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TULSI-PRAJNA
literature, he highlights the main contents of the Nalaţiyar. Passingly he also refers to a Jaina tradition in the Tamil country regarding the birth of this ancient anthology containing 400 verses of great ethical value.
It is curious to note that the Tirukkural and the Nalaţiyar compare well in several respects : The titles of both works have a bearing on the respective metres; both are mainly ethical works; both deal with the 3 Purusarthas (objects of life) viz., Dharma, Artha and Kama--the 4th Purusartha Moksa being the proper synthesis of these three; and the chapters of both works are divided into groups of 10 verses each. The main difference between these two works is that the Tirukkural is a composed work by the author and the Naladiyar is anthology of wise sayings or words of wisdom of earlier Jaina saints.
The Nalaţiyar very effectively brings out the cphímeral and unstable nature of beauty, youth, fame, power, material resources etc. It also emphasises the positive and permanent role of proper knowledge of Jaina Doctrines like non-violence, truth, compassion, charity, universal brotherhood etc.
carya Padumnar has gleaned a number of important statements, advices, encouragements, warnings appreciations etc. as words of wisdom from the works of earlier Jaina saints who flourished in the Tamil country. A few of them can be noted here as mere specimens:
Wealth, youth, beauty, prosperity, power, might etc. are all ephemeral and unstable. Death is inevitable. Righteousness (dharma) is great and mighty. One has to accout sorrows and sufferings of life as retributive. Death is waiting behind you. So do dharma before it lays its hand on you. By this you would gain in the next world. Rash speech is harmful. . Do not return evil for evil, but return good for evil, Do not argue with fools. Forbearence strengthens friendship. Practise charity (give dana) according to your capacity. Give what you can and when you can.
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