The Moral Teachings of Naladiyar in the Light of Jain Philosophies

Abstract

After the Thirukkural, which is considered the leading text among the eighteen books, the Naladiyar has maintained its popularity. The proverb “Nalum udumum sollukkuruti” illustrates this truth. The contribution made by the Jain religion to the Tamil language is immeasurable. Jainism played a major role in the religious life of the ancient Tamils. The names Arugatha religion, Nikanda religion, Aakananda religion, and Liathvada religion are given to Jainism. The meaning of Jainism gives the meaning of monks. The Jains were experts in both the fields of grammar and literature in Tamil. The influence of Jainism can be seen here and there in the Sangha bhagas. The Purananutru song “Yadum Ure Yaavarum Kelir” and the song “Undalamma” are common to all religions, but they have absorbed Jain ideas. Jain literature can be divided into three types. The first type is the grammar written in a way that is suitable for learning the ancient grammar, the second type is the poetry and prose, which arose as an attempt to create poetry. The third type is the method of the Jains, based on their principles, shaping morality into a special way that is specific to the Jains and a way that is relevant to everyone. Among them, the Naladiyar, one of the eighteen books of literature from the period after the Sangha, contains most of the Jain ideas. The purpose of this article is to explain that the Naladiyar completely absorbs Jain philosophies and teaches them as virtues to be followed in life.