Family Life by Thiruvalluvar (2008)
The work emphasizes the significance of family life and the responsibilities of a householder. It asserts that the householder is essential for the well-being of society and serves as a protector and benefactor to the vulnerable, including orphans and the needy. Key duties of a householder include performing rituals for ancestors, worshipping deities, providing hospitality, supporting relatives, and ensuring personal well-being. The text highlights that a virtuous householder, who prioritizes charity and righteousness, ensures the prosperity of their lineage. A harmonious home, characterized by love and righteousness, is portrayed as an ideal environment where all familial duties are fulfilled. The work posits that those who excel in family life are superior to those who pursue asceticism without the foundation of a virtuous household. Righteousness is particularly associated with marriage, and a good reputation is deemed its most valuable asset. The text concludes that a householder who adheres to these principles is revered and regarded as divine among people.
By Thiruvalluvar · First published 2008 · Genre: Philosophical, Religious, Self-help · 225 words
First lines
The householder is the mainstay of all who follow the three other paths of life.10
The householder is the friend of the orphan and the pauper and the helpless dead.11
Five are the duties of the householder, namely, the offering of oblations to the dead, the performance of sacrifices to the Gods, the doing of hospitality, the rendering of help unto relations, and the looking after of one's own self.
Behold the man who feareth to do ill and doth charity before eating his meal: his seed decayeth never.
What this Textopian page supports
Family Life is listed on Textopian as an essay by Thiruvalluvar, dated 2008 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Thiruvalluvar
- Date: 2008 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Philosophical, Religious, Self-help, Sociological, Literary
- Length: 225 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Family Life by Thiruvalluvar
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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- Where does Philosophical first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Philosophical — The text explores deep moral and ethical principles regarding family life and duties.
- Religious — It discusses duties and righteousness in the context of spiritual beliefs and practices.
- Self-help — The work provides guidance on leading a virtuous family life and fulfilling responsibilities.
- Sociological — It examines the role of the householder in society and the importance of family structure.
Tags
Philosophy · Poetry · Ethics · Morality · Family · Relationships · Society · Culture · Tradition · Values · Beliefs · Human Nature