January 26.

• Have no friends not equal to yourself. (Simonides, 500 B.C.).

Of what avail is it to get or lose the friendship of those who love when there is gain and leave when there is none. (Thirukkurahl – 812).

உறின்நட்டு அறின்ஒரூஉம் ஒப்புஇலார் கேண்மை 

பெறினும் இழப்பினும் என். (குறள் - 812). 

  

Vurin-nattu arin-oroovum oppilaar kaehnmai

Perinum yizhappinum yen? (Thirukkurahl – 812).

Friendship is something great that everyone experiences in the life. One will experience friendship at different stages in life. Each one is different from the other. If a person spends his time in the company of a good friend, it will yield good results in his/her life. In the United States of America, a person put a part of his monthly income into a savings account based on the advice of his friend. The savings grew into millions over a period of about 50 years. If his friend had been a spendthrift, he would have spent everything then and there, and would not have saved anything during his earning days. If the friendship is according to the nature of the work/discipline, the friendship will develop well. If we have bad friendship, it will drag us down in life. 

Friendship must be useful to the growth of everyone in life. To slide down is easy. In the same way, to acquire bad habits in life is easy. Therefore, a person should develop friendship with those who are equal and like-minded. It does not mean that such persons should be of equal wealth; only the thoughts are important; the number is not important. If we see an object with our two eyes in the same direction, we can see the object well. If the wheels of a car are of different sizes, the car cannot go properly. 

Therefore, we have to have the friendship of good people, who will suit our nature.

January 27.

• When you have faults, do not fear to abandon them. (Simonides, 500 B.C.)

What fault will remain in the king, who has put away his own evils, and looks after the evils of others? (Thirukkurahl – 436).

தன்குற்றம் நீக்கிப் பிறர்குற்றம் காண்கிற்பின் 

என்குற்றம் ஆகும் இறைக்கு? (குறள் - 436). 

      Than-kurtram neekki(p) pirar-kurtram kaahngirppin

      Yenkurtram aagum yiraikku? (Thirukkurahl – 436).

We know that there will be none left, when we find fault with everything. What we have to understand from the above is that it will be rare to find someone without any vice. All of us are 80% good. From the remaining 20%, how much more a person is good makes him/her good, or bad. So, everyone must try to be good in their action and thinking as well. If, somehow, something wrong had been committed, one should correct himself; he should not justify his misdeeds. To err is natural. One should not think that ‘to correct himself is losing his self-respect’. Self-respect should be preserved only for protecting good principles, but not for bad actions.

Therefore, when a person realizes that he made a mistake, he should correct himself. By this way, one can restrain himself from leading a tense life, but enjoy a peaceful life.

January 28.

• The superior man acts before he speaks, and afterwards speaks according to his actions. (Simonides, 500 B.C.).

To say (how an act is to be performed) is indeed easy for any one, but far difficult it is to do according to what has been said. (Thirukkurahl – 664).

சொல்லுதல் யார்க்கும் எளிய அரியவாம்

சொல்லிய வண்ணம் செயல். (குறள் - 664). 

        Solludhal yaarkkum yehliya; ariyavaam

        Solliya vahnnam seyal. (Thirukkurahl – 664).

There is a saying: Immature people tell before doing (or do as told); mature people do before telling (or do without a reminder). Young people, without any experience, will do as what is told to them. A second way of looking at it is ‘mean people will keep on telling what they do’. But, great people will not pamper their own good deeds; they will do things that others require, even without any request from the needy. 

It is always good to think of the needs of others and do the good deeds. Those who do like that are considered great and wise people. Everyone must think like that and try to practice the same. If somebody wants to help others, it should be done immediately, at the right time. Instead, one should not keep on saying that he is going to help some one, before actually doing it. Great people won’t even say that ‘they have done that, or helped someone’.

Great people might have come across several impediments and bad people, in their life. Therefore, to control the propagation of bad deeds by bad people, the great and wise people will keep doing good things, without any request from others.

January 29.

• Learning without thought is labor lost; thought without learning is perilous. (Simonides, 500 B.C.).

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. (Thirukkurahl – 407). 

நுண்மாண் நுழைபுலம் இல்லான் எழில்நலம் 

மண்மாண் புனைபாவை அற்று. (குறள் - 407).

         Nuhnmaahn nuzhaipulam yillaan yezhil-nalam

            Mahnmaahn punaipaavai artru. (Thirukkurahl – 407).

Everyone must have some aim for their life. In the same way, each student must have good aim while studying. If he/she wants to become a doctor in future, he must take the proper subject in his/her course, in the school itself. In the same way, if one wants to become an engineer or scientist, he must take the appropriate subject while studying. Therefore, one should have aim while studying.

One must know the aim. Even if the aim is known, it is not good if a person does not work on it; that is, a student must study well in the student days. If one does not learn the finer aspects by proper studies, it will end up in danger. An electrician must know the details of the work; otherwise, he will get electric shock, which will be dangerous to his life itself, depending upon the intensity of the power supply. A doctor must know about the disease and the proper treatment; but for it, the patient and the doctor will be in great trouble. Therefore, what ever job one does, one must know all about it.

Hence, everyone must study with aim. Aim alone is not enough. One must work for it. As a beginning, one must study well during student days.

                       

January 30.

    

30. The superior man does not set his mind either for anything, or against anything; what is right he will follow. (Confucius, 500 B.C.)

Loss and gain come not without cause; it is the ornament of the wise to preserve evenness of mind (under both). (Thirukkurahl – 115). 

கேடும் பெருக்கமும் இல்லல்ல நெஞ்சத்துக்

கோடாமை சான்றோர்க்கு அணி. (குறள் - 115). 

          Kaedum perukkamum yillalla nenjaththu(k)

          Koadaamy saandroarkku ahni. (Thirukkurahl – 115).

Everyone will have thoughts of likes and dislikes. If one likes something, it will be tempting to do that, even if it is against justice. If one dislikes something, he/she will avoid that, even if it is to be carried out. This is the usual habit for a common person. However, great people won’t act like that. Their nature will be to do their duty without any likes and dislikes. They will stand by the good principles, and tell their opinion. They will follow the good pathway in life, and work for the glory of the country. Such people are the really great ones. 

A weighing scale does not know what is weighed in it; it shows only the weight. Great people are also like that. Everyone must do their duty properly. This applies to everything. Before taking up a job, a person should first consider whether he/she likes the job. If it is liked, one can take up the job; if it is not liked, one should not join in that job. Once joined in a job, everyone should work according to the assignment, with full commitment. One should avoid showing lenience to the liked and causing trouble to the disliked, at the work place. Teachers, judges, and persons working in public offices (for example), are bound to be neutral, without leaning to either side, at the work. If they do like that, they become great and wise persons in due course. If they err even once, they lose all the greatness which they acquired in their life.

Hence, if we follow the great and wise people, it will be good for us, for our house and for our country.

January 31.

•   When we see men of worth, we should think of equaling them; when we see    men of contrary character, we should turn inwards and examine ourselves. (Confucius, 500 B.C.).

So to act as to make those men, his own, who are greater than himself, is of all power the highest. (Thirukkurahl – 444). 

தம்மின் பெரியார் தமரா ஒழுகுதல் 

வன்மையுள் எல்லாம் தலை. (குறள் - 444).

      Thammir(p) periyaar thamaraa ozhugudhal

      Vanmyuhl yellaam thalai. (Thirukkurahl –  444).

Each one should have an aim to grow-up in life. If we participate in a 100, or 200 meter running race, the end-line is marked and displayed clearly. Without the mark, one cannot imagine a 100 meter precisely. So, a mark or indication is needed. In the same way, for a person to grow-up in life, he/she should consider some proven great people as his/her mentor; he/she should study well and work well, to become as his/her mentor. On the other hand, if we consider anyone as our mentor, we cannot become great people in life.

Many people think of becoming sports personalities. However, only some people think of becoming first in the class during studies. We should not consider ourselves great, if we compare us with those who got lower marks than us. We should follow those who have become great by their education and character. This is very important. But, we should not take somebody as our mentor, just on the basis of their wealth or prosperity. This kind of aim will spoil our life and peace of mind.

Therefore, we should follow those who are great by their good character.

January 21.

21. Do not speak ill of the dead. (The Seven Sages, including Solon, 600 B.C.)

   

To describe the measure of the greatness of those who have forsaken   the two-fold desire, is like counting the dead. (Thirukkurahl – 22).

துறந்தார் பெருமை துணைக்கூறின் வையத்து

இறந்தாரை எண்ணிக்கொண் டற்று. (குறள் - 22).

Thurandhaar perumai thuhnaikkoorin vaiyaththu

Yirandhaarai yehnnikkond(u) artru. (Thirukkurahl – 22).

If we understand that we should not talk ill of others in their absence, we can be aware of the effects of talk of the dead. When we have to talk only the good things around us, then how can we say anything bad about the dead? For the development of a society, everyone must have a good goal to achieve in life. At such times, we have to think of those who lived a great life before us, and follow their good habits. If we mention some bad things about the dead, even if there is anything, it will diminish the name and fame of them.

There is a saying: ‘if you find fault with everything, you will have none left’. In mythology, it is said that ‘the swan will drink only the milk and leave the water (from diluted milk)’. In the same manner, we have to look at only the good things in others, and leave the bad (of the dead). Of course, we have to be aware of those who keep on doing bad things, if they are not controlled.

Therefore, we must not talk ill of the dead.

January 22.

• Many evil men are rich, and good men poor, but we shall not exchange with them our excellence for riches. (Solon, 600 B.C.).

Wise men will not, for sake of profit, undertake works that will consume their principal. (Thirukkurahl – 463).

ஆக்கம் கருதி முதல்இழக்கும் செய்வினை

ஊக்கார் அறிவுடை யார். (குறள் - 463). 

Aakkam karudhi mudhal-yizhakkum seivinai

Ookkaar arivudai yaar. (Thirukkurahl – 463).

It is normally said that education and wealth will go parallel to one another, and rarely meet, like rail track. The presence of the two tracks at a specified separation makes a train run steadily. If they come closer and become one, it will be very difficult to move on that. Education makes many people great. However, earning beyond an extent is invariably difficult for the educated, if they follow good practice. Therefore, many great people of wisdom are not rich. Even if they are poor, the wise people will resist from changing their good character, for the sake of getting rich. Therefore, the name and fame of great and wise people remain for a long time. The fame of those people who earn money through good deeds, and live with good activities is still better.

We have to see how a person becomes famous. A person does not become famous, just because he is rich or educated. If rich people spend their wealth to the society, they become famous. There are schools, colleges, and universities which were started by many rich people, which have brought fame to them, even generations after their time. The educated people become famous by spreading their valuable knowledge to the society.

Hence, wealth is important. Fame is more important. It is always good to earn wealth by good deeds and use it to good cause and remain famous.

  

January 23.

• It takes a wise man to recognize a wise man. (Xenophanes, 500 B.C.).

Let a king ponder well its value, and secure the friendship of men of virtue and of mature knowledge. (Thirukkurahl – 441). 

அறன்அறிந்து மூத்த அறிவுடையார் கேண்மை

திறன்அறிந்து தேர்ந்து கொளல். (குறள் - 441).  

      Aran-arindhu mooththa arivudaiyaar kaehnmai

      Thiran-arindhu thaerndhu kohlal. (Thirukkurahl – 441).

A jeweler knows the value of a jewel. A teacher knows the student who is shaped. There is a saying: “a girl is like its mother; a cloth is like the thread.” An expert in a field only will know about that subject and a person’s knowledge in that field. Therefore, the greatness will be recognized by the great only. There should be more people who are wise and great in a nation, for a country to grow and for a better living of its people. 

We decorate our surroundings with electric lights. If the continuity breaks at some point, the lights don’t glow beyond that. The electricity does not pass through other paths, in general. But, if there is water, the current passes through that. It is dangerous to touch that water. We feel the shock depending upon the power of the electricity. The electricity knows its path; if it comes across something in which it can penetrate, it recognizes it and goes through that also, to some extent. The wise people proceed like that and progress, without any hindrance, by recognizing their route. To look at it in another way, the wise people’s knowledge will be receivable, by the persons even if they are slightly prone to that. If we are adamant to evade good things, we won’t be benefited by the wise, as the electricity does not pass through dead wood. 

Therefore, we have to follow good route in life to get the benefits of wise people. 

January 24.

• A youth, when at home, should be filial, and abroad, respectful to his elders. (Simonides, 500 B.C.).

(So to act) that it may be said, “by what great penance did his father obtain him!” is the benefit which a son should render to his father. (Thirukkurahl – 70). 

மகன்தந்தைக்கு ஆற்றும் உதவி இவன்தந்தை

என்நோற்றான் கொல்எனும் சொல். (குறள் - 70).    

Magan-thanthaikku aartrum vudhavi yivan-thandhai

Yennoartraan kol-yenum soll. (Thirukkurahl – 70).

A person’s life has several stages. Whatever a child does, should not be done at youth or adult age. Even though one changes from childhood to youth, and adult stages in life, the relationship of father and son does not change. The elders will see their sons and daughters as children only, at any stage of the latter. Even when going to work as adults, the children must behave as children in front of their parents. Whether a person works as a teacher, an officer, a leader, or even head of a state or country, he must consider himself as a son, and behave gently, with affection. He should not exercise his power at home. They should do their work properly and bring fame to the family.

Therefore, young people should consider themselves as children and behave well at home, whatever position they occupy in their work.  

January 25.

25. Hold faithfulness and sincerity as first principles. (Simonides, 500 B.C.) 

Amidst all that we have seen (described) as real (excellence), there is nothing so good as truthfulness. (Thirukkurahl – 300).

யாமெய்யாக் கண்டவற்றுள் இல்லை எனைத்தொன்றும் 

வாய்மையின் நல்ல பிற. (குறள் - 300).

Yaam-meyyaak kandavartruhl yillai yenaiththondrum

Vaaimaiyin nalla pira. (Thirukkurahl – 300).

  

It is generally said that ‘a crooked mind will always be (vining) suffering’. Even though others may not be watching our actions all the time, we have to work according to our consciousness. For example, if a vendor mixes some water into the milk, it will be hurting him, even though it goes unnoticed. There will be some invisible change in his body, if he commits a mistake intentionally. The scientists have developed a technique (called lie-detector), to find out whether a person tells the truth or not. These wrong-doings will create tension and spoil their own health. Tension is the root-cause for many illnesses, as per scientists and doctors. Tension affects our peace of mind, and memory power, and causes headaches, high blood pressure, indigestion, heart problems, sleeplessness, and so on. 

Therefore, it is important that we do good and right things according to our consciousness, and refrain from doing wrong things, even if others do not watch us.

January 11.

•       Bad herdsmen ruin their flocks.

He should be employed (by a king), whose nature (leads him to) choose the good, after having considered both the evil and the good. (Thirukkurahl – 511).

நன்மையும் தீமையும் நாடி நலம்புரிந்த

தன்மையான் ஆளப் படும். (குறள் - 511).

         Nanmyum theemyum naadi nalampurindha

         Thanmyaan aahla(p) padum. (Thirukkurahl – 511).

    “The people follow their king’s path” is an old saying. We learn the language from the language teacher; we learn science through the science teacher. Like that, we learn many things from the appropriate teachers and guides. Hence, we are molded to the respective discipline, according to the teacher and leader.

Therefore, the teachers, the leaders and the coaches should be of high caliber to train the students and persons in a proper way. If we ask the people, who have reached high positions in life, will say that their teachers were responsible for their achievement. Hence, based on the head of a country, the people are shaped; based on the head of a family, the family members are shaped; based on the head of the school, the students are shaped.

We have to follow the advice of good people. Wise people will recognize the bad pathway (leadership), and restrain themselves from that. Hence, people should be wise. The starting point for that is the good education during their young student days, when they go to school. There are some schools, where, all the students get ‘A’ grade. If all the people try and practice like that, a good society would emerge in later years.

                 

January 12.

   

12. It is equally wrong to speed a guest who does not want to go, and to keep one back who is eager. (Homer, 700 B.C.)

He who, having entertained the guests that have come, looks out for others who may yet come will be a welcome guest to the inhabitants of heaven. (Thirukkurahl – 86).

செல்விருந்து ஓம்பி வருவிருந்து பார்த்திருப்பான் 

நல்விருந்து வானத் தவர்க்கு. (குறள் - 86).

         Sel-virundhu voambhi varu-virundhu paarthu-yiruppaan

         Nalvirundhu vaanath(thu) avarkku. (Thirukkurahl – 86).

There is a saying: “Even if you pour it in a river, measure it and pour”. Therefore, measurement is important in every aspect. It is dangerous to exceed the limit. ‘The last straw tilts the cart’ is also known to everyone.

Entertaining a guest is a splendid action. We have to accommodate the guests and attend them up to their satisfaction, as long as they wish. When they want to leave, we should not compel them to stay for a longer time; when some people are liked by us, they may be liked by many more people; hence, we have to understand that they may have other things to do. Too much of anything is not good, even if it is a sweet product; too much sweet (or, food), might upset the stomach, and cause ‘sugar’ complaints. However, reducing the food intake indiscriminately is also bad for health.

So, there is a limit for everything. Entertaining the guests over and above their wish is not good. Likewise, trying to cut short the stay of the guests is also not good. Hence, we should not compel other people, according to our wish.

January 13.

13. He harms himself who does harm to another, and the evil plan is most harmful to the planner. (Hesiod, 700 B.C.).      

              

Even though forgetfulness, meditate not the ruin of another. Virtue will mediate the ruin of him who thus meditates. (Thirukkurahl – 204).

மறந்தும் பிறன்கேடு சூழற்க சூழின் 

அறம்சூழும் சூழ்ந்தவன் கேடு. (குறள் - 204).

        Marandhum pirankaedu soozharkka; soozhin

        Aramsoozhum soozhndhavan kaedu. (Thirukkurahl – 204).

There may be proverbs in all languages to the meaning of ‘the person, who plots ill to others, will experience the same’. So, everyone should always think good of others. It is considered that whatever one does in the early days, will get it back ten-fold, at the later years. These words are important, and not to be cast away; they have been told by learned and wise people, and stood the test of time. The scientists say that ‘for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction’. Science says, “equal and opposite reaction”, while the proverb says, “get ten times”. As a general interpretation, we have to take the science words as ‘nothing gets lost’.

A person’s earning increases many-fold over years, than what he would have got at the time of his entry to that job. One’s living standard increases considerably over the years. As the good things increase, so do the bad things. A small thorn plant grows into a big tree, over the years, and cause trouble to people. A seed, when planted, grows and yields many-fold within its life time. If the seed is not planted, it dries up after some time and loses its power to grow.

 Therefore, everyone should avoid doing bad things to others. Each one should think good to others and do good to others.

January 14.

•         Badness you can get easily, in quantity: the road is smooth and it lies close-by. But in front of excellence, the immortal gods have put sweat, and long and steep is the way to it, and rough at first. But when you come to the top, then it is easy, even though it is hard. (Hesiod, 700 B.C.). 

Yield not to the feebleness which says,” This is too difficult to be done.” Labour will give the greatness (of mind) which is necessary (to do it). (Thirukkurahl – 611).

அருமை உடைத்துஎன்று அசாவாமை வேண்டும் 

பெருமை முயற்சி தரும். (குறள் - 611). 

        Arumai vudaiththendru asaavaamai vaehndum;

        Perumai muyarchchi tharum. (Thirukkurahl – 611).

If a person looks at the sea from a beach, he sees the salty water, which is spread out to an unimaginable area. However, if he digs a little deep at the shore, with all the sweat, he finds some water of potable quality. Let us consider another example, which everyone knows. If there is a scarcity of water, one digs a bore-well, with great effort and spending a lot of money, to get water. So, to get good things that are needed, we have to think and put in more suitable efforts.

From sand (silica), we get glass; from glass, we make eye-glass, with precision work. Disease attacks easily, whether it is plant, animal or people. But, to keep a good health, we have to be careful and follow certain good habits regularly. If, somehow, a wound occurs to the body, it takes a long time for it to heal.  

Hence, we have to remember that the bad things will come quickly, where as, we have to be always careful, cautious, and sometimes struggle hard, while we pursue good things.

January 15.

• Practice is the best of all instructors. (Syrus, 50 B.C.) 

To say (how an act is to be performed) is indeed easy for any one; but far difficult it is to do according to what has been said. (Thirukkurahl – 664).

சொல்லுதல் யார்க்கும் எளிய அரியவாம் 

சொல்லிய வண்ணம் செயல். (குறள் - 664).

          Solludhal yaarkkum yehliya; ariyavaam

          Solliya vahnnam seyal. (Thirukkurahl – 664).

Our education system is of different types. The training is given according to the subject. We can learn more from the practical training, than from simple reading. If we do the experiment ourselves, our knowledge is further improved. If one wants to learn about cycle, car or any other vehicle, he has to read first about the parts of it, and their functions; then he can learn about using it and fixing it as well. By the same approach, we can become experts in the area of building computers, aircrafts, ships, and spacecrafts etc. However, one should remember that one cannot become expert in everything. 

We have to get knowledge and training in the area of our interest, and according to the opportunity we have. If some one wants to get the training for a pilot, he must consider the expenses involved in that course, and the capacity to meet it. If a person cannot take up that kind of training based on the high cost, he should not just idle himself without joining into any other course. One has to study some subject and get proper training in that area.

 There are some people who learn things just from practical experience. However, it is always good to learn first and then get the practical experience. 

January 16.

16. Do not seek evil gains; evil gains are equivalent of disaster. (Hesiod, 

700 B.C.)  

(The wise) say that those, who neglect kindness and practice cruelties, neglected virtue (in their former birth), and forgot (the sorrow they must suffer). (Thirukkurahl – 246).

பொருள்நீங்கிப் பொச்சாந்தார் எந்ப அருள்நீங்கி 

அல்லவை செய்துஒழுகு வார். (குறள் - 246). 

        Poruhlneenghi(p) pochchaandhaar yenbhar aruhlneenghi

        Allavai seidh(u)ozhugu vaar. (Thirukkurahl –246).

If a person wants to progress in life, he must choose a good route and do the necessary things for achieving it. One cannot be happy from the riches obtained through bad actions. The name and fame obtained from bad deeds, will lead to disastrous ending. Many stories and epics emphasize this principle. There are proverbs, like “what you sow, what you reap”. If you plant a mango seed, you get a mango tree. If you plant a potato, you get a potato plant. You cannot get carrot from a beetroot plant; you have to sow a carrot seed to get carrots. In the same way, if you do any bad deed, you will get only bad things at the end, whatever time it takes. Hence, we should avoid getting fame and wealth through bad deeds.

We say that we drink coffee, or tea to get freshness. But, the same coffee, or tea, if taken in large excess, causes nervous problem. Some people start taking drugs thinking that it will give them calmness; but, they don’t realize that it destroys their life in a very short time. Those, who steal from others to get rich quickly, will end up in jail; their lives become miserable afterwards. 

Therefore, no one should think of making money by the bad deeds. Let us think good things, and do good things, to reap good things.

January 17.

• If you should put even a little on a little, and should do this often, soon this     too would become big. (Hesiod, 700 B.C.). 

Even though the income (of a king) be small, it will be no loss (to him), if his outgoings be not large. (Thirukkurahl – 478).

ஆகாறு அளவிட்டிது ஆயினும் கேடுஇல்லை

போகாறு அகலாக் கடை. (குறள் - 478).  

            Aagaaru ahlavittidhu aayinum kaedillai;

            Poagaaru agalaak kadai. (Thirukkurahl – 478).

In the year 1969, the United States of America sent a spacecraft to moon; Neil Armstrong, who landed on the moon as the first person, said as the first few words, “a small step for a man, giant leap for mankind”. The time has changed now; earlier, we used to tell some stories about the moon; but, in the past 3 - 4 decades, many persons have gone to the moon and spent some days to carry out research there to know more about moon, before returning to the earth. 

For every action, the beginning will be small only. It will grow step by step. In western countries, there are several buildings which are 60-70 floors. Even for a big building, the starting point is only small. One has to enter the school at the first grade level when young, to reach a high level at later years with good education. Even an orator has started learning with the alphabets, at the young age. Suppose a school has about 1000 students. If each student contributes some amount regularly every month, there will be a sizable amount of saving after one year. That amount will be very useful for buying things like teaching aids, books etc., to improve the teaching.

A systematic and steady growth will give us a good life when we grow, and help us achieve great things as well.

January 18.

18. The dawn speeds a man on his journey, and speeds him too in his work. (Hesiod, 700 B.C.).            

Though (a man) should meditate (the conquest of) the world, he may accomplish it, if he acts in the right time, at the right place. (Thirukkurahl – 484).

ஞாலம் கருதினும் கைகூடும் காலம்

கருதி இடத்தால் செயின். (குறள் - 484).

                    Gnaalam karudhinum kaikoodum kaalam

                    Karuthi yidaththaar seyin. (Thirukkurahl – 484).

We always work in the day-time and take rest in the night. There are some jobs which have to be done all the 24 hours each day. It is always better to wake up before 6.00 A.M. While studying, it is better to wake up early in the morning and start the study, as per educated persons and doctors. In the early mornings, the mind is calm and without any disturbance; hence, whatever we study, we would be able to understand it; our grasping power is high in the early morning. The activities we do in the day time occupy our mind; so, if we read at night, the concentration and grasping will not be up to the full power. So it is good to study in the mornings. Scientists say that our body gets energy during our sleep and rejuvenated. Hence, morning time is always better to do any work, when we are full of energy.

As how the morning time is important to learn any subject, the youthful time is important in our life. It is important to study while we are young. Whatever we see and experience in our young days, it will be difficult to forget that.

Hence, we should have good character, and practice good habits to lead a healthy and happy life. If everyone aspires and practices it in life, it will be good for the country and the whole world.

January 19.

• Observe due measure, for right timing is, in all things, the most important factor. (Hesiod, 700 B.C.).

Is there anything difficult (for him to do) who acts, with (the right) instruments at the right time? (Thirukkurahl – 483).

அருவினை என்ப உளவோ கருவியான் 

காலம் அறிந்து செயின். (குறள் - 483).

            Aruvinai yenbha vuhlavoa? Karuvinaiyaan

            Kaalam arindhu seyin. (Thirukkurahl – 483).

             

There is a saying ‘time is precious like gold’. Everyone knows that gold is a highly valuable metal. The reason for that is that it cannot be damaged or destroyed easily, by common techniques. One can change its appearance, but it is very hard to change its property. Therefore, the value of gold remains great at all times. But, time is always changing; no one can stop it or control it. It is very important. We have to value it. Even one hundredth of a second is valuable to an athlete. We have to value the time in our day-to-day life. We have to adhere to the timings, whether it is to go to school, or examination, or to work. In the same way, we have to do the apt things when we are young. The youthful days should not be wasted.

The satellites which are placed in the space by countries like U.S.A, Russia, and India, are launched with correct speed and angle, so as to reach the geo-stationary state and transmit the required data to the required level. The airports in big cities like New York, and Chicago handle so many flights in a few minutes; within a gap of 10-20 seconds, the aircrafts take-off. The planes fly at a specified height and speed, and follow the route without any deviation. If it is not followed, there will be chaos in the sky, and its consequences will be unimaginably bad. Hence, the time and limits are very important.

Therefore, one must remember the value of time in the life cycle; one must use the youth days properly in studies and acquiring good habits to lead a happy life; one must be unaffected by surroundings, and remain famous as valuable as gold.

January 20.

20. Gossip is mischievous, light and easy to raise, but grievous to bear and hard to get rid of. (Hesiod, 700 B.C.).

Though you speak without kindness before another’s face, speak not behind his back words which regard not the subsequent (guilt). (Thirukkurahl – 184).

கண்நின்று கண்அறச் சொல்லினும் சொல்லற்க

முன்இன்று பின்நோக்காச் சொல். (குறள் - 184).   

       Kahn-nindru kahn-ara(ch) sollinum sollarkka

       Mun-yindru pin-noakkaa(ch) soll. (Thirukkurahl – 184).

It is always not good to talk of somebody in his/her absence. It is not good to tell others something which is not necessary. It can be called as a ’useless’ talk or gossip. When our words reach various other persons by a chain-like process, the original meaning might get distorted. It may end-up in misunderstanding and quarrels also. Therefore, one should avoid useless talk and gossip. One should utilize that time in reading good books and association with good persons to learn good things and good habits. If we mark down our day-to-day work and do it, we can spend the time in a good way. When we spend the time aimlessly, the gossip starts automatically. Hence, we have to utilize our time with a goal.

If we gossip during our school days, we lose our valuable education, and slide down in knowledge. When we gossip at the job, it may end up in losing the job itself. Those who indulge in gossip will lose their own respect and even end up in shame. Gossip is worse than telling a lie. A common saying is, “what one does at a time will get it back ten-fold, after some time.” Some people may not understand this and may even disagree. What to do? We can only tell that a thorn-plant will prick us. If somebody wants to test it and put the cloths on such plants, we can only pity such people. At least, others can see that action to believe, and restrain themselves from that action.

Hence, one must avoid unnecessary talk and gossip about others, and practice good habits in life.

January 6.

6. A young man is embarrassed to question an older one. (Homer, 700 B.C.)     

If friends should perform what is painful, understand that it is owing not only to ignorance but also to the strong claims of intimacy. (Thirukkurahl – 805).

பேதமை ஒன்றோ பெருங்கிழமை என்றுணர்க

நோதக்க நட்டார் செயின். (குறள் - 805).  

           Paedhamy vondroe perungkizhamy yendruhnarga

           Noadhakka nattaar seyin. (Thirukkurahl – 805).

All of us know that we should respect the great people. The great people gain the experience by their age and education. We can consider them as more knowledgeable persons. Due to old age or other reasons, such elders might make some mistakes. When a teacher writes something on the board, a simple spelling mistake might occur. Based on that mistake, can we say that the teacher doesn’t know anything? Therefore, if great people make some simple mistakes, young people should avoid criticizing them.

Teachers, scholars, and other great people will not tell everything they know, while talking, or addressing a gathering. Telling only the apt thing at any place is always good. We know that it is not good to tell a subject to a fifth-grade student, in a tenth-grade level. In other words, we should be in an appropriate state to know and understand something of that level. If we don’t understand something in that level, we can ask them and clear our doubts. However, our approach should be focused in knowing the subject matter, but not in the opposing manner. This approach is always good.

We should follow a good approach to know from the great people, by which we can also become great persons.

January 7.

7. A small rock holds back a great wave. (Homer, 700 B.C.)          

Let none be despised for (their) size; (for) the world has those who resemble the linch-pin of the big rolling car. (Thirukkurahl – 667).

உருவுகண்டு எள்ளாமை வேண்டும் உருள்பெருந்தேர்க்கு 

அச்சாணி அன்னார் உடைத்து. (குறள் - 667).

          Vuruvukahndu yehllaamy vaehndum; vuruhlperunthaerkku

          Achchaahni annaar vudaiththu. (Thirukkurahl – 667).

One should remember that even a small thing is important. The flow of water   from a big water tank is controlled by a small tap. A small pin controls the movement of a wheel from the cart (which can be seen in the village area). In the modern days, we see that the air in the tires (wheels) of a cycle, or car, is controlled by a small valve.

 There is a story that a part of the country Holland was saved from flooding, by a small boy; he prevented the gushing of water through a small hole by plugging it with his thumb all through the night; had he not done that, the small hole would have become big and the whole area would have been flooded overnight; on the next morning, the whole village people gathered together and praised him for his timely action in saving that place. During festival times in Indian temples, one can see that the chariot is controlled by a small wooden device to maneuver the turns.

Hence, one should not ridicule anybody and anything, based on the simplicity, and by the small size.

January 8.

• You ought not to practice childish ways, since you are no longer that    age.       (Homer, 700 B.C.). 

Acting at the right season, is a cord that will immovably bind success (to a king). (Thirukkurahl – 482).

பருவத்தோடு ஒட்ட ஒழுகல் திருவினைத் 

தீராமை ஆர்க்கும் கயிறு. (குறள் - 482).

         Paruvaththoadu votta vozhugal thiruviny(th)

         Theeraamy aarkkum kayiru. (Thirukkurahl – 482).

For every action, there is an appropriate time and season, which we have to consider before doing it. Time is normally referred to that which we see from a clock. When we refer time to the life of a person, the time can be considered as age; the life can be divided into child, youth, adult, and old age. One must study at young age. One must work at adult age. But, one should not leave the studies and go to work at the student age.

One should not do the actions of a child, at adult age. Nobody will say that they know the alphabets, when they are in a high school, or college. Whatever we would have done unknowingly when we were children, we don’t do it now; we change our thinking and behavior as we grow. There are many stories about the moon, which a child hears from elders. However, scientists and many others do not want to hear it and repeat it, even though they would have heard it when they were young. A child walks slowly in the beginning; however, when it grows to 5-6 years, he/she runs fast. If a person participates in a100-meter running competition at the world level, will he walk slowly there? 

Therefore, as we grow more and more, and study more and more, we have to change our way of talking, change our work culture, change our thoughts, and become examples for others in life.

January 9.

• We are quick to flare up, we races of men on the earth.(Homer, 700 B.C.). 

Let self-control be guarded as a treasure; there is no greater source of good for man than that. (Thirukkurahl – 122).

காக்க பொருளா அடக்கத்தை ஆக்கம் 

அதனினூங்கு இல்லை உயிர்க்கு. (குறள் - 122).

   Kaakka poruhlaa adakkaththai;  aakkam

   Adhaninoongu yillai vuyirkku. (Thirukkurahl – 122).

      

Everyone knows about anger. But, only some people find out the reason for getting angry. A few people know the results of anger. However, only very few persons know how to control anger and prevent getting angry. 

Anger will spoil one’s health. It will affect his/her mental steadiness. It will reduce one’s memory power and grasping power. So, it affects the studies of the children. If self-confidence decreases, anger will emerge. Hence, to prevent getting anger, one should improve his/her self-confidence. To improve self-confidence, one has to learn more. To learn more, one has to study more. One has to move in a pleasing manner with others.

Medical reports say that if one lives in a pleasant manner, the nerves and skin of that person’s face are well conditioned. If we hear or see some thing which we don’t like, we express our thoughts through anger. The one who gets angry loses his/her good nature, fame, pride, and health. The person, who is responsible for invoking anger in others, also spoils his own life. Even if others do wrong things, we should try to correct them; we have to explain them their bad actions and the consequences, in a peaceful manner, so as to lead them into a better life. Instead of it, if we react with anger, our blood pressure will increase. High blood pressure is not good for health; it creates a lot of other bad things in our body. Under such circumstances, we have to be calm. 

Coolness and calmness will always be a pride.

January 10.

10. Evil deeds do not prosper; the slow man catches up with the swift. (Homer,     700 B.C.)   

        

Commit not evil, saying,”I am poor”; if you do, you will become poorer still. (Thirukkurahl – 205).

இலனென்று தீயவை செய்யற்க செய்யின் 

இலனாகும் மற்றும் பெயர்த்து. (குறள் - 205).

         Yilanendru theeyavai seyyarkka seyyin

         Yilan-aagum martru(p) peyarththu. (Thirukkurahl – 205).

  

“Even if you do only one, do a good thing; even if you do a good thing, do it now”, is an old saying. Hence, one should think good and do good deeds. The pleasure that one gets through a bad action is not real. When one enjoys such type of pleasure, it will always be hurting him/her. The wealth that one acquires through bad deeds will not bring fame. Such wealth may have its worldly value, but the pleasure from it will not be wholesome. Therefore, it is always better to progress steadily through good deeds, than getting it fast through bad deeds.

In order to strengthen our body, if we eat 5 or 6 times a day, it will spoil our digestive system and health. We may end up in a hospital and medical care. A good balanced diet, timely food, and proper exercise will ensure good health. In the same way, if a student does not study regularly during school/college days, but tries to study everything just before the examination, he may end up in bad health, so as to prevent him, sometimes, from writing the examination. The knowledge will increase steadily for the regular readers, just like the way the body gains strength by regular timely diet. 

Therefore, we have to be determined, systematic and steady in everything.

        Thiukkurahl and World Quotations for Better Living.

                                                   

                                   V.T.RAMAKRISHNAN

This blogger “Thirukkurahl and World Quotations for Better Living” is aimed at the students, who will be forming the next generation. Three hundred and sixty six quotations were selected from the book, Bartlett’s Familiar Quotations. An equivalent English version of a literary work, called “Thirukkurahl” is included along with each quotation. The “Thirukkurahl” was supposed to have been written during 50 B.C., in Tamil, a regional language in the present Tamil Nadu, in India. The “Thirukkurahl” consists of 1330 couplets, in 133 headings. The English translation of the “Thirukkurahl” was written by Rev. W. H. Drew and Rev. John Lazarus, and published by Saradha publishers, Chennai-600 014, India, in the year 2004. This and subsequent material is the English translation of the material from the original books written by me in Tamil, entitled: 

1."உலகப் பொன்மொழிகளும் திருக்குறளும்"(Ulaga Ponmozhigahlum Thirukkurahlum) meaningWorld’s Golden words and Thirukkurahl, published by Manimekalai Prasuram, Chennai- 600 017, India, in the year 2007. (1-100). 

2. "ஆங்கிலப் பொன்மொழிகளுக்குப் பொருத்தமான திருக்குறள்கள்" (Aangilap ponmozhikahlukkup poruththamaana thirukkurahlkahl) published by Manimekalai Prasuram, in 2009. (101-233).

3. " திருக்குறளும் ஆங்கிலப் பொன்மொழிகளும்" (Thirukkurahlum aankilap ponmozhikahlum") published by Manimekalai Prasuram, in 2011). (234 - 366). 

The author profoundly acknowledges the above mentioned sources for the quotations and the English translation of the Thirukkurahl. 

 Author: Dr. V. T. Ramakrishnan. (e-mail: vtrk28@yahoo.com, vtrk57@gmail.com).

Professor of Organic Chemistry (Retired),

University of Madras. Chennai.

Residence: 57, Dhanalakshmi Avenue, Adyar, Chennai-600 020, India.

OTHER BOOKS OF INTEREST;

1. "The Excel School". By V.T.Ramakrishnan. Published by 'PublishAmerica', USA, 2008.

2. " Sixteen Prosperities for Better Living". By V.T.Ramakrishnan. Published by 'PublishAmerica', USA, 2009. 

              ****************************************************************

                    

January 1.

• The glorious gifts of the gods are not to be cast aside. (Homer, 700 B.C.)

As the letter ‘A’ is the first of all letters, so the eternal God is first in the       world. (Thirukkurahl – 1).

அகர முதல எழுத்தெல்லாம் ஆதி

பகவன் முதற்றே உலகு. (குறள் - 1).

                      Agara mudhala yezhuththellaam aadhi

                      Bhagavan mudhartrae vulagu (Thirukkurahl -1)    

We have to realize that whatever we see in this world are the gifts of the god. We have to gain a lot of experience and listen to various explanations to understand this principle. Therefore, we have to believe certain things, even though we don’t understand them. Let us take, as an example, a young child which cannot read or write, but it can speak. If that child tells that there is no letter, nobody will accept its statement. The same child, after a few years, will feel shy of what it had said if somebody brought that matter to her notice.

 Hence, we have to believe certain things, even though we don’t understand them at the moment.

January 2.

2. Young men’s minds are always changeable, but when an old man is      concerned in a matter, he looks both before and after. (Homer, 700 B.C.)

The learning of those who have read, understood (much) will shine in the assembly of those who faultlessly examine (the nature of) words. (Thirukkurahl – 717).

கற்றறிந்தார் கல்வி விளங்கும் கசடுஅறச்

சொல்தெரிதல் வல்லார் அகத்து. (குறள் - 717). 

          Kartrarindhaar kalvi vihlanghum kasadara

          Soltheridhal vallaar agaththu. (Thirukkurahl – 717).

The youth’s thinking will be always growing and hence changing. A five, or six year old child will like certain jobs and would say that it wants to take-up that job. But, it does not know the difficulties of that job. It does not even know that there are other better jobs/opportunities. The same child, after a few years, will say that it likes a different job. In the same way, the youth’s thinking is liable to change. An elder’s advice is important to get a complete understanding of everything. We can notice the appropriate knowledge in the elders according to the age, education and experience.

A tenth grade student will know and explain scientific points to a certain extent. The same student will give a better explanation to the same question, after some years if he acquires a Ph.D. degree. The same person’s explanation for the same question, after 20-30 years of experience and especially if he/she gets the world’s most prestigious Nobel prize, will be more exhaustive, excellent, and beneficial to all. In the same way, the knowledge will increase many fold by the experience a person gets in his/her field.

Therefore, it is always better to listen to the experienced, and knowledgeable elderly people, to progress in life. 

January 3.

3. A companion’s words of persuasion are effective. (Homer, 700 B.C.)

Friendship is to be practiced not for the purpose of laughing, but for that to being before hand in giving one another sharp rebukes in case of transgression. (Thirukkurahl – 784).

நகுதல் பொருட்டன்று நட்டல் மிகுதிக்கண் 

மேற்சென்று இடித்தற் பொருட்டு. (குறள் - 784).

          Nagudhar(p) poruttandru nattal; miguthikkahn

          Maerchendru yidiththar(p) poruttu. (Thirukkurahl – 784).

A friend is the best advisor to any person. A friend is the one who always remains nearby. Friends know the mind of any person who moves with them, because they are the people who are together for a longer time, during student days or at work. They share their knowledge, or any deficiency, their greatness, and ups and downs in life; hence, they become equal in their mentality. Therefore, conversation and discussion with a friend will always give strength to a person. So, one has to be very careful while choosing a friend.

If a person wants to become a technologist, he must get into an engineering course, and listen to an engineer. In other words, a person who is good in a subject is the one from whom others should take lessons. Hence, to know about a person, we have to approach somebody who knows about him/her. The friends have the capacity to persuade and change the behavior of a person. Hence, a friend is the best advisor.

Therefore, one should choose good persons before becoming friends.

January 4. 

4.           There is strength in the union even of very sorry men. (Homer, 700 B.C.)

That indeed is an army which is capable of offering a united resistance , even if ‘Yama’ advances  against it with fury. (Thirukkurahl – 765).

கூற்றுஉடன்று மேல்வரினும் கூடி எதிர்நிற்கும் 

ஆற்றல் அதுவே படை. (குறள் - 765).  

            Koortrudandru maelvarinum koodi yedhirnirkkum

            Aartral adhuvae padai . (Thirukkurahl – 765).

Togetherness is always good. An old story of ‘a tiger and four cows’ is known to everyone. The story is like this: When the cows were grazing separately, a tiger used to kill a cow each time for its food. Then the cows got together and were grazing as one group. The tiger could not attack any cow, since they were all in a group, protecting each other. One can easily break a single tiny stick. But, if about 50-60 such tiny sticks are bundled together, it is very difficult to break even one stick in the bundle. It is very difficult to ride a uni-cycle(one wheel); but, it is not so difficult to ride a bicycle. It is very easy to ride a tricycle. A cloth is made of a lot of threads. A comparison of the strength of a thread and that of the cloth made out of the same thread can be easily seen to understand the value of being a group. Hence, people have to be together to lead a happy life.

We come across many plastic materials in day-to-day life. A common person may not know how it is made. The scientists have found the methods to make such plastic materials; the fundamental raw materials are actually gaseous compounds. By the combination of different simple raw materials at various proportions, the strength, the flexibility, the temperature- resistance, and fire-resistance properties can be incorporated into that, depending upon the combination, and temperature. The making of various kinds of plastics is controlled by the conditions by which they are made and the raw materials. 

Hence being in a group is always good. However, the strength depends upon the making of the group.

January 5.

• Once harm has been done, even a fool understands it. (Homer, 700 B.C.).                                                                                

  

Let not a man consent to do those things to another which, he knows, will give sorrow. (Thirukkurahl – 316).

இன்னா எனத்தான் உணர்ந்தவை துன்னாமை

வேண்டும் பிறன்கண் செயல். (குறள் - 316).

           Innaa yenaththaan vuhnanrthavai thunnaamai

           Vaehndum pirankahn seyal. (Thirukkurahl – 316).

No one should do any wrong thing at any time, to living and non-living things. If a person breaks a glass, or a lamp, everyone will say that it is not good to do so. No intelligence is required to condemn the breaking of a pot containing water. One should always do good things. If a person abuses someone, it is never forgotten. 

Once, a person fell down while running in an Olympic game, tipped by another, probably unknowingly, and lost the chance of winning in the race. No one would forget that incident, whether it is a participant, spectator, or the two actual persons involved in the incident. No one would forget the killing of Mahatma Gandhi, John F. Kennedy and many other world leaders

Hence, everyone should speak good things, and do good things. Everyone should avoid doing bad things, and injuring other persons by their speech and action.