Alagiri criticises Guv’s spiritual interpretation of Thirukkural

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) president K S Alagiri on Saturday criticised Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi’s interpretation of Thirukkural and said that spirituality is beyond the realm of religion. Alagiri also added that the Governor should read scholars or consult informed people for a proper understanding of Thirukkural.

Taking exception to Ravi’s statement in Anna University that “Thirukkural is the source of our spirituality”, Alagiri said that there could be no disagreement on the fact that a deeper learning of Thirukkural would better one’s reading of humanity.

“I think the Governor has some difficulty in understanding spirituality. Spirituality is beyond (the realm) of religion. Religion refers to a specific sect, worship of a specific god and following a particular god as an organization. It provokes people to engage in any harsh act for the purpose. Spirituality is not so,” the TNCC chief reasoned.

“Spiriuality is the belief that there is a power superior to us in the universe and the belief would enhance man’s life. But, giving a form or naming or following it as a group is not the character of spirituality,” he added.

“The motto of spirituality is transcending from animal state to human state and from there to godly state. Thiruvalluvar has penned Thirukkural with a deep understanding of the idea. There is no reference to any religion, language, worship of god or monarchs or the charitable people of that age. Hence, it is considered a worldly work. The spirituality you have comprehended is based on a religion. No matter how much you analyse Thirukkural, you will not find it in Thirukkural,” added Alagiri, welcoming the Governor’s effort to learn Thirukkural.

Advising the Governor to read the annotation of Thirukkural written by GU Pope or Parimelalagar or M Varadarasanar or Kalaignar Karunanidhi or Neduchezhian, the TNCC chief said that Ravi could consult lyricist Vairamuthu for further learning of Thirukkural.