Chapter 17 – Not Envying / Azhukkaaraamai
Couplets / kuratpaakal
Couplet 161
As ‘strict decorum’s’ laws, that all men bind,
Let each regard unenvying grace of mind.
Explanation
Let a man esteem that disposition which is free from envy in the same manner as propriety of conduct.
Transliteration
Ozhukkaaraak Kolka Oruvandhan Nenjaththu
Azhukkaaru Ilaadha Iyalpu.
Couplet 162
If man can learn to envy none on earth,
‘Tis richest gift, -beyond compare its worth.
Explanation
Amongst all attainable excellences there is none equal to that of being free from envy towords others.
Transliteration
Vizhuppetrin Aqdhoppadhu Illaiyaar Maattum
Azhukkaatrin Anmai Perin.
Couplet 163
Nor wealth nor virtue does that man desire ’tis plain,
Whom others’ wealth delights not, feeling envious pain.
Explanation
Of him who instead of rejoicing in the wealth of others, envies it, it will be said “he neither desires virtue not wealth.”.
Transliteration
Aranaakkam Ventaadhaan Enpaan Piranaakkam
Penaadhu Azhukkarup Paan.
Couplet 164
The wise through envy break not virtue’s laws,
Knowing ill-deeds of foul disgrace the cause.
Explanation
(The wise) knowing the misery that comes from transgression will not through envy commit unrighteous deeds.
Transliteration
Azhukkaatrin Allavai Seyyaar Izhukkaatrin
Edham Patupaakku Arindhu.
Couplet 165
Envy they have within! Enough to seat their fate!
Though foemen fail, envy can ruin consummate.
Explanation
To those who cherish envy that is enough Though free from enemies that (envy) will bring destruction.
Transliteration
Azhukkaaru Utaiyaarkku Adhusaalum Onnaar
Vazhukka?yum Keteen Padhu.
Couplet 166
Who scans good gifts to others given with envious eye,
His kin, with none to clothe or feed them, surely die.
Explanation
He who is envious at a gift (made to another) will with his relations utterly perish destitute of food and rainment.
Transliteration
Kotuppadhu Azhukkaruppaan Sutram Utuppadhooum
Unpadhooum Indrik Ketum.
Couplet 167
From envious man good fortune’s goddess turns away,
Grudging him good, and points him out misfortune’s prey.
Explanation
Lakshmi envying (the prosperity) of the envious man will depart and introduce him to her sister.
Transliteration
Avviththu Azhukkaaru Utaiyaanaich Cheyyaval
Thavvaiyaik Kaatti Vitum.
Couplet 168
Envy, embodied ill, incomparable bane,
Good fortune slays, and soul consigns to fiery pain.
Explanation
Envy will destroy (a man’s) wealth (in his world) and drive him into the pit of fire (in the world to come.).
Transliteration
Azhukkaaru Enaoru Paavi Thiruchchetruth
Theeyuzhi Uyththu Vitum.
Couplet 169
To men of envious heart, when comes increase of joy,
Or loss to blameless men, the ‘why’ will thoughtful hearts employ.
Explanation
The wealth of a man of envious mind and the poverty of the righteous will be pondered.
Transliteration
Avviya Nenjaththaan Aakkamum Sevviyaan
Ketum Ninaikkap Patum.
Couplet 170
No envious men to large and full felicity attain;
No men from envy free have failed a sure increase to gain.
Explanation
Never have the envious become great; never have those who are free from envy been without greatness.
Transliteration
Azhukkatru Akandraarum Illai Aqdhuillaar
Perukkaththil Theerndhaarum Il.
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