The Kural · Chapter
III: The Greatness of Those Who Have Renounced the World explained
This chapter extols the virtue and spiritual power of ascetics who have renounced worldly sense-enjoyments and live a disciplined life.
What happens
This chapter extols the virtue and spiritual power of ascetics who have renounced worldly sense-enjoyments and live a disciplined life. It compares their greatness to the immeasurable, emphasizes their mastery over the five senses, and declares that such renunciants are the true Brahmans, worthy of reverence and compassion.
Themes in this chapter
Asceticism and Spiritual Discipline
The entire chapter glorifies renunciation and self-control, portraying ascetics as the highest beings.
The Vanity of Worldly Life
The chapter contrasts worldly sense-enjoyments with the superior path of renunciation, implying the transient nature of material life.
Characters to notice
- Thiruvalluvar
Author of the Kural, presenting the chapter on renunciation.
- the Kural
The text itself, which is the source of the teachings on ascetic greatness.
Key passages
“Behold the men who have renounced sense-enjoyments and live a life of discipline: the scriptures exalt their glory above every other good.”
Those who give up sensual pleasures and follow a disciplined life are praised in sacred texts as the highest good.
Opening verse establishing the supremacy of renunciation.
“Behold the man whose firm will controlleth his five senses even as the goading hook controlleth the elephant: he is a seed fit for the fields of heaven.”
A person who masters their five senses with strong will, like an elephant trainer uses a hook, is destined for heavenly reward.
Metaphor of the elephant hook to illustrate self-control.
“It is saintly men that are to be called Brahmans: for it is they that have compassion on all life.”
True Brahmans are those who are saintly and show compassion to all living beings.
Final verse redefining Brahmanhood in terms of compassion and renunciation.