weaver's wisdom, ancient precepts for a - Himalayan Academy

412 Pages·2012·49.75 MB·English

by  Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami

Satguru Sivaya Subramuniya- S S
u a
swami—a living legend, yoga b t
g
r
master and author of Merging a u
m r
with Siva—recognized the u
u
S
immense value of the Tirukural n i
i v
in 1949 as a young seeker in Sri y a
a y ANCIENT PRECEPTS FOR A PERFECT LIFE
Lanka. Decades later, he instruct- s a
w
ed two of his swamis to translate a
m
it from classical Tamil into
i
American English, and had an
renowned artist in South India
illustrate the 108 chapters. Here
is the fruit of those efforts—the
gentle, profound world of Asian
ethics and simple humanness. Yet, Weaver’s Wisdom’s universality
makes it a book you can share with anyone. It contains fortune cookies
you can snack on before sleep or at anytime. Its charming wit and
common sense will uplift and inspire you and your whole family.
“ There hardly exists in the literature of the world a collection
of maxims in which we find such lofty wisdom.”
DR. ALBERT SCHWEITZER, HUMANITARIAN
“ Only a few of us know the name of Tiruvalluvar. The North Indians
do not know the name of the great saint. There is none who has given
such a treasure of wisdom like him.”
MAHATMA GANDHI, FATHER OF MODERN INDIA
“ The Kural is the masterpiece of Tamil literature—one of the highest
and purest expressions of human thought.”
M. ARIEL, HISTORIAN
“ Tirukural alone is enough to edify the world. It contains all things
and there is nothing which it does not contain.”
TIRU NAGANAR, TAMIL SCHOLAR
MYR46.00 US$19.95 A South Indian sage, Tiruvalluvar, tells us of friends and
foes, family, God, business, law, spies, love, hate and all
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A H that’s human in his classic masterpiece, the Tirukural
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Siddha Himalayan m la Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami
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Collection Academy ISBN 0-945497-76-8 a
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REVIEWS & COMMENTS
Tiruvalluvar, the poet-saint, or rather the saint-poet, lived in the
hamlet now called Chennai about 2,000 years ago. Tirukural,
his work, is a book for universal acceptance, ulakappodumarai.
The very first votive offering is unto the Omnipotent, “Adi
Bhagvan mudatre ulagu,” and reflects the very words found in
the Ishavasya Upanishad, “Ishavasyam-Idam Sarvam.” ¶The
aphorisms (couplets) are full of practical wisdom touching on
all aspects of an ideal life. Though there have been several Eng-
lish translations, the present one is excellent in that the verses are lucid and in simple
style. Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami, of international renown, has done a mon-
umental service in having Tirukural translated in English so that this work of wisdom
from the Weaver reaches a very large number of aspirants.
His Holiness Jagadguru Sri Sankaracharya Swami Jayendra Saraswathi,
Spiritual Head of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam; Kanchipuram, Tamil
Nadu, India
Weaver’s Wisdom is not a mere book to gain wisdom but a
means for knowing Truth. Such an authoritative source of
knowledge has been crowned by the holy hands of His Divin-
ity, Sivaya Subramuniyaswamigal, whose continuous, untir-
ing dedicated service will become the canon to destroy the
forts of ignorance. His devoted, undiluted work for twenty
years to complete this Herculean task in a flawless manner
reflects his adoration and faith in Sri Tiruvalluvar and Tiruku-
ral. I have studied many commentaries on Tirukural in Tamil, but I felt the spirit was
missing in all of them. But in this unique book, the life, spirit and meaning are well
preserved. It will enlighten millions of people to gain the wisdom herein and lead
a meaningful life. I am sure this book is bound to correct the cankered mind of the
youth and show them the path of reclamation. The pictorial representations in the
book will help the children and youth to understand easily the valuable message
of this ancient great epic. Hail Hinduism! Om Tat Sat.
His Holiness Sri Sri Swami Buaji Maharaj, Centenarian, Founder and
Head of Indo-American Yoga-Vedanta Society; New York, USA
I am amazed at the depth and clarity of this American Eng-
lish translation of the Tirukural. This work, which has been
undertaken by two sannyasins with great love and devotion
under the guidance of Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami,
makes the words of wisdom of the Tamil Sage Tiruvalluvar
relating to many aspects of human activity as relevant to
the modern world of today as they were 2,200 years ago.
Shiva Pasupati, President’s Counsel; Former Attorney General of Sri
Lanka; President, Australian Tamil Foundation; Strathfield, Australia
REVIEWS & COMMENTS REVIEWS & COMMENTS
The translation of this great classic has been done to honor The divine poet through his gift of Tirukural gives maxims to
Satguru Siva Yogaswami of Sri Lanka, the Self-realized mys- serve as guidance for all classes, sections, denominations,
tic of the highest order and spiritual beacon light who etc., in the world. Tirukural couplets have the added signifi -
preached universal love: every country is your country and cance of providing invaluable advice for all times, as it takes
every person your kinsman, seek God within and see God in into consideration the wider aspects, with necessary chang-
everyone and everywhere. ¶The introductory chapters and es, of human nature beyond national, religious and linguis-
comments by Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami give lus- tic boundaries. Tirukural gives added value because the au-
ter to the translations. The watercolor paintings appearing thor, Tiruvalluvar, had the rare distinction of having lived the
with each chapter give the cultural background for those not familiar with Hin- ideal life as portrayed in his immortal work. Tirukural shows a way of life appli-
du culture. This book should adorn the libraries of the world and find a place in cable to all sections of society, from kings and nobles down to the common
every home. It is a happy significance that the book is being published at the man. This teaching echoes the sentiments expressed in many other religious
time of the installation of the 133-foot-tall Tiruvalluvar granite statue at Kanya texts, such as Tirumantiram, Naladiyar, Saiva Tirumuraigal of the Nayanars and
Kumari in South India to proclaim India’s cultural contributions to the world. Vaishnava Prapanthams of the Alwars. ¶Good conduct with abiding moral val-
Tiru M. Arumugam, President, Sivathondan Society UK; London, ues and sincere brotherhood are the centerpieces of Tiruvalluvar’s teachings.
England Kindness to fellow human beings, full sense of humanity and human values will
ensure a better world, according to the tenets of Tirukural. In a world full of tur-
moil, the Tirukural stands as a beacon to a peaceful way of life, and this coupled
Now, the 2,200-year-old Kural, ever youthful, attiring itself in
with the daily recitation of the Panchakshara Mantra, “Namasivaya,” found at the
popular American English, presents itself as Weaver’s Wis-
heart of the Vedas, will ensure peace and well being.
dom. We see the genesis of this project in the ever-fulfilling
Dr. T.S. Sambamurthy Sivachariar, Head of the South India Archaka
sankalpa—will—of our venerated Satguru Sivayoga Swami-
Sangam; Head Priest, Shree Kalikambal Kovil; Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
gal. We sense the universal transmission of our Satguru Yoga-
swami’s grace through Gurudeva Sivaya Subramaniyaswa-
mi’s dedicated service. Eppavo Mudintha Kerrym—Accom- The Tirukural was very dear to Satguru Siva Yogaswami of
plished is His will. ¶On translating ancient texts, Dr Ananda Jaff na. Under his holy feet I have been brought up as one of
Commaraswamy says, “A man is only qualified to translate an ancient text when he his devotees from my early age of eight years. Whenever I
has really participated in, and not merely observed, the outer and inner life of its visited, he spoke to me, directed and blessed me always
time and identified this time with his own. All this evidently requires a far longer, through the sacred Kural. In 1949, Satguru Sivaya Subramu-
more roundabout and self-denying discipline.” This criterion is met here by the niyaswami made a vow to bring together the best of both
translator of Weaver’s Wisdom, whose life has been molded by the religious, ethical the East and the West. In 1999, with his latest book, Weaver’s
Wisdom, he has successfully brought this to the West. Refer-
and social codes as enunciated in the Kural. Sage Tiruvalluvar’s Kural, rendered in
ring to the statue of Saint Tiruvalluvar at Kanya Kumari, Subramuniyaswami
rhythmic couplets in sweet and simple Tamil, translated in Weavers Wisdom has
states, “While America’s Statue of Liberty is a metal monument to political free-
retained its power to transform one’s psyche. May the wisdom of the Kural remain
dom and social promise, Tiruvalluvar stands as a stone statement of political
with us forever as our guide and counselor.
wisdom, social duty and the spiritual promise of dharma.” ¶We should not con-
Vimala Krishnapillai, Ph.D., Lecturer, Faculty of Education, University
fi ne Tiruvalluvar only to Tamil Nadu. He belongs to the world. Weaver’s Wisdom
of Colombo; President of Sri Ramakrishna Sarada Devi Samithi; Joint
is beyond race, religion and nationality. It will enrich the life of a person as he or
Trustee of the Sivayogar Swami Thiruvadi Trust; Colombo, Sri Lanka
she journeys along this Eternal Path. The wisdom of the weaver is a vital part of
our lives, and it will pave the way for success in life.
There are a great number of problems, economic, political
Tiru A. Kandiah, Ph.D.; Author of Malarum Manamum; Former Head,
and social, standing in the way of a ruler. Solutions and
Department of Tamil, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka; Former Professor,
guidance for such problems can be found in Kuralism, the
University of London; Sydney, Australia
maxims of Tirukural.
Indira Gandhi, Former Prime Minister of India, on
Tirukural
REVIEWS & COMMENTS REVIEWS & COMMENTS
The translation of this great classic has been done to honor The divine poet through his gift of Tirukural gives maxims to
Satguru Siva Yogaswami of Sri Lanka, the Self-realized mys- serve as guidance for all classes, sections, denominations,
tic of the highest order and spiritual beacon light who etc., in the world. Tirukural couplets have the added signifi -
preached universal love: every country is your country and cance of providing invaluable advice for all times, as it takes
every person your kinsman, seek God within and see God in into consideration the wider aspects, with necessary chang-
everyone and everywhere. ¶The introductory chapters and es, of human nature beyond national, religious and linguis-
comments by Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami give lus- tic boundaries. Tirukural gives added value because the au-
ter to the translations. The watercolor paintings appearing thor, Tiruvalluvar, had the rare distinction of having lived the
with each chapter give the cultural background for those not familiar with Hin- ideal life as portrayed in his immortal work. Tirukural shows a way of life appli-
du culture. This book should adorn the libraries of the world and find a place in cable to all sections of society, from kings and nobles down to the common
every home. It is a happy significance that the book is being published at the man. This teaching echoes the sentiments expressed in many other religious
time of the installation of the 133-foot-tall Tiruvalluvar granite statue at Kanya texts, such as Tirumantiram, Naladiyar, Saiva Tirumuraigal of the Nayanars and
Kumari in South India to proclaim India’s cultural contributions to the world. Vaishnava Prapanthams of the Alwars. ¶Good conduct with abiding moral val-
Tiru M. Arumugam, President, Sivathondan Society UK; London, ues and sincere brotherhood are the centerpieces of Tiruvalluvar’s teachings.
England Kindness to fellow human beings, full sense of humanity and human values will
ensure a better world, according to the tenets of Tirukural. In a world full of tur-
moil, the Tirukural stands as a beacon to a peaceful way of life, and this coupled
Now, the 2,200-year-old Kural, ever youthful, attiring itself in
with the daily recitation of the Panchakshara Mantra, “Namasivaya,” found at the
popular American English, presents itself as Weaver’s Wis-
heart of the Vedas, will ensure peace and well being.
dom. We see the genesis of this project in the ever-fulfilling
Dr. T.S. Sambamurthy Sivachariar, Head of the South India Archaka
sankalpa—will—of our venerated Satguru Sivayoga Swami-
Sangam; Head Priest, Shree Kalikambal Kovil; Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
gal. We sense the universal transmission of our Satguru Yoga-
swami’s grace through Gurudeva Sivaya Subramaniyaswa-
mi’s dedicated service. Eppavo Mudintha Kerrym—Accom- The Tirukural was very dear to Satguru Siva Yogaswami of
plished is His will. ¶On translating ancient texts, Dr Ananda Jaff na. Under his holy feet I have been brought up as one of
Commaraswamy says, “A man is only qualified to translate an ancient text when he his devotees from my early age of eight years. Whenever I
has really participated in, and not merely observed, the outer and inner life of its visited, he spoke to me, directed and blessed me always
time and identified this time with his own. All this evidently requires a far longer, through the sacred Kural. In 1949, Satguru Sivaya Subramu-
more roundabout and self-denying discipline.” This criterion is met here by the niyaswami made a vow to bring together the best of both
translator of Weaver’s Wisdom, whose life has been molded by the religious, ethical the East and the West. In 1999, with his latest book, Weaver’s
Wisdom, he has successfully brought this to the West. Refer-
and social codes as enunciated in the Kural. Sage Tiruvalluvar’s Kural, rendered in
ring to the statue of Saint Tiruvalluvar at Kanya Kumari, Subramuniyaswami
rhythmic couplets in sweet and simple Tamil, translated in Weavers Wisdom has
states, “While America’s Statue of Liberty is a metal monument to political free-
retained its power to transform one’s psyche. May the wisdom of the Kural remain
dom and social promise, Tiruvalluvar stands as a stone statement of political
with us forever as our guide and counselor.
wisdom, social duty and the spiritual promise of dharma.” ¶We should not con-
Vimala Krishnapillai, Ph.D., Lecturer, Faculty of Education, University
fi ne Tiruvalluvar only to Tamil Nadu. He belongs to the world. Weaver’s Wisdom
of Colombo; President of Sri Ramakrishna Sarada Devi Samithi; Joint
is beyond race, religion and nationality. It will enrich the life of a person as he or
Trustee of the Sivayogar Swami Thiruvadi Trust; Colombo, Sri Lanka
she journeys along this Eternal Path. The wisdom of the weaver is a vital part of
our lives, and it will pave the way for success in life.
There are a great number of problems, economic, political
Tiru A. Kandiah, Ph.D.; Author of Malarum Manamum; Former Head,
and social, standing in the way of a ruler. Solutions and
Department of Tamil, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka; Former Professor,
guidance for such problems can be found in Kuralism, the
University of London; Sydney, Australia
maxims of Tirukural.
Indira Gandhi, Former Prime Minister of India, on
Tirukural
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encvaqiyi[f wa[mf
tiRkfKbqf
encvaqiyi[f wa[mf
First Edition
Copyright ©1999
by Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami
Weaver’s Wisdom is published by Himalayan Academy. All
rights reserved. Lovingly designed and typeset by the acharyas
and swamis of the Saiva Siddhanta Yoga Order, 107 Kaholalele
Road, Kapaa, Hawaii 96746-9304 USA.
Ancient Precepts for
A Perfect Life
Published by
tiRkfKbqf
Himalayan Academy
India • USA PRINTED IN USA encvaqiyi[f wa[mf
Library of Congress Catalog Card Number 99-071795
ISBN 0-945497-76-9 An American English translation of
Saint Tiruvalluvar’s ancient Tirukural
Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami
www.hindu.org/ashram/
First Edition
Copyright ©1999
by Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami
Weaver’s Wisdom is published by Himalayan Academy. All
rights reserved. Lovingly designed and typeset by the acharyas
and swamis of the Saiva Siddhanta Yoga Order, 107 Kaholalele
Road, Kapaa, Hawaii 96746-9304 USA.
Ancient Precepts for
A Perfect Life
Published by
tiRkfKbqf
Himalayan Academy
India • USA PRINTED IN USA encvaqiyi[f wa[mf
Library of Congress Catalog Card Number 99-071795
ISBN 0-945497-76-9 An American English translation of
Saint Tiruvalluvar’s ancient Tirukural
Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami
www.hindu.org/ashram/
v
Dedication
Samarpanam
cmafpfp]mf
T
HIS DEDICATION IS THREE-FOLD: FIRST TO HONOR MY
SATGURU, SIVA YOGASWAMI, THE LAUDED AND PRO-
CLAIMED PONTIFF OF THE THREE MILLION JAFFNA
Tamil peoples, the 161st successor in the esteemed line of the
Nandinatha Sampradaya’s Kailasa Parampara, and to Tiru
Mylvaganam, whom Yogaswami requested to squeeze grapes
into juice for me with his own hands while I sat facing the
devotees at the satguru’s left side in 1949. Mylvaganam was
also present at the opening of the Sri Subramuniya Ashram
in Alaveddy in the early 70s, and years later at the opening of
the Subramuniya Kottam in Kopay, where he lives today. In
recent years, despite the terrible conflicts in his country, this
great man has been translating the Tirukural from our Eng-
lish verses into modern Tamil for the next generation. Long
ago, Yogaswami gave a sa dha na to him to memorize Tiru-
kural and to recite some of the verses daily. Humorously, the
youthful, Oxford-educated Mylvaganam said, “Swami, what
if I forget some days?” Yoga swami said, “Then I will come as
a centipede and bite you.” Mylvaganam has testified now, at
90 years of age, that he has been bitten forty times or more,
always soon after he had neglected to recite the verses. He
said, “I now see that Yoga swami was preparing me to trans-
late for Gurudeva into modern Tamil all the verses I memo-
rized so many years ago.“ We also dedicate this book to Jus-
tice of Peace Tiru S. S ubramaniam, who witnessed Sat guru
Yogas wami’s giving me, as a gesture of ordination, a slap on
the back as I was leaving his compound one morning, by
which he transferred his samskaras, or vital divine spiritual
energies.
v
Dedication
Samarpanam
cmafpfp]mf
T
HIS DEDICATION IS THREE-FOLD: FIRST TO HONOR MY
SATGURU, SIVA YOGASWAMI, THE LAUDED AND PRO-
CLAIMED PONTIFF OF THE THREE MILLION JAFFNA
Tamil peoples, the 161st successor in the esteemed line of the
Nandinatha Sampradaya’s Kailasa Parampara, and to Tiru
Mylvaganam, whom Yogaswami requested to squeeze grapes
into juice for me with his own hands while I sat facing the
devotees at the satguru’s left side in 1949. Mylvaganam was
also present at the opening of the Sri Subramuniya Ashram
in Alaveddy in the early 70s, and years later at the opening of
the Subramuniya Kottam in Kopay, where he lives today. In
recent years, despite the terrible conflicts in his country, this
great man has been translating the Tirukural from our Eng-
lish verses into modern Tamil for the next generation. Long
ago, Yogaswami gave a sa dha na to him to memorize Tiru-
kural and to recite some of the verses daily. Humorously, the
youthful, Oxford-educated Mylvaganam said, “Swami, what
if I forget some days?” Yoga swami said, “Then I will come as
a centipede and bite you.” Mylvaganam has testified now, at
90 years of age, that he has been bitten forty times or more,
always soon after he had neglected to recite the verses. He
said, “I now see that Yoga swami was preparing me to trans-
late for Gurudeva into modern Tamil all the verses I memo-
rized so many years ago.“ We also dedicate this book to Jus-
tice of Peace Tiru S. S ubramaniam, who witnessed Sat guru
Yogas wami’s giving me, as a gesture of ordination, a slap on
the back as I was leaving his compound one morning, by
which he transferred his samskaras, or vital divine spiritual
energies.