Chapter 41 – Ignorance / Kallaamai
Couplet 401
Like those at draughts would play without the chequered square,
Men void of ample lore would counsels of the learned share.
Explanation
To speak in an assembly (of the learned) without fullness of knowledge, is like playing at chess (on a board) without squares.
Arangindri Vattaati Yatre Nirampiya
Transliteration
Noolindrik Kotti Kolal.
Like those who doat on hoyden’s undeveloped charms are they,
Of learning void, who eagerly their power of words display.
Explanation
The desire of the unlearned to speak (in an assembly), is like a woman without breasts desiring (the enjoyment of ) woman-hood.
Transliteration
Kallaadhaan Sorkaa Murudhal Mulaiyirantum
Illaadhaal Penkaamur Ratru.
Couplet 402
Couplet 403
The blockheads, too, may men of worth appear,
If they can keep from speaking where the learned hear.
Explanation
The unlearned also are very excellent men, if they know how to keep silence before the learned.
Transliteration
Kallaa Thavarum Naninallar Katraarmun
Sollaa Thirukkap Perin.
Couplet 404
From blockheads’ lips, when words of wisdom glibly flow,
The wise receive them not, though good they seem to show.
Explanation
Although the natural knowledge of an unlearned man may be very good, the wise will not accept for true knowledge.
Transliteration
Kallaadhaan Otpam Kazhiyanan Raayinum
Kollaar Arivutai Yaar.
Couplet 405
As worthless shows the worth of man unlearned,
When council meets, by words he speaks discerned.
Explanation
51 The self-conceit of an unlearned man will fade away, as soon as he speaks in an assembly (of.
Transliteration
Kallaa Oruvan Thakaimai Thalaippeydhu
Sollaatach Chorvu Patum.
Couplet 406
‘They are’: so much is true of men untaught;
But, like a barren field, they yield us nought.
Explanation
The unlearned are like worthless barren land: all that can be said of them is, that they exist.
Transliteration
Ularennum Maaththiraiyar Allaal Payavaak
Kalaranaiyar Kallaa Thavar.
Couplet 407
Who lack the power of subtle, large, and penetrating sense,
Like puppet, decked with ornaments of clay, their beauty’s vain pretence.
Explanation
The beauty and goodness of one who is destitute of knowledge by the study of great and exquisite works, is like (the beauty and goodness) of a painted earthen doll.
Transliteration
Nunmaan Nuzhaipulam Illaan Ezhilnalam
Manmaan Punaipaavai Yatru.
Couplet 408
To men unlearned, from fortune’s favour greater-evil springs
Than poverty to men of goodly wisdom brings.
Explanation
Wealth, gained by the unlearned, will give more sorrow than the poverty which may come upon the learned.
Transliteration
Nallaarkan Patta Varumaiyin Innaadhe
Kallaarkan Patta Thiru.
Couplet 409
Lower are men unlearned, though noble be their race,
Than low-born men adorned with learning’s grace.
Explanation
The unlearned, though born in a high caste, are not equal in dignity to the learned; though they may have been born in a low caste.
Transliteration
Merpirandhaa Raayinum Kallaadhaar Keezhppirandhum
Katraar Anaiththilar Paatu.
Couplet 410
Learning’s irradiating grace who gain,
Others excel, as men the bestial train.
Explanation
As beasts by the side of men, so are other men by the side of those who are learned in celebrated works.
Transliteration
Vilangotu Makkal Anaiyar Ilangunool
Katraarotu Enai Yavar.
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