01KuralPraiseOfTheLord
Ten verses praises God.
Verse 9 lists the eight qualities of God.
Madurai Project Translation by V.R. Ramachandra Dikshitar, M.A., Professor of Indian History and Archaeology, University of Madras Explication: Veeraswamy Krishnaraj	Madurai Project Translation by V.R. Ramachandra Dikshitar, M.A., Professor of Indian History and Archaeology, University of Madras Explication: Veeraswamy Krishnaraj
CHAPTER 1 கடவுள் வாழ்த்து IN PRAISE OF THE LORD 1. அகர முதல எழுத்தெல்லாம் ஆதி பகவன் முதற்றே உலகு. 1. All the letters have the letter ‘A’ as their Origin; this world has God as its origin. The poem draws a parallel between the letter "A" as the first letter of the alphabet and the eternal God as the primary essence of the world. By stating "As all letters have the letter A for their first," it highlights the recurring presence of the letter "A" at the beginning of various words, signifying its fundamental role in constructing language. The poem extends this idea to a deeper level by comparing it to the world's existence. Just as the letter "A" serves as the starting point for all words, the eternal God is portrayed as the initial force or origin of the entire world. The phrase "so the world has the eternal God for its first" signifies the belief that God is the ultimate source or foundation from which all existence emanates. In essence, the poem emphasizes the significance of the letter "A" in language and uses it as a metaphor to highlight the primacy and foundational role of God in the world's creation and existence. It suggests a profound connection between linguistic structures and the divine nature of reality, inviting contemplation on the relationship between language, meaning, and the divine order.	2. கற்றதனால் ஆய பயனென்கொல் வாலறிவன் நற்றாள் தொழாஅர் எனின். 2. Of what avail is learning, if the learned do not adore the good feet of Him who is Immaculate Wisdom? The poem reflects on the futility of knowledge and learning if one does not engage in the worship or reverence of the divine. The phrase "Of what avail is all thy learning" questions the purpose and significance of acquiring knowledge. It suggests that the pursuit of knowledge alone may be insufficient or empty without acknowledging and worshiping the divine presence. The phrase "thou worship not the holy feet of Him" emphasizes the importance of devotion and reverence towards the divine entity, symbolized by the reference to God's holy feet. The image of bowing down before the feet of God signifies an act of submission, humility, and recognition of a higher power. The poem, in a concise manner, encourages the reader to consider the value of their intellectual pursuits in light of their spiritual or religious beliefs. It suggests that true wisdom lies not only in the accumulation of knowledge but also in the acknowledgment and worship of the divine source of all intelligence and understanding.
3. மலர்மிசை ஏகினான் மாணடி சேர்ந்தார் நிலமிசை நீடுவாழ் வார். 3. Those who find refuge in the great feet (of Him) who lives in the lotus of the heart (of the devotee) live eternally in heaven. The poem emphasizes the idea that those who seek refuge in the divine, residing within the innermost depths of the devotee's heart, will attain eternal bliss in heaven. The phrase "those who find refuge in the great feet" refers to individuals who turn to the divine presence for solace, guidance, and protection. It implies seeking shelter and surrendering to the divine power. The line "who lives in the lotus of the heart" symbolizes the presence of the divine within the core of one's being. The lotus is a metaphorical representation of the heart, representing purity, spiritual awakening, and the seat of devotion. It suggests that the divine exists within every individual, waiting to be discovered and realized. The concluding line "live eternally in heaven" signifies the ultimate outcome of seeking refuge in the divine. It suggests that those who establish a deep connection with the divine presence will experience everlasting joy and fulfillment in a transcendent realm, often symbolized as heaven. In summary, the poem conveys that those who take refuge in the divine, recognizing its presence within their hearts, will find eternal bliss and spiritual fulfillment in a heavenly realm. It encourages individuals to turn inward, embrace devotion, and seek the divine as a pathway to eternal happiness.	4. வேண்டுதல் வேண்டாமை இலானடி சேர்ந்தார்க்கு யாண்டும் இடும்பை இல. 4. Those who have attained the feet of Him who has no likes or dislikes will be rid of all troubles. The poem expresses that individuals who have achieved a state of communion with the divine, who is beyond personal preferences or biases, will be freed from all forms of troubles and afflictions. The phrase "attained the feet of Him" refers to individuals who have reached a spiritual connection or union with the divine. It implies a state of closeness, surrender, and devotion to the transcendent entity. The line "who has no likes or dislikes" portrays the divine as being beyond subjective preferences or biases. It suggests that the divine is free from the limitations of human judgment or personal preferences, representing a state of absolute neutrality and unconditional love. The concluding line "will be rid of all troubles" indicates the transformative effect of attaining such a state of spiritual union. It implies that those who reach this level of divine communion will be liberated from the burdens of worldly concerns, sorrows, and afflictions. It signifies the alleviation of suffering and the attainment of inner peace and harmony. In summary, the poem conveys that individuals who have attained a deep connection with the divine, recognizing its impartial and transcendent nature, will find liberation from all forms of troubles and afflictions. It suggests that the path to freedom lies in transcending personal biases, embracing spiritual union, and surrendering to the divine essence.
5. இருள்சேர் இருவினையும் சேரா இறைவன் பொருள்சேர் புகழ்புரிந்தார் மாட்டு. 5. Actions, both good and bad that spring from darkness of the mind will never touch those who ever chant the glories of the Lord. The poem highlights the transformative power of devotion and the protective shield it provides against the consequences of negative actions that arise from a darkened state of mind. The phrase "Actions, both good and bad that spring from darkness of the mind" refers to the deeds and intentions that originate from a clouded or ignorant state of consciousness. It implies actions driven by negativity, selfishness, or ignorance, regardless of their apparent moral nature. The line "will never touch those who ever chant the glories of the Lord" emphasizes the power of continuous devotion and the recitation of the divine praises. It suggests that individuals who engage in the constant remembrance and glorification of the divine are shielded from the harmful repercussions of their actions. It implies that the spiritual practice of chanting the divine praises creates a protective barrier that safeguards the devotee from the negative consequences of their actions. In essence, the poem conveys that the continuous chanting of the Lord's glories serves as a transformative force, purifying the mind and providing spiritual protection. It suggests that the devoted practice of reciting the divine praises shields individuals from the karmic effects of their actions, ensuring that they remain untouched by the darkness that arises from unwholesome thoughts and deeds. Top of Form	6. பொறிவாயில் ஐந்தவித்தான் பொய்தீர் ஒழுக்க நெறிநின்றார் நீடுவாழ் வார். 6. Those who still the five senses and walk in truth and right will ever live. The poem emphasizes the significance of inner discipline, truthfulness, and righteous conduct as a means to attain a life of eternal significance and fulfillment. The phrase "those who still the five senses" refers to individuals who possess the ability to control and restrain their sensory perceptions. It suggests a state of inner mastery and self-control, where one is not swayed by external stimuli or desires. The line "walk in truth and right" highlights the importance of leading a life guided by moral integrity and ethical principles. It signifies living in alignment with truth, honesty, and righteousness, making choices and taking actions that uphold these values. The concluding line "will ever live" conveys the timeless nature of the rewards that come from such a way of life. It suggests that those who cultivate the discipline of the senses and adhere to truth and righteousness will experience a life that transcends the limitations of time and mortality. It implies a life of enduring significance, purpose, and spiritual vitality. In summary, the poem suggests that individuals who cultivate self-control over their senses and uphold truth and righteousness in their actions will experience a life of eternal significance and fulfillment. It underscores the transformative power of inner discipline and ethical conduct, emphasizing the timeless nature of the rewards that arise from living in accordance with truth and right.
7. தனக்குவமை இல்லாதான் தாள்சேர்ந்தார்க் கல்லால் மனக்கவலை மாற்றல் அரிது. 7. Only those who have sought refuge in the feet of the peerless can shake off anxiety. Others cannot. The poem highlights the idea that finding refuge in the divine alone can provide solace and relief from anxiety, while those who do not seek such refuge may struggle to attain inner peace. The phrase "Only those who have sought refuge in the feet of the peerless" emphasizes the exclusivity of finding solace in the divine. It suggests that true peace and tranquility can be attained only by seeking shelter and protection in the feet of the divine, who is unparalleled and incomparable. The line "can shake off anxiety" conveys that taking refuge in the divine can alleviate and dispel worries and anxieties. It implies that by establishing a deep connection with the divine, individuals can find inner calmness and liberation from the burdens of anxious thoughts and concerns. The term "Others cannot" indicates that those who have not sought refuge in the divine may find it challenging to overcome anxiety. It suggests that without the support and divine presence, individuals may struggle to find lasting relief from the turmoil of their worries and fears. In essence, the poem suggests that seeking refuge in the peerless divine is the key to transcending anxiety. It implies that by surrendering to the divine and establishing a profound connection, one can find solace, inner peace, and freedom from the grip of anxiety.	8. அறவாழி அந்தணன் தாள்சேர்ந்தார்க் கல்லால் பிறவாழி நீந்தல் அரிது. 8. Only those who have clung to the feet of the Lord who is the sea of righteousness, will be able to sail the other seas. Others cannot. The poem highlights the importance of seeking refuge in the divine, symbolized by clinging to the feet of the Lord who embodies righteousness. It suggests that only those who have established a deep connection with the divine can navigate the challenges and complexities of life successfully. The phrase "Only those who have clung to the feet of the Lord who is the sea of righteousness" emphasizes the significance of surrendering to the divine and embracing the embodiment of righteousness. It implies that by holding steadfastly to the divine presence, individuals can tap into an endless source of guidance, wisdom, and moral integrity. The line "will be able to sail the other seas" conveys that those who have found refuge in the divine can navigate the various challenges and experiences encountered in life. It implies that the strength and guidance derived from the divine connection enable individuals to navigate the metaphorical "seas" of life — representing the trials, uncertainties, and complexities one may face. The term "Others cannot" indicates that individuals who have not clung to the feet of the Lord may struggle to navigate these metaphorical seas successfully. It suggests that without the anchor of divine guidance and righteousness, individuals may find it difficult to navigate life's challenges effectively and may be prone to getting lost or overwhelmed. In essence, the poem suggests that by seeking refuge in the divine and embracing righteousness, individuals gain the necessary strength and wisdom to navigate the various experiences and challenges of life. It implies that the divine connection serves as a guiding force, allowing individuals to navigate the other "seas" of existence with grace and resilience.
9. கோளில் பொறியின் குணமிலவே எண்குணத்தான் தாளை வணங்காத் தலை. 9. The head that does not bow down before and worship the feet of the Lord of the eight attributes, will be as like the palsied senses. The poem emphasizes the significance of humbly bowing down and worshiping the divine, particularly the feet of the Lord with eight attributes. It suggests that failing to do so can lead to a state of disarray and imbalance, akin to the impaired functioning of the senses in a person afflicted with palsy. The phrase "The head that does not bow down before and worship the feet of the Lord of the eight attributes" highlights the importance of humility and reverence toward the divine. It suggests that by bowing down and offering worship to the feet of the Lord, who possesses eight divine attributes, one acknowledges and honors the transcendental qualities of the divine presence. The line "will be as like the palsied senses" draws a parallel between the consequence of not bowing down and worshiping the divine and the impaired functioning of senses affected by palsy. It implies that neglecting the act of submission and worship can lead to a state of disorder, imbalance, and spiritual debilitation. In essence, the poem conveys that failing to humbly bow down and worship the divine, particularly the feet of the Lord with eight attributes, can result in a state of disharmony and imbalance. It suggests that recognizing and honoring the divine presence through acts of devotion and submission is essential for maintaining spiritual vitality and equilibrium. Eight qualitis of God:  1. தன்வயத்தன் ஆதல், 2. தூய உடம்பினன் ஆதல், 3. இயற்கை உணர்வினன் ஆதல், 4. முற்றும் உணர்தல், 5. இயல்பாகவே பாசங்களின் நீங்குதல், 6. பேர்-அருள் உடைமை, 7. முடிவில் ஆற்றல் உடைமை, 8. வரம்பு இல் இன்பம் உடைமை 1) Self-dependence, (2) Immaculate body, (3) Natural Understanding, (4) Omniscience, (5) Infinite Detachment, (6) Infinite Mercy, (7) Omnipotence and (8) Limitless Bliss.	10. பிறவிப் பெருங்கடல் நீந்துவர் நீந்தார் இறைவன் அடிசேரா தார். 10. Those who gain the feet of the Lord cross the great ocean of births; others cannot. The poem emphasizes the profound concept of metempsychosis, the transmigration of the soul, highlighting that those who attain the divine feet of the Lord can transcend this cycle while others remain entrapped within it. The phrase "Those who gain the feet of the Lord" refers to individuals who establish a deep spiritual connection with the divine, symbolized by attaining the divine feet. Through this connection, they attain spiritual liberation and transcendence. The line "cross the great ocean of births" metaphorically represents the arduous journey of the soul through countless cycles of birth and death. By gaining the divine feet of the Lord, individuals are able to navigate and transcend this vast and turbulent ocean of metempsychosis. They break free from the perpetual cycle of reincarnation, escaping the endless cycle of worldly existence and its associated sufferings. In contrast, the phrase "others cannot" emphasizes that those who do not gain the divine feet of the Lord remain bound within the cycle of metempsychosis. Their souls continue to transmigrate, undergoing repeated births and deaths, and being subject to the karmic consequences of their actions. In summary, the poem conveys that by attaining the divine feet of the Lord, individuals can transcend the cycle of metempsychosis, the transmigration of the soul. It underscores the significance of spiritual connection and liberation from the perpetual cycle of birth and death. Through this attainment, individuals break free from the continuous cycle of metempsychosis, while those who do not gain this connection remain caught within its unending cycle represents the arduous journey of the soul through countless cycles of birth and death. By gaining the divine feet of the Lord, individuals are able to navigate and transcend this vast and turbulent ocean of metempsychosis. They break free from the perpetual cycle of reincarnation, escaping the endless cycle of worldly existence and its unending cycle.