Learning from Ancient Wisdom, Given: We are small in the Universe
The Avvaiyars (Respectable Women) was the title of more than one poet who were active during different periods of Tamil literature(What is Tamil?). The Avvaiyar were some of the most famous and important female poets of the Tamil canon.
Avvaiyar I lived during the 1st and 2nd century CE.
Avvaiyar II lived in 13th century. She wrote many of the poems that remain very popular even now. These books include a list of dos and don'ts, useful for daily life, arranged in simple and short sentences.
The following quotes from the poem "Aathichoodi", illustrate the simplicity of her style and profoundness of the messages:
| Tamil Alphabets | ஆத்திசூடி (Aathichoodi) | English translation |
|---|---|---|
| அ | அறம் செய விரும்பு | Desire to do good things |
| ஆ | ஆறுவது சினம் | Anger is to be controlled |
| இ | இயல்வது கரவேல் | Help others in any way you can |
| ஈ | ஈவது விலக்கேல் | Always be charitable |
| உ | உடையது விளம்பேல் | Do not boast about what you have |
| ஊ | ஊக்கமது கைவிடேல் | Do not give up hope/effort |
| எ | எண் எழுத்து இகழேல் | Respect learning |
| ஏ | ஏற்பது இகழ்ச்சி | Begging is despicable |
| ஐ | ஐயமிட்டு உண் | Give alms before eating |
| ஒ | ஒப்புர வொழுகு | Be virtuous |
| ஓ | ஓதுவது ஒழியேல் | Do not give up learning |
| ஒள | ஒளவியம் பேசேல் | Do not talk bad about others |
| ஃ | அஃகஞ் சுருக்கேல் | Never cheat on food |
Source: Wikipedia