Chapter 25 – Compassion / Arulutaimai
Couplet 241
Wealth ‘mid wealth is wealth ‘kindliness’;
Wealth of goods the vilest too possess.
Explanation
The wealth of kindness is wealth of wealth, in as much as the wealth of property is possessed by the basest of men.
Transliteration
Arutchelvam Selvaththul Selvam Porutchelvam
Pooriyaar Kannum Ula.
Couplet 242
The law of ‘grace’ fulfil, by methods good due trial made,
Though many systems you explore, this is your only aid.
Explanation
(Stand) in the good path, consider, and be kind. Even considering according to the conflicting tenets of the different sects, kindness will be your best aid, (in the acquisition of heavenly bliss.).
Transliteration
Nallaatraal Naati Arulaalka Pallaatraal
Therinum Aqdhe Thunai.
Couplet 243
They in whose breast a ‘gracious kindliness’ resides,
See not the gruesome world, where darkness drear abides.
Explanation
They will never enter the world of darkness and wretchedness whose minds are the abode of kindness.
Transliteration
Arulserndha Nenjinaark Killai Irulserndha
Innaa Ulakam Pukal.
Couplet 244
Who for undying souls of men provides with gracious zeal,
In his own soul the dreaded guilt of sin shall never feel.
Explanation
(The wise) say that the evils, which his soul would dread, will never come upon the man who exercises kindness and protects the life (of other creatures).
Transliteration
Mannuyir Ompi Arulaalvaarkku Illenpa
Thannuyir Anjum Vinai.
Couplet 245
The teeming earth’s vast realm, round which the wild winds blow,
Is witness, men of ‘grace’ no woeful want shall know.
Explanation
This great rich earth over which the wind blows, is a witness that sorrow never comes upon the kindhearted.
Transliteration
Allal Arulaalvaarkku Illai Valivazhangum
Mallanmaa Gnaalang Kari.
Couplet 246
Gain of true wealth oblivious they eschew,
Who ‘grace’ forsake, and graceless actions do.
Explanation
(The wise) say that those who neglect kindness and practise cruelties, neglected virtue (in their former birth), and forgot (the sorrows which they must suffer.).
Transliteration
Porulneengip Pochchaandhaar Enpar Arulneengi
Allavai Seydhozhuku Vaar.
Couplet 247
As to impoverished men this present world is not;
The ‘graceless’ in you world have neither part nor lot.
Explanation
As this world is not for those who are without wealth, so that world is not for those who are without kindness.
Transliteration
Arulillaarkku Avvulakam Illai Porulillaarkku
Ivvulakam Illaaki Yaangu.
Couplet 248
Who lose the flower of wealth, when seasons change, again may bloom;
Who lose ‘benevolence’, lose all; nothing can change their doom.
Explanation
Those who are without wealth may, at some future time, become prosperous; those who are destitute of kindness are utterly destitute; for them there is no change.
Transliteration
Porulatraar Pooppar Orukaal Arulatraar
Atraarmar Raadhal Aridhu.
Couplet 249
When souls unwise true wisdom’s mystic vision see,
The ‘graceless’ man may work true works of charity.
Explanation
If you consider, the virtue of him who is without kindness is like the perception of the true being by him who is without wisdom.
Transliteration
Therulaadhaan Meypporul Kantatraal Therin
Arulaadhaan Seyyum Aram.
Couplet 250
When weaker men you front with threat’ning brow,
Think how you felt in presence of some stronger foe.
Explanation
When a man is about to rush upon those who are weaker than himself, let him remember how he has stood (trembling) before those who are stronger than himself.
Transliteration
Valiyaarmun Thannai Ninaikka Thaan Thannin
Meliyaarmel Sellu Mitaththu.
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