Tamil Humanism / Samanam/ Kuralite
1. DEFINITIONS
1.1. TAMIL
The word ‘Tamil’ has 3 meanings: Sweetness, Ethical Ethos and Language.
The word ‘Tamil’ is defined as ‘Sweetness’.
‘Tamil’ has the following meanings: “nectar, lifestyle, virtues and ethics’.
‘Tamil’ is an Ethical Ethos based on the dominant ethics of the inherent dignity of a human being. That ‘secular ethics’ which sustains human dignity is ‘Sweetness’. It is about Self-Respect.
Therefore Tamil Humanism may also be referred to as ‘Ethical Humanism’.
Tamil is also a language. Tamil is a ‘Sweet language’.
The people who speak the Tamil language have diverse religious beliefs and they use the Tamil language to convey their religious teachings. Many Tamils have converted from their original Samanam and Saiva religions which their ancestors practiced to foreign religions therefore there are Tamil Christians, Tamil Muslims, Tamil Hindus, Tamil Buddhists and Tamil Jains etc.
In summary, any person who is ‘Sweet’ by nature and strives to live their lives according to ethical principles, values and morality may claim the Tamil identity as their own, irrespective of their race, religion or language spoken.
1.2. HUMANISM
The Amsterdam Declaration 2002 of the Humanists International defines the elements of Humanism as follows:
1. Humanism is ethical.
2. Humanism is rational.
3. Humanism supports democracy and human rights.
4. Humanism insists that personal liberty must be combined with social responsibility.
5. Humanism is a response to the widespread demand for an alternative to dogmatic religion.
6. Humanism values artistic creativity and imagination 7. Humanism is a lifestance aiming at the maximum possible fulfilment
1.3. SAMANAM
‘Sam’ means equality, equilibrium, equal, balance. ‘Manam’ means mind. In the Tamil language Samanam means ‘Balanced Mind’.
Samanam is also translated into English as ‘Tamil Humanism’, ‘Ethical Humanism’, ‘Rationalism’, Equal Mind, ‘Ethical Mind’, ‘Path of Virtue’ or the ‘Path’. Secular ethics was also called Samanam. Samanam since ancient times was regarded as ‘The Path of Virtue’ because ethics and human values results in a balanced mind.
In modern times, Samanam is defined as an ancient prehistoric religion that teaches Tamil spirituality and allows simplified Tamil ceremonies for the different stages of human life.
Tamil spirituality is derived from Chapter 1 of the Thirukkural only. No other texts are accepted in understanding Tamil Spirituality.
1.4. TAMIL HUMANISM
Tamil Humanism teaches the practice of ethics and values devoid of any religion. It promotes an ethical humanist lifestyle. It asks the individual to pursue a Value System. Tamil Humanism is derived from Chapter 2 to Chapter 133 of the Thirukkural. The Writings of the Tamil Saints also contributes ethics and values to Tamil Humanism.
Tamil Humanism is founded on Eight Core Values.
The Eight Core Values are the culture of:
• Love
• Peace
• Truth
• Right conduct
• Non-violence
• Human values
• Human rights
• Nature rights
Tamil Humanism teaches only the Ethical Dimension.
It excludes:
• Philosophy
• Religion
• Mythology
• Rituals
• Superstitions
• Supernaturalism
• Esoteric Beliefs
• Mysticism
• Anthropomorphism
• Political ideologies
1.5. KURALITE
A Kuralite is a person who practices the ethical principles of all 133 chapters of the Thirukkural in full. One who practices Samanam and Tamil Humanism is a Kuralite.
The Thirukkural presents Kuralite Consciousness. People who strive to merge their Conscious mind with Kuralite Consciousness are people who are striving for personal development and having the best quality of life and a meaningful life in this world.
2. METHODOLOGY
1. Tamil Humanism uses only the methodology of Direct Observation. The methodology used to understand this world and live an ethical life is to collect information by using one’s senses through Direct Observation. The Empiricism theory and direct perception of the senses guides our beliefs.
2. It also accepts the principle that human beings move from the point of ignorance to knowledge, from pain to pleasure and from the primitive to progressive advancement. Human culture, language, religion, beliefs and lifestyle is constantly evolving from lower forms to higher forms. Civilizations move from a primitive state to an advanced state.
3. Another principle is your inner conscience is your Supreme Guide. Your perception of reality and interpretation of words is guided by your inner conscience. Your reality and your perceptions is your primary guide.
Therefore, dogmatic books, organizations or leaders are not your Supreme Guide. Some schools of thought see their religious text, guru or teacher or organization’s school of philosophy as supreme guide for their lives.
Samanam uses your reality and your understanding and your inner conscience is the Supreme Guide.
4. A further principle is that religious and spiritual texts are adapted and interpreted according to your circumstances and to your country’s socio-historical context. This makes the spiritual text relevant and to give you meaning.