பெரியார் படித்த அறிவியல் நூல்
Friday, September 26, 2025
பெரியார் படித்த அறிவியல் நூல்
Saturday, December 7, 2024
Periyar's Arivu Sudar
Periyar's
Arivu Sudar
— Dr. Jothi S. Themozhi
Periyar E. V. Ramasamy presented his ideology of atheism in a very condensed
form in his book titled "Arivu Sudar." This is a small book of 48
pages, published by his Kudi Arasu Publishers back in 1961 for a price of 25
paise. This book contains six articles or chapters of rationalistic ideas
presented in the following order:
What is Discipline?
What is Atheism?
What is Dharma?
Bigotry
Moksha and Hell
Sami, Samayam, Samayacharyas
The first chapter discusses the concept of "morality" and argues that
it is a tool used to control and suppress people, particularly the weak,
uneducated, and women. The author contends that morality, like concepts such as
chastity and love, is used to manipulate, exploit, and oppress women.
Periyar challenges the conventional understanding of morality and questions the
existence of truly moral actions or individuals. He suggests that actions are
judged based on the power and influence of the people involved, rather than on
any inherent moral value.
Periyar examines various professions and social roles, arguing that individuals
in these positions often engage in immoral behavior while simultaneously
accusing others of lacking morality. He concludes that morality is a social
construct used to maintain control and dominance, and that true morality lies
in treating others with respect and dignity.
The author proposes a new definition of morality: "treating others as you
would like to be treated and fulfilling their rightful expectations."
Periyar emphasizes the importance of reciprocity and empathy in moral conduct.
The second chapter discusses the concept of “atheism” and its implications. It
explores the reasons for the widespread disapproval of atheism, particularly
the notion that it denies the existence of God. Periyar highlights the
historical conflict between theism and atheism, emphasizing the recent growth
of atheist movements and organizations, especially in the 20th century.
He delves into the activities of such organizations, including their
publications and outreach efforts. Periyar examines the perceived consequences
of atheism, addressing concerns about morality and social order. He questions
whether belief in God truly leads to virtuous behavior and challenges the idea
that atheism results in moral decline. Periyar concludes by raising questions
about the existence and nature of God, prompting readers to consider the
evidence and arguments presented.
In the third chapter, Periyar discusses the concept of Dharma and emphasizes
that Dharma is not a fixed set of rules but rather a dynamic principle that
adapts to changing times, places, and individual circumstances. He critiques
blind adherence to tradition and advocates for a rational approach to Dharma.
Periyar highlights how practices considered Dharma in the past may be seen as
foolish or harmful in the present.
He argues that true Dharma is that which benefits both individuals and society
as a whole and concludes by emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and
understanding in determining what constitutes true Dharma.
In the fourth chapter, Periyar discusses the nature of religion and its impact
on society. He argues that despite claims of divine origin, religions often
rely on propaganda and fear to maintain their following. Periyar criticizes the
practice of religious conversion, highlighting the potential for manipulation
and exploitation, particularly among vulnerable populations.
He also emphasizes that the perceived benefits of religion, such as social
harmony and spiritual well-being, are not exclusive to any particular faith.
The text concludes by advocating for a society free from religious divisions,
promoting a secular, egalitarian model based on reason and social justice.
The fifth chapter discusses the concepts of heaven and hell in the context of
religion and human behavior. Periyar argues that these concepts are man-made
constructs used to control and manipulate people. He criticizes the use of fear
and reward to enforce social norms and maintain the status quo. Periyar
emphasizes that the pursuit of salvation and the fear of damnation hinder
progress and perpetuate inequality. He calls for the rejection of these
concepts in favor of reason and human values, advocating for a focus on social
justice and individual well-being in this life rather than the afterlife.
In the final chapter, Periyar discusses the role of religion, particularly
Hinduism, in India. He criticizes the concept of God, religious practices, and
the authority of religious leaders. Periyar argues that these elements hinder
social progress, rational thinking, and scientific advancement in the country.
He emphasizes the need for India to shed its superstitions and embrace reason,
self-respect, and freedom of thought. He questions the necessity of God and
religious rituals for individual morality and societal well-being. The author
also points out the substantial financial burden of religious practices and
suggests that these resources could be better utilized for education and
development. Periyar concludes by asserting that India's path to liberation
lies in rejecting religious dogma and promoting rationalism.
Through this book, he presents his opinion by questioning the Vedic religion,
which taught people about high and low, and the people who spread the concept
of God and religion throughout history.
He compares religions and Gods. Again and again, he points out that all
religions are the same and that there is no difference in ideas of God,
religion, ritual, soul, heaven, and hell among them. By questioning the need
for all these religions and Gods, he highlights the folly of fighting in their
name and greedily destroying the hard-earned material called festivals.
To those who answered that all this is to lead people well, to live according
to Dharma, to observe morality, he responds with what true morality and Dharma
are.
Even today, those who oppose and deny Periyar continue to scorn him because
they cannot face the questions raised by Periyar with this much research and
methodology. In the process of destroying the science-based superstitions they
follow, they leave behind the truth. But his questions remain unanswered.
[In observance
of Periyar's oncoming death anniversary in December...]
Thanks :
Sakthi (December-2024) issue
Periyar's Arivu
Sudar
— Dr. J othi S. Themozhi
Page 6-9
https://archive.org/details/sakthi-december-2024/page/5/mode/2up
#சக்தி, #பெரியார், #English, #Themozhi




