Know to rise - 2

Friday, May 25, 2007
Know to rise - 2
In Tamil, there is a saying, "Kallai kandaal naayai kaanom, naayai kandaal kallai kaanom". People interpret this saying to mean, "when we see a stone, there is no dog around (which we could have beaten with the stone) and when we see a dog, there is no stone to be found anywhere near (to beat the dog with)."
This is a patent misunderstanding. The true significance of the saying is like this: A sculptor carves the image of a dog on a stone. People come and see it. Those who see only the stone are unable to see the dog, i.e. the creative and artistic work of the sculptor. And those who see the dog, i.e. who understand art and appreciate its creator, do not just see the stone as a stone but as a medium which manifests the creativity of the artist.
There are many such usages, idioms, phrases of yore which over centuries have been misunderstood and thereby distorted the wisdom and progress of humanity. Let us rectify this and move forward to liberate ourselves and future generations from the bondage of ignorance.
11:47:59 AM
Posted By Listen to Me Comments (1) Musings
Comments
K.Venugopal Friday, May 25, 2007 5:21:26 PM
In this particular quotation, we can interpret it to mean both, as convenient. So the question arises, is there a fixed meaning to any saying? Nay, do words have fixed meaning? Don't they vary according to contexts?