February 21.

52 . One finds many companions for food and drink, but in a serious business a man’s companions are very few. (Theognis, 500 B.C.).

As, in its use, the arrow is crooked, and the curved lute is straight; so by their deeds, (and not by their appearance) let (the uprightness or crookedness of) men be estimated. (Thirukkurahl – 279).

கணைகொடிது யாழ்கோடு செவ்விதுஆங்கு அன்ன 

வினைபடு பாலாற் கொளல். (குறள் - 279). 

         Kahnai-kodidhu; yaazh-koadu sevvidhu-aang(u) anna(h)

         Vinai-padu paalaal kohlal. (Thirukkurahl – 279).

In life, everyone will be having opportunities to associate with many people. Sometimes, such associations cannot be refused. We have to remember that people can be judged from the nature of their friends. So, one has to be very cautious and careful while choosing friends. Some people may like to have our company, to benefit themselves from our resources. Once they fulfill their aim, such people will move away from us.

 There are some people, who will be adhering with us, as long as we have some wealth, and then move away to another person. Such people will not be of help to us, when we have difficulty, and important work to do. Only a few persons will be available at the time when we need help. Only such people, who come to help us at our needs, are good friends.

Those who are with us and help us when we are in misery (than in happy days), in difficulty (rather than at comfortable times), and when we do hard work (rather than at leisure) are great, even though they may be only a few.

February 22.

• Extract yourself from bad ways like an elephant stuck in the mud.            ( Suttapitaka 250 B.C.)

A fox can kill a fearless, warrior-faced elephant, if it got into mud in which its legs sink down. (Thirukkurahl – 500). 

கால்ஆழ் களரின் நரிஅடும் கண் அஞ்சா

வெலான் முகத்த களிறு. (குறள் - 500).  

         Kaal-aazh kahlarin nari-adum kahn-anjaa

         Vael-aahl mugaththa kahliru. (Thirukkurahl -500).

We meet so many people while growing in our young days, as well as while at work. We also learn to follow many habits. However, we will not be able to know and distinguish the good and bad habits, in our young days. During youth, which ever gives happiness to us, will be considered good; we will give importance to our attitudes and feelings, but not heed to the wise things which our mind tells. 

When we grow and become knowledgeable, we would think of following the right path, based on our mind. At that time, it may be very difficult for us to get rid of our bad characters. Of course, we should not think that it is impossible to get rid of the bad things. If an elephant gets stuck in the mud, it does not remain there, in the mud itself, till its end. The elephant focuses all its energy to pull itself from the mud to save itself. Small creatures cannot come out like that.

Therefore, we have to know about the good habits and follow accordingly. If we err sometimes, we have to realize it soon and change our path to lead a good life, with determination. We have to strengthen ourselves at young age.

February 23.

• Wait for the wisest of all counselors, TIME. (Pericles, 450 B.C.).

They who thoughtfully consider and wait for the (right) time (for action), may successfully meditate (the conquest of) the world. (Thirukkurahl – 485).                         

      காலம் கருதி இருப்பர் கலங்காது 

      ஞாலம் கருது பவர். (குறள் - 485).      

                     Kaalam karudhi yiruppar kalangaadhu

                     Gnaalam karudhu bavar. (Thirukkurahl – 485).

       We all must think that “life is for living”. Living means leading a good life. Who are the achievers? The great people, who do things useful also to others, and know and do more than others, can be called achievers. There must be an aim for each accomplishment. To know the aim, we need the persons who can guide us with proper advices on the good and bad things. Only a few may have the capacity to guide us properly. 

It may take some time for us to understand and follow the advices, and get the benefits out of it. Depending upon the aim, the time will vary to reap the benefits. Sometimes, we may have to wait for a while to know whether we are in the right track. Hence, time is considered as a ‘guide post’. The important aspect is that we cannot control the ‘time’. We have to adjust to the ‘time’. Even if we remain quietly, the ‘time’ will be moving steadily and continuously.

Therefore, we should not waste our ‘time’. 

February 24.

• Show me the man who keeps his house in hand, he is fit for public authority. (Sophocles 450 B.C.).

(The king’s) choice should fix him, who is of good family, who is free from faults, and who has the modesty which fears the wounds (of sin). (Thirukkurahl – 502).    

குடிப்பிறந்து குற்றத்தின் நீங்கி வடுப்பரியும்

நாணுடையான் கத்தே தெளிவு. (குறள் - 502). 

Kudip-pirandhu kurtraththin neenghi vaduppariyum

Naahnudaiyaan kattae thehlivu. (Thirukkurahl – 502).

A suitable person must be selected to do any specific job. If a person wants to become a mathematics teacher, he/she must study the mathematics subject to a higher level. Similarly, one should study medicine to become a doctor. Practical classes are a must, in science, engineering, and other technical courses. Those, who have excelled in such courses, in theory and practical, are appointed in suitable jobs, according to their qualifications.

In the same way, it is good to follow certain norms to select people for public offices. First, we should know the duty of the person in the public office. They are the people who chart out the rules and regulations for the economic growth of our country. They have to plan for the general growth of the country. We must know whether the people to be selected are knowledgeable and experienced in that aspect. One should acquire the necessary talent to judge others in the young age.

A good way to judge a person is to find out whether he/she has such an administrative experience, and has carried out the work in a good and efficient way. Before a person is appointed for a public office at the national level, he or she must be evaluated based on the performance in a smaller level (at home).

February 25.

• Wisdom outweighs any wealth. There is no happiness where there is no wisdom. (Sophocles, 450 B.C.).

Though blessed with immense wealth, the noble will never do anything unbecoming. (Thirukkurahl – 954).  

அடுக்கிய கோடி பெறினும் குடிப்பிறந்தார்

குன்றுவ செய்தல் இலர். (குறள் - 954).        

   Adukkiya koadi perineum kudi(p)-pirandhaar

    Kundruva seidhal yilar. (Thirukkurahl – 954).

There is a saying: “The wise has everything”. The wealth that one earns through wisdom will be by good methods. That type of wealth will give happiness. The riches obtained through bad practices will never give peace of mind. If there is no peace of mind, there will be no happiness. Wise people will be content with what they are able to possess. A content mind is golden; we should enjoy our life happily, with the comforts we could get. We have to have the aim to progress in life. Aim and desire are not the same. Aim should be a lofty one. We should think of a life with less desire. Desire comes from the heart through thought. We should not live by wandering thoughts, but live according to the mind (wisdom).

      

If knowledge has to be developed, we have to read good books, associate with good people and think good at all times. We have to put the good thoughts into actions. The people, who follow these things, become wise and great persons. Such persons will never do anything mean. 

Therefore, there is no wealth superior to wisdom. There will be no happiness in life, if one drifts away from the wise path. Hence, we should get good education and become wise people.

February 26.

• Knowledge must come through action; you can have no test which is not fanciful, save by trial. (Sophocles, 450 B.C.)

            

The method of performance for one who has begun an act is to ascertain the mind of him who knows the secret thereof. (Thirukkurahl – 677).

செய்வினை செய்வான் செயல்முறை அவ்வினை 

உள்ளறிவான் உள்ளம் கொளல். (குறள் - 677).

       Seivinai seivaan seyal-murai av-vinai

       Vuhl-arivaan vuhllam kohlal. (Thirukkurahl – 677).

It is natural for everyone to think that he/she should live as a great person, and wish to receive the appreciation and praising words from others. One can get the real and consistent appreciation, only if a good work is performed. To know which work is good, one must have a good education. We all learn many good things from school. But, only some lead a good life. Those who perform in a good way, reach the status of wise people. Some people, who take an improper path for living, use their knowledge in a wrong manner; they are not considered wise people. Utilization of good knowledge is good for all. Therefore, one should not stop with reading and learning, but the knowledge must be put into action. 

There is a saying: “A picture of a vegetable is of no use (for consumption)”. Therefore, all good thoughts must be transformed into action. Just the thought of constructing a bridge across a river is not enough. Just the idea of becoming a scholar is not sufficient. The actual construction of a bridge is good. If one keeps telling the advantages of a bridge (without building it), there will be no use. If one wants to be a scholar, one must study at the appropriate age and time. What is studied must be evaluated at every level, to proceed further. It is good to have some fruit-bearing trees in the house. Only if we plant such saplings, it will grow and yield fruits later.

Similar to the saying “Art develops by practice”, everything must be subjected to action. Therefore, we have to put all our good thoughts into action.

February 27.

• The company of just and righteous men is better than wealth and a rich estate. (Euripides, 450 B.C.).

To cherish great men and make them his own, is the most difficult of all difficult things. (Thirukkurahl – 443). 

அரியவற்றுள் எல்லாம் அரிதே பெரியாரைப் 

பேணித் தமராக் கொளல். (குறள் - 443).   

   Ariyavartruhl yellaam aridhae periyaarai(p)

   Paehnith thamaraak kohlal. (Thirukkurahl – 443).

The difference between knowledge and wealth, the characters of a scholar and a rich person will be discussed at various places by different people. The very discussion implies the value of education, which makes one to speak properly. Nobody can say that wealth is unimportant and useless. If we have wealth alone, it is equivalent to sitting on the beach and looking at a still sea without any waves. There should be waves in the sea; boats and ships must be sailing in that; one should see people bathing and fishing in that. This kind of enjoyment, by seeing and hearing, is experienced by us through our knowledge. 

Likewise, how long a cashier in a bank will be looking at the cash? That is ‘wealth’. The activity in the bank, by way of people coming to the bank to deposit or withdraw various amounts for different purposes, can be compared to ‘knowledge’. In the game of cricket (or, any ball game), where thousands of people will be watching, if a batsman (player) stands there all day, without taking any run, it can be compared to wealth. The situation, where the batsman hits the ball properly, and scores several runs, can be compared to knowledge. Like the batsman who gets many runs, the people who accomplish many things and help many people are considered great and wise persons.

Association with great persons, listening to them and performing our work in that line will be always good.

February 28.

• Whoso neglects learning in his youth, loses the past and is dead for the future. (Euripides, 450 B.C.).

The self-conceit of an unlearned man will fade away as soon as he speaks in an assembly (of the learned). (Thirukkurahl – 405).

கல்லா ஒருவன் தகைமை தலைப்பெய்து 

சொல்லாடச் சோர்வு படும். (குறள் - 405).

    Kallaa oruvan thagaimai thalai(p)-peidhu

    Sollaada soarvu padum. (Thirukkurahl – 405).

There is a saying: “Study while young”, to emphasize the importance of education at young age. By the education at school, and by reading several books, we learn mathematics, science, general knowledge, and many other things which are important to our life. Books provide us the developments, scientific advances and other information which have taken place before our time. If we don’t read the books, we would not know the developments which we are enjoying. For example, we need proper books to make or repair a television set; if the book is not there, we may not be able to repair a TV set, which otherwise will go waste. Ultimately, the whole technology will be forgotten, and disappear. The same argument can be applied to everything.

Without a book, or record, everything will vanish in due course. If this trend continues, we will not know the past findings. To do some thing, we must know the currently available information. A ship can be built only after gaining experience with a boat. The first plane could travel only a few meters, and with only two people. Now, planes are being built to carry even 800 people, and travel at a height of 10,000-12,000 meters, with a speed of 600-1200 KM.

If we don’t study at young age, we will not know what has happened earlier. We will not know about what to do next. Those, who are not educated at young age, will be ashamed of themselves at old age, due to their insufficient knowledge about many things. Therefore, one must learn at the young age.

February 29. (for leap years).

• For great wrongdoing, there are great punishments from the gods. (Herodotus 450 B.C.).

Because evil produces evil, therefore should evil be feared more than fire. (Thirukkurahl – 202).

தீயவை தீய பயத்தலால் தீயவை 

தீயினும் அஞ்சப் படும். (குறள் - 202).

   Theeyavai theeya payaththalaal theeyavai

   Theeyinum anja(p) padum. (Thirukkurahl – 202).

All of us are born, and grow, live, and die. But, there is difference in everyone’s growing, and living styles. Some people study well and lead a good life. If some of them could not have a happy life, it might be due to the mistakes committed by them unknowingly. If they commit some thing wrong intentionally, they will definitely suffer. If there is no education, it will be difficult to assess the good and bad.

We employ only the educated people as judges in the courts. They will carefully reason out and analyze the cases, and then give the judgments. The culprits get the appropriate punishments. Many believe that people will experience the comforts and inconveniences in life, based on their deeds in their previous birth. It is also said that ‘what one does early in life, will be reaped later’; that is, it is felt in the old age itself.

Hence, if we wish to lead a good life, we must think good and do good help to others. Education will be helpful to know the good habits. Education helps us to avoid bad ways, and hence from punishable life.

February 11.

• To be able to practice five things everywhere under heaven constitutes perfect virtue: gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, earnestness, and kindness. (Confucius, 500 B.C.).

Affection, fear (of sin), benevolence, favor, and truthfulness; these are the five pillars on which perfect goodness rests. (Thirukkurahl – 983). 

அன்புநாண் ஒப்புரவு கண்ணோட்டம் வாய்மையொடு 

ஐந்துசால்பு ஊன்றிய தூண். (குறள் - 983).              

               Anbu-naahn oppuravu kahnnoattam vaaimaiyodu

               Iyndhu-saalbu oondriya thoohn. (Thirukkurahl – 983).

We all wish that we should be considered as good persons. Even though this thought is present in everyone’s mind, some people neglect the good route, but take the bad pathway to earn for their living. Such people think that living with all comforts will be appreciated and praised by others; but, it is the other way. If one earns through bad means, it will never be lauded. The same people, who take a bad pathway for living, would not want their children to follow them.

Therefore, all of us must follow good pathway in life, and reach the status of ‘good people’. To achieve this goal, ‘determination, helping attitude, speaking the truth, enthusiasm, and kindness’ are the important requirements, that one should have. Whether in school, office, or at any other industry, everyone must follow it steadily; under such conditions, the respective place, the nation and the whole world will be great. One must not think that ‘what a single person could do’. If each student is aware of cleanliness, the whole school will look neat. If each student gets good marks, the whole school will excel and get a good name.

Therefore, everyone must live with the thinking of earning a good name.

February 12.

• There are three things which the superior man guards against. In youth, lust; when he is strong, quarrelsomeness; when he is old, covetousness. (Confucius, 500 B.C.).

If the very name of these three things, desire, anger, and confusion of mind be destroyed, then will also perish the evils (which flow from them). (Thirukkurahl – 360). 

காமம் வெகுளி மயக்கம் இவைமூன்றன் 

நாமம் கெடக்கெடும் நோய். (குறள் - 360). 

              Kaamam veguhli mayakkam yivaimoondran

              Naamam kedak-kedum noai. (Thirukkurahl – 360).

All of us wish that we have to think and speak only good things. We invariably follow the path in that line. But, some people do not reach that goal. Hence, we have to analyze the reasons for not achieving it.  

Drinking milk is good. But, if we drink the milk which was kept at room temperature for a day, our health will be spoiled. Similarly, we have to eat our food, within 2-3 hours of its preparation; if we keep the food outside for a day and then consume it, our health will be affected. Electricity is of great use to us; but, we should not touch it directly. All these indicate that we should adhere to certain precautions and procedures in our life. When we walk, we recognize some pits and other hindrances on the road and avoid them; if we don’t avoid it, we may fall and get hurt. Likewise, we have to notice the pitfalls in our life.

 Great persons have pointed out three impediments that we should avoid. Lust at young age is one; it spoils the growth of young persons. They forget their goal and waste their time. In the next adult stage, people will be strong; because of their strength, some people may involve themselves in unnecessary quarrels, and spoil their life. In the third stage, when people get sufficiently old, some may compare their achievements with that of others, and lose their dignity. This attitude affects their peace of mind. 

Therefore, if everyone guards himself against the impediments in life at different stages, we all can live happily.

February 13.

• Manifest plainness; embrace simplicity; reduce selfishness; have few desires. (Lao Tzu, 600 B.C.). 

More lofty than a mountain will be the greatness of that man who, without swerving from his proper state, controls himself. (Thirukkurahl – 124).  

நிலையின் திரியாது அடங்கியான் தோற்றம் 

மலையினும் மாணப் பெரிது. (குறள் - 124).            

            Nilaiyil thiriyaadhu adangiyaan thoartram

            Malaiyinum maahna(p) peridhu. (Thirukkurahl – 124).

Starting from student days, everyone thinks about the aim and wishes to achieve the goal by suitable efforts. To accomplish it, we may come across certain difficulties, in our plan and good endeavors. We have to overcome those difficulties. We must guard ourselves from bad actions. Even though we often keep hearing the good advices, there may be some occasions when we forget it and take a bad route. Therefore, we have to remind ourselves often, about the good characters and good practices. 

We cannot eat all the good food that we like, at the same time. If we take once a food that we like, we don’t discard it at a later time; we want to enjoy it often. Likewise, we have to keep on hearing good advices. Therefore, we have to always lead a life with simplicity, selflessness, and without pomp and pride.

February 14.

• He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened. (Lao Tzu, 600 B.C.).

The only delight of the perfect is that of their goodness; all other (sensual) delights are not to be included among (true) delights. (Thirukkurahl – 982).  

குணநலம் சான்றோர் நலனே பிறநலம் 

எந்நலத்து உள்ளதூஉம் அன்று. (குறள் - 982). 

                 Guhna-nalam saandroar nalanae; pira-nalam

                  Yen-nalaththu vuhlladhoovum andru. (Thirukkurahl -982).

There are innumerable things that everyone may have to know in life. There are only a few persons, who know the required things at the right time and adhere to that in life. Those who know many things are normally called knowledgeable people. We may consider those persons who know many things and the philosophy of good living, as wise and great persons. Such great people will become the leaders for good living.

All people will be able to see the objects in front of them. However, only a few will understand the in-depth details of the objects they see. Likewise, many of us do not understand ourselves. Those who realize their drawbacks and correct themselves can be called as matured persons. The presence of such matured persons is good for their homes and the country. There are only a few persons who are really enlightened (like Ramakrishna Paramahamsar, Vivekanandar, Ramana Maharishi in India).

 We all must analyze our own actions, and correct our mistakes if any, to lead a good living. Even if we change ourselves a little, in the good direction, it will be good to create a healthy society. 

February 15.

• There is no calamity greater than lavish desires; there is no greater guilt than discontentment; and there is no greater disaster than greed. (Lao Tzu, 600 B.C.).

That conduct is virtue which is free from these four things; malice, desire, anger, and bitter speech. (Thirukkurahl – 35).  

அழுக்காறு அவாவெகுளி இன்னாச்சொல் நான்கும் 

இழுக்கா இயன்றது அறம். (குறள் - 35).          

          Azhukkaaru avaa-veguhli innaa(ch)sol naanghum

          Yizhukkaa yiyandradhu aram. (Thirukkurahl – 35).

Philosophy is necessary for everyone and in each country, for a good living. Philosophers from various countries have perceived and put forth many good principles. There may be many common principles. If a particular point is said by many philosophers, we can imagine its high value for a good living.

A desire to possess more than one could afford, will cause damage to the family, and the nation. It is good if one has an aim and works suitably to reach his goal. Having an aim is good for progress. Desire invariably means getting some materials (more wealth). A wish to get a new car or better car is desire. A wish to get a better job is aim. A wish to get a higher degree is aim. A wish to get the first place in some sports is an aim; to get the prize amount in that event is desire. In order to satisfy a desire, it will be difficult sometimes to accomplish it in a fair method; it will be tempting to take a bad route to satisfy a desire. This will end us in a loss. Therefore, everyone must be without too much desire.

A contentment of mind is necessary in life for every one; one should live happily with what one has. Too much desire will end up in great loss.

February 16.

• Appearances often are deceiving. (Aesop, 550 B.C.).

(The world) contains persons whose outside appears (as fair) as the red berry of the Arbus (kunril), but whose inside is as black as the nose of that berry. (Thirukkurahl – 277).

புறம்குன்றி கண்டனைய ரேனும் அகம்குன்றி

மூக்கில் கரியார் உடைத்து. (குறள் - 277).             

            Puram-kundri kahndanaiya(r) yaenum agamkundri

            Mookkin kariyaar vudaiththu. (Thirukkurahl -277).

There is a saying: “The face reflects the inner thinking”. A person’s eyes and face will reflect whether he speaks what he is thinking, or, whether he tells differently. To avoid this exposure, he will not look at people while talking. Always one should look at people, while talking. This is an essential good habit. Even though the face reflects one’s mind, some people will control their facial expression, with great difficulty. Nobody will try to conceal the good things. Hence, people wish to conceal only their bad thoughts and actions.

Another aspect is that some people will try to overdo beyond their capacity; that is, they will project themselves as if they are rich, and great people with good character. We should not get deceived by that. We have to know and understand such people, before becoming friends with them. It is often said that to know about somebody, it is enough if we know who his friends are.

 Therefore, we have to select our friends by finding out whether they are really good or only appearing as good. It is not good to believe all that what we see.

February 17.

48. Do not count your chickens before they are hatched. (Aesop, 550 B.C.).

At the time when (a king) should use self-control, let him remain himself like a heron; and, like it, let him strike, when there is a favorable opportunity. (Thirukkurahl – 490). 

கொக்குஒக்க கூம்பும் பருவத்து மற்றுஅதன் 

குத்துஒக்க சீர்த்த இடத்து. (குறள் - 490).               

      Kokkokka koombhum paruvaththu; martradhan

      Kuththokka seerththa yidaththu. (Thirukkurahl 490).

  

If we want to progress in life, we have to have aim. If we work without any aim, it will become a waste. If a person wants to become an engineer, he has to study in the school for 12 years, and another 4 years in a college/university, with the appropriate subject as the major one. If a person drops his education in the middle of the course, (like, at the third year of his college), he will not be called as an engineer. In the villages, if the peasants cut the crops before, for example, the paddy, wheat, or corn is ready for harvest, everything will be a waste. In sports, for example, in 1000 meter running, if a person goes ahead of others in the first 500 meters and then moves out of the track, he will not be considered as the number one in that event; he loses everything in that event. 

Therefore, only if a work or assignment is completed, we can obtain its benefits. There is a time limit for everything. Only if we perform the work to the full duration, we can reap the benefits to the maximum extent. Similarly, only if a person fully uses the given time, and also answers the required number of questions while writing the examination, he/she can get the full marks. 

Hence, everyone must remember his aim and act accordingly, with the determination to complete the work.

February 18.

• No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. (Aesop, 550 B.C.).

A favor conferred in the time of need, though it be small (in itself) is (in value) much larger than the world. (Thirukkurahl – 102).               

காலத்தினால் செய்த நன்றி சிறிதெனினும்

ஞாலத்தின் மாணப் பெரிது. (குறள் - 102).                

              Kaalaththi naal-seidha nandri siridheninum

              Gnaalaththin maahna(p) peridhu. (Thirukkurahl – 102).

In the world, each one is depending on the others, is the truth. If we say that we can do things all by ourselves, it is based on a few aspects only. No one can live alone without others’ help. If this is understood, everyone can live happily. One cannot make all the materials that he/she requires for living. This constitutes a great thinking.

Many people will say that somebody was responsible, at the school level or while entering into a job, to make a turning point in their life for their achievements in later years. A help from others at the right time is never small. It makes a high impact in the person’s life who receives the help. The benefited person should never forget the timely help; it is also not good for him/her to forget the help. This is also equal to the wastage of such help.

Therefore, we should not forget the help we received at any time.

February 19.

• Slow and steady wins the race. (Aesop, 550 B.C.).

Think (first, and then) begin your work; after you have begun, to say,” Let us consider,” is a reproach. (Thirukkurahl – 467). 

எண்ணித் துணிக கருமம் துணிந்தபின் 

எண்ணுவம் என்பது இழுக்கு. (குறள் - 467).       

                  Yehnnith thuhnigha karumam; thuhnindhapin

                  Yehnnuvam yenbadhu yizhukku. (Thirukkurahl – 467).

  

Before we start doing any work, we have to gather all the required materials and know the correct procedure to do the job. If we have to write an essay for ten pages, we should first think and jot down the important points; then we have to write in detail, based on all the points, and then conclude it. Instead of that, if the essay is written within one page, it is not sufficient and proper. In primary classes, it will be good if a person writes the answers in 2 or 3 sentences. It is not sufficient if someone does the same thing, at the higher classes in a high school or college. We can compare the walking of a young child and an adult, to understand the apt level of doing things at different stages. In a 100 meter running competition, one has to run fast from the beginning itself. However, in a 5000 meter running competition, one has to run a little slow in the beginning, to reach the end line; if he runs very fast in the beginning, he may get tired soon and won’t be able to run even 1000 meters.

Likewise, while breathing, we have to inhale and exhale slowly. Rapid breathing will reduce our life span, according to yoga teachers. When we talk also, we should be steady and talk only to the required level. If we talk fast, ferociously, or with anger, our blood pressure will increase. It will affect our health. If the rain is moderate, it seeps into the ground steadily, and the ground-water level rises. Instead of that, if there is a heavy rain in a short duration, most of the water will go as flood in the rivers, and reach the sea quickly. In that situation, we will not be able to utilize the rain water to the full extent. Flood causes a lot of difficulties and even loss of materials, and sometimes life.

Therefore, we have to be always steady in all our actions.

February 20.

• It is thrifty to prepare today for the wants of tomorrow. (Aesop, 550 B.C.).

Besides wealth, there is nothing that can change people of no importance into 

those of (some) importance. (Thirukkurahl – 751).

பொருள் அல்லவரைப் பொருளாகச் செய்யும் 

பொருளல்லது இல்லை பொருள். (குறள் - 751).             

       Poruhl allavarai(p) poruhlaaga(ch) seyyum

       Poruhl-alladhu yillai poruhl. (Thirukkurahl -751).

In olden days, it was a common practice to take food or the necessary materials to prepare the food, for our travel. There were so many reasons for doing so. There may not be any food, or hotels on the way. Even if there were hotels, people would not have had enough money to pay for that. Even now, some people may avoid taking food from other places, due to improper sanitary conditions, or due to their own health conditions. So, when we think, plan, and take so much precautions for a short travel, we have to think how much plan we have to do for living a long, and good life. We reserve in advance for travel in a bus, train, or plane. We reserve seats in advance, for seeing a picture in a theater.

If we study well in the student days, it will help us to get a good job, as soon as we complete the studies. While earning, we have to save some amount, after meeting the necessary expenses. A family life will require more money for various expenses: a good house, proper dress, vehicle, birth of children, healthy living, education of children in schools and colleges, illness at old age, and living at old age (without income) are the various aspects, which will involve expenditures. People should visualize such expenses and save as much as possible every month, based on their income, from the time they take up a job. The first step for all these is studying well in the student days. If they do that, it is like putting the seed for their future good life.

 Let us study well at the right time and let us do the sufficient saving at the right time. If we think further, we will realize the importance of saving the things which we use often. When we grow over the years, we will know the importance of saving the electricity, water, food materials, natural resources and many other things. 

February 1.

32. Virtue is not left to stand alone. He who practices it will have neighbours. (Confucius, 500 B.C.).

The world applauds the character of those whose usefulness results from their equity and charity. (Thirukkurahl – 994). 

நயனொடு நன்றி புரிந்த பயனுடையார்

பண்புபா ராட்டும் உலகு. (குறள் - 994).  

Nayanodu nandri purinddha payanudauyaar

Pahnbu-paa raattum vulagu. (Thirukkurahl – 994).

Every one of us will definitely think that they should become great and live a life with fame and all comforts. To reach that state, we should work for it from the beginning itself. If that work is in the good path, we will get fame. If we choose bad pathway, we will not get fame; but, we may get comforts. The comforts we get from bad practices, will not give us happiness; within a short time, it will put us in trouble; even if we have become famous, it will be short-lived, and people will start abusing us. Therefore, it is important that we follow good practices. 

While we are young, it is possible that many would have criticized some good habits and good principles. We have to ignore that while growing, and follow good habits; if we do like that, others will start appreciating us. Many other people will follow us.

Hence, our aim should be to think good and practice good habits all the time.

February 2.

• The man of virtue makes the difficulty to be overcome his first business, and success only a subsequent consideration. (Confucius, 500 B.C.).

It is said that those who are conscious of their duty and behave with perfect goodness will regard as natural all that is good. (Thirukkurahl – 981). 

கடன்என்ப நல்லவை எல்லாம் கடன்அறிந்து

சான்றாண்மை மேற்கொள் பவர்க்கு. (குறள் - 981).  

Kadan-yenba nallavai yellaam kadan-arindhu

Saandraahnmai maerkohl ba-varkku. (Thirukkurahl – 981).

Everyone would have come across some impediments at the work, or during student days. We have to overcome the hurdles, complete the work that we have taken up, and achieve the goal. We should not think it as impossible and get dejected. The wise and great people will remove the hurdles as their first job. If the hurdles are removed, success is bound to come. While studying in school, if an error occurs in a sum and is corrected, the correct answer for the problem will come. Similarly, if a machine or car doesn’t function properly, we do the repair and make it work well. Sometimes, the launching of a spacecraft is delayed due to some problems; the scientists set it right and then launching is done. 

Therefore, one should be careful as to get every thing without any mistake. If an error occurs, it should be corrected. Great people will do their duty first, and consider the result (success) as a secondary process.

February 3.

34. The superior man is satisfied and composed; the mean man is always full of distress. (Confucius, 500 B.C.).

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. (Thirukkurahl – 985).

ஆற்றுவார் ஆற்றல் பணிதல் அதுசான்றோர்

மாற்றாரை மாற்றும் படை. (குறள் - 985).

Arrtruvaar aartral pahnidhal; adhu-saandroar

Maartraarai maartrum padai. (Thirukkurahl – 985).

Life is for living happily. Living by hurting others, or by relishing others’ miseries is not a life. Great persons will not feel bad about their discomforts, what ever may be the quantum. They will be satisfied with the comforts available to them. The immature people will always want to have more, even when they have sufficient amount; therefore they lose the peace of mind and live a dejected life. Contentment with what we have is always good, like gold. Therefore, everyone must have the attitude of being happy with what they have.

If one has the attitude of contentment, it does not mean that he should not aspire for a better life. To progress in life is an aim. To attain our aim, we have to study well in the young age; we have to work in the proper way. We have to be happy and content with what we earn. Leading a happy life need not prevent a person to aim and reach a higher goal. If a person gets the second place in some game, he should take it happily; it doesn’t mean that he should not practice further to accomplish the first place in the next event. 

Therefore, contentment and aim are like our two legs, which will help us to tread our path and progress in life.

February 4.

•       To go beyond is as wrong as to fall short. (Confucius, 500 B.C.).

Since (both) wealth and evil result from (their) speech, ministers should most carefully guard themselves against faultiness therein. (Thirukkurahl – 642). 

ஆக்கமும் கேடும் அதனால் வருதலால் 

காத்துஓம்பல் சொல்லின்கண் சோர்வு. (குறள் - 642). 

                    Aakkamum kaedum adhanaal varuvadhaal

                    Kaaththoambal sollinkahn soarvu. (Thirukkurahl – 642).

There is a saying to mean: “Get sufficient amount and live happily”. There must be a limit or boundary for anything. Everyone knows that insufficient amount in anything is not good. If a student gets low marks, he will lose the time (even a year) during his studies. When we jump over a small deep stretch (depth) insufficiently, we will fall into that. If the air-pressure is less in the cycle tire, we will not be able to pedal well and go fast. If the voltage (the power of electricity) is low, lamps do not glow well, and machines do not function well. If the electric power is too high, the lamps and machines burn out, due to high voltage. If the air-pressure is too high in the cycle tire, it bursts. If our body temperature increases to 104/105 ⁰F, (during high fever), it is dangerous to our life; if it goes below 95⁰F, it is also dangerous. We can visualize many examples like this. If the in-take of food is decreased or increased, our body gets affected. The increase or decrease in the amount of sugar, fat, salt and other vital materials in our body affect our health.

Therefore, there should be a limit in the food we eat, in the words we speak, in the actions we do, in the thoughts we think, and in all of our other activities.

      February 5.

    

• The firm, the enduring, the simple, and the modest are near to virtue. (Confucius, 500 B.C.).

Affection, fear (of sin), benevolence, favor, and truthfulness; these are the five pillars on which perfect goodness rests. (Thirukkurahl – 983).

அன்புநாண் ஒப்புரவு கண்ணோட்டம் வாய்மையொடு 

ஐந்துசால்பு ஊன்றிய தூண். (குறள் - 983). 

               Anbu-naahn oppuravu kahnnoattam vaaimaiyodu

               Iyndhu-saalbu oondriya thoohn. (Thirukkurahl – 983).

We consider those persons, who do a job in an excellent manner, and set themselves as examples to others, as wise and great people. There are a few qualities that a wise and great person must have. The person should be of steady mind. Once he starts some work, he should complete the work; he should not stop the work in the middle. Determination must be there, similar to the requirement of answering to all the questions in a proper way during the student days. They should have the mental stability to bear any trouble that may come. They should be simple, and not boast themselves. Thus, we can view those persons as wise, who are steady, calm, simple and unassuming in nature.

Hence, young people should grow with good characters, to progress in life. One can acquire these good characters by hearing speeches from, and reading the books of great people, and through teachers. A child does not walk as soon as it is born; a student does not get a degree as soon as he joins the school. It takes some time for achieving something. In the same way, it takes several years for a person to become great. It is difficult to make something; but it is easy to break or spoil it. 

We all must think of becoming wise and great. 

February 6.

• He who speaks without modesty will find it difficult to make his words good. (Confucius, 500 B.C.). 

He who, to the disgust of many, speaks useless things will be despised by all. (Thirukkurahl – 191). 

பல்லார் முனியப் பயனில சொல்லுவான் 

எல்லாரும் எள்ளப் படும். (குறள் - 191).                   

                   Pallaar munia(p) payanila solluvaan

                   Yellaarum yehllap padum. (Thirukkurahl – 191).

Whatever a person speaks should be always useful. It is a waste of time for the speaker of a loose talk and the listener; sometimes, it may even lead to troubles. If silly and mean words are used, instead of respectable words, it will hurt others. The speaker has to respect the listeners’ nature and self-respect. When talking to someone, no one should use mean words, thinking others as inferior people. There is a saying: “Time will change, but the words will stay”.

Dishonorable words will make others feel sad and anger. The anger makes a person lose his/her self-control. If self-control is lost, he will be tempted to hurt others; the intensity will depend on the strength of the angry person. Sometimes, even a single bad word will be like a spark to result in a major riot. Those who speak good words will be like a spark which enlightens the people. 

Therefore, while talking, only good words must be used at all times.

February 7.

• The superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in action. (Confucius, 500 B.C.).

(Though reduced) the great will be able to perform, in the proper way, deeds difficult (for others to do). (Thirukkurahl – 975). 

பெருமை உடையவர் ஆற்றுவார் ஆற்றின் 

அருமை உடைய செயல். (குறள் - 975).

                   Perumai vudaiyavar aartruvaar aartrin

                   Arumau vudaiya seyal. (Thirukkurahl – 975).

One should learn the procedure to do any work. If a work is carried out without knowing the method, it will lead to confusion and a lot of useless expenditure. Some work may need education alone, while some will require practical knowledge. Some people will go on talking about something, without actually doing it. If a student wants to become first in his school, he/she must study well; instead, merely saying it will not fulfill the wish.

Some people will have an aim in their mind and work well accordingly. That is the correct method. Those who are on top in sports like tennis, soccer, chess, swimming etc. practice everyday for 4-5 hours. In the same way, if one wants to become a first-ranker in the school, he/she should study for 4-5 hours everyday. There is a saying: “Great people will do without telling it”. 

Therefore, like great people, we must be anxious to do a work, and put in hard work, but reduce unnecessary talk.

February 8.

• Recompense injury with justice, and recompense kindness with kindness. (Confucius, 500 B.C.).

The (proper) punishment of those who have done evil (to you), is to put them to shame by showing great kindness to them. (Thirukkurahl – 314).      

இன்னா செய்தாரை ஒறுத்தல் அவர்நாண 

நன்நயம் செய்து விடல். (குறள் - 314).                    

                    Innaa seidhaarai oruththal avarnaahna

                    Nan-nayam seidhu vidal. (Thirukkurahl – 314).

Every one of us wants to have a happy life. Hard work, enthusiasm and good education will help us reach that goal. Instead of this, some people will take a wrong path as a short-cut. Sometimes, this wrong path will disturb those who take the right route. Those who take the wrong path must be corrected and taught the good things. Moving with others in a kind manner only will bring happiness. If a person does kind and beneficial deeds to others, he/she will be respected in a kind manner by others. On the other hand, one should not think of revenge, if a person commits some harm; the wrong-doers must be properly guided with good advices. The attitude of ‘tit for tat’ should not arise. 

Therefore, our life should be in such a way as to correct the wrong-doers with good advices, and help them lead a good life, in addition to respecting the kind hearted ones with kindness.

February 9.

• What the superior man seeks is in himself. What the mean man seeks is in others. (Confucius, 500 B.C.).

A man’s deeds are the touch-stone of his greatness and littleness. (Thirukkurahl – 505). 

பெருமைக்கும் ஏனைச் சிறுமைக்கும் தத்தம் 

கருமமே கட்டளைக் கல். (குறள் - 505).                   

                   Perumaikkum yaenai sirumaikkum thaththam

                   Karumamae kattahlai(k) kal. (Thirukkurahl – 505).

If a person has to estimate the quality/nature of something, he must fully know the properties of that. Only an artist will be able to judge an art work in the proper way. Common people may be able to only enjoy the art to some extent. We consider those who follow good habits, as great people. The great people will always see (consider) the virtues present in others. There is a saying: “For jaundice eye, everything is yellow”. If a person has jaundice, his eyes will become yellow; hence, whatever he sees, everything will appear yellow. 

If we see some object through a mirror, it will appear in different color, size and shape depending upon the mirror. Great people, by virtue of their good habits and characters, will recognize the virtues present in others. However, mean people will try to find fault in others and keep telling it often.

 Hence, if we find something wrong in others, we should try to correct them, instead of propagating it and making them feel bad.

February 10.

• What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others. (Confucius, 500 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).

All of our aims and thoughts will be that we should live happily. A person thinks that he can live happily from the wealth he acquires, even if he has to hurt (cheat) others, by some way or other. This kind of happiness will wane soon. The same person will think that others should not do that to him. This thought should have occurred earlier; in such a case, he would have avoided committing such mistakes. 

There are so many proverbs having the above meaning. With the thought of experiencing only good things (by us), we should always do good things to others. We often hear that ‘a thing becomes manifold’. Hence, a good action will grow into many good things; similarly, a bad action will result in the perpetuation of many bad things.

We have to remember this to live a happy life.