciate the life and go to forest.

Santana Dharma (Hinduism) dictates being detached like water
drops on the leaves of the plants in the pond. People give
respect or show dis-respect based on their own intuition and
maturity levels. The receiver should not get impacted by this.
If you think you're at the receiving end in life, your time will
also come one day to reach the highest levels in life. The poet
is showing the effect of fly which goes all over the house and

even sits on one's head. If you try to hit the fly while it's on
your head only you will get impacted by the force. The message
is here is not to get angry and take the life easy
 Helping others

(Poet: Avvayar)

Nalla oruvarkku seidha upagaram kalmei eluthu por kanume

Allatha eramilla nenjartharku indu upagaram neer mel
eluthkku ner
 Do you want the help rendered to be remembered all the
time, as set in stone - help the right and grateful person
Do you want the help rendered to be remembered, like words
written in running water- help the ungrateful person

We have all seen this happening in our life. We help others

in their need, but feel otherwise after some time. It's not that
we want acknowledgement and publicity all the time. But if the
person feels like nothing has happened from our support, we have
to think we just wrote something in running water!
 Healthy Body

Yakkaiyey yappudaitha petravar, tham petra yakkaiyal aya

payan kolga yakkay
Malai adum manju pol thondri matru ange nelaiyathy
neethuvidum
 If you're blessed with healthy body then make use of it

The human life is impermanent. It's like cloud cover on the

mountain range

Looks like a 'mindfulness' concept explained very

simplified sentence in those days. The proverb highlights the
need to be healthy and at the same time making use of it. The
poet compares life to the passing cloud on the mountain range
Cry for yourself
Palayam thanmai sethum

Balanam thanmai sethum

Kalaiyam thanmai sethum
Kamurum ilamai sethum
Meelum iv iyalbum inne
Melvaru mppum agi
Nalum nall saginramaal
Namakku naam alathathu enno

Fetus dies when human born

Childhood dies when a young adult is grown
Youthfulness dies when you become grown up adult
And die oneday after getting old
So we are dying every day-in and day-out
We should be crying out for ourselves, isn't?
 Friendship

Naaladiyar

Pala naalum pakkathar ayinum, nenjil sila naalum uaarodu

ottar
 Pala naalum neethar ena, kaividal undo- thum nenjathu

yaatharodu yatha thodarbu

People may live as neighbor for many days- but still not
get attached with heart
But if you have heart-full bonding with some one, even if
you don't interact for many days still the friendship does not
fade away
 Relationships

(moodhurai)

Atra kulathin aruneer paravai pol

Utrozhi thirvar uravallar- akkulthil kottiyum ambalum
 Utrozhi thirvar uravallar- akkulthil kottiyum ambalum

neithalum polave ooti uyaruvar uravu

What is the right relationship?

It's not like birds avoiding empty water pond

It's like water plants and weeds that stay together during
all times

Presentation

Agathaal azhivu perithu ayakannum

Purathaal polivural vendum- enaithum padukkai ilarayakannum
Udutharai undi vivavuvar ill
 Even if you feel miserable and poor, your outer appearance
should be impactful
You may not have a place lie down, but dress well
No one care even ask whether they need food, if the person

is not presentable
 Help the needy

Inaiyarai utra eder theer upayam

Muniyaar seyenum mozhiyal mudiya

Thuniyal thirai ulam noongu neer serpa

Paniyal kulam niraithal ill
 You can't just fill with words to help the needy person

seeking support
Yes, ocean will send foamy waves to the shores- but that's

of no use

Few drops of dew like consoling by words cannot fill the

pond
 Detachment

Padumazhai mookulin palkalum thondri

Kedumiyathor yakkaiyendrenni thadumattram

Theerpeyyam endru unarum thinneri valarey

Neerpar yaar neenilathin mel

Bubbles that appear in rainwater. They burst again and

again
 Likewise, undercertainties and distrubances will prompt in
life

If you're wise you should not be perturbed by these in this

worldly life
 Faults in Friendship

Irappave theeya seiyum than nattar

Poruthal thakuvathu onru andro nira kongu

Uruva vandu arkum uyar varai naada

Oruvar porai iruvar natpu

Bees buzz around beautiful flowers on tall plants. Flower

does not get offended

 Likewise, fault in friendship has to be tolerated

Patience is the virtue that brings two friends together for

life
 Talent

(Poem- Avvaiyar)

Vaankuruviyin koodu vallaruku tholkaraiyan

Thensilambi yavarukkum seiyyatharithal yaan peridum

Vallome endu valaimai sol vendankaan

 Ellorkkum ovvorn elithu

Don't get egoistic with your achivements

You cannot create a bird's nest, nor make resin from

insects. Not even a beehive

So every living thing has its talent and skill

Humility gets you winning - a short and apt poem

 Spouse

Thayodu arusuvaipom thanthaiyodu kalvipom

Seyodu thaan petra selvampom Ayavalvu

Uttrarudam udanpirappal thol valipom

Portoliyodeiyum pom

You lose the food taste, when you lose your mother
 You lose the education and learning, when you lose your

father
You lose your wealth, when you lose childten

You relationships give better life; siblings give shoulder

support

You lose everything, when you lose your spouse

(taste here is given as six-tastes- sweet, sour, pungent,

salt, astringent and bitter)

 What makes your clan?

Nalla kulam endrum theeya kulam endrum

Sol alavu allal porul illai thol sirappin

One porul ondra, thavam, kalvi, aalvinai

Endru ivarrtaan agum kulam

What makes one's lineage (clan) good or bad?

Not the unlimited wealth and money
 Self-control, education and spiritual-inclination makes
one's lineage
 Karma

Pal avul uthithuvidinum kuzha kandru

Vallathu aam thai naadi kodalai thoolay

Palavinaiyum anna thakaiithe thar seitha

Kilavanai naadi kolarku

If you let loose the baby calf in the crowd, it will know
 If you let loose the baby calf in the crowd, it will know

its mother easily

Like wise, the bad actions and deeds will follow you easily

even if you grow old and hide from this world

Karma will always catchup in life

About the Author:

Mathur (matt) Ravikumar, an author, consultant and
cartoonist

12+ books in Amazon and Kindle platforms. Many business

whitepapers, articles and published content in professional

magazines. Regular meditator and trekked partially to Himalayas

(Mount Kailash) towards a spiritual journey in 2016. He lives

near San Francisco/California and can be reached by email.

(mattravikumar@gmail.com)

amazon.com/author/mattravikumar

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