An eighteenth century Tamil text on ‘Christian morals’ from Tranquebar
Journal name: Acta Orientalia
Original article title: An eighteenth century Tamil text on ‘Christian morals’ from Tranquebar
ACTA ORIENTALIA is a journal focused on the study of Oriental languages, history, archaeology, and religions from ancient times to the present. The journal includes articles reviewed by a senior scholar in the relevant field.
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Original source:
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R. Paneerselvam
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Acta Orientalia:
(Founded in 1922 and published annually)
Full text available for: An eighteenth century Tamil text on ‘Christian morals’ from Tranquebar
Year: 1976 | Doi: 10.5617/ao.5145
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The manuscript "Christian Morals," discovered in the State Archives in Copenhagen, presents a collection of moral teachings likely composed in the 18th century by a German missionary in Tranquebar, during the period of Danish colonial rule in India. The manuscript, written in Tamil on palm leaves, contains sixty maxims aimed at fostering moral values and ethical behavior among school children and the illiterate populace. Despite being titled 'Christian Morals,' the text promotes universally acceptable virtues not confined to any specific caste, religion, or race, making its teachings relatable to a broad audience.
The Promotion of Virtue: Openness and Reconciliation
One vital concept emphasized in the manuscript is the importance of openness and reconciliation in social interactions. The teachings urge individuals not to engage in cunning behavior or harbor grudges, instead advocating for being open-hearted and friendly. In doing so, the text suggests a moral framework where conflict is avoided, and mutual understanding is prioritized. By promoting peaceful coexistence and encouraging genuine relationships, the manuscript establishes a foundation for social harmony, reflective of Christian values adapted into the local context.
The Pursuit of Wisdom: Discernment Over Distraction
Another essential idea presented in the text is the pursuit of wisdom through discernment and self-awareness. The manuscript advises against being distracted by worldly matters and emphasizes the need to focus on spiritual and moral development. It stresses that individuals should search for deeds leading to the heavenly world and keep their intellect bright, avoiding confusion and sinful matters. This theme encourages readers to cultivate mindfulness and prioritize their spiritual journey over transient, superficial concerns, creating a path toward deeper understanding and enlightenment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the "Christian Morals" manuscript serves as a significant historical document rich with ethical guidance relevant to various audiences beyond its intended Christian demographic. Its teachings on openness, reconciliation, discernment, and the pursuit of wisdom highlight enduring moral principles that transcend cultural and religious boundaries. The lessons contained within this text not only underscore the values promoted by the Christian faith but also resonate with universal concepts of integrity and righteousness, offering guidance that remains pertinent in contemporary society.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the main purpose of the manuscript on Christian morals?
The manuscript aims to provide moral guidance to readers, promoting values that are beneficial and acceptable to everyone, regardless of their background.
Who is presumed to be the author of the manuscript?
The author is presumed to be a German missionary, likely a teacher at a local school in Tranquebar during the Danish government’s rule in the 18th century.
What types of morals does the manuscript emphasize?
The morals are general and focus on virtues like honesty, reconciliation, humility, and respect for the divine, applicable to various cultures and religions.
What is the condition mentioned for receiving support from God?
The manuscript advises that if one thinks properly and follows the morals until death, the graceful Lord will provide support and salvation.
How is the language style described in the manuscript?
The language is described as colloquial and simple, making it accessible to children and illiterate individuals, featuring various colloquial expressions.
Glossary definitions and references:
Oriental and Historical glossary list for “An eighteenth century Tamil text on ‘Christian morals’ from Tranquebar”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of History, Linguistics, Religion, Philosophy, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism etc.
1) Tamil:
Tamil is the language in which the manuscript text on 'Christian Morals' is written, showcasing a blend of colloquial and standard dialect forms.
2) Leaf (Leaves):
The manuscript, which is on palm-leaf, contains a total of thirteen leaves, with some missing, each leaf inscribed with moral maxims.
3) Speech:
The moral maxims advise against engaging in certain types of speech, such as 'Do not give your ears to useless speech,' promoting propriety and wisdom in speech.
4) Mind:
Several maxims stress the importance of controlling the mind, such as 'Do not place your mind on deeds connected with this world' and 'Think of all the said morals.'
5) Intellect:
Guidelines address maintaining a clear intellect, such as 'Do not confuse the intellect,' and 'Keep the intellect bright.'
6) Wisdom:
Wisdom is emphasized with advice to read books of wisdom and to engage in wise speech; the 'five senses' should also be restrained through wisdom.
7) Death:
Moral maxims instruct readers to always think of death and not lose courage in the face of it, underscoring the transient nature of life.
8) Knowledge:
There are instructions about engaging with knowledge, including avoiding knowledge associated with evil and learning that which is associated with wisdom.
9) Graceful:
The text concludes by assuring that the 'graceful God' will be supportive and offer salvation to those who follow the moral maxims until their death.
10) Practice:
Readers are encouraged not to yield to the practices of the Devil but to subdue such practices and engage in proper, virtuous behavior.
11) Worldly:
Maxims warn against attachment to worldly matters and rewards, encouraging a focus on spiritual and heavenly matters instead.
12) Roman (Roma):
The manuscript’s Tamil text has been presented in Roman transliteration to facilitate understanding and translation.
13) Book:
[see source text or glossary: Book]
14) Virtuous conduct:
The text advises readers 'Do not give up virtuous conduct,' emphasizing the importance of striving to maintain moral integrity.
15) Worldly reward (Worldly gain):
There is advice to 'Make efforts to enjoy the endless rewards of bliss' rather than seeking transient worldly rewards.
16) Five senses:
Individuals are advised to restrain their five senses and use them judiciously, particularly for matters associated with wisdom.
17) Wise men (Wise man):
The manuscript encourages readers to be students to wise men, showing respect and eagerness to learn from them.
18) Consciousness:
The text suggests actions that lead to self-consciousness, such as engaging in proper activities when at the temple (church).
19) Imperishable:
It advises to 'long for imperishable things,' urging readers to focus on eternal values rather than perishable, temporary ones.
20) Sovereignty:
The manuscript likely dates back to the eighteenth century, during the period of Danish sovereignty over Tranquebar.
21) Destruction:
It warns against learning teachings that bring destruction to the understanding of wisdom, underscoring the value of preserving intellect.
22) Discernment:
The maxims advise to 'Look with discernment at the things which are being seen,' promoting careful and wise observation.
23) Palm-leaf:
The physical manuscript is written on palm-leaf, a common medium in ancient South Indian manuscripts.
24) Confusion (Confused):
The text advises against allowing confusion in one's intellect or mind, indicating this can lead to poor decision-making.
25) Propriety:
Certain types of speech and behavior should be adjusted to propriety, showing the importance of appropriate conduct.
26) Creation:
[see source text or glossary: Creation]
27) Language:
The palm-leaf manuscript uses a colloquial and simple Tamil language style to instruct Tamil-speaking school children and illiterate people.
28) Religion:
Though titled 'Christian Morals,' the maxims are general and applicable to people of any caste, religion, and race.
29) Child (Children):
The moral maxims were intended for Tamil-speaking school children and illiterate people, making the language simple and colloquial.
30) Ignorance (Ignorant):
There is an exhortation to be a teacher to ignorant men, thereby promoting the spreading of knowledge and wisdom.
31) Dialect:
The Tamil written in the manuscript includes colloquial dialects distinct from the standard literary Tamil of the period.
32) Delight (Delighting, Delighted):
One of the moral instructions is to be a delight to sorrowful people, indicating the importance of spreading happiness and comfort.
33) Student:
Becoming a student to wise men is recommended, highlighting the value of learning from those with greater knowledge and insight.
34) Marana:
[see source text or glossary: Marana]
35) Temple:
Guidance includes advice against making excuses not to go to the temple (church) and to engage in meaningful activities while there.
36) Vastu:
[see source text or glossary: Vastu]
37) Varam:
Two maxims discuss being quarrelsome or grudgeful, using the word 'varam' (quarrelsome) and advising against such behavior.
38) Maram:
Skillful discernment and avoidance of confusion are mentioned, using 'maram' (quarrelsome) to convey the importance of clear thinking.
39) Caste:
The manuscript's morals are said to be universal, transcending considerations of caste or race, making them relevant to everyone.
40) Anger (Angry):
The text advises to remain silent in the face of angry speech and to refrain from responding impulsively.
41) Palm:
Each leaf of the manuscript is made from palm-leaf, a traditional medium for writing in ancient South Indian culture.
42) Face (Facing, Faced):
Readers are advised to be obedient and circumspect in the face of divine judgment, showing piety and reverence.
43) Par:
The maxims include advice to 'see' or 'paar' the things which are beneficial and wise, reflecting the importance of perceptive observation.
44) Inci (Imci):
The leaves of the manuscript are described as being about 6 inches long and 1 inch wide, providing a sense of its physical dimensions.