Chapter 16 – The Possession of Patience, Forbearance / Poraiyutaimai
Couplets / kuratpaakal
Couplet 151
As earth bears up the men who delve into her breast,
To bear with scornful men of virtues is the best.
Explanation
To bear with those who revile us, just as the earth bears up those who dig it, is the first of virtues.
Transliteration
Akazhvaaraith Thaangum
Nilampolath Thammai
Ikazhvaarp Poruththal Thalai.
Couplet 152
Forgiving trespasses is good always;
Forgetting them hath even higher praise;.
Explanation
Bear with reproach even when you can retaliate; but to forget it will be still better than that.
Transliteration
Poruththal Irappinai Endrum Adhanai
Maraththal Adhaninum Nandru.
Couplet 153
The sorest poverty is bidding guest unfed depart;
The mightiest might to bear with men of foolish heart.
Explanation
To neglect hospitality is poverty of poverty To bear with the ignorant is might of might.
Transliteration
Inmaiyul Inmai Virundhoraal Vanmaiyul
Vanmai Matavaarp Porai.
Couplet 154
Seek’st thou honour never tarnished to retain;
So must thou patience, guarding evermore, maintain.
Explanation
If you desire that greatness should never leave, you preserve in your conduct the exercise of patience.
Transliteration
Niraiyutaimai Neengaamai Ventin Poraiyutaimai
Potri Yozhukap Patum.
Couplet 155
Who wreak their wrath as worthless are despised;
Who patiently forbear as gold are prized.
Explanation
(The wise) will not at all esteem the resentful They will esteem the patient just as the gold which they lay up with care.
Transliteration
Oruththaarai Ondraaka Vaiyaare Vaippar
Poruththaaraip Ponpor Podhindhu.
Couplet 156
Who wreak their wrath have pleasure for a day;
Who bear have praise till earth shall pass away.
Explanation
The pleasure of the resentful continues for a day The praise of the patient will continue until (the final destruction of) the world.
Transliteration
Oruththaarkku Orunaalai Inpam Poruththaarkkup
Pondrun Thunaiyum Pukazh.
Couplet 157
Though others work thee ill, thus shalt thou blessing reap;
Grieve for their sin, thyself from vicious action keep.
Explanation
Though others inflict injuries on you, yet compassionating the evil (that will come upon them) it will be well not to do them anything contrary to virtue.
Transliteration
Thiranalla Tharpirar Seyyinum Nonondhu
Aranalla Seyyaamai Nandru.
Couplet 158
With overweening pride when men with injuries assail,
By thine own righteous dealing shalt thou mightily prevail.
Explanation
Let a man by patience overcome those who through pride commit excesses.
Transliteration
Mikudhiyaan Mikkavai Seydhaaraith Thaandham
Thakudhiyaan Vendru Vital.
Couplet 159
They who transgressors’ evil words endure
With patience, are as stern ascetics pure.
Explanation
Those who bear with the uncourteous speech of the insolent are as pure as the ascetics.
Transliteration
Thurandhaarin Thooimai Utaiyar Irandhaarvaai
Innaachchol Norkir Pavar.
Couplet 160
Though ‘great’ we deem the men that fast and suffer pain,
Who others’ bitter words endure, the foremost place obtain.
Explanation
Those who endure abstinence from food are great, next to those who endure the uncourteous speech of others.
Transliteration
Unnaadhu Norpaar Periyar Pirarsollum
Innaachchol Norpaarin Pin.
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