May 1.

122. The scars of others should teach us caution. (St.Jerome, A.D. 400).

To speak so that the meaning may easily enter (the mind of the hearer), and to discern the subtlest thought (which may lie hidden) in the words of others; this is wisdom. (Thirukkurahl – 424).

எண்பொருள வாகச் செலச்சொல்லித் தான்பிறர்வாய்

நுண்பொருள் காண்பது அறிவு. (குறள் - 424).

Yehnporuhla vaagha(ch) sela(ch)cholli(th) than-pirar-vaai

Nuhn-poruhl kaahnbhadhu arivu. (Thirukkurahl – 424).

In all of our minds, there will be a thought to achieve great accomplishments. We want to be happy by getting the praise and respect from that. But, most of us stop with such thoughts. What ever we plan to accomplish, we have to first think about the pathways to perform it, the required efforts, and also the difficulties that may be encountered. If someone discourages us by telling that we are incapable to do that, we should not abandon our aim. When we learn cycling, invariably, all of us learn it by frequent falling and getting injured. On the fear of such things, if someone refuses to learn cycling, everyone will say that it is wrong. In the same manner, there will be difficulties in any work. 

Everyone will make mistakes while writing, when a new language is learnt. If a learned person makes a mistake while writing, one has to find out the reason for that. While learning, if we could not get a great teacher, or if we don’t listen properly, we will not get good education. If the roads or vehicles are not in proper conditions, vehicles like car and bicycle get into accidents. Therefore, we have to choose a good path, and rectify the impediments experienced by others, to progress in life. Just like following successful persons, we have to know other’s difficulties and protect us from such impediments. If some one tells that a particular food will upset our stomach, we should not try it to prove or disprove the point. There are people who lost their eye-sight by looking at the sun during solar eclipse, in spite of warnings that the eyes will be damaged if people do so. 

We have to believe others, when they say that there will be danger from invisible rays, electricity, and some chemical, biological and some other materials. If we start to experiment with everything, the whole life will be affected. Hence, we need other’s experience to get benefits.              

May 2.

123. When the stomach is full, it is easy to talk of fasting. (St.Jerome, A.D. 400).

Amongst living men, there are none so hardhearted as those who, without forsaking desire in their heart, falsely take the appearance of those who have forsaken (it). (Thirukkurahl – 276).

நெஞ்சின் துறவார் துறந்தார்போல் வஞ்சித்து

வாழ்வாரின் வன்காணார் இல். (குறள் - 276). 

Nenjin thuravaar thurandhaar-poal vanjiththu

Vaazhvaarin vankahnaar yill. (Thirukkurahl – 276).

Everyone would have the desire to know about certain things and talk about it. But, most of us do not think of taking suitable steps and getting the required practice to achieve it. There are some people who say that they know everything, even without having any experience. One should consider the reason for the need to know about something to the full extent. 

If one wants to become a doctor, he should study medicine. For becoming an engineer, one must study the suitable engineering course. Like this, we get a proper training according to the requirement for the concerned job. But, nobody gives importance for the speech. Some people may be talking on a topic, even though they do not have any knowledge in that area. Such people will not be able to give suitable reply, if asked to explain certain aspect, or about their experience. They will only reply in a superficial way.  As an example, we can quote the deficiency of the student who reads only a guide book, instead of a text book. Only a person experienced in that area will be able to explain well, whether it is simple, joyous, or sad point. To tell something is easy; but, to involve in a particular thing is difficult. 

Hence, whatever is said, it should be said with involvement.  

May 3.

124. Small minds can never handle great themes. (St.Jerome, A.D. 400).

To choose ignorant men, through partiality, is the height of folly. (Thirukkurahl – 507).

காதன்மை கந்தா அறிவுஅறியார்த் தேறுதல்

பேதமை எல்லாம் தரும். (குறள் - 507). 

Kaadhanmai kandhaa arivu-ariyaar(th) thaerudhal

Paedhamai yellaam tharum. (Thirukkurahl – 507).

We generally tell that everyone should do a suitable work according to their ability. If we carefully look into those words, we can understand many things. Whatever work is done, one should acquire suitable education and experience. If we tell a cycle mechanic to repair a car or a bus, he cannot do it. A small builder cannot construct a huge multi-storey building. Only an expert engineer can give suggestions and practical procedures for the construction of such huge buildings. In the medical field, only a well educated medical doctor can give proper treatment. Like this, one can say many examples. 

Thus, a person’s capability increases according to his education and experience. The performance of a person improves as his knowledge increases. One cannot always know a big work and its intricacies, by just a little experience. This can be viewed as to say that, ‘a mean person cannot do great works’.  One should think why people get mean attitude, mean character and immature thinking. If a person cannot do a particular good work, he envies the one who accomplishes it, instead of following the proper route; this envious thinking hurts him, which leads to mean behavior.

Therefore, we should always try to get good knowledge, and through that, achieve great things.       

May 4.

125. Never look a gift horse in the mouth. (St.Jerome, A.D. 400).

Though the benefit conferred be a small as millet seed, those who know its advantage will consider it as large as a Palmyra tree. (Thirukkurahl – 104).

தினைத்துணை நன்றி செயினும் பனைத்துணையாக் 

கொள்வர் பயந்தெரி வார். (குறள் - 104). 

Thinai(th)thuhnai nandri seyinum panai(th)thuhnaiyaa(k)

Kohlvar payan-theri vaar. (Thirukkurahl – 104). 

We come across different kinds of people in our life. Many don’t have educational opportunities. Many don’t have proper clothing. Some others live without proper housing facilities. Like this, there are people who live with such difficulties and miseries. Some of such people expect other’s help to lead a life without those difficulties. Sometimes, help may be obtained on request. Occasionally, help may be available even without asking. In some schools and colleges, support may be available to poor students based on their academic performances. Some charity organizations offer support by providing books. Some individuals also help poor students in a suitable way, if they are approached. Some people help the poor, who are affected by natural disasters. 

Those who receive help on various reasons feel happy and set right their life. But some people indulge in assessing the help they receive. They hurt the donors. Neither the receiver nor other people should underestimate the help rendered by someone. Such criticism will deprive not only further help to the receiver, but also the help to other needy persons. Hence, even a small help must be respected. This is the seed for a person’s progress in life.            

May 5.

126. Anger is a weed; hate is the tree. (St.Augustine, A.D. 400).

The fire of anger will burn up the pleasant raft of friendship. (Thirukkurahl – 306).

சினம்என்னும் சேர்ந்தாரைக் கொல்லி இனம்என்னும் 

ஏமப் புணையைச் சுடும். (குறள் - 306). 

Sinam-yennum saernthaarai(k) kolli yinum-yennum

Yaema(p) puhnaiya(ch) sudum. (Thirukkurahl – 306).

Our old literatures and good books provide us useful guidelines for our progress in life. In spite of that, many of us don’t lead a good life. One aspect for such a life is the non-adherence of good principles. The other aspect is to involve in dangerous activities, which are condemned. One of such things is to get anger. When one gets angry, he loses his control. Good thoughts vanish. They hurt others by using such words which are not to be uttered. The mind of an angry person scraps his dignity level. Hence, he loses his dignified speech and control of mind. The speech pours out based on the mind, ignoring the good path provided by his knowledge. The anger is like a dangerous plant. It easily grows, and sprawls out like a tree, creating disgust in his mind. If the anger is not controlled by a person, in the nascent state itself, it will spoil his own life completely.

If importance is given to mind, one can get anger as well as peace of mind. If importance is given to knowledge, the anger will not arise. Knowledge will always yield peace. Therefore, one should always avoid getting anger.   

May 6.

127. The dove loves when it quarrels; the wolf hates when it flatters. (St.Augustine, A.D. 400).

One should fear the deceitful who smile sweetly with their face but never love with their heart. (Thirukkurahl – 824).

முகத்தின் இனிய நகாஅ அகத்துஇன்னா

வஞ்சரை அஞ்சப் படும். (குறள் - 824). 

Mugaththin yiniya nagaa-ah aghaththinnaa

Vanjarai anja(p) padum. (Thirukkurahl – 824).

Many of the various objects that we look at will appear to be same. Experienced persons would be able to distinguish some of the materials immediately. Sometimes, experimental techniques have to be used to know the nature of the materials. Likewise, it is easy to understand a few persons. But, it is very difficult to understand most of the people. Those who do good things and tell good advices, sometimes, will express with anger. The reason for that is their anxiety for the people who take to dangerous paths, instead of pursuing good things and following good principles. If a teacher is strict, only a few will understand that it is for the benefit of the students. Those who want to inculcate bad habits will talk pleasingly. 

We should not come to any conclusion based on external appearance. The people know the difference in the character of a dove and a wolf for thousands of years. The character never changes. In the same way, one could think of saying that a particular set of people will be dangerous, while another group will always be good. But, we should not compare the human being and animals. If a man uses his knowledge, he can become different from his bad predecessors. To accomplish this, education is essential. By such education, bad persons can too become good persons. By this education, one can differentiate between bad and good persons, which will help him, follow the good one. 

Hence, if education reaches the bad people, they also can become good people. If some people do not change, great persons should repeatedly try until the change occurs.         

May 7.

128. Three things are necessary for the salvation of man: to know what he ought to believe; to know what he ought to desire; and, to know what he ought to do. (St.Thomas Aquinas).

After having considered, “this man can accomplish this, by these means,” let (the king) leave with him the discharge of that duty. (Thirukkurahl – 517).

இதனை இதனால் இவன்முடிக்கும் என்றுஆய்ந்து

அதனை அவன்கண் விடல். (குறள் - 517). 

Yidhanai yidhanaal yivan-mudikkum yendr(u)aaindhu

Adhanai avan-kahn vidal. (Thirukkurahl – 517).

Belief, thought and action are the three things essential for a person’s good life. In all our minds, the thought of development in our life and leading a good life are present. Those who choose to take the bad route to lead their life do not pursue it with happiness. Nobody is born as a thief or a quarrelsome person. His surroundings change him like that. The rain which falls on a salt mound becomes salty and spoils also the useful salt. The rain in a dam site gets stored as good water, and is useful to all. A cow drinks water but gives milk. A snake produces venom (by drinking water or milk, as per belief). Hence, can the fault be with water? We have to explore how the water is used.

First, everyone must have belief. The confidence must be increasing. One should think on what is to be done and what is to be achieved. At each level, one should think of the next level. At young age, one should aim to study well, and to become a sportsman. As one grows, he should think of the suitable subject of study, and the suitable nature of sports. Then he should find out the required things to achieve his aim. We come across visually handicapped (blind) persons who are great singers and instrumental musicians. Hence, we have to adhere to the aim with confidence, think about the possible methodology and involve in action. There is no limit to progress in life. Even we reach a particular level, we can progress further depending upon our efforts. There is nothing wrong if a person is content with what he had achieved. We have to know when we can get that kind of attitude. Hence, we should always remember: “Aim. Act. Achieve”.                   

May 8.

129. In silence, man can most readily preserve his integrity. (Meister Eckhart). 

He who, throughout one birth, like a tortoise, keeps in his five senses, will obtain happiness throughout the seven births. (Thirukkurahl – 126).

ஒருமையுள் ஆமைபோல் ஐந்தடக்கல் ஆற்றின் 

எழுமையும் ஏமாப்பு உடைத்து. (குறள் - 126).

Orumaiyuhl aamaipoal ayindh(u)-adakkal aartrin

Yezhumaiyum yaemaappu vudaiththu. (Thirukkurahl – 126).

The quotations provide us good principles. The intention of such quotations is to lead a good life by reading and listening to them. Gold is a valuable metal, which will not be easily destroyable. It gives immense pleasure to those who wear the gold ornaments. Those who see such things also get the intention to have them. It is not wrong to think like that. In fact, it is good. But, if it turns envy and induces us to take bad routes to acquire it, the intention becomes wrong. 

Everyone should use the suitable quotations to a possible extent. Though remaining in a quiet composure is considered great, it should not be interpreted as to remain silent at all times. We lose our steadiness during fights, difference of opinions, and anger. At that time, whatever good advices are offered, we lose our level of understanding and following it. We should be patient under such circumstances. If the blood circulation to the brain is less, our brain works in a sluggish manner. As per scientific studies, the blood circulation to the stomach is more after a full meal, which results in less blood flow to the brain, thereby causing drowsiness in us. 

Therefore, we should adhere to calmness during troubles. When we are quiet, our ears will listen to the right messages. Our mind also will listen to our brain. Our brain will also function with full capacity. Our tongue and mouth will talk good things. Therefore, calm atmosphere is essential for the proper functioning of our five instincts.              

May 9.

130. The more wise and powerful a master, the more directly is his work created, and the simpler it is. (Meister Eckhart).

(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).

In the minds of every one of us, the thought of development and the eagerness to receive appreciation from others are definitely present. But, to accomplish that thought, we don’t think about it at the proper time and we don’t take the required efforts. At young age, we don’t know what is to be done. At that young age, we should listen to the advices of great persons, and act accordingly. As we grow, we will be able to realize the value of the advices. After reaching a level, we can also become great persons. We can accomplish great things depending upon our level of greatness. 

One can perform a work in a better way, if the experience is more. Only the person who daily practices running will be able to succeed in the running race. Whether it is long-jump, high-jump, cricket, painting, or any other activity, practice will help us to achieve the top place. In the same way, only if one studies well daily, one can go to a higher level in education. It is not enough if one studies only for a few days. The one, who had been starving for many days, takes food often for 2 or 3 days, will get affected instead becoming strong. 

We have to think of becoming great persons. Simplicity must prevail in our thoughts. Simplicity is different from insufficiency. We can understand the world in a better way by being simple. If we understand our surroundings, our accomplishments will be great. Therefore, simplicity is to be maintained.     

May 10.

131. Talk of nothing but business, dispatch that business quickly. (Aldus Manutius).

Consultation ends in forming a resolution (to act); (but) delay in the execution of that resolve is an evil. (Thirukkurahl – 671).

சூழ்ச்சி முடிவு துணிவுஎய்தல் அத்துணிவு 

தாழ்ச்சியுள் தங்குதல் தீது. (குறள் - 671). 

Soozhchi mudivu thuhniveidhal; ath-thuhnivu

Thaazhchiyuhl thanghudhal theedhu. (Thirukkurahl – 671).

We all think that we should do something and enjoy the pleasure obtainable through that action. This thought never comes out of the inner minds of many people. Some people tell that idea but stop with that, without any action. Though some people start the work, they will never complete it. Some will complete the work, but with delay. Only those who complete the work within the stipulated time are successful in life. In the students’ population, the number of students who succeed in their aim is very less. However, they take up some work, based on their educational levels. While working, if they complete their regular work within the specified time, they can also succeed in life to some extent. 

The farmers who work in lands know the proper time to sow the seeds. If the sowing time is delayed, the seeds will not sprout; even if it sprouts, it will perish without yielding flowers and fruits. In the same way, if the nationally important five-year plan is not started immediately at the right time, it will never yield any benefit to the people. Since some projects remain incomplete due to delay, it leads to criticism and ends as wasteful expenditure for the nation. In soccer games, we see how much a team suffers if they lose a point at the critical time. We appreciate the person in a team who is responsible for the win in the game. But, we forget the important underlying principle in it, at the playground itself.

Therefore, there is an apt time for everything. Doing the work within the required time is always great.