Tirukkural-The Glory Of Renunciation-Kural-21

1. Olukkatthu neethaar perumai viluppathu
   Vendum panuval tunivu

All scriptures uphold the fame of householders, who after a full and faultless life, renounce active
part in it, to become detached, objective and benevolent..

The idea here is that it is possible to reach the heights of renunciation, from all walks of life. In fact, 'Neethaar' is really the one who, after having led an impeccable life as a householder, renounces active participation in it, while remaining about the place, and taking a detached and

objective view of life, for the larger benefit of society. As there is no single equivalent to connote such a state in English, the word 'Neethaar' itself could be used to denote this state. The Glory of such a renunciation is far superior to other renunciations and to the fame acquired by man in all other respects.

Valluvar himself expresses it tersely as 'vilupathu veandum' which means, 'Of all that is desired as being good, this is most desirable'. This also is the considered view of all scriptures (panuval) which often express contradictory opinions on many other matters. Broadly speaking I agree with this line of interpretation by Parimelalagar. But the only point on which we shall not agree at all, is his reference to (varunam) caste, which we may, according to current thinking, interpret only to mean a profession or walk of life.