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.