April 10.

101.   The bow too tensely strung is easily broken. (Syrus, 50 B.C.).

Is there a greater danger than anger, which kills both laughter and joy? (Thirukkurahl – 304).

நகையும் உவகையும் கொல்லும் சினத்தின் 

பகையும் உளவோ பிற. (குறள் - 304).

      Nagaiyum vuvagaiyum kollum sinaththin

      Pagaiyum vuhlavo pira? (Thirukkurahl – 304).

         Whatever work we start doing, or whatever we study, we don’t learn it just by ourselves. We can learn such things easily from the teachers and technical persons easily, if they do it with kindness. Instead of that, if they teach us with harshness, we listen to them with fear and aversion. A job will not be perfect, if done under compulsion. While studying, a student has to be happy. Hunger, anxiety due to poverty, fear, anger and disease will affect the concentration while studying. Since the thoughts will be wavering, whatever is studied is not understood and remembered. If something has to stay in mind, the mind should be free as a blank space. If we have to keep something in a bag, the bag has to be empty. We can not eat any other food after a full-meal. We have to wait for a few hours to become hungry, so as to eat again; otherwise, if forcibly swallowed, we may vomit it. Hence, people say that it is good to study in the morning hours, when our mind is calm.

           Therefore, a calm atmosphere is always good. If we maintain calmness in our habit, during talks and at other times, others will listen to us and benefit from that. Whatever we say in anger will all become a waste. Therefore, we have to follow the habit of doing good things in a calm manner.

April 11.

102.  Never find delight in another’s misfortune. (Syrus, 50 B.C.).

Those who study propriety of conduct will not speak evil, even     forgetfully. (Thirukkurahl – 139).

ஒழுக்கம் உடையவர்க்கு ஒல்லாவே தீய 

வழுக்கியும் வாயாற் சொலல். (குறள் - 139). 

Ozhukkam vudaiyavarkku vollaavae theeya

Vazhukkiyum vaayaal solal. (Thirukkurahl – 139).

There are so many things in our life that we have to learn. We have to know various things, depending upon our age, the place where we live, and the nature of our work. It is very difficult to learn all of them at the same time. It is not possible to know all the words and their meanings, by reading a dictionary from page one till the end. We can improve our vocabulary and knowledge by a regular reading of books, and noting down the meanings of new words using the dictionary. 

One of the things that we should know is to understand others’ feelings and plights, and involve ourselves in a suitable manner. When someone is in difficulty, we should not stop with just consoling words, but also help that person. We should refrain from showing our joyous expressions at that time. Some people would laugh, as a reflex reaction, if someone slips and falls down; instead of doing like that, one should help the latter to get up, and do the needful as a first-aid, if necessary. We should not get pleasure, even if our enemies get into any trouble. We should try to correct if someone is even bad; if it is not possible, we should neither feel happy on their plight. Many of us would have heard and read stories from ‘puranas’ that those who showed enjoyment on other’s miseries had experienced such troubles by themselves at later years.

Hence, only if we learn good principles of life during our young years, everyone can lead a happy life.

April 12.

103. You cannot put the same shoe on every foot. (Syrus, 50 B.C.).

                 Let a man reflect, and do things, which bring no reproach. The world will not approve, with him, of things which should not be approved of. (Thirukkurahl – 470).

எள்ளாத எண்ணிச் செயல்வேண்டும் தம்மொடு

கொள்ளாத கொள்ளது உலகு. (குறள் - 470).

   Yehlladha yehnni(ch) seyal-vaehndum; thammodu

   Kohllaadha kohllaadhu vulagu. (Thirukkurahl – 470).

We understand the living things through science, to some extent. In the human being, no two persons are alike in all aspects. We can say the difference according to our knowledge. Due to the present scientific development, we can recognize more differences. The finger prints are different. Scientists say that one can identify a person by examining his teeth and skull. The philosophers’ point of view will be different. Scientists also agree to that. The philosophers use their knowledge in examining the character of the people and shaping it to create a good society. 

The two hands of a person are not same; the two legs, especially feet, are not same. The two are mirror images of each other. Philosophically, we have to think that the human nature is different in each and everyone. One’s view may be the opposite of the other. If one considers something good, the other may consider it as bad. All people cannot have the same capability. It will be tolerable if the difference is less. All must be good persons to a minimum extent. Hence, the people must be advised according to the requirement to elevate them.

April 13.

104. You should go to a pear tree for pears, not to an elm. (Syrus, 50   B.C.).

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

அறனறிந்து மூத்த அறிவுடையார் கேண்மை 

திறனறிந்து தேர்ந்து கொளல். (குறள் - 441).

        Aran-arindhu mooththa arivudaiyaar kaehnmai

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

All of us will be having in our inner thoughts that we should live happily. There are many pathways to achieve it. Many people believe that they can achieve anything by possessing money. Those who believe like that should earn money by a good pathway. Our body temperature must always remain at 98.4⁰F. Sometimes, the body temperature increases or lowers from the normal, due to improper food intake or surroundings. In such a situation, we approach a doctor. Instead going to a doctor, if we indulge in wrong methods, it might be dangerous to the life itself. 

For each effort, we should follow a proper pathway. If we want to study, we must first go to school. Then we must select the suitable course in which we can shine, and join the proper institution. If we plan for a technical course, we must approach such a technological place. Instead of that, if we waste the time on reading some story books, there will be no use. If one wants to study computer course, he must go to a computer center or a college. If we want to go to a place, we choose a comfortable bus, train or other modes to reach the destination. We also select a proper seat of our liking. If we don’t get a seat, we still prefer to travel by a good and fast route to reach the destination, even if we have to stand. We avoid travelling by a circuitous route. When we think so much on the conveniences and happiness for one or a few hours of travel, we should also think carefully on various aspects to lead a good life. We have to adhere to the good principles to achieve it.  

April 14.

105. Prosperity makes friends, adversity tries them. (Syrus, 50 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 ஒப்பிலார் கேண்மை 

பெறினும் இழப்பினும் என். (குறள் - 812).   

Vurin-nattu arin-oroo-um oppilaar kaehnmai

Perinum yizhappinum yen?. (Thirukkurahl – 812).

Friendship is an important occurrence in everyone’s life. Many will offer explanations on the importance of friendship. It is a valuable relationship. The habit of playing or studying together for many years from the young age develops friendship. This friendship will be great with some. It will not wane even after several years. Some friendship will be affected due to one’s migration or due to the difference in their work. The friendship of the second category is not good. At the time when the banyan tree bears a lot of fruits, many birds will stay and live there to eat the fruits. During autumn season, when the leaves fall and there is no fruit, the birds desert that tree. When the tree gets new leaves and fruits in the following year, the birds’ arrival can be seen. Just like the birds which stay at a place until they get the benefits, some people will surround others, appearing as friends, until they enjoy the benefits. It is not friendship if one moves away from the one who helped earlier, when the latter’s status decreases. It may not be fair to compare people and birds. The people having sixth sense must think well to develop good friendship and lead a good life. In a triangle, if the three angles are equal (60⁰), the three sides will be equal. If one angle is less, its sides will become longer to maintain the shape of the triangle. In the same way, if any one among the friends faces difficulty, others should rectify it to make him lead a good life. That is good friendship.

April 15.

106. To be loved, be lovable. (Ovid, 10 A.D.).

Sweet speech, flowing from the heart (uttered) with a cheerful   countenance and a sweet look is true virtue. (Thirukkurahl – 93).

முகத்தான் அமர்ந்துஇனிது நோக்கி அகத்தானாம் 

இன்சொல் இனிதே அறம். (குறள் - 93).

  Muga(th)thaan amarndhu-yinidhu noakki aga(th)thaanaam

Yinso-l yinidhae aram. (Thirukkurahl – 93).  

Everyone thinks that he should live nicely, and others should respect him, praise him, and help him in every way. But, we don’t think what we do for others. Each one of us should help others as much as we could. The one we can easily do to others without involving any finance is to speak courteously. Only if we climb through this first step, we can go higher and higher. We should not think of skipping this first step to go higher. This first step is a magnificent one. Like the first year of our life, we cannot reach the second year if don’t cross the first year. Just like a person cannot go to other countries without a passport, one cannot be happy in life without being kind. 

There are several ways for a person to show kindness to others. We should first find out the needs of the others and then do the ones suitably, which we will be able to do. The blind should be helped in crossing the road. The hungry persons should be fed. In Mahabharata, the famous philanthropist Karnan once pointed out the direction where one could get food; this action gave a special power to his pointing finger by which he could quench his thirst in the battle field. Herein, the emphasis is only to regard the value of help; we have to accept this to get the point from the example. (We see the thumb-sucking children even now). Hence, the alleviation of hunger is a great action. Providing good messages to the ears is considered even better than giving food for hunger. That means, wise people must make use of their knowledge to benefit others; they should help others to get the proper education. 

Therefore, the path of kindness is to help others to improve their living conditions. 

April 16.

107. It is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, that is poor. (Seneca, A.D.50.). 

Lakshmi, knowing the manner (in which she may approach) will immediately come to those wise men who, knowing that it is virtue, covet not the property of others. (Thirukkurahl – 179).

அறனறிந்து வெஃகா அறிவுடையார்ச் சேரும் 

திறனறிந்து ஆங்கே திரு. (குறள் - 179).

Aran-arindhu vekkah arivudaiyaar(ch) saerum

Thiran-arindhu aangae thiru. (Thirukkurahl – 179).

We have to understand the difference between simplicity and poverty. Simplicity implies that one should not boast, but live without arrogance, even if he is wealthy, powerful, and educated to a great extent. Poverty means possessing less than the normally required materials. In that case, one should think of the yard-stick to measure the needs of a person. The needs of the people will vary in kind and quantity. A hungry person requires food. Some people will require a feast (on occasions). The yard-stick for our poverty and contentment depends on our wish, induced by our five senses – eyes, nose, ears, mouth and body.

Some people will live happily, even if they reside in a small house with reasonable comforts. Some will aspire for more, even if they possess a lot of wealth, many houses, and other comforts. Though such people are wealthy, they are in needs and poor in their thoughts. They cannot live happily. Therefore, we have to control our desires arising through the five senses. One should not wish to acquire what he sees through his eyes and what he hears through his ears. In the same way, the desire arising from fragrance (nose), taste (mouth), and touch (body) must be controlled. Only our knowledge will help us control our desires. Such knowledge can be acquired from education or from wise persons. Hence, if our aim is towards education and treading the pathway of the wise, we can free ourselves from the poverty to lead a good life.

April 17.

108. It is a rough road that leads to the heights of greatness. (Seneca, A.D.50.).

          (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

Arumai vudaiya seyal. (Thirukkurahl – 975).

As per the statistics at the start of the twenty-first century, two babies are born for every three seconds, in the world. If so, 57,600 babies are born every day. After 30-40 years, each one will be leading different life, though they were born on the same day. To understand this easily, one can compare the number of children (in a particular place) studying in the 1st grade and (after twelve years) how many go to college. If we look at it after a further 10 year period, only a small percentage of the initial number of students would be working in a good job and leading a comfortable life, depending upon the nature of the subject and the efficiency of the student in the studies. We have to analyze the reason for this. All of us read that Columbus discovered America, and Vasco da Gama discovered India. Had the two wanted to go to the neighboring countries and spend their life-time just like others, they would not have stood unique and would not have established their name in the history. Cruising of a ship is common to all captains; but, due to a special effort in their mind, they became famous. 

Even if it is difficult in the beginning, one must overcome that, and proceed further. The path to a new place may not be comfortable. Only due to the troubles undertaken by the people to lay the roads in the mountains, we now go to such mountainous resorts easily. If we have to reach the top of a mountain, we have to tread uneven paths and shrubs. If we want to have a comfortable pathway, we have to wait for several years. By that time, our schooling and working years would be gone. Therefore, only if we study the required subject and do the required work at the correct time, even if it is difficult, we can progress in life, and become great persons.

April 18.

109. Envy is a pain of mind that successful men cause their neighbors. (Onasander, A.D.50.).

Of him, who instead of rejoicing in the wealth of others envies it, it will be said, “He neither desires virtue nor wealth.” (Thirukkurahl – 163).

அறனாக்கம் வேண்டாதான் என்பான் பிறனாக்கம் 

பேணாது அழுக்கறுப் பான். (குறள் - 163).

Aran-aakkam vaehndaadhaan yenbhaan piran-aakkam

Paehnaadhu azhukku-arup paan. (Thirukkurahl – 163).

Some people among us are considered great; we hear this and also see such people. But, we forget such news afterwards. Instead of forgetting that, if we think and understand how they became great, we can also become great. Good aim, continuous hard work, firm mind, calm approach and motivation to learn more are the important steps. The first step is to study well at the young and studying-age to get good grades and develop our capability. Many children, who don’t know this at their young age, feel sorry for themselves at later years. If every student thinks daily about this for a few minutes, everyone can progress. Those who continuously do this reach the target-line of success. In a marathon race (42 km), invariably a few thousand people participate. After about a 4-5 km, many people stay back. Only a few persons reach the winning-line. Even though only three persons get the prizes, all the others who touched the winning-line are also to be considered achievers. Untiring effort, body strength and firmness in the mind must be present. In the same way, one must first find out from others the requirements to succeed in each type of work. If we want to find out the methods by ourselves and then think of doing it, our life-time might be gone. 

Hence, one can reach a high level if he listens to others, finds the proper ways, and acts properly at the right time. One can live to the appreciation of great persons. We should not be concerned about others’ remarks. These great achievers in life will make many wonder about them, and some envy about them.

April 19.

110. Those who wish to appear wise among fools, among the wise seem foolish. (Quintilian, A.D. 100).

What is called want of wisdom is the vanity which says, “We are wise.” (Thirukkurahl – 844).

வெண்மை எனப்படுவது யாதெனின் ஒண்மை 

உடையம்யாம் என்னும் செருக்கு. (குறள் - 844).

Vehnmai yenap-paduvadhu yaadhenin vohnmai

Vudaiyam-yaam yennum serukku. (Thirukkurahl – 844).

There is a proverb which means that what we have learned is only small amount, whereas, the non-learned is enormous; the learned amount is compared to having an handful of soil, whereas, the non-learned amount is the size of the world. We should never assume that we know everything. We may know something according to our level of education, during that time. Even if we are teachers, what we know will be according to our education. Our knowledge enhances afterwards, based on the pertinent books that we study daily. All of us know that our knowledge in other subjects will be less. A math teacher will not know the science subject to a sufficient level; the vice-versa is also true. There are several branches in science. No scientist tells that he knows everything. Those who have received the world-acclaimed prestigious Nobel Prize also never say that they know everything. If young school children tell that they know everything, nobody will mistake them since they are innocent. But, it is not correct if they say like that after becoming adults. One should not say that he is a scholar, in the midst of common people. We can educate such people to the extent of our capability. If a person tells to poor people that he is rich, those who are richer will consider him as poor. 

Hence, it is great to be calm, and never assume that we know everything.

April 20

111. For to err in opinion, though it be not the part of wise men, is at least human. (Plutarch, A.D. 100).

When even men who have studied the most difficult works, and who are free from faults, are (carefully) examined, it is a rare thing to find them without ignorance. (Thirukkurahl – 503).

அரியகற்று ஆசற்றார் கண்ணும் தெரியுங்கால்

இன்மை அரிதே வெளிறு. (குறள் 503).

Ariya-kartru aasartraar kahnnum theriyunghaal

Yinmai aridhae vehliru. (Thirukkurahl – 503).

A place which has many wise persons is considered a great place. If a person has to be considered as wise, he should talk only good things, read only good materials, and think and perform only good deeds from the responsible adult age itself. It is difficult for a person to practice this at all time. There may be several occasions to err from that path unknowingly. We should safeguard us from getting entangled in that. Forgetfulness, anger, envy, lie, and un-humbleness are the reasons for self-destruction of a person. Only those persons who adhere to good principles know how difficult it would be to protect them from the above pitfalls, and to lead a good life. 

Only the students will know how difficult it is to get centum. Only the respective players will know the difficulty in getting the first place in sports. Others who do not know the difficulty may say anything. Those who know the difficulty will ignore any small error, and appreciate the valuable accomplishment. Nobody will criticize a student, if he gets 99%. In sports, those who obtain second place are never ignored. 

Therefore, one should aspire to become a great and wise person, by following good principles. If a great person slightly errs inadvertently, it is good to ignore it and respect him without any criticism.   

April 21.

112. It is a true proverb, that if you live with a lame man, you will learn to limp. (Plutarch, A.D. 100).

Those who know not how to act agreeably to the world, though they have learnt many things, are still ignorant. (Thirukkurahl – 140).

உலகத்தோடு ஒட்ட ஒழுகல் பலகற்றும் 

கல்லார் அறிவிலா தார். (குறள் - 140).

Vulagaththoadu votta vozhugal pala-kartrum

Kallaar arivilaa dhaar. (Thirukkurahl – 140).

If we have to know any thing, we must first read about it. We have to know further about it by practical experience. One will understand a subject to a better extent by reading it than by hearing about it. If we write that lesson material, it will be absorbed in our mind. A better method will be to do it practically. Based on this, the practical classes and demonstrations are important requirements in science subjects. 

If a machine has to be repaired, theoretical knowledge alone is not enough. Hands on experience are also needed. Teachers, police officers and doctors will be able to judge the nature of a person by the discussion. If we have to talk in a particular language, we can do it better by speaking a little with those who know that language, in addition to learning that language by books. If one has to act as a blind or deaf person, it will be better if he associates with such people to learn the movements. To act as musicians and other characters, suitable training and practice are necessary. We recognize that there are different training procedures for long jump and high jump. In the same way, if we have to acquire good habits, we should associate with good and wise persons. 

The rain water becomes salty if it stays in salty area. Rose becomes a perfume if it is treated with pure water; if it falls in muddy water, it becomes a waste, and useless material; if it falls in poisonous snake’s mouth, it becomes venom. Therefore, since people change according to their association, they must associate with good persons to become good people.  

April 22.

113. Bad news travels fast and far. (Plutarch, A.D. 100).

Those, who are acquainted with nothing but fraud, will perish in the very commission of transgression. (Thirukkurahl – 289).

அளவல்ல செய்தாங்கே வீவர் களவல்ல 

மற்றைய தேற்றா தவர். (குறள் - 289).

          Ahlavu-alla seidhu-aangae veevar kahlavu-alla

          Martraya thaertraa thavar. (Thirukkurahl – 289).

All of us face in our life, happiness and misery, success and failure, wealth and poverty, and good and bad things. The intensity of these things will vary depending upon the tolerance level of the persons. We have to develop the power of controlling our expression of happiness, and dejection due to sadness. It is not proper to feel very much happy for small achievements; it is considered that only immature people will show their happiness even for small things. 

It requires a lot of time to earn a good name. However, if a small mistake is made, the news will spread everywhere to bring a bad name to such persons. The milk will be coagulated by a small amount of lime juice. A vessel with a hole can never be filled with water. If a puncture happens in a tire, the air pressure will go down, resulting in a complete stop of the vehicle. Like that the bad actions will immediately cause troubles. Hence, we have to protect ourselves from such dangerous pathways. Generally, easily obtainable things will be less beneficial. To earn a college degree, one has to study for many years. But, one bad action is enough to spoil the education.

Therefore, we should protect ourselves from the easily obtainable bad things.                              

April 23.

114. It is wise to be silent when occasion requires, and better than to speak, though never so well. (Plutarch, A.D. 100). 

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 kalanghaadhu

Gnaalam karudhu bhavar. (Thirukkurahl – 485).

All of us will have some thought in our minds: “We know everything; we have to get the appreciation from others by telling what we know.” When we get this thought, we should be aware of where we are and to whom we talk to. We should speak at the appropriate place, and only in a limited amount. Should we not avoid teaching twelfth-grade lessons to a fifth-grade student? Likewise, when we speak, we should explain things according to the level of the listeners. In the same way, can we teach a fifth-grade lesson to twelfth grade students? All of us will say that it is wrong. Likewise, if the knowledge of the audience is greater than what we know, it is good for us to be silent.

In an educational system, we can know whether we can speak on a particular subject based on the grade of the class that we handle. But, it is difficult to estimate the knowledge of the audience and ours, in common life. Therefore, we should know first amidst whom we stand. If we have to talk in a group of wise persons, we have to learn a great amount. We have to be successful in worldly and academic educational matters. Only then we should speak at such a place. If our capability is less, we should not speak, but, learn from them whatever is possible. If great persons ask us something to assess our knowledge, we should answer them what we know; we should not be silent at that time. 

Therefore, we have to act according to the place where we are. 

April 24.

115. First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do. (Epictetus, A.D. 100).

An act is to be performed after considering the exertion required, the obstacles to be encountered, and the great profit to be gained (on its completion). (Thirukkurahl – 676).

முடிவும் இடையூறும் முற்றியாங்கு எய்தும் 

படுபயனும் பார்த்துச் செயல். (குறள் - 676).

Mudivum yidaiyoorum murtriyaanghu yeidhum

Padu-payanum paar(th)thu(ch) seyal. (Thirukkurahl – 676).

Even though there are so many differences between an animal and a man, we have to recognize the important difference. This recognition itself is the answer for this question. All of us think what we should do today. If one plans, as soon as he gets up in the morning, what he should do for the day, and act accordingly, it is great. It is further good, if plans are made for the whole week, whole month and whole year, and follow it. If plans are made for the next five-years and ten-years, and do accordingly, it is better. If the duration of the plans is for a longer period, it will be more important, bigger and beneficial to more people. 

Hence, in the student age, one should plan the proper course that he must pursue for his future, with the help of knowledgeable persons. There are different professions like doctor, engineer, scientist, lawyer, teacher, administrative officer etc. One has to study according to the requirement. After getting into a profession, one should perform his duty with the thought of achieving higher levels in that job, and how it would be of help to others. Five-year plans are formulated for the growth of a country. We propose 10-year, and 20-year plans for major projects like inter-linking of rivers in the country, good education for everyone, electricity using nuclear-power, national highways, broad-gauge train service, good medical facility, removal of poverty, etc.

We have to first fix our aim, which is suitable to our capacity. As we grow, the aim should also be increased. One should study and work according to the requirement. The aim should be changing on the basis of time. If one got 60% marks in the high-school examination about 40 years ago, it was considered good. Now, even 95% marks is also considered insufficient to get admission into some courses. Therefore, one must fix an aim and act according to the time and place. 

April 25.

116. Practice yourself, for heaven’s sake, in little things; and thence proceed to greater. (Epictetus, A.D. 100).

There is nothing too difficult to be accomplished, if a man sets about it carefully, with a thoughtful mind. (Thirukkurahl – 537).

அரியஎன்று ஆகாத இல்லைபொச் சாவாக் 

கருவியால் போற்றிச் செயின். (குறள் - 537). 

Ariya-yendru aaghaadha yillai-poch chaavaak

Karuviyaan poartri(ch) cheyin. (Thirukkurahl – 537).

Sometimes, we read some news again and again. After reading it, we would recollect that we have already read the news. This is natural for human beings. We have to often read and listen to some important principles. Books are valuable for this purpose. We can refer the books whenever it is necessary, to refresh our memory. Likewise, there is ample opportunity to know good principles through television and radio. However, the advantage of a book is that we can use it at any time and at any place. Hence, a book is considered as a great friend. 

We often hear good principles. Hence, they remain in our mind and make us good persons. If we don’t take our food daily, we will become weak in a few days, however strong we may be. If we don’t drink enough water daily, the five liters of blood in our body will become thick and the blood circulation will be affected, resulting in bad health. In the same manner, reading often about good principles is vital. They will enter into our mind little by little, and make us great persons. For a plane to fly at about 10,000 meters high, it rises gradually from the ground. A person can become a great scholar only if he starts to study well from the lower classes, just like the young children become big people, and small drops become flood. 

Therefore, there is nothing which is impossible. If the work is steadily performed, with suitable untiring effort, great achievements can be realized.    

April 26.

117. You should pray for a sound mind in a sound body. (Juvenal, A.D. 100).

Goodness of mind will give wealth, and good society will bring all praise, to men. (Thirukkurahl – 457).

மனநலம் மன்னுயிர்க்கு ஆக்கம் இனநலம் 

எல்லாப் புகழும் தரும். (குறள் - 457). 

Mananalam mann-uyirkku aakkam; yina-nalam

Yellaap pugazhum tharum. (Thirukkurahl – 457).

All of us have the intention to be happy at all times. There are several means to obtain that happiness. It will be a good approach, if we reach the expected high level and lead a happy life, without hurting others. With the aim of getting the first rank, if a person tries to spoil the efforts of other top students and thereby get first rank, such a success will yield only misery but not happiness. Around the year 1980, a fan of a tennis champion stabbed at the back of another player and prevented the latter from contesting many such championships. After that incident, whoever won any big match in tennis, it did not impress the public to a full extent. Hence, everyone should have the attitude of achieving the goal and be happy, by good approach, but, without hurting others. Praying to god, to get such a good mind, is a great approach. 

If we want to have a good mind, we must have a good health. How can a person suffering from diseases have a peaceful mind? They will always be thinking about their diseases. There is a proverb which means that ‘disease-less life is like having a satisfactory-level of wealth’. For a serene mind, good health is essential. Only if the mind is calm, good thinking and good attitude will evolve. Those who perform good deeds with good thoughts are bestowed with the ever-lasting wealth of fame in their life. Therefore, everyone should aspire for having a good health and, thereby, a good mind. 

April 27.

118. The gods are on the side of the stronger. (Tacitus, A.D. 100).

They say that the black Mudhevi (the goddess of adversity) dwells with laziness, and the Lakshmi (the goddess of prosperity) dwells with the labour of the industrious. (Thirukkurahl – 617).

மடியுளாள் மாமுகடி என்ப மடியிலான் 

தாளுளாள் தாமரையி னாள். (குறள் - 617).   

Madiyuhlaahl maamughadi yenbha; madiyilaan

Thaahluhlaaahl thaamaraiyi (n)aahl. (Thirukkurahl – 617).

To perform a work, one requires the will-power and physical strength. It is enough if we have the physical strength sufficient for the particular work. But, the will-power is very much important. We can carry out anything, if we do it with full effort and with positive thinking. But, our aim must be based on our capability. If we want to do something, we must develop our capacity suitably. A world-famous boxer thought of getting the suitable training at the age of eight. Nobody gets the required capability at the birth itself. Acquiring something through aim and practice will be always great. When a child starts to walk, we help it by holding its hand. Who ever takes initiative to know something, the teachers and others will help. Therefore, everyone must have an aim and work on that with determination. 

First, the energy, commitment and determination are needed. One must have aim, whether it is in academic or sports areas. If someone is afraid of running, nobody will help him. If one participates in running events, the coach will teach him all the necessary intricate points. If a student wants to learn more, the teacher will help him by clearing his doubts. Therefore, if a person wants to pursue something with determination, help will be available from others. Such help can be considered as god’s gift through others. Therefore, one must involve in doing anything, whether it is education or work, with firmness and full hope. 

April 28.

119. A man should be upright, not be kept upright. (Antoninus, A.D. 180).

Fools pretending to know what has not been read (by them) will rouse suspicion even as to what they have thoroughly mastered. (Thirukkurahl – 845).

கல்லாத மேற்கொண்டு ஒழுகல் கசடற

வல்லதூஉம் ஐயம் தரும். (குறள் - 845). 

Kallaadha maerkkohndu ozhughal kasadara

Vallaadhuuvum iyyam tharum. (Thirukkurahl – 845).

When we buy an object, we try to find out whether it is authentic or a duplicate material of inferior quality. We never purchase any damaged book or articles. We drink only good water, but never drink dirty water. All white fluids are not assumed as milk. We will buy only good furniture, but not the look-alike flimsy ones which we see in movies. That means, we always think of purchasing only genuine good products. In that case, should we not be genuine and perfect in our actions?

One cannot say whether a person is educated or not, based on appearance. We see some people who pose as doctors and get caught and punished by the police. Those who cheat others may appear comfortable for some time. But, the defect will be known one day. The experts find out the spurious drugs. Except truth, nothing will remain permanently. Therefore, every one of us must be honest to our consciousness, in our life and profession. The disguised character put forth in a drama will never be real. We should not act to appear as good persons in the eyes of others. To remain always honest to our consciousness is permanent. Hence, we must avoid pretention and always adhere to true life.               

April 29.

120. No athlete is crowned but in the sweat of his brow. (St.Jerome, 

A.D. 400).

An act that has been firmly resolved on, must be firmly carried out without delay. (Thirukkurahl – 668).

கலங்காது கண்ட வினைக்கண் துளங்காது

தூக்கங் கடிந்து செயல். (குறள் - 668).

Kalanghaadhu kahnda vinaikkahn thuhlanghaadhu

Thookkam kadindhu seyal. (Thirukkurahl – 668).

We notice different people and their way of living, in our life. We feel happy with certain people. We feel sad by seeing some persons. We realize that our happiness with some is due to their good achievements in life. We appreciate the students who study well and get high marks. But, many do not rationalize how those students could have got high marks. Only a few notices the hard work, the study-hours, and the methods followed by such students. The reason for poor performance of some students in an examination is not asked. If it is enquired, it will be found that their casual nature and poor effort are the reasons for poor performance. It is wrong to consider poor facilities as the reason. One may not be able to get high marks due to insufficient facilities, but failure should be avoided. 

During the working age, those who work well for long hours, without the specific working hours, succeed in their life. If a good job is to be obtained, one should study well at the young age, and acquire higher education and experience. Therefore, by studying well from the school level itself, one can gain great knowledge and a good job at later years. This will ensure a good and happy life. Great musicians practice every day. Tennis champions practice for about four hours daily. Likewise, whatever may be the sports, like carom, chess, and swimming, those who practice for 4-5 hours daily, win the respective tournaments, and become world famous persons. Therefore, it is firm that one can reach great heights by hard work. 

No one can become great without hard work. In general, only if we cook the vegetables and rice, for example, they become suitable food for consumption. In the same manner, only if we subject ourselves to hard work and practice, we can attain a suitable level, for the appreciation by other great persons.           

April 30.

121. The face is the mirror of the mind, and eyes without speaking confess the secrets of the heart. (St.Jerome, A.D. 400).

As the mirror reflects what is near, so does the face show what is uppermost in the mind. (Thirukkurahl – 706).

அடுத்தது காட்டும் பளிங்குபோல் நெஞ்சம்

கடுத்தது காட்டும் முகம். (குறள் - 706).

Aduththadhu kaattum pahlinghupoal nenjam

Kaduththadhu kaattum mugham. (Thirukkurahl – 706).

Most of us do not think whether the work we do is good or bad. Many people appreciate us if our work is beneficial to others. We also feel happy about it. But, if our work is harmful to others, we become the target of the accusations. In that situation, we cannot conceal our anger in our mind. Our face and eyes will expose our inner feeling. If a person has a smile in his face, his mind will be pure with good thoughts. He will also be healthy. Even if we try to conceal our anxiety with much difficulty, our eyes cannot cover it. When the police enquire the culprits, the latter’s eyes will expose them. If the children do some mischief at home, the parents will ascertain whether it is true or false, by looking at their eyes. That means, the eyes show what is in the mind, as they show what is outside. Where ever an injury occurs in the body, the eyes express the feelings first. 

There will be no laughter in a person who suffers from grief. Fear and mischievous acts affect our facial tissues resulting in perspiration; eyes won’t be bright; normal blinking of the eyes will change to higher or lower frequency. Some doctors even find out the nature of disease by examining the eyes. Hence, the eyes are useful to see the objects in the world, and to maintain justice by its power to show the faults in a crystal clear way. Therefore, we have to protect our eyes.