Tirukkural-On Virtue-On Love Or Affection-Kural 75

Anbutru amarndha valakkenba vaiyakathu
Inputraar eaidhum sirappu.

Broad based affection for others leads to distinction in this life While ensuring also eternal happiness.

Love and service of one"s neighbour is a sure way to secure distinction in life as well as ultimate happiness or heaven (Sirappu). Obviously this is in contrast to the other ways to heaven, which are straight and difficult, through celibacy and penance. This reminds one of Albert Schweitzer"s assessment of the Kural way of life.

Dr. Schweitzer would say that Valluvar"s principles are a radical change from the pre-existing negativism to a positive line 'of neighborly love leading to God. According to Valluvar, life is real and earnest and through consistent righteous conduct and endeavour in a householder"s life, full of wealth and happiness too, one could reach heights of virtue and ultimate salvation.

This is in consonance with the epitome of all Christian doctrine, which is to love one"s own neighbour deeply and intensely alongside with loving the unseen God. I am reminded in this context of a few familiar lines of English Poetry:

'I searched for my God,
My God I could not see,
I looked for my soul
My soul eluded me;
I sought out my neighbour
And in him found all three.

This is but another way of saying what the late lamented Arignar Annadurai, had always said, Eaylaiyin siripil iraivanai kandaen