Chapter 99 – Perfectness / Saandraanmai
Couplet 981
All goodly things are duties to the men, they say
Who set themselves to walk in virtue’s perfect way.
Explanation
It is said that those who are conscious of their duty and behave with a perfect goodness will regard as natural all that is good.
Transliteration
Katanenpa Nallavai Ellaam Katanarindhu
Saandraanmai Merkol Pavarkku.
Couplet 982
The good of inward excellence they claim,
The perfect men; all other good is only good in name.
Explanation
The only delight of the perfect is that of their goodness; all other (sensual) delights are not to be included among any (true) delights.
Transliteration
Kunanalam Saandror Nalane Piranalam
Ennalaththu Ulladhooum Andru.
Couplet 983
Love, modesty, beneficence, benignant grace,
With truth, are pillars five of perfect virtue’s resting-place.
Explanation
Affection, fear (of sin), benevolence, favour and truthfulness; these are the five pillars on which perfect goodness rests.
Transliteration
Anpunaan Oppuravu Kannottam Vaaimaiyotu
Aindhusaal Oondriya Thoon.
Couplet 984
The type of ‘penitence’ is virtuous good that nothing slays;
To speak no ill of other men is perfect virtue’s praise.
Explanation
Penance consists in the goodness that kills not , and perfection in the goodness that tells not others’ faults.
Transliteration
Kollaa Nalaththadhu Nonmai Pirardheemai
Sollaa Nalaththadhu Saalpu.
Couplet 985
Submission is the might of men of mighty acts; the sage
With that same weapon stills his foeman’s rage.
Explanation
Stooping (to inferiors) is the strength of those who can accomplish (an undertaking); and that is the weapon with which the great avert their foes.
Transliteration
Aatruvaar Aatral Panidhal Adhusaandror
Maatraarai Maatrum Patai.
Couplet 986
What is perfection’s test? The equal mind
To bear repulse from even meaner men resigned.
Explanation
The touch-stone of perfection is to receive a defeat even at the hands of one’s inferiors.
Transliteration
Saalpirkuk Kattalai Yaadhenin Tholvi
Thulaiyallaar Kannum Kolal.
Couplet 987
What fruit doth your perfection yield you, say!
Unless to men who work you ill good repay.
Explanation
Of what avail is perfect goodness if it cannot do pleasing things even to those who have pained (it) ?.
Transliteration
Innaasey Thaarkkum Iniyave Seyyaakkaal
Enna Payaththadho Saalpu.
Couplet 988
To soul with perfect virtue’s strength endued,
Brings no disgrace the lack of every earthly good.
Explanation
Poverty is no disgrace to one who abounds in good qualities.
Transliteration
Inmai Oruvarku Ilivandru Saalpennum
Thinmai Un Taakap Perin.
Couplet 989
Call them of perfect virtue’s sea the shore,
Who, though the fates should fail, fail not for evermore.
Explanation
Those who are said to be the shore of the sea of perfection will never change, though ages may change.
Transliteration
Oozhi Peyarinum Thaampeyaraar Saandraanmaikku
Aazhi Enappatu Vaar.
Couplet 990
The mighty earth its burthen to sustain must cease,
If perfect virtue of the perfect men decrease.
Explanation
If there is a defect in the character of the perfect, (even) the great world cannot bear (its) burden.
Transliteration
Saandravar Saandraanmai Kundrin Irunilandhaan
Thaangaadhu Manno Porai.
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