The Kural · Chapter
XXXVII: The Killing of Desire explained
This chapter expounds on the necessity of eradicating desire to achieve liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
What happens
This chapter expounds on the necessity of eradicating desire to achieve liberation from the cycle of rebirth. It argues that desire is the root of all suffering and bondage, and that true wealth and joy lie in desirelessness and righteousness.
Themes in this chapter
Asceticism and Spiritual Discipline
The chapter advocates for the killing of desire as the highest form of spiritual discipline, leading to liberation and eternal joy.
Karma and Destiny
Desire is described as the seed of rebirth, linking personal longing to the cycle of karma and the destiny of the soul.
Characters to notice
- Thiruvalluvar
Author of the Kural, presenting the teaching on desire as the root of rebirth and the path to liberation.
- the Kural
The text itself, which articulates the doctrine of desirelessness and its spiritual rewards.
Key passages
“Desire is the seed that yieldeth unto every soul, and always, a never-failing crop of births.”
Desire is the root cause of continuous reincarnation for every being.
Establishes desire as the fundamental cause of the cycle of birth and death.
“There is no greater wealth here below than desirelessness: and wherever thou goest thou canst find no treasure that equalleth it.”
The greatest treasure in this world is the state of being free from desire.
Highlights the supreme value of desirelessness over material wealth.
“If a man cutteth off utterly all his desires, salvation shall come to him by any path that he commandeth to it.”
If a person completely eliminates all desires, liberation will follow regardless of the spiritual path they choose.
Emphasizes the universal efficacy of desirelessness in achieving salvation.