Chapter 34 – Instability / Nilaiyaamai
Couplet 331
Lowest and meanest lore, that bids men trust secure,
In things that pass away, as things that shall endure.
Explanation
That ignorance which considers those things to be stable which are not so, is dishonourable (to the wise).
Transliteration
Nillaadha Vatrai Nilaiyina Endrunarum
Pullari Vaanmai Katai.
Couplet 332
As crowds round dancers fill the hall, is wealth’s increase;
Its loss, as throngs dispersing, when the dances cease.
Explanation
The acquisition of wealth is like the gathering together of an assembly for a theatre; its expenditure is like the breaking up of that assembly.
Transliteration
Kooththaattu Avaik Kuzhaath Thatre Perunjelvam
Pokkum Adhuvilin Thatru.
Couplet 333
Unenduring is all wealth; if your wealth enjoys,
Enduring works in working wealth straightway employ.
Explanation
Wealth is perishable; let those who obtain it immediately practise those (virtues) which are imperishable.
Transliteration
Arkaa Iyalpitruch Chelvam Adhupetraal
Arkupa Aange Seyal.
Couplet 334
As ‘day’ it vaunts itself; well understood, ’tis knife’,
That daily cuts away a portion from thy life.
Explanation
Time, which shows itself (to the ignorant) as if it were something (real) is in the estimation of the wise (only) a saw which cuts down life.
Transliteration
Naalena Ondrupor Kaatti Uyir Eerum
Vaaladhu Unarvaarp Perin.
Couplet 335
Before the tongue lie powerless, ‘mid the gasp of gurgling breath,
Arouse thyself, and do good deeds beyond the power of death.
Explanation
Let virtuous deeds be done quickly, before the biccup comes making the tongue silent.
Transliteration
Naachchetru Vikkulmel Vaaraamun Nalvinai
Mersendru Seyyap Patum.
Couplet 336
Existing yesterday, today to nothing hurled! –
Such greatness owns this transitory world.
Explanation
This world possesses the greatness that one who yesterday was is not today.
Transliteration
Nerunal Ulanoruvan Indrillai Ennum
Perumai Utaiththuiv Vulaku.
Couplet 337
Who know not if their happy lives shall last the day,
In fancies infinite beguile the hours away.
Explanation
Innumerable are the thoughts which occupy the mind of (the unwise), who know not that they shall live another moment.
Transliteration
Orupozhudhum Vaazhvadhu Ariyaar Karudhupa
Kotiyum Alla Pala.
Couplet 338
Birds fly away, and leave the nest deserted bare;
Such is the short-lived friendship soul and body share.
Explanation
The love of the soul to the body is like (the love of) a bird to its egg which it flies away from and leaves empty.
Transliteration
Kutampai Thaniththu Ozhiyap Pulparan Thatre
Utampotu Uyiritai Natpu.
Couplet 339
Death is sinking into slumbers deep;
Birth again is waking out of sleep.
Explanation
Death is like sleep; birth is like awaking from it.
Transliteration
Urangu Vadhupolunj Chaakkaatu Urangi
Vizhippadhu Polum Pirappu.
Couplet 340
The soul in fragile shed as lodger courts repose: –
Is it because no home’s conclusive rest it knows.
Explanation
It seems as if the soul, which takes a temporary shelter in a body, had not attained a home.
Transliteration
Pukkil Amaindhindru Kollo Utampinul
Thuchchil Irundha Uyirkku.
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