Tirukkural - 'On Virtue' - In Praise Of God - Kural 8

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1. Aravaali antanan talcerntaark kallaal
   piravaali niintal aritu.

Except those who have found the feet of him, who is the sea of all virtue, None can hope to cross the rest of the seas..

Of the three major aspects of life, virtue, wealth and happiness, the first is the most vital one and God himself, is described by the poet as the sea of all virtue. In a mixed metaphor here, it is explained that only a person who has reached the feet of the sea of virtue will be able to swim ashore on the other seas of wealth and happiness as well. There are those who would say that 'piravaali' means 'the sea of births'. It could mean that, in a general way, and no harm done. But Parimelalagar's interpretation as the rest of the seas would appear to be more appropriate.

The word 'Antanan' referring to God is another interesting feature. Ellis has explained this as 'the abode of beautiful mercy', that is God which is a very happy and meaningful expression. The reference to God here as 'Aravaali Antanan' is construed by some to mean Lord Buddha. This interpretation agrees with a latter usage in Manimekalai of this idea.

'Arakadhir Aazi thirampada uruti
Kaamarkadandha Vaaman

Which describes the Lord as turning the Dharmachakra and protecting the Universe. But the expression may just as well mean the Universal God.