Chapter 54 – Unforgetfulness / Pochchaavaamai
Couplets / kuratpaakal
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.
Transliteration
Irandha Vekuliyin Theedhe Sirandha
Uvakai Makizhchchiyir Sorvu.
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.
Transliteration
Pochchaappuk Kollum Pukazhai Arivinai
Nichcha Nirappuk Kon Raangu.
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.
Transliteration
Pochchaappaark Killai Pukazhmai Adhuulakaththu
Eppaalnoo Lorkkum Thunivu.
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).
Transliteration
Achcha Mutaiyaarkku Aranillai Aangillai
Pochchaap Putaiyaarkku Nanku.
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.
Transliteration
Munnurak Kaavaadhu Izhukkiyaan Thanpizhai
Pinnooru Irangi Vitum.
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.
Transliteration
Izhukkaamai Yaarmaattum Endrum Vazhukkaamai
Vaayin Adhuvoppadhu Il.
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.
Transliteration
Ariyaendru Aakaadha Illaipoch Chaavaak
Karuviyaal Potrich Cheyin.
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.
Transliteration
Pukazhndhavai Potrich Cheyalventum Seyyaadhu
Ikazhndhaarkku Ezhumaiyum Il.
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.
Transliteration
Ikazhchchiyin Kettaarai Ulluka Thaandham
Makizhchchiyin Maindhurum Pozhdhu.
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.
Transliteration
Ulliyadhu Eydhal Elidhuman Matrundhaan
Ulliyadhu Ullap Perin.
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