Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Thirukkural Chapter 54 - Unforgetfulness


Couplet 531 
'Tis greater ill, it rapture of o'erweening gladness to the soul
Bring self-forgetfulness than if transcendent wrath control
Explanation
More evil than excessive anger, is forgetfulness which springs from the intoxication of great joy

Couplet 532 
Perpetual, poverty is death to wisdom of the wise;
When man forgets himself his glory dies
Explanation
Forgetfulness will destroy fame, even as constant poverty destroys knowledge

Couplet 533 
'To self-oblivious men no praise'; this rule
Decisive wisdom sums of every school
Explanation
Thoughtlessness will never acquire fame; and this tenet is upheld by all treatises in the world

Couplet 534 
'To cowards is no fort's defence'; e'en so
The self-oblivious men no blessing know
Explanation
Just as the coward has no defence (by whatever fortifications ha may be surrounded), so the thoughtless has no good (whatever advantages he may possess)

Couplet 535 
To him who nought foresees, recks not of anything,
The after woe shall sure repentance bring
Explanation
The thoughtless man, who provides not against the calamities that may happen, will afterwards repent for his fault

Couplet 536 
Towards all unswerving, ever watchfulness of soul retain,
Where this is found there is no greater gain
Explanation
There is nothing comparable with the possession of unfailing thoughtfulness at all times; and towards all persons

Couplet 537 
Though things are arduous deemed, there's nought may not be won,
When work with mind's unslumbering energy and thought is done
Explanation
There is nothing too difficult to be accomplished, if a man set about it carefully, with unflinching endeavour

Couplet 538 
Let things that merit praise thy watchful soul employ;
Who these despise attain through sevenfold births no joy
Explanation
Let (a man) observe and do these things which have been praised (by the wise); if he neglects and fails to perform them, for him there will be no (happiness) throughout the seven births

Couplet 539 
Think on the men whom scornful mind hath brought to nought,
When exultation overwhelms thy wildered thought
Explanation
Let (a king) think of those who have been ruined by neglect, when his mind is elated with joy

Couplet 540 
'Tis easy what thou hast in mind to gain,
If what thou hast in mind thy mind retain
Explanation
It is easy for (one) to obtain whatever he may think of, if he can again think of it

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