Chapter 12 – Impartiality / Natuvu Nilaimai
Couplets / kuratpaakal
Couplet 111
If justice, failing not, its quality maintain,
Giving to each his due, -’tis man’s one highest gain.
Explanation
That equity which consists in acting with equal regard to each of (the three) divisions of men [enemies, strangers and friends] is a pre-eminent virtue.
Transliteration
Thakudhi Enavondru Nandre Pakudhiyaal
Paarpattu Ozhukap Perin.
Couplet 112
The just man’s wealth unwasting shall endure,
And to his race a lasting joy ensure.
Explanation
The wealth of the man of rectitude will not perish, but will bring happiness also to his posterity.
Transliteration
Seppam Utaiyavan Aakkanj Chidhaivindri
Echchaththir Kemaappu Utaiththu.
Couplet 113
Though only good it seem to give, yet gain
By wrong acquired, not e’en one day retain.
Explanation
Forsake in the very moment (of acquisition) that gain which, though it should bring advantage, is without equity.
Transliteration
Nandre Tharinum Natuvikandhaam Aakkaththai
Andre Yozhiya Vital.
Couplet 114
Who just or unjust lived shall soon appear:
By each one’s offspring shall the truth be clear.
Explanation
The worthy and unworthy may be known by the existence or otherwise of good offsprings.
Transliteration
Thakkaar Thakavilar Enpadhu Avaravar
Echchaththaar Kaanap Patum.
Couplet 115
The gain and loss in life are not mere accident;
Just mind inflexible is sages’ ornament.
Explanation
Loss and gain come not without cause; it is the ornament of the wise to preserve evenness of mind (under both).
Transliteration
Ketum Perukkamum Illalla Nenjaththuk
Kotaamai Saandrork Kani.
Couplet 116
If, right deserting, heart to evil turn,
Let man impending ruin’s sign discern.
Explanation
Let him whose mind departing from equity commits sin well consider thus within himself, “I shall perish.”.
Transliteration
Ketuvalyaan Enpadhu Arikadhan Nenjam
Natuvoreei Alla Seyin.
Couplet 117
The man who justly lives, tenacious of the right,
In low estate is never low to wise man’s sight.
Explanation
The great will not regard as poverty the low estate of that man who dwells in the virtue of equity.
Transliteration
Ketuvaaka Vaiyaadhu Ulakam Natuvaaka
Nandrikkan Thangiyaan Thaazhvu.
Couplet 118
To stand, like balance-rod that level hangs and rightly weighs,
With calm unbiassed equity of soul, is sages’ praise.
Explanation
To incline to neither side, but to rest impartial as the even-fixed scale is the ornament of the wise.
Transliteration
Samanseydhu Seerdhookkung Kolpol Amaindhorupaal
Kotaamai Saandrork Kani.
Couplet 119
Inflexibility in word is righteousness,
If men inflexibility of soul possess.
Explanation
Freedom from obliquity of speech is rectitude, if there be (corresponding) freedom from bias of mind.
Transliteration
Sorkottam Illadhu Seppam Orudhalaiyaa
Utkottam Inmai Perin.
Couplet 120
As thriving trader is the trader known,
Who guards another’s interests as his own.
Explanation
The true merchandize of merchants is to guard and do by the things of others as they do by their own.
Transliteration
Vaanikam Seyvaarkku Vaanikam Penip
Piravum Thamapol Seyin.
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