Chapter 13 – The Possession of Self-restraint / Atakkamutaimai
Couplets / kuratpaakal
Couplet 121
Control of self does man conduct to bliss th’ immortals share;
Indulgence leads to deepest night, and leaves him there.
Explanation
Self-control will place (a man) among the Gods; the want of it will drive (him) into the thickest darkness (of hell).
Transliteration
Atakkam Amararul Uykkum Atangaamai
Aarirul Uyththu Vitum.
Couplet 122
Guard thou as wealth the power of self-control;
Than this no greater gain to living soul.
Explanation
Let self-control be guarded as a treasure; there is no greater source of good for man than that.
Transliteration
Kaakka Porulaa Atakkaththai Aakkam
Adhaninooung Killai Uyirkku.
Couplet 123
If versed in wisdom’s lore by virtue’s law you self restrain
Your self-repression known will yield you glory’s gain.
Explanation
Knowing that self-control is knowledge, if a man should control himself, in the prescribed course, such self-control will bring him distinction among the wise.
Transliteration
Serivarindhu Seermai Payakkum Arivarindhu
Aatrin Atangap Perin.
Couplet 124
In his station, all unswerving, if man self subdue,
Greater he than mountain proudly rising to the view.
Explanation
More lofty than a mountain will be the greatness of that man who without swerving from his domestic state, controls himself.
Transliteration
Nilaiyin Thiriyaadhu Atangiyaan Thotram
Malaiyinum Maanap Peridhu.
Couplet 125
To all humility is goodly grace; but chief to them
With fortune blessed, -’tis fortune’s diadem.
Explanation
Humility is good in all; but especially in the rich it is (the excellence of) higher riches.
Transliteration
Ellaarkkum Nandraam Panidhal Avarullum
Selvarkke Selvam Thakaiththu.
Couplet 126
Like tortoise, who the five restrains
In one, through seven world bliss obtains.
Explanation
1 7 Should one throughout a single birth, like a tortoise keep in his five senses, the fruit of it will prove a.
Transliteration
Orumaiyul Aamaipol Aindhatakkal Aatrin
Ezhumaiyum Emaap Putaiththu.
Couplet 127
Whate’er they fail to guard, o’er lips men guard should keep;
If not, through fault of tongue, they bitter tears shall weep.
Explanation
Whatever besides you leave unguarded, guard your tongue; otherwise errors of speech and the consequent misery will ensue.
Transliteration
Yaakaavaa Raayinum Naakaakka Kaavaakkaal
Sokaappar Sollizhukkup Pattu.
Couplet 128
Though some small gain of good it seem to bring,
The evil word is parent still of evil thing.
Explanation
If a man’s speech be productive of a single evil, all the good by him will be turned into evil.
Transliteration
Ondraanun Theechchol Porutpayan Untaayin
Nandraakaa Thaaki Vitum.
Couplet 129
In flesh by fire inflamed, nature may thoroughly heal the sore;
In soul by tongue inflamed, the ulcer healeth never more.
Explanation
The wound which has been burnt in by fire may heal, but a wound burnt in by the tongue will never heal.
Transliteration
Theeyinaar Suttapun Ullaarum Aaraadhe
Naavinaar Sutta Vatu.
Couplet 130
Who learns restraint, and guards his soul from wrath,
Virtue, a timely aid, attends his path.
Explanation
Virtue, seeking for an opportunity, will come into the path of that man who, possessed of learning and self-control, guards himself against anger.
Transliteration
Kadhangaaththuk Katratangal Aatruvaan Sevvi
Arampaarkkum Aatrin Nuzhaindhu.
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