Monday, May 30, 2016

Thirukkural Chapter 103 - The Way of Maintaining the Family


Couplet 1021 
Who says 'I'll do my work, nor slack my hand',
His greatness, clothed with dignity supreme, shall stand
Explanation
There is no higher greatness than that of one saying I will not cease in my effort (to raise my family)

Couplet 1022 
The manly act and knowledge full, when these combine
In deed prolonged, then lengthens out the race's line
Explanation
One's family is raised by untiring perseverance in both effort and wise contrivances

Couplet 1023 
'I'll make my race renowned,' if man shall say,
With vest succinct the goddess leads the way
Explanation
The Deity will clothe itself and appear before him who resolves on raising his family

Couplet 1024 
Who labours for his race with unremitting pain,
Without a thought spontaneously, his end will gain
Explanation
Those who are prompt in their efforts (to better their family) need no deliberation, such efforts will of themselves succeed

Couplet 1025 
With blameless life who seeks to build his race's fame,
The world shall circle him, and kindred claim
Explanation
People will eagerly seek the friendship of the prosperous soul who has raised his family without foul means

Couplet 1026 
Of virtuous manliness the world accords the praise
To him who gives his powers, the house from which he sprang to raise
Explanation
A man's true manliness consists in making himself the head and benefactor of his family

Couplet 1027 
The fearless hero bears the brunt amid the warrior throng;
Amid his kindred so the burthen rests upon the strong
Explanation
Amid his kindred so the burthen rests upon the strong

Couplet 1028 
Wait for no season, when you would your house uprear;
'Twill perish, if you wait supine, or hold your honour dear
Explanation
As a family suffers by (one's) indolence and false dignity there is to be so season (good or bad) to those who strive to raise their family

Couplet 1029 
Is not his body vase that various sorrows fill,
Who would his household screen from every ill
Explanation
Is it only to suffering that his body is exposed who undertakes to preserve his family from evil ?

Couplet 1030 
When trouble the foundation saps the house must fall,
If no strong hand be nigh to prop the tottering wall
Explanation
If there are none to prop up and maintain a family (in distress), it will fall at the stroke of the axe of misfortune

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