Thirukkural on Accumulation and Distribution of Wealth
Thirukkural on Accumulation and Distribution of Wealth Dr. R. Prabhakaran Maryland, USA Introduction Thiruvalluvar (or Valluvar for short) deals with virtue, wealth and love in his magnum opus Thirukkural. In Thirukkural, he insists that virtue and righteousness should be the basis for all human endeavors, including accumulation of wealth. Generally, the word “wealth” implies an abundance of valuable material possessions or resources. But in the context of Thirukkural, the term “wealth” simply means valuable material possessions or resources and abundance is not explicitly implied. According to Valluvar, wealth is absolutely essential both for an individual as well as for a nation. He is also of the opinion that the accumulated wealth should be used to help those who are in need. The Importance of Wealth for an Individual The ultimate goal of many religions is to prepare their followers to lead a life of virtue so that they will go to heaven after their de