c01223 - MOODHURAI AND NALVAZHI

This lesson deals with the good teachings that are embedded in Moodhurai and Nalvazhi, and their relevance to our lives. The importance of education, the results of the lack of education, the glory of great men, the value of humanitarianism and the status of wealth, have all been explained in these two works.

Moodhurai and Nalvazhi are two of the works of Avvaiyar. The great poetess who had set down the profound truths of life by means of single - line verses in ஆத்திசூடி and கொன்றைவேந்தன், uses the quartet form in Moodhurai and Nalvazhi.

Moodhurai derives its name from the fact that it contains the ancient and basic truths of life. It is also called "வாக்குண்டாம்", because the work begins with that word. There are thirty verses in all, each dealing with a different theme, and set in the "Venba" metre.

The basis of a man's life is education. Hence, Moodhurai gives pride of place to education. An educated man is greater than even a king. The former is respected wherever he goes, while an uneducated man fails to get noticed.

Great men are those who excel in knowledge and conduct. The acquaintance of such men will be beneficial to us in several ways. Great men do not compromise on any thing even in times of adversity.

The family system is based on the natural tendency of men to help one another. The verses of Moodhurai teach us how humanitarianism should extend beyond the family, to mankind at large.

Friendship has occupied an important place in society, since the "sangam" era. True friendship goes beyond material considerations and is enduring.

"Nalvazhi" is so called because it teaches us how to lead a virtuous life. The rich are respected by men, while the poor are ignored. However the rich should be generous in giving their wealth to those who are less fortunate, because wealth is not constant.

Farming is the oldest of man's occupations, Without it, man cannot live. Man should learn to live within his income. If he fails to do that, he will be humiliated by others. Similarly, he who speaks well will be respected, while he who speaks ill will be disliked and shunned by his fellowmen.

These are some of the truths propounded by Moodhurai and Nalvazhi, the two great works written by Avvaiyar.