Chapter 42 – Hearing / Kelvi
Couplets / kuratpaakal
Couplet 411
Wealth of wealth is wealth acquired be ear attend;
Wealth mid all wealth supremely excellent.
Explanation
Wealth (gained) by the ear is wealth of wealth; that wealth is the chief of all wealth.
Transliteration
Selvaththut Selvanj Chevichchelvam Achchelvam
Selvaththu Lellaan Thalai.
Couplet 412
When ’tis no longer time the listening ear to feed
With trifling dole of food supply the body’s need.
Explanation
When there is no food for the ear, give a little also to the stomach.
Transliteration
Sevikkuna Villaadha Pozhdhu Siridhu
Vayitrukkum Eeyap Patum.
Couplet 413
Who feed their ear with learned teachings rare,
Are like the happy god’s oblations rich who share.
Explanation
Those who in this world enjoy instruction which is the food of the ear, are equal to the Gods, who enjoy the food of the sacrifices.
Transliteration
Seviyunavir Kelvi Yutaiyaar Aviyunavin
Aandraaro Toppar Nilaththu.
Couplet 414
Though learning none hath he, yet let him hear alway:
In weakness this shall prove a staff and stay.
Explanation
Although a man be without learning, let him listen (to the teaching of the learned); that will be to him a staff in adversity.
Transliteration
Katrila Naayinung Ketka Aqdhoruvarku
Orkaththin Ootraan Thunai.
Couplet 415
Like staff in hand of him in slippery ground who strays
Are words from mouth of those who walk in righteous ways.
Explanation
The words of the good are like a staff in a slippery place.
Transliteration
Izhukkal Utaiyuzhi Ootrukkol Atre
Ozhukka Mutaiyaarvaaich Chol.
Couplet 416
Let each man good things learn, for e’en as he
Shall learn, he gains increase of perfect dignity.
Explanation
Let a man listen, never so little, to good (instruction), even that will bring him great dignity.
Transliteration
Enaiththaanum Nallavai Ketka Anaiththaanum
Aandra Perumai Tharum.
Couplet 417
Not e’en through inadvertence speak they foolish word,
With clear discerning mind who’ve learning’s ample lessons heard.
Explanation
Not even when they have imperfectly understood (a matter), will those men speak foolishly, who have profoundly studied and diligently listened (to instruction).
Transliteration
Pizhaith Thunarndhum Pedhaimai Sollaa Rizhaiththunarn
Theentiya Kelvi Yavar.
Couplet 418
Where teaching hath not oped the learner’s ear,
The man may listen, but he scarce can hear.
Explanation
The ear which has not been bored by instruction, although it hears, is deaf.
Transliteration
Ketpinung Kelaath Thakaiyave Kelviyaal
Thotkap Pataadha Sevi.
Couplet 419
‘Tis hard for mouth to utter gentle, modest word,
When ears discourse of lore refined have never heard.
Explanation
It is a rare thing to find modesty, a reverend mouth- with those who have not received choice instruction.
Transliteration
Nunangiya Kelviya Rallaar Vanangiya
Vaayina Raadhal Aridhu.
Couplet 420
His mouth can taste, but ear no taste of joy can give!
What matter if he dies, or prosperous live.
Explanation
What does it matter whether those men live or die, who can judge of tastes by the mouth, and not by the ear?
Transliteration
Seviyir Suvaiyunaraa Vaayunarvin Maakkal
Aviyinum Vaazhinum En?
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