Virtue (அறத்துப்பால்) / Domestic Virtue
Chapter 13
அடக்கம் உடைமை
The Possession of Self-restraint
Atakkamutaimai. Malay: Menguasai Diri. Kurals 121 to 130.
When you need self-control, humility and restraint.
How to say it
Atakkam Amararul Uykkum AtangaamaiAarirul Uyththu Vitum
Meaning in plain English
Self-control will place (a man) among the Gods; the want of it will drive (him) into the thickest darkness (of hell)
Poetic translation
Control of self does man conduct to bliss th' immortals share; Indulgence leads to deepest night, and leaves him there
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Kaakka Porulaa Atakkaththai AakkamAdhaninooung Killai Uyirkku
Meaning in plain English
Let self-control be guarded as a treasure; there is no greater source of good for man than that
Poetic translation
Guard thou as wealth the power of self-control; Than this no greater gain to living soul
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Serivarindhu Seermai Payakkum ArivarindhuAatrin Atangap Perin
Meaning in plain English
Knowing that self-control is knowledge, if a man should control himself, in the prescribed course, such self-control will bring him distinction among the wise
Poetic translation
If versed in wisdom's lore by virtue's law you self restrainYour self-repression known will yield you glory's gain
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Nilaiyin Thiriyaadhu Atangiyaan ThotramMalaiyinum Maanap Peridhu
Meaning in plain English
More lofty than a mountain will be the greatness of that man who without swerving from his domestic state, controls himself
Poetic translation
In his station, all unswerving, if man self subdue, Greater he than mountain proudly rising to the view
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Ellaarkkum Nandraam Panidhal AvarullumSelvarkke Selvam Thakaiththu
Meaning in plain English
Humility is good in all; but especially in the rich it is (the excellence of) higher riches
Poetic translation
To all humility is goodly grace; but chief to themWith fortune blessed, -'tis fortune's diadem
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Orumaiyul Aamaipol Aindhatakkal AatrinEzhumaiyum Emaap Putaiththu
Meaning in plain English
Should one throughout a single birth, like a tortoise keep in his five senses, the fruit of it will prove a safe-guard to him throughout the seven-fold births.
Poetic translation
Like tortoise, who the five restrainsIn one, through seven world bliss obtains
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Yaakaavaa Raayinum Naakaakka KaavaakkaalSokaappar Sollizhukkup Pattu
Meaning in plain English
Whatever besides you leave unguarded, guard your tongue; otherwise errors of speech and the consequent misery will ensue
Poetic translation
Whate'er they fail to guard, o'er lips men guard should keep; If not, through fault of tongue, they bitter tears shall weep
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Ondraanun Theechchol Porutpayan UntaayinNandraakaa Thaaki Vitum
Meaning in plain English
If a man's speech be productive of a single evil, all the good by him will be turned into evil
Poetic translation
Though some small gain of good it seem to bring, The evil word is parent still of evil thing
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Theeyinaar Suttapun Ullaarum AaraadheNaavinaar Sutta Vatu
Meaning in plain English
The wound which has been burnt in by fire may heal, but a wound burnt in by the tongue will never heal
Poetic translation
In flesh by fire inflamed, nature may thoroughly heal the sore; In soul by tongue inflamed, the ulcer healeth never more
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Kadhangaaththuk Katratangal Aatruvaan SevviArampaarkkum Aatrin Nuzhaindhu
Meaning in plain English
Virtue, seeking for an opportunity, will come into the path of that man who, possessed of learning and self-control, guards himself against anger
Poetic translation
Who learns restraint, and guards his soul from wrath, Virtue, a timely aid, attends his path
G. U. Pope, 1886