Chapter 21 – Dread of Evil Deeds
Couplets / kuratpaakal
Couplet 201
With sinful act men cease to feel the dread of ill within,
The excellent will dread the wanton pride of cherished sin.
Explanation
Those who have experience of evil deeds will not fear, but the excellent will fear the pride of sin.
Transliteration
Theevinaiyaar Anjaar Vizhumiyaar Anjuvar
Theevinai Ennum Serukku.
Couplet 202
Since evils new from evils ever grow,
Evil than fire works out more dreaded woe.
Explanation
Because evil produces evil, therefore should evil be feared more than fire.
Transliteration
Theeyavai Theeya Payaththalaal Theeyavai
Theeyinum Anjap Patum.
Couplet 203
Even to those that hate make no return of ill;
So shalt thou wisdom’s highest law, ’tis said, fulfil.
Explanation
So shalt thou wisdom’s highest law, ’tis said, fulfil.
Transliteration
Arivinul Ellaan Thalaiyenpa Theeya
Seruvaarkkum Seyyaa Vital.
Couplet 204
Though good thy soul forget, plot not thy neighbour’s fall,
Thy plans shall ‘virtue’s Power’ by ruin to thyself forestall.
Explanation
Even though forgetfulness meditate not the ruin of another Virtue will meditate the ruin of him who thus meditates.
Transliteration
Marandhum Piranketu Soozharka Soozhin
Aranjoozham Soozhndhavan Ketu.
Couplet 205
Make not thy poverty a plea for ill;
Thy evil deeds will make thee poorer still.
Explanation
Commit not evil, saying, “I am poor”: if you do, you will become poorer still.
Transliteration
Ilan Endru Theeyavai Seyyarka Seyyin
Ilanaakum Matrum Peyarththu.
Couplet 206
What ranks as evil spare to do, if thou would’st shun
Affliction sore through ill to thee by others done.
Explanation
Let him not do evil to others who desires not that sorrows should pursue him.
Transliteration
Theeppaala Thaanpirarkan Seyyarka Noippaala
Thannai Atalventaa Thaan.
Couplet 207
From every enmity incurred there is to ‘scape, a way;
The wrath of evil deeds will dog men’s steps, and slay.
Explanation
However great be the enmity men have incurred they may still live The enmity of sin will incessantly pursue and kill.
Transliteration
Enaippakai Yutraarum Uyvar Vinaippakai
Veeyaadhu Pinsendru Atum.
Couplet 208
Man’s shadow dogs his steps where’er he wends;
Destruction thus on sinful deeds attends.
Explanation
Destruction will dwell at the heels of those who commit evil even as their shadow that leaves them not.
Transliteration
Theeyavai Seydhaar Ketudhal Nizhaldhannai
Veeyaadhu Atiurain Thatru.
Couplet 209
Beware, if to thyself thyself is dear,
Lest thou to aught that ranks as ill draw near.
Explanation
If a man love himself, let him not commit any sin however small.
Transliteration
Thannaiththaan Kaadhala Naayin Enaiththondrum
Thunnarka Theevinaip Paal.
Couplet 210
The man, to devious way of sin that never turned aside,
From ruin rests secure, whatever ills betide.
Explanation
Know ye that he is freed from destruction who commits no evil, going to neither side of the right path.
Transliteration
Arungetan Enpadhu Arika Marungotith
Theevinai Seyyaan Enin.
0 Comments