Optimism : Thiruvalluvar’s Way
Thiruvalluvar is one of the most recognized and celebrated Tamil poets and philosophers. His magnum opus, Thirukkural, is praised for being a gift to humankind. It speaks about human virtues, wealth, and love. The contemplation of the first two parts is sufficient to make one a world leader. But even beyond making lives better, Thirukkural also paves the way for one’s spiritual quest.
One can’t speak philosophy alone to lead a happy life. Neither would speaking materialism suffice. A proper balance of both will make life brighter. Thirukkural is one of the few books which speaks about this balance and delivers decisive thoughts on both. For his proficiency and clarity in thinking, Thiruvalluvar must have been a chief advisor to prominent kings in the realm of erstwhile Tamilnadu. What if he happened to be one?
This is an attempt to convey the gist of Thirukkural in a more engaging manner. Instead of deciphering the line-by-line meaning of each seven-word long Kural 1330 times over, we will try to bring out the grand philosophy in an interactive attempt. In this story, we will focus on the 60th Adhigaram, which sheds light on staying optimistic and motivated.
Let us travel back to his era, 31st century BCE. 5,100 years ago in time, one millennium a second, and there we are in 5 seconds.
We are now sitting on the public podium with the loyal public. One would immediately notice the bright red tapestry on the wall. Look at the pouncing tiger, which has been sewn to the ten-foot-long banner. This symbolizes the Chola Empire, known for their diligence, valor, and devotion to Lord Shiva. The King Senganan is at its helm. Just like another proficient heir, a gem of a person.
Dazed by the elucidation of virtues for a king in Thirukkural, the King himself had requested its author, Thiruvalluvar, to join the royal advisory committee and work closely with him. Thiruvalluvar’s suggestions have expanded the empire manifold. Disputes among people are being resolved smoothly, and prosperity prevails all over the kingdom.
How do I know all of this? The answer is Velan. The third son of a potter who is immensely fascinated by Thiruvalluvar and aspires to be his disciple. He usually makes it to the royal court’s general discussions. Unlike his older siblings who work on farms and get their daily wages, he is quite ambitious in making momentous decisions. Velan also confessed that he found us unconscious in the fields, knocked out by the time travel. I woke a bit earlier, gathered a little information, and dragged you down to the court with his help. I also got to know where we are, this place is Thirumunaipadi, so we’ve landed at the right place.
It is great that the officials get here late. At least I could use this time to make you aware of what’s happening. As said earlier, we stand in the public gathering podium, the fifth row to be precise. Velan whispered to me about the correlation between the hierarchy and seating, with the aristocrats occupying the front rows. This gathering podium is very long, extending across the long opposite sides of the rectangular royal court.
Apart from the Majestic Throne, there were twelve different seats for the ministers. Drums started to roll at the front gates, a sign for someone’s entry.
The sound from Kombu put the entire court in resonance. Kombu is an ancient wind instrument, which is prevalent in southern India. First came a platoon of gilt-armored soldiers. A few yards behind them, entered the Minister of Labor and Employment. He was guarded by two soldiers on either side.
‘Sthanu Ravi Varma, he is,’ said Velan. ‘He is in court and a part of all important discussions because of his father, Bhaskara Ravi Varma’s reputation. Amendments during his father’s time were lauded by everyone. He sincerely worked in exterminating the mark of slavery from laborers. But Sthanu hasn’t realized his responsibility. He only makes capital out of his position. The situation must come to teach him the error of his ways.’
Subsequently, various officials embarked into the court. Everyone seemed to be attired royally— lustrous gems all over their chests, shining earrings, and a jewelled headgear to signify their position. In the midst of all these, there appeared simplicity.
Wearing a saffron robe, having smeared the holy ash all over his forehead, Rudraksha around his neck, the loyal crowd raised to their feet. ‘Hail Thiruvalluvar! Hail his diligence! Hail Thirukkural!’ the group lauded in unison. People in the first few rows showered flowers over him. A slight smile symbolized his gratitude. He then moved to his seat.
The Kombu’s sound seemed louder this time. With his noble bearing, gallantry in his stride, virtue and knowledge as both of his eyes, a similar uproar arose, and flowers showered, as in came the King, Senganan.
Senganan stepped towards Thiruvalluvar with a smile and bowed at his feet. Then he ascended the throne. After sitting upright, he closed his eyes. He prayed aloud, ‘Oh lord, let me be confined to my duties with sheer diligence, and may you uphold me forever.’ (Conches were blown right after his prayer). From the door to the right of the Throne, came another person. Velan regarded him as the Othuvar — A person who has dedicated his life to singing the divine truth of Lord Shiva.
A similar saffron robe smeared the Holy ash all over his forehead, Rudraksha all around his neck. He also held a small circular metallic disc in his hand. That was the Talam, an instrument that is still prevalent. The King stood as a mark as respect. Bowing to the King, the Othuvar started to sing a few phrases from the Periya Puranam — An ancient Shaivite text.
The King: Thanks for the renditions, Othuvar. A touching one indeed. May the discussions commence!
(A specific tone was rolled over the drum before the commencement. It might have been a ritual.)
(Vallavaraiyan is one of the most loyal ministers to the Chola dynasty. Their ancestors were good allies to the Cholas. Looking at the ideals which the rulers of this dynasty follow, Vallavaraiyan’s forefathers decided to leave kingship and serve them. He is the Minister of Overseas Affairs and has been so for the past 20 years )
Vallavaraiyan: A very good day, Majesty. Since it is Thursday, as usual, we have planned to contemplate philosophy for the first half of the day. Your Majesty! The subject stands the same as it was decided on Monday.
The King: A very good day, Vallavaraiyan Sir. Good day to all of you onboard and off as the general public. As (already) discussed a few days ago, we have decided to interpret the importance of staying optimistic and motivated. Vallavaraiyan, sir, you may lead your address.
Vallavaraiyan: I am delighted to start, your Majesty. ( He gets up and reaches the center of the court and starts). Allow me to begin with what we are about to scrutinize. It is about motivation and optimism for today. Firstly, it is constructive to start by defining what they are and why they are essential. What is optimism? Optimism is just a way of thinking. In this way, they take life positively. Staying motivated is just having confidence that they are capable and competent. Both are essential traits that every individual should possess. These both influence their acts; As our actions decide our efficiency to work and efficiency determines our heights, it is a crucial skill to acquire.
I wish everyone to practice both of these deliberately, and then, it would become a part of them. That’s what I wanted to say, your Majesty. Thanks for the same.
The King: That was insightful. Thank you, Vallavaraiyan. (Pointing to Thiruvalluvar the King continued) What is your stand on this, sire?
Thiruvalluvar : (Leaving his seat and pacing towards the center, he started)
I am gifted and blessed to have been born as a human, capable of thinking and acting accordingly. I must confess my gratitude for owning a good intellect. I must thank the Almighty for the same. Motivation and optimism, it is, I suppose. There aren’t many complications in defining these. Both are somewhat correlated.
Both of these terms are put forth just to get people acquainted with meaningful practices. Fundamentally both are from a simple act. Cumulatively, it is the open mindset of an individual to learn newer domains and stay confident. A motivated and optimistic person looks into a situation as if it is an opportunity to learn; they are confident in themselves, but a different kind of confidence. Their confidence doesn’t say that they are capable of doing anything. It says that they are capable of doing what they are meant for. These people firmly believe that they have a purpose and an obligation. They also believe in the existence of a domain where they stand as professionals. Finding such a field needs exploration, drive, curiosity, and a will to learn. They are open to learn new things and accept failure. But they put in the maximum possible effort which they can.
Owning this mindset would give everything to one. This is the greatest possession that one could possibly have. The rest of the belongings would be washed away in the sands of time. This one lights the way and stands firm on the destination: wealth. Failure would be no big deal to them.
Look at the Lotus, for instance. The height at which a Lotus blooms depends on the length of its stalk, which extends all the way from the bed. Analogously, motivation, optimism, and self-confidence decide the height which a person reaches. Start thinking big! Once the mind is open and broad, the corresponding acts of the individual would be profound even if it was small. These small profound acts put together over a span of time would turn out to be influencing lives and making the world a better place.
Motivated people always give their best. What can an arrow do to an elephant on the battlefield? Undefeated, the elephant would show its strength. Unless one believes in oneself, none would believe in them. There would never be a day of appreciation for those who aren’t motivated.
Even if the situation demands too much out of us, never lose the confidence which you behold. A tiger takes down a big elephant because of its confidence and faith, its belief.
The greatest strength of humankind is self-confidence and optimism. The ones lacking those aren’t humans but trees that are idle in the form of humans. I wish to thank you for having given me this opportunity, Senganan.
(Conches resonate upon his completion)
About Thirukkural
Thirukkural is a composition beyond the contours of religion, phraseology, and region. It was very thoughtfully curated by its Author Thiruvalluvar in 31st BCE. It aims to preach the Truth to the layman; that is why each Kural is just seven words long. There are 1331 of them, split into three sections: righteousness, wealth and worldly enjoyment. Here is the link to a PDF version of Thirukkural in English. Hope you would be mesmerized by it.
