Monday, May 23, 2016

Thirukkural Chapter 76 - Way of Accumulating Wealth


Couplet 751 
Nothing exists save wealth, that can
Change man of nought to worthy man
Explanation
Besides wealth there is nothing that can change people of no importance into those of (some) importance

Couplet 752 
Those who have nought all will despise;
All raise the wealthy to the skies
Explanation
All despise the poor; (but) all praise the rich

Couplet 753 
Wealth, the lamp unfailing, speeds to every land,
Dispersing darkness at its lord's command
Explanation
The imperishable light of wealth goes into regions desired (by its owner) and destroys the darkness (of enmity therein)

Couplet 754 
Their wealth, who blameless means can use aright,
Is source of virtue and of choice delight
Explanation
The wealth acquired with a knowledge of the proper means and without foul practices will yield virtue and happiness

Couplet 755 
Wealth gained by loss of love and grace,
Let man cast off from his embrace
Explanation
(Kings) should rather avoid than seek the accumulation of wealth which does not flow in with mercy and love

Couplet 756 
Wealth that falls to him as heir, wealth from the kingdom's dues,
Explanation
The spoils of slaughtered foes; these are the royal revenues

Couplet 757 
'Tis love that kindliness as offspring bears:
And wealth as bounteous nurse the infant rears
Explanation
The child mercy which is borne by love grows under the care of the rich nurse of wealth

Couplet 758 
As one to view the strife of elephants who takes his stand,
On hill he's climbed, is he who works with money in his hand
Explanation
An undertaking of one who has wealth in one's hands is like viewing an elephant-fight from a hill-top

Couplet 759 
Make money! Foeman's insolence o'ergrown
To lop away no keener steel is known
Explanation
Accumulate wealth; it will destroy the arrogance of (your) foes; there is no weapon sharper than it

Couplet 760 
Who plenteous store of glorious wealth have gained,
By them the other two are easily obtained
Explanation
To those who have honestly acquired an abundance of riches, the other two, (virtue and pleasure) are things easy (of acquisition)

No comments:

Post a Comment