July 1.

183. A bad cause will ever be supported by bad means and bad men. (Thomas Paine).

(True) greatness fears the society of the base; it is only the low-minded who will regard them as friends. (Thirukkurahl – 451).

சிற்றினம் அஞ்சும் பெருமை சிறுமைதான் 

சுற்றமாச் சூழ்ந்து விடும். (திருக்குறள் - 451).

Sirtrinam anjum perumai; sirumaidhaan

Surtramaa(ch) soozhndhu vidum. (Thirukkurahl – 451).

Everyone should think that everything in the world should be good. One should also work accordingly. But, such a good thought is not present in the minds of some people. Due to this, many dangerous things take place. The reason is that such people do not attain that mind set. They should lead a good life according to their capability. Instead of that, wishing to acquire wealth by bad means is one way. Some people think of destroying others and damaging their activities. If they don’t possess enough strength, they approach others for help. 

Whatever may be the work, it cannot be performed by one individual alone. The helping person should possess that capacity. Those who want to do wood work approach a carpenter. People who want to learn about jewelry making go to a goldsmith. Those who want to become advocates study law, practice under a lawyer, and help the lawyer. Like this, one can say several examples in science, medicine and other areas. If a work is carried out without interest, it will not be good. This principle is helpful not only for good deeds but also for persons who are involved in bad deeds. Some people use this to propagate bad things and also to increase the number of persons who take to bad activities. If the people who do bad deeds think for a moment, they will not indulge in doing dangerous activities. They should think of their children. They should think how much their children will feel insulted, if they are called as the children of a thief or thug. The children would expect to have respectable parents, as the parents expect their children to be great. One should not bring shame to the children, even if fame is not brought. 

Therefore, one should always help the good people and earn good name.   

July 2.

184. Character is much easier kept than recovered. (Thomas Paine).

Though you guard nothing else, guard your tongue; as for those who do not guard it, their words will be drawn into evil and they will suffer distress. (Thirukkurahl – 127).

யாகாவார் ஆயினும் நாகாக்க; காவாக்கால் 

சோகாப்பார் சொல்லிழுக்குப் பட்டு. (திருக்குறள் - 127).  

Yaa-kaavaar aayinum naa-kaakka; kaavaakkaal

Sogaappar sol-yizhukkup pattu. (Thirukkurahl – 127).

A person gets praised by the external and internal beauty. We all see the external beauty. This will be praised by people, which depends on their mind. The person will feel happy on others’ praising words. Some will feel bad, if they are not praised. Many people will like to enjoy the external beauty. Some will like to acquire and also experience the pleasure from such beautiful things. If the magnitude of this thought increases, it changes into a desire. Such desires put many persons in dangerous situations. Some persons think of destroying the beautiful things. Those who indulge in such bad activities also get punished and feel miserable. Such pleasures and miseries result due to external beauty.

It is good to understand the internal beauty. We can consider this as one’s character. People of good character will not tolerate others’ miseries. They will help according to their capacity to eliminate others’ miseries. They will only feel happy on seeing others’ good life, but never envy. Nobody can snatch away this good character. Sharing this with others will make further spreading of the good character, and convert others into good persons. Therefore, it is good to live with good character. 

Hence, it is always good to adhere to good character. It should be protected as a glass. If a glass is broken, it cannot be fixed together again into its original structure. If drinking water falls on mud, we cannot drink it again. Therefore, good character is to be maintained at all times.           

July 3.

185. Fate chooses our relatives, we choose our friends. (Jacques Delille).

Make friendship (with one) after ascertaining (his) character, birth, defects, and the whole of one’s relations. (Thirukkurahl – 793).

குணனும் குடிமையும் குற்றமும் குன்றா 

இனனும் அறிந்துயாக்க நட்பு. (திருக்குறள் - 793).

Guhnanum kudimaiyum kurtramum kundraa

Yinanum arindhuyaakka natpu. (Thirukkurahl – 793).

In everyone’s life, there will be relatives and friends. Instead of that, nobody can live alone. Relatives are obtained through our parents. We cannot change it. We will associate happily in a greater way with the relatives who are good. If they are otherwise, we will move away from them. If we look at this in a different angle, we can consider that we were born in such surroundings. Instead of looking for good persons around us, we should think of being in the middle of good persons. If this thought occurs, we will think that we will be born in a good place if we do good things. This thought will pave way for good deeds. Many persons will not think to be of good character, if they decide to take what is available. This is referred as fate and God’s will. 

If one studies well, there is opportunity to get a good job. If one practices well in sports, he can get the first place and rewards. We buy good vehicles for a pleasant travel. To receive good education, we seek good schools and colleges. Likewise, to lead a good life, we need to possess good character and friends having good character. To inculcate good character, we have to read good books. We should listen to the good words from wise persons. If we follow this, there is opportunity to obtain the friendship of like-minded persons. To eat what we wish, we have to go to the place where it is available. The friendship is also obtainable in the same way.

Therefore, good friendship circle is formed through our own action, with our knowledge. Further, it is good to lead the life with the belief that good actions will yield good results.             

July 4.

186. Delay is preferable to error. (Thomas Jefferson).

The wise will not immediately and hastily show their anger; they will watch their time, and keep their anger within. (Thirukkurahl – 487).

பொள்ளென ஆங்கே புறம்வேரார் காலம்பார்த்து 

உள்வேர்ப்பர் ஒள்ளி யவர். (திருக்குறள் - 487). 

Pohl-lena aangae puram-vaeraar; kaalam-paar(th)thu

Vuhl-vaerppar vohlli yavar. (Thirukkurahl – 487).

All the people first think of leading a good life. But, only some of them achieve that state. The reason for that is their effort. Whatever may be the work, it should be completed within the stipulated time. When in school, the studies should be completed within the age of eighteen years. The four-year college course should be finished in four years time. For such persons, the job opportunity will be good. Some students may require additional six or twelve months. They are placed in the second category. But, some students may never complete their course. Nobody will appoint such persons in a good job. 

Therefore, even if the target is not achieved within the stipulated time, it will be better if it is completed with little delay. When we travel in a vehicle or train, it will reach the destination only if the vehicle is in good condition. If there is a simple fault, it should be repaired and the travel completed, even with a delay. If the vehicle is damaged, fuel is exhausted, or path is changed, we cannot reach the destination at all. Life is also like that. Bad character wastes our energy, which is like the fuel. Association with bad persons is equivalent to taking a wrong route in our life. 

Therefore, we should not make any mistake in our life. Even if we err, we should realize it and correct ourselves. If qualities like vanity and anger increase, our sense of realization will decrease. If we lose our realization power, we will go by the dangerous wrong path, ignoring the good one. Hence, one should act with full awareness. This is the way for success.       

July 5.

187. When a man assumes a public trust, he should consider himself as public property. (Thomas Jefferson).

(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 கட்டே தெளிவு. (திருக்குறள் - 502).

Kudi(p)-pirandhu kurtra(th)thin neenghi vadu(p)pariyum

Naahn-udaiyaan kattae thehlivu. (Thirukkurahl – 502).

We all think of doing good job and lead good life. Those who get good education and training will accomplish this. The works of all the people cannot be the same. In each discipline, people work at different levels. We lead suitable life with the salary based on our work. One should be satisfied in that. No job should be considered as a mean job. The persons who do certain jobs also should not be looked down. This should not be wrongly interpreted to remain without progress in life. 

There are several parts in our body. Each has something to do. No part of the body is inferior. The direction for doing the appropriate jobs comes from the brain to all the parts of the body. The heart provides energy to all parts through blood circulation. Like this, sometimes the job we do may appear directly useful and needful to others. The persons in such positions will be considered as public personalities and very important persons. Such persons should not think about their problems. Only if they work like that, the country will be prosperous. Some persons will contemplate on personal gains while doing something. It is not proper for the persons, who have such thoughts, to enter public life. 

The people, who do not aim at any personal gain in public works, should be considered as great persons. Such persons have to be commended but not accused. Such public personalities should not bother about praise or insult. It is great to perform with good intention.         

July 6.

188. Enlighten the people generally, and tyranny and oppressions of body and mind will vanish like evil spirits at the dawn of day. (Thomas Jefferson).

Not to permit (the mind) to go where it lists, to keep it from evil, and to employ it in good, this is wisdom. (Thirukkurahl – 422).

சென்ற இடத்தால் செலவிடா தீதுஒரீஇ 

நன்றின்பால் உய்ப்பது அறிவு. (திருக்குறள் - 422).

Sendra yida(th)thaal selavidaa thee-dhoree-yee

Nandrinbaal vui(p)padhu arivu. (Thirukkurahl – 422).

Knowledge is required to progress in life. Learning in school and college is one kind of knowledge. The other kind of knowledge is obtained by reading good books and listening to wise persons. If we study science, medicine, engineering and other subjects and get proper training, we become useful to the public in one aspect. The education in some subjects enhances our character. Improvement of character is necessary for everyone. The greater this improvement the better will be the peace in a country. The knowledge in agriculture removes the hunger of the people. Other developments determine the living standard of the people.

Peace will not prevail in a country if the people are not of good character, in spite of economic growth. A variety of problems may erupt. Our energy is utilized to destroy people and damage properties, if our character is not good. In order to prevent this, good qualities like patience, tolerance and contentment must prevail among people. Hence, people should be impressed upon these good qualities. They should be motivated to follow hygienic methods. They should be instructed not to indulge in destructing activities. We should share our resources and facilities. For example, heavy loss occurs at one place due to flood; but, if the water is shared, it is beneficial to everyone. One should realize that it is not good to aspire for more than the need. Everyone knows that even if an affluent person can afford a great vehicle, his high-speed driving will cause damage. Hence, a control is necessary.

Therefore, great persons should speak out to mould good character among people. If such people are generated, the country will prosper.           

July 7.

189. Amplification is the vice of modern oratory. It is an insult to an assembly of reasonable men. Speeches measured by the hour, die by the hour. (Thomas Jefferson).

They will desire to utter many words, who do not know how to speak a few faultless ones. (Thirukkurahl – 649).

பலசொல்லக் காமுறுவர் மன்ற மாசுஅற்ற 

சிலசொல்லல் தேற்றா தவர். (திருக்குறள் - 649).

Pala-solla(k) kaamuruvar mandra maas(u)-artra

Sila-sollaal thaertraa dhavar. (Thirukkurahl – 649).

Everyone would like to show what ever they know to get the praise from others. This can be divided into two kinds, by action or in words. Among educated persons, this thought will not invariably prevail in general. The reason for that is their awareness about the difficulty in practicing what is preached. One can talk only with a limit on topics which one has to prove. Hence, people in science, medicine, engineering and other such disciplines will talk with a limit. 

Only some persons could talk on philosophical topics. Their audience will vary according to their level of discourse. If one wants to become a great speaker, he should read a lot of books. After reading it, one should tell the good points for the benefit of others. Prolonged speech does not make one a great speaker. Others’ time should not be wasted. The innocent people must be told about the points which are beneficial to them. One should reduce the lecture duration but tell the valuable points to the people. We want our food to be nutritious. We want to wear a nice dress. We avoid bad things in our food and soil in the dress. If that happens, we clean it. Likewise, we must have control in what we hear. The speakers also should restrict it. If we walk or run too much, our legs get tired as to make us even to fall. In the same way, excessive talk will lead us to make mistakes and may land us in trouble. 

Therefore, it is always good to talk within limits.              

July 8.

190. Never buy what you do not want, because it is cheap; it will be dear to you. (Thomas Jefferson).

Sorrows will never let go their hold of those who give not up their hold of desire. (Thirukkurahl – 347).

பற்றி விடாஅ இடும்பைகள் பற்றினைப் 

பற்றி விடாஅ தவர்க்கு. (திருக்குறள் - 347).

Partri vidaa-ah yidumbaigahl partrinai(p)

Partri vidaa-ah thavar(k)ku. (Thirukkurahl – 347).

We will always have needs. The needs will change according to time. Our action should be separated based on present requirements and future requirements. As soon as a baby is born, it is natural that we buy some clothes for the immediate use. But, how is it correct if we buy all the necessary clothes for the baby until it grows into adult and old-age? It is necessary to save the necessary amount to meet the educational needs of the baby when it grows. That is a wise action. Likewise, it is wise to visualize a great deed for future, and think of making necessary spade work and savings for that purpose. Such good aim must be present in every person. 

Without aim, no work should be done. One should work only on the one which will be useful to him or others. We do some mistakes by buying unnecessary things. By utilizing our excess strength, we buy certain things which are useful to others. Due to this, we become responsible for others’ miseries. We never realize this. Some people believe that this action will put them in trouble in later years. Everyone should agree that it is improper, if we are responsible for the troubles in others’ life.             

Therefore, whatever we buy, do, hear, or tell, it should be good and useful. 

July 9.

191. When angry, count ten before you speak; if very angry, an hundred. (Thomas Jefferson).

Bear with reproach even when you can retaliate; but to forget it will be still better than that. (Thirukkurahl – 152).

பொறுத்தல் இறப்பினை என்றும் அதனை 

மறத்தல் அதனினும் நன்று. (திருக்குறள் - 152).

Poru(th)thal yira(p)pinai yendrum; adhanai

Mara(th)thal adhaninum nandru. (Thirukkurahl – 152).

In every human being, the good and bad natures are present in different proportions. Everyone will certainly have 80% of good character. Of the remaining 20%, if the bad qualities are more, that person can be called as a bad person. In the same way, if the good qualities are more, a person can be called a good one. 

Anger is one of the dangerous qualities. We have to think why anger arises, what its bad effects are and how to prevent it. One gets angry if others do not act according to his wish. The reason for that is his pride and arrogance. If others do not understand something, they should be explained. There is also another reason for getting anger. Some people will try to cover their ignorance by talking with anger. So, if a person is less capable, he will get angry. Further, if a person suffers from poverty and unable to bear it, he will get angry. When in anger, a person’s thought deteriorates. Due to that, one uses wrong words and thereby hurts others. Others’ properties are damaged. The love vanishes, which drives away friends and relatives. One’s health is also damaged. 

Therefore, everyone should live without getting angry. One should look into the reasons mentioned above for the anger, and rectify it. If one gets anger, he should think of overcoming it, instead of succumbing to it. For that, calm thinking is a good method. It will be good if the attention is changed. Let us develop our capacity and avoid anger.            

July 10.

192. Pleasure and love are the pinions of great deeds. (Johann Goethe).

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

நயனொடு நன்றி புரிந்த பயனுடையார் 

பண்புபா ராட்டும் உலகு. (திருக்குறள் - 994).

Nayanodu nandri purindha payanudaiyaar

Pahnbu-paa raa(t)tum vulaghu. (Thirukkurahl – 994).

In general, everyone will expect some reward for each effort. The reward can be in different forms. Many people get salary for the work. Some will get fame. Those who work without expecting any fame are great persons. Such great persons will work for the country in a genuine way. They will be satisfied with the income sufficient to lead the life. Their thought will be on the development of the people and the country. 

Once in a while, some great persons are born who develop the mankind. Their preaching stays in scripts for many years and centuries. In earlier times, good principles were propagated through many devotional songs on God. Now, it will be good to follow those principles, without debating on the belief on God. Outward development is important. We should also be high in our inner mind. When we drive a vehicle, we don’t think of colliding with other vehicles and destroy them. We should adhere to the same principle in our life. The persons, who infuse such good thoughts in our minds, are always great persons. They develop our pure thoughts without expecting any reward. Those who now work for the outward development are also great persons. The efforts for outward growth should be selfless. The inner growth should not be ignored. Pleasure and love will always be with such great persons. 

Therefore, great works should be performed.        

July 11.

193. A noble person attracts noble people, and knows how to hold on to them. (Johann Goethe). 

Those who are said to be the shore of the sea of perfection will never change, though ages may change. (Thirukkurahl – 989).

ஊழி பெயரினும் தாம்பெயரார்  சான்றாண்மைக்கு 

ஆழி எனப்படு வார். (திருக்குறள் - 989).

Voozhi peyarinum thaam-peyaraar saandraahnmai(k)ku

Aazhi yena(p)padu vaar. (Thirukkurahl – 989).

There are many things that we have to learn from the Nature. From the seeds of a tree or plant, the same kind of tree or plant evolves. The propagation of birds and animals also takes place in the same way. Their appearance and character never change. The fragrance and appearance of flowers also never change. The appearance and nature of the vegetables and fruits also never changed over the time. The human being is also like that without any change from the outward look. But, their character is variable. Within a family, the members differ from one another.

The character of a human being will invariably change as per the surroundings where he grows. Therefore, elders should be responsible while bringing up the children. Common people will give attention only to the physical growth of their children. Instead, they should look into the educational growth also. They should be admitted into a good school. If a person is to be considered great, his character should be good and appreciated by others. Both physical strength and knowledge power are needed for the growth of a country. To properly utilize these two strengths, one should have good character. Hence, if people of good character are generated, the country will prosper. If we fail in that, bad things will spread instead of good things from the power of knowledge. Bad persons utilize the chemicals for explosives, poison, drugs and other bad activities. The physical power should be used for work and sports activities, but not for hurting others. Such good principles should be learned from wise persons by associating with them. Wise persons will never change and always do good things. If they change, such persons are not really great persons, but they appear like that.

Hence, great persons must change others.       

July 12.

194. A talent is formed in stillness, a character in the world’s torrent. (Johann Goethe).

The great will not regard trouble as trouble, knowing that the body is the butt of trouble. (Thirukkurahl – 627).

இலக்கம் உடம்புஇடும்பைக்கு என்று கலக்கத்தைக் 

கையாறாக் கொள்ளாதாம் மேல். (திருக்குறள் - 627).

Yila(k)kam vudamb(u)-yidumbai(k)ku yendru kala(k)ka(th)thai(k)

Kaiyaaraa(k) kohllaadhaam mael. (Thirukkurahl – 627).

A person should possess good health, knowledge and good character to lead a great life. We notice many persons who have become famous in various disciplines. We have to look into the ways by which they got fame. If one wants to become famous in a particular discipline, he should always involve himself with full attention. If any hindrance occurs, one should protect himself from that. The materials like sugar and salt should be protected from drenching in rain. Similarly, some materials must be protected from fire. In the same way, we should protect our good qualities from dangerous situations. 

If we are in a calm surrounding during our studies, we can fully focus our attention on the studies. If we intend to study in the midst of a quarrel, games or in theaters, it will not be effective. However, if we study in a quiet place, or places like sea shore, we can be successful. Our mind will involve in the studies without any disturbance. By this our performance will increase. Therefore, a calm atmosphere is necessary for our progress. Just like outward calm atmosphere, inner quietness is also essential. If we think of something else, our attention will not remain in studies. We cannot also involve in any other good work. During angry conditions, our brain will not function on other lines. Therefore, one can become strong only when there is external and internal quietness.

We should protect our qualities in troubled surroundings. We protect ourselves from rain by using an umbrella and from severe cold weather by suitable clothes. In the same way, we should safeguard our qualities without succumbing to troubles. If we don’t let loose our mind, speech and physical strength under troubled circumstances, but remain steady, we can become great persons. 

Therefore, we should think to enhance our capacity at calm atmosphere and protect our qualities during tense times.               

July 13.

195. Mediocrity has no greater consolation than in the thought that genius is not immortal. (Johann Goethe).

If the hill-like devotees resolve on destruction, those who seem to be everlasting will be destroyed root and branch from the earth. (Thirukkurahl – 898).

குன்றன்னார் குன்ற மதிப்பின் குடியொடு 

நின்றன்னார் மாய்வர் நிலத்து. (திருக்குறள் - 898).

Kundra(n)naar kundra madhi(p)pin kudiyodu

Nindra(n)naar maaivar nila(th)thu. (Thirukkurahl – 898).

 Everyone should possess the thought of progress in life. Some people waste their time without taking any steps, even after reading this. They will quote some examples to emphasize their point. It is easy to advise the ignorant people. But, it is very difficult to convince somewhat knowledgeable persons and motivate them to a better life. They will try to conceal their ignorance by posing themselves as competent persons. Such people will tell some reasons to prevent others from progress. Good people should ignore that and do their work.

It is natural that every living thing will disappear from the world some day. There is a life-span for each living thing. Sometimes, the duration of life is reduced for some reason. The living thing should die one day, whether short-lived or long-lived. By quoting this and also telling that even great persons die some day, some people discourage the progressive thoughts of others. That is wrong. Education is very important. Many persons will appreciate it. But, some uneducated businessmen will indulge in self-praise and denounce the educated persons. However, such people will encourage their children to study well. Some persons who lead a comfortable life will find fault with that life. 

Hence, one should not accept everything what others say. One should have determination. That power will never vanish. Everyone should realize this and improve their life.           

July 14.

196. He who wishes to uphold the truth and has but one tongue, he will uphold it indeed. (Johann Goethe).

He, who in his conduct preserves a mind free from deceit, will dwell in the minds of all men. (Thirukkurahl – 294).

உள்ளத்தால் பொய்யாது ஒழுகின் உலகத்தார் 

உள்ளத்துள் எல்லாம் உளன். (திருக்குறள் - 294).

Vuhlla(th)thaal poiyaadhu vozhughin vulaga(th)thaar

Vuhlla(th)thuhl ye(l)laam vuhlan. (Thirukkurahl – 294).

 There are several proverbs in various languages, in the world. If we look at it carefully, we can realize that they have been told to promote good life for the people. In spite of it, many dangerous things and bad things happen. Everyone should think of finding out the reason for that. Many people do not know good principles. Many persons do not follow, even if they know the good principles. Only some people do good things. Everyone should do the good things.

For example, everyone will think to keep their home and dress clean. But, the same people throw garbage on the street. They say one and do the opposite. We take bath daily to keep us in good health. But, we let the drainage water on the road and make it dirty. We pledge to be honest. But, in business many persons sell sub-standard materials and sell with higher profit. Those who do burglary, murder and other dangerous activities think of telling lies and become free. Some of those who vouch for truth start telling lies depending on the time. An explanation is also offered for that. People live this irrational life, with and without realization. The mistakes, done at young age without awareness, can be corrected. But, if it is done in the adult age with awareness, it is due to scant opinion. This scant attitude should not be present.

Therefore, one should think well and do accordingly. We should adhere to the good words we tell to others.                

July 15.

197. Be just before you are generous. (Richard B. Sheridan).

Let a man know the measure of his ability (to give), and let him give accordingly; such giving is the way to preserve his property. (Thirukkurahl – 477).

ஆற்றின் அளவுஅறிந்து ஈக அதுபொருள் 

போற்றி வழங்கும் நெறி. (திருக்குறள் - 477).

Aartrin ahlav(u)-arindhu yeegha; adhu-poruhl

Poartri vazhanghum neri. (Thirukkurahl – 477).

In every country, there are people who live comfortably and some who struggle for a reasonable life. The proportion varies for each country. There are many persons who help the poor. We should know to what extent the help can be offered. During studies, helping to clear the doubts of the students is one kind. Providing necessary books and clothes is one kind of help. 

Meeting the needs of those who are affected by natural calamities is one kind of help. Necessary help can be extended to old people and patients. Looking at this, if some healthy persons expect similar help to them, it is wrong. It is the laziness which makes a healthy person to expect help from others. Such people sacrifice their dignity. They should realize that it is not correct. They should understand the culture of mankind. This is one of the important differences between other living things and people. Such people should be motivated to work and earn for their living. The government and social organizations have to look into that. It will be great if a person is made to live as a human being. Helping them initially, but later using them for dangerous activities, is not a real help. This action will damage the human society. 

Therefore, we have to be careful even while helping. Our help should offer good life. Giving water for drinking and for mixing with milk is not same. Hence, we should think before extending any help.     

July 16.

198. Tale-bearers are as bad as the tale-makers. (Richard B. Sheridan).

The base are like a drum that is beaten, for they unburden to others the secrets they have heard. (Thirukkurahl – 1076).

அறைபறை அன்னார கயவர் தாம்கேட்ட 

மறைபிறர்க்கு உய்த்துரைக்க லான். (திருக்குறள் - 1076). 

Arai-parai a(n)nar kayavar-thaam kae(t)ta

Marai-pirar(k)ku vui(th)th-urai(k)ka laan. (Thirukkurahl – 1076).

It is always good to associate with one another in our life. Many troubles will arise in living lonely. The chances of getting bad health and mental disturbances are more in lonely living. Hence, one should live in the company of relatives and friends. Associated living does not mean that one should always help the other or one should always be needing help from the other. The movement of one with another with kindness is the important step in such association. If one is in misery, the other should try to eliminate it.

During this association, the friendship and habits of some persons will reach great heights. In general, most of the people will appreciate such friendship and feel happy. However, some people will feel averse on seeing happiness in others’ life. Such persons will try to separate the good friends. Some people will divide the good friendship and relationship by complaining on one another and telling lies. It will be great if one does not believe this and succumb to the tales. Some persons will always flatter us. This is the first step for downfall from a good life. We have to be cautious with those who make bad comments about others. These two will increase our proud feeling, which is bad. 

Therefore, we have to be cautious with those who flatter us and who complain about others to us. We should not deviate from our neutral position based on such comments. We will enjoy a great life, if we adhere to this.         

July 17.

199. There is not a passion so strongly rooted in the human heart as envy. (Richard B. Sheridan).

He who is envious at a gift (made to another) his relations and even his clothing and his food will utterly perish. (Thirukkurahl – 166).

கொடுப்பது அழுக்கறுப்பான் சுற்றம் உடுப்பதூஉம் 

உண்பதூஉம் இன்றிக் கெடும். (திருக்குறள் - 166).

Kodu(p)padhu azhu(k)karu(p)paan surtram vudu(p)padhoovum

Vuhnbadhoovum yindri(k) kedum. (Thirukkurahl – 166).

If a country is to be great, the people who live there have to be good. In general, everyone will aspire for a comfortable life. After reaching a reasonable level, some people will lead their life with satisfaction. Some will like to progress further up. We can call this as aim. If this aim is beneficial to others, we can consider such persons as wise. 

Some of those who aspire to become great would like to be at higher level than others. This can be viewed in a different way also. Such category of people will expect others to possess less than their possession. The envying quality will be in the minds of many people. But, most of the people will control their mind, instead of succumbing to that, and lead their life. If this is within limits, it becomes aim. The competition in studies is not envy. The competition in sports is also similar to the education. Without taking any effort, if one worries about the wealth and fame of others which are lacking in him, that is envy. One should try and accept the ensuing benefit with contentment. When one worries, if another student gets higher marks and goes to higher studies, it is envy. Studying with competitive spirit is aim. If people envy about wealth, they will be tempted to earn by wrong methods, which will put them in deep trouble. They will never be happy. If there is no happiness in life, diseases will ensue. 

Therefore, aim and competition are necessary in life. But envy should be avoided.   

July 18.

200. Think in the morning. Act in the noon. Eat in the evening. Sleep in the night. (William Blake). 

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

அருவினை என்ப உளவோ கருவியான் 

காலம் அறிந்து செயின்? (திருகுறள் - 483).

Aru-viai yenba(h) vuhlavoa? Karuviyaan

Kaalam arindhu seyin. (Thirukkurahl – 483).  

The nature of a day can be correlated with the life. The morning time can be equated to our childhood and school days. Morning will always be cool. The pollution will also be less. It will be quiet. Just like this calm and good atmosphere, our young age will be free from the worldly troubles. One should study well at that time. We should improve our capability. 

The noon time can be equated to our adolescent years. Since there is light, which is like our energy, we can do the work well. Just like we protect ourselves from hot sun, we should safeguard ourselves from the bad things in life. The sun light is needed for the growth of trees and plants. In the same way, we should help others to grow. If we use a magnifying glass, the sunlight is so much focused as to create a fire to some nearby objects. In the same way, selfish life will destroy our possessions. We have to use the opportunity studded adult age in a proper way. We have to live usefully, without the help of bad things. The good and bad habits in the adult life will alter our health. Due to this, some people have good health and some suffer from disease in the old age. 

Therefore, one should learn well in the young age. In the adult age, one should involve in good work and live with good character. In old age, one should live with the good health, obtained through adult stage activities, with peace of mind. Let us follow the principles shown by the Nature.