August 21.
234. The secret of success is constancy to purpose. (Benjamin Disraeli).
Yield not to the feebleness which says, “This is too difficult to be done.” Labor will give the greatness (of mind) which is necessary (to do it). (Thirukkurahl – 611).
அருமை உடைத்துஎன்று அசாவாமை வேண்டும்
பெருமை முயற்சி தரும். (திருக்குறள் - 611).
Arumai vudaith(U)-yendru asaavaamai vaehndum;
Perumai muyarchi tharum. (Thirukkurahl – 611).
Various types of people live in the world. However, some persons lead a prestigious life. One must observe about who gets such a good life. We have to consider only those who get a consistently good life. To acquire a good name independently, one approach is by running an industry. Another way is to get a good job by excelling in education. Full involvement in a good job with perfection in that is another approach. We come across people, in various disciplines, who have earned their good name.
People will recognize a very tall person in a crowd with awe. In the same manner, if a person stands high in life all the people will notice him. If a person like a doctor, a scientist, or a sportsperson wants to excel in the respective field, it is feasible only if he works for long hours. A school girl, who got many prizes in swimming competitions, told that she used to do swimming practice daily for 4-5 hours. Those who get the first place in examinations tell the same thing. Great innovations are made by the scientists due to their consistent work for many hours daily and for many years. Due to the hard work for many years, we could accomplish the space research; the telephone, radio, television and such other facilities are the result of the efforts of the scientists and engineers. Had they not worked with aim and consistency, we would now be living without facilities like electricity, motor vehicle, train, airplane, and telephone, as we did about 200-300 years ago.
Therefore, we all should involve in good activities with the thinking that hard work will elevate us.
August 22.
235. The health of the people is really the foundation upon which all their happiness and all their powers as a state depend. (Benjamin Disraeli).
Propriety of conduct is true greatness of birth; improper conduct will sink into a mean birth. (Thirukkurahl – 133).
ஒழுக்கம் உடைமை குடிமை இழுக்கம்
இழிந்த பிறப்பாய் விடும். (திருக்குறள் - 133).
Vozhukkam vudaimai kudimai; yizhukkam
Yiahindha pirappaai vidum. (Thirukkurahl – 133).
Daily we meet people of different kinds. Some will be healthy and enthusiastic. Some will be sad due to their ill health. It will be difficult to be happy for those who do not have good health. This is human nature. If one member in a family suffers from illness, the whole family will lose happiness and be in sad state. Nobody will enjoy even if the house is full of recreational facilities. Existence of only such an attitude is family. While one is suffering, it is not proper for others to lead a joyous life. That is not a good family.
Likewise, if many people are leading a miserable life, that country cannot be considered as a good one. The reason for the misery should be found out and rectified. The civic factors should be good to prevent diseases to the body. One should prevent the pollution of the environment. There should be job opportunities for everyone, according to their capacity. If people utilize their time in doing jobs, their health will also be healthy. When there is no work, one may spend the time in improper ways. By this, they will create troubles to others. Due to such bad activities, their health is also spoiled. When these activities increase, the nation’s peace is also affected. It leads to a dreaded life for everyone. The tourism and business related visits from other countries decline. Instead of being a great country, it becomes a despicable one.
Therefore, if a country is to be a good one, the people of that must be good. Good food will ensure good health. Good thoughts will ensure good society. Hence, let us think of leading a good life by reading good books and listening to wise persons.
August 23.
236. The highest possible stage in moral culture is when we recognize that we ought to control our thoughts. (Charles Darwin).
If a man, knowing that self-control is knowledge, in the appointed way controls himself, such self-control, known by the wise, will bring distinction. (Thirukkurahl – 123).
செறிவுஅறிந்து சீர்மை பயக்கும் அறிவுஅறிந்து
ஆற்றின் அடங்கப் பெறின். (திருக்குறள் - 123).
Serivarindhu seermai payakkum arivarindhu
Aartrin adanga(p) perin. (Thirukkurahl – 123).
The great leaders and wise persons of a country will always think only good things. They would that no one should undergo any suffering. However, their wish never succeeds. The reason for that could be considered as other’s narrow minded attitude. Some people indulge in creating troubles in the proper execution of good plans. Though medicines are discovered for a healthy life, some people utilize it for wrong purposes, which hurt the smooth production of the medicines itself. Due to these activities, the use of ‘drug’ has occurred. Some people utilize the explosives for wrong activities, though they are useful for digging well and for laying roads in mountain areas. The television system, though meant for recreational and educational purposes, is used for wrong activities. Like this, many examples can be given.
We should think why we use good inventions for wrong purposes. One of the reasons is to long for things which are beyond a reasonable limit. The thought of leading a life of comforts like others, without improving our capability, is one reason. The wish to acquire things, as possessed by others, in a wrong method is one reason. One’s thought that his own idea is the best, and all others should act accordingly, is one reason. Such thoughts should be avoided. To achieve this, one should read good books. Everyone should analyze his day-to-day activities, and correct it if any mistake is recognized.
Therefore, all our thoughts must be good. If a leader makes a mistake even one day, the repercussions will be many folds. Hence, we should always think only good things.
August 24.
237. National injustice is the surest road to National downfall. (William Gladstone).
He is king who, with manly modesty, swerves not from virtue and refrains from vice. (Thirukkurahl – 384).
அறன்இழுக்காது அல்லவை நீக்கி மறன்இழுக்கா
மானம் உடையது அரசு. (திருக்குறள் - 384).
Aran-yizhukkaadhu allavai neekki maran-yizhukkaa
Maanam vudaiyadhu arasu. (Thirukkurahl – 384).
The head of every nation should think that the nation must be considered as good by everyone. It is natural to expect competition when the leaders are elected. However, after the election, the head should look at everyone at the same level. This thought is the criterion for a great leader. While functioning with this aim, some mistakes are bound to occur inadvertently. Some people may be worried by such mistakes. They should bear the anxiety and try to rectify the errors. There are persons who, instead, often comment on the errors and inculcate disgust in the minds of the people. When the disgust increases, the self-control limit is surpassed. If the magnanimity increases, the self-control will increase. Education will increase the magnanimity. Even if the opportunity for education is less, one should improve the self-control by listening to the words of wise persons. Majority of the people do not realize this. Just like the children are enticed by giving chocolate, the grown-up persons are offered some materials which make them happy. They are drawn by such trivial pleasures to involve in dangerous activities and riot, instigated by others. When the numbers of such persons increase, the whole nation will be perturbed and deteriorate.
Therefore, all the people should acquire good knowledge. Nobody should have the thought of instigating innocent people. If a job is performed without any mistake, no one will get any dissatisfaction. Good work should be appreciated. One should be true in the action to rectify the faults. Wisdom should prevail in everyone’s mind. Let us acquire it by education and listening.
August 25.
238. Selfishness is the greatest curse of the human race. (William Gladstone).
Let him whose mind departing from equity commits sin well consider thus with himself, “I shall perish.” (Thirukkurahl – 116).
கெடுவல்யான் என்பது அறிகதன் நெஞ்சம்
நடுஒரீஇ அல்ல செயின். (திருக்குறள் - 116).
Keduval-yaan yenbadhu ariga; than-nenjam
Nadu-voree-e alla seyin. (Thirukkurahl – 116).
If everyone is good, the whole nation will be good. To be a good person, one should learn properly from the young age itself. The growth of the body will be proper only if it takes place within the age of 15-20 years. Likewise, one should learn well within 20 years. It may take some additional years for higher education. Everyone should take this as the aim.
It is essential for everyone to have the thought of leading a good life with proper work, once they attain certain age. Only at this level, people make a lot of mistakes. The reason for this is to contemplate a luxurious life beyond one’s earning. People indulge in wrong activities to accomplish such desires. The desire to increase the wealth is greater than the thought of developing the education and knowledge. There is no limit for this. People wish to acquire wealth beyond their necessity. The rich persons should help the deserving people and try to improve their living conditions. One should think that it is wrong to acquire properties, more than the necessity, for the sake of selling them for a huge profit. The country’s economy is damaged. Instead, if an industry is developed the nation’s production and economy will improve. It is a great blunder to think of earning without working. In developed countries, purchase of vacant land is not there, in general; houses have to be built within a couple of years of purchase of vacant sites. It will be a help to people if, at least, houses are built and let out.
Therefore, rich people should utilize their wealth for the development of others. Both poor and rich persons should control their desires. It is wrong to entertain selfish desires. Such desires are considered as the curse of human society. Hence, one should live with self-control and humane nature.
August 26.
239. Learn the sweet magic of a cheerful face, not always smiling, but at least serene. (Oliver W. Holmes).
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. (திருக்குறள் - 93).
Muga(th)thaan amarndh(u)-inidhu noakki aga(th)thaanaam
Yin-so(l) linathae aram. (Thirukkurahl – 93).
The attitude of people changes in various ways depending on the environment. Some persons do not divulge their changing thoughts and keep them within their mind. This act is a difficult one. Controlling a sad feeling within the mind is said to trigger ill health. This is referred as ‘tension’. Doctors say that tension is the root cause for many illnesses. Those who control their sadness within themselves are of good character. Some will express their sorrow by crying and console with that.
Another character of a human being is to get angry. The philosophical books of all the countries tell that this should be avoided. But, most of the people ignore this. If we ponder over the reason for the anger, we can ensure calmness. One should know the reason and try to avoid the anger. Looking small mistakes as big ones is the reason for fights in many homes and countries; sometimes, looking at ordinary incidents in a wrong angle happens to be a reason.
It is also a nature of a person to feel happy and express it as well. It is good for health to be happy. Only if we are happy, we can make others happy. Some will talk in a funny manner to while away the time. Another way is to help others by alleviating their misery and making them happy. If people associate with such good-hearted persons and be happy, nothing is equal to such a country. Even if the economic condition is less, one should live with civic sense and happiness. Some persons will express their happiness by laughing and some by smiling. Those who could not be like that should at least maintain calmness. Being happy is the beauty of great persons.
August 27.
240. Put not your trust in money, but put your money in trust. (Oliver W. Holmes).
Do the hard-eyed who lay up and lose their possessions not know the happiness which springs from the pleasure of giving? (Thirukkurahl – 228).
ஈத்துஉவக்கும் இன்பம் அறியார்கொல் தம்உடைமை
வைத்துஇழக்கும் வன் கணவர். (திருக்குறள் - 228).
Yee(th)th-uvakkum yinbam ariyaar-kol? Thaam-vudaimai
Vai(th)th(u)-yizhakkum vanka(hn) avar. (Thirukkurahl – 228).
Elders would normally bless others for a life with richness. One kind is to live with enough money. In this, people will aspire to earn money, as much as possible. With the earned amount, they will save it as money, land, and house, and get pleasure. They will enjoy by the thought of their possessions and boasting about it.
Another way of richness is to utilize the money so as to be useful to others. They will not think of earning more from such activities. They will create facilities such as free education and hostel for students. They will establish schools and colleges. There are persons who create medical facilities. Some help in providing scholarships to study abroad. Like this, people help others. This practice is present in our country and abroad. But, only a few people do such help in our country. It will be good only if people around us also lead a good life. The situation, wherein we live in a palatial place while others live without even a suitable house, is not good. Mahatma Gandhi renounced his upper cloth, after seeing many poor people who did not have shirts and other upper clothing. A country will not be considered as a developed one, if the villagers lead a pitiable life, even though many city-based people are comfortable.
A fertile land is the one, wherein, all the crops are healthy and good-yielding. In the same way, all people must be healthy and without any disease, and lead a great life with good education. Affluent persons must create such a situation. It is this which can be called a life with richness. We have to consider money as the body and greatness as the wisdom.
August 28.
241. Let us have faith that right makes might, and in that faith let us to the end, dare to do our duty as we understand it. (Abraham Lincoln).
Go to perform an act as to publish it only at its termination is (true) manliness; for to announce it before hand, will cause irremediable sorrow. (Thirukkurahl – 663).
கடைக்கொட்கச் செய்தக்கது ஆண்மை இடைக்கொட்கின்
எற்றா விழுமம் தரும். (திருக்குறள் - 663).
Kadaikkotka(ch) seithakkadhu aahnmai; yidaikkotkin
Yertra vizhumum tharum. (Thirukkurahl – 663).
We have to think and gather the required materials before starting a work, and complete it within the stipulated time. We have to be firm on the correctness of the work. Only then we will be able to face any difficulties undeterred, and complete the work.
Persons who indulge in improper activities will always be in fear. The thought of exposure of the misdeeds and consequent punishment, and disgrace will always haunt them. The smugglers will suspect everyone as police personnel. Those who cheat in business will act without peace of mind. A good swimmer will swim without fear. In cricket, the bowlers invariably bat with fear; hence, they are not able to bat well. Since they are not able to bat courageously and precisely, they could not withstand while batting. Our work should be correct based on our conscience. We should do our work with great care, so that no one would complain at any time about the work. The thought that ‘truth will always be firm’ must be in our mind. The work with that thought will place us in high esteem. Cheating takes place often in finance companies. They spoil the savings and life of many people. The schools and colleges which function properly last for many years. Those who make mistakes in their work, invariably lose their job. If an industry makes mistakes, it leads to a closure.
Truth and true labor will remain forever. Truth is strong. Hence, let us believe in truth and follow it.
August 29.
242. Beware of rashness, but with energy and sleepless vigilance go forward and give us victories. (Abraham Lincoln).
Vigilance, learning and bravery, these three things, should never be absent from the ruler of a country. (Thirukkurahl – 383).
தூங்காமை கல்வி துணிவுஉடைமை இம்மூன்றும்
நீங்கா நிலன்ஆள் பவர்க்கு. (திருக்குறள் - 383).
Thoongamai kalvi thuhnivudaimai im-moondrum
Neengaa nilan-aahl bavarkku. (Thirukkurahl – 383).
Before starting a work, we should know the procedure, and gather the required materials and the equipments. Then, we should be careful not to make any mistake. There is a time limit for each work; it should be adhered.
In athletics, one should run within the assigned track; if there is any deviation, one loses the competition. It is common to notice curves in rail tracks and roads. In such places, one should reduce the speed and keep going. If the curve is more, the speed has t be reduced further. In our life, we can associate with straight forward people in a normal manner. With others of narrow minded nature, we have to be cautious, and move within a limit. In foreign countries, where we drive vehicles with high speed, we have to adhere to defensive driving. In our country, many drivers do not accept that and violate the rules often; since offensive driving was followed, many accidents occurred. From the time the defensive driving is followed, the number of road accidents got reduced. However, some drivers still drive with high speed and violate the road safety rules, resulting in accidents. The accidents occur, if the driver falls asleep even for a second during night driving. In life, some people who want to become rich in a short time, and some rich people who want to be richer, tend to follow wrong paths. This should be avoided. In such bad pathways, one can get rich; but, happiness and joy cannot be obtained.
Hence, we should adhere to right principles and lead a good life towards our goal.
August 30.
243. Important principles may and must be inflexible. (Abraham Lincoln).
To incline to neither side, but to rest impartial as the even fixed sale is the ornament of the wise. (Thirukkurahl – 118).
சமன்செய்து சீர்தூக்கும் கோல்போல் அமைந்துஒருபால்
கோடாமை சான்றோர்க்கு அணி. (திருக்குறள் - 118).
Saman-seidhu seer-thookkum koal-poal amainth(u)-orupaal
Koadaamai saandroarkku ahni. (Thirukkurahl – 118).
In life, we have to follow some rules and regulations. If we don’t follow that, our country and the world will get ruined. In education, a standard has to be maintained according to the level. The standard should not be reduced based on the difficulty of the students. Likewise, the standard must be maintained in all the disciplines.
We look into the authenticity of the commodities which we buy. We make sure that all the parts of a vehicle are in proper condition. We don’t accept if a shirt is stitched improperly, and uneven. If that is the case, while driving we sometimes ignore the traffic rules, and go against it. We do not realize the mistake. There are certain regulations in constructing a building or a bridge. The building will be strong only if the materials like cement, iron rods are used as recommended by the engineer. With a view to get higher profit, if the quantity of such materials is reduced, the building gets deteriorated within some years. With greater deviation from the quality control, the building collapses immediately. If poor quality road is laid, the strength of the road is lost and it gets damaged soon. Those who adulterate food, medicine, and other products must think of the harm done to other lives. The respective authorities who control and correct such misdeeds should implement the rules appropriately. The rules are written with a view to improve the country and control the dangers. People should understand this and follow the rules and regulations. One should not involve in unlawful activities even behind the supervisors.
Therefore, one should read books of moral values. The children and youngsters, who grow up by reading and listening to such books, will be able to do good things to the country. Others who indulge in wrongful activities might spoil the economy and prestige of the country. Hence, let us respect the rules and live.
August 31.
244. Perverseness is one of the primitive impulses of the human heart. (Edgar Poe).
Those who have entirely renounced (all things and all desires) have obtained (absorption into God); all others wander in confusion, entangled in the net of (many) births. (Thirukkurahl – 348).
தலைப்பட்டார் தீரத் துறந்தார்; மயங்கி
வலைப்பட்டார் மற்றை யவர். (திருக்குறள் - 348).
Thalaippattaar theerath thuranthaar; mayangi
Valaippattaar martrai yavar. (Thirukkurahl – 348).
People are of different characters. Based on certain characters, people are referred as good or bad persons. In general, everyone is 80% good. Of the remaining 20%, one is termed as a bad person based on the extent of bad behavior that prevails in that person.
There are many good things that a good person will do. Let us look into some of the bad things here that a bad person will do. The activities that hurt others are considered bad. Destruction of properties, breaking of objects, and killing are common words that designate bad actions. Damaging and burning of buses and trains, derailing the trains, placing bombs to cause damages, theft, stealing from train and bus passengers by drugging them, theft by threat, kidnap for ransom, cheating by individuals and finance companies, cheating people in lure of jobs, can be mentioned as examples of bad activities. Those who do such things can even be considered as psychologically disturbed persons. These things happen with a view to get money in a wrong method. Causing damage to properties is due to sick mind. If the mental disturbance increases, a person loses his conscience and becomes unaware of his activities. In that situation, he loses his honor, spoils himself and damages others’ honor too. Though this has been in vogue since olden days, it is more prevalent now. Since chastity is affected, the numbers of persons who die, or are affected by AIDS are increasing. To prevent this, peace and love must prevail in the family. To achieve this, we should have contentment in life.
Therefore, we should act properly by realizing the value of good principles, which can be learned by reading good books, and listening to good lectures by wise persons. Let us live happily and prevent mental stress.
September 1.
245. Knowledge comes, but wisdom lingers. (Lord Tennyson).
To secure the friendship of the great is true wisdom; it is (also) wisdom to keep (that friendship unchanged and) not opening and closing (like the lotus-flower). (Thirukkurahl – 425).
உலகம் தழீஇயது ஒட்பம் மலர்தலும்
கூம்பலும் இல்லது அறிவு. (திருக்குறள் - 425).
Vulagam thazhee-yiyadhu otpam; malarthalum
Koombalum yilladhu arivu. (Thirukkurahl – 425).
In young years, we study in schools. We eat food as suggested by our parents. By eating such foods, we acquire the necessary strength and for the growth. Our body grows regularly without our awareness. In the same way, we regularly gain knowledge from our education. After some years, we have to utilize the knowledge to lead a good life so as to become wise persons.
What we learn from books is important. If it is not available, we cannot get people like educationists, engineers, doctors, and scientists. If such persons are not there, we will be living without the facilities which we enjoy now. We have to think of the early days when people lived without proper house, cloth, and food. Hence, we have to appreciate the material development, caused by the growth of our knowledge. Along with the knowledge, sharpness of mind should also grow. By this, we can improve the quality of the products, with suitable modifications. This knowledge is important for the development of the country. The next step for us is to become wise. Wisdom will prevent the misdeeds done by knowledge. If such wisdom does not exist, theft, murder, and other deceitful activities will be on the rise in the country. One should involve in inculcating the growth of sharpness of mind and wisdom among young children. Students should be motivated in that line.
Hence, education must be spread. Thinking must be encouraged. Sharpness of mind and thinking should develop simultaneously. This should prevail in everyone. Wisdom sprouts from this state. Let us realize this and live.
September 2.
246. Let knowledge grow from more to more, but more of reverence in us dwell; that mind and soul, according well, may make one music, as before. (Lord Tennyson).
The wealth of that man of eminent knowledge who desires (to exercise the benevolence approved of in) the world is like the full waters of a city tank. (Thirukkurahl – 215).
ஊருணி நீர்நிறைந்து அற்றே உலகுஅவாம்
பேரறி வாளன் திரு. (திருக்குறள் - 215).
Vooruhi neer-nirainthu artrae vulagavaam
Paer-ari vaahlan thiru. (Thirukkurahl – 215).
We learn different subjects from our young days. The level of the subjects increases with the class level. At college, our knowledge level increases further. Based on the knowledge we gain from college studies, we should not compare with our primary school teacher; we should not tell him that we know more than him. Likewise, we should be humble to our college teacher, even if we know more. In the same way, a son should not disrespect his father based on his knowledge; both should work together for the family.
There are more opportunities now for people of different disciplines to work together. This is happening to a greater extent in science subjects. This is so in medical area too. More experts are required while doing a surgery. A patient will be benefitted by such an effort. Therefore, experts from various disciplines should focus their efforts to rise high. Everyone knows the story of a tiger and four cows; if each cow remains aloof, the tiger will kill the cows one by one. It is easy to break a small stick; however, if ten of them are tied together, it will not be easy to break them. We will be strong only if all the five fingers are held together. Bad people join together to commit many crimes. If many scholars join together, a lot of good things could be done. Learned persons, without assuming oneself, but respecting each other, should join together and accomplish great things. It is said that people may feel proud based on eight things, which are knowledge, fame, birth, strength, austerities, wealth, life style, and beauty.
Therefore, let us aspire to become learned persons. If learned persons associate together, the knowledge will be strengthened. When light rays are converged, a strong light beam called ‘laser’ is obtained. Hence, let us combine our powerful knowledge.
September 3.
247. Ignorance is not innocence but sin. (Robert Browning).
That conversation in which a man utters forth useless things will say of him, ”He is without virtue.” (Thirukkurahl – 193).
நயன்இலன் என்பது சொல்லும் பயன்இல
பாரித்து உரைக்கும் உரை. (திருக்குறள் - 193).
Nayan-yilan enbathu sollum; payan-yila
Paariththu vuraikkum vurai. (Thirukkurahl – 193).
It is common to say that people are of different kinds. They can be divided in general, as educated and uneducated, and good people and bad people. It will be good if bad persons could be corrected and make them to lead a good life. Though this may be difficult, the effort should not be stopped. Children who do misdeeds should be suitably corrected from the early years.
People should respect each other. It should be done between relatives, husband and wife, poor and rich, and friends. The educated should lead a life according to their level of education. Their action should be suitable to their capacity. After joining in a job, one must do it properly; at that time, one should not find an excuse to express his inability to do the job. It is natural for a common man to be ignorant; but, the educated should not say like that. Having joined in a job based on suitable certificate, one should not sit back out of ignorance. A teacher should not be ignorant of the subject, which he is supposed to teach; this should be avoided. A good person is supposed to know the good principles, and follow. His words of ignorance are improper. One should not forget the help rendered by others without expecting any return; it is considered bigger than the ocean. One should be humble, but not get proud of his education and wealth; being humble is respected as greater than mountain. A timely help, even if it is small, has to be considered greater than the universe. Therefore, great persons must possess many good principles. Likewise, those who do not know good principles will not be considered as good people.
Hence, those who are employed in good jobs, and responsible top positions, should not be ignorant of the work. Once born as a human being, one should not be ignorant of good principles. Therefore, let us become highly principled, respect principles and succeed in life.
September 4.
248. A minute’s success pays the failure of years. (Robert Browning).
If a rare opportunity occurs, while it lasts let a man do that which is rarely done (without such an opportunity). (Thirukkurahl – 489).
எய்தற்கு அரியது இயைந்தக்கால் அந்நிலையே
செய்தற்கு அரிய செயல். (திருக்குறள் - 489).
Yeidharkku ariyadhu yiyainthakkaal an(n)-nilaiyae
Seidharkku ariya seyal. (Thirukkurahl – 489).
In order to succeed in a particular work, we have to consider the various available pathways and then choose the best one to put into action. If this is not successful, the second pathway must be tried. Sometimes, many attempts have to be made. One might worry about this situation; one might even think of abandoning the project. One should not abandon a project, based on some obstacles.
During studies, even if some hardships occur, one feels happy on getting good marks in the final examination. In sports, like swimming, weight lifting, and running, the joy of winning a medal is enormous, in spite of the hardships. The anxiety of candidates during elections is vanished in the joy of winning the election. In space research, all of us, especially the scientists and engineers who were involved in the hard work, feel happy when the launching is successful. Therefore, we have to make many efforts to succeed in a work. We may have to wait for some time for a successful completion. We have read in history about kings, who have fought many times and then succeeded. We can see a spider making a web, after many attempts. The scientists have to work continuously for years to succeed in their research.
Therefore, we should not get dejected at any time. We have to keep working towards our goal, in spite of obstacles. The pleasure of a mother on her child’s birth is so great that she forgets the labor pain and other hardships. Hence, let us look forward to the victory and forget all others.
September 5.
249. Good to forgive; best to forget; living we fret; dying we live. (Robert Browning).
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 yirappinai yendrum; Idahoan
Mara(th)thal adhaninum nandru. (Thirukkurahl – 152).
It is common to come across joyous and sad moments in everyone’s life. Everyone will like to be happy. Nobody will like sadness. Hence, we should avoid that which brings sadness.
The joy of a person will dissipate in a short time, and might be forgotten too. But, a sad incident will remain in the mind for ever. Therefore, we will look at those who are responsible for that with hatred. Such hatred will induce anger and tension in us. Doctors also say that tension is the root cause for many illnesses. It is said that anger of a person will destroy himself, like insolence, forgetfulness, envy, and lie. Hence, we should protect ourselves from the unhealthy activities, which create despair. If some immature persons involve in giving trouble to us, we should forgive them and forget the incident too. If we keep remembering it, we will feel sad through out our life. If we forget that, others will appreciate us all the time, about our forgiveness. The world will not forget those who commit bad things, even after their demise. Sometimes, one may want to retaliate, and control others; in that situation, love, ignorance, and vengeance will engulf. Therefore, the enmity should be controlled.
The mean words of bad people might hurt us like fire; it should be put out by our knowledge, like water. Hence, let us think well and perform well. Let us forgive and forget bad things.
September 6.
250. Subdue your appetites, my dears, and you have conquered human nature. (Charles Dickens).
They are said to be free who are freed from desire; all others (who, whatever else they may be free from, are not freed from desire) are not thus free. (Thirukkurahl – 365).
அற்றவர் என்பார் அவாஅற்றார்; மற்றையர்
அற்றாக அற்றது இலர். (திருக்குறள் - 365).
Artravar yenbaar avaa-artraar; martraiyaar
Artraaga artradhu yilar. (Thirukkurahl – 365).
All of us would wish to have something or other. The aspiration in the young age is one type. This will be met by the parents of the children. Such requirements will not affect or damage others.
When the children grow to youth stage and adulthood, their desires will also grow and change. They should control their desires and the ways to satisfy them, based on their just and normal income. There should be restrictions in our food intake, and living habits. If the mind is controlled, everyone can lead a happy life. If the desire in food is reduced, we can be healthy; we can prevent the occurrence of stomach problems, over weight (obese), fat, diabetics, and others. If the body-related desires are controlled, HIV and AIDS can be prevented. If the desire on materials is reduced, we can control deceits, burglary, telling lies, and other bad things. If the desire on land property is controlled, families, different villages and states, and the country will be peaceful and united. If the appetite of race and religion is controlled, the countries and the world will be in harmony and peaceful. The concept of friendly world and everyone is kith and kin will be able to emerge. A quality that distinguishes human being from animals is said to be desisting the desire to grab others’ valuable materials and coveting.
Therefore, everyone must control their desires.
September 7.
251. I pity his ignorance and despise him. (Charles Dickens).
(The wise) will not at all esteem the resentful. They will esteem the patient even as the gold which they lay up with care. (Thirukkurahl – 155).
ஒறுத்தாரை ஒன்றாக வையாரே வைப்பர்
பொறுத்தாரைப் பொன்போல் பொதிந்து. (திருக்குறள் - 155).
Oru(th)thaarai on(e)draaga vaiyaarae; vaippar
Poru(th)thaarai(p) pon-poal podhindhu. (Thirukkurahl – 155).
Every part of the human body is made to be useful in some way or other. No one can understand it completely. However, we venture to learn their functions, and the way of living, by scientific approach. There are doctors who have specialized in eye, ear, brain, heart, general medicine, and other areas.
There are people who are known to be good in general knowledge and human life. They are considered as wise persons. Like this, there are many great persons who educate people about good living conditions. If we live without following the advice, our health will be spoiled. We can take proper medicine to get cured. But, psychological disorder is not like that. Such persons can get good advice and if adhered to it, they can lead a honorable life in the course of time. Those who don’t have the intention to listen to such advice spoil their own life and hurt others associated with them. The learned persons lament about such ignorant people; they say that the neem tree’s leaves, flowers, and seeds will only be bitter, even if it is grown with milk instead of water.
Therefore, one should hear, read and follow good principles. Let us eliminate ignorance and infuse intelligence.
September 8.
252. True science teaches us to doubt and to abstain from ignorance. (Claude Bernard).
A clear, undimmed vision (of things) will deliver its possessors from the darkness (of future births), and confer the felicity (of heaven). (Thirukkurahl – 352).
இருள்நீங்கி இன்பம் பயக்கும் மருள்நீங்கி
மாசறு காட்சி யவர்க்கு. (திருக்குறள் - 352).
Yiruhl-neenghi yinbum payakkum maruhl-neenghi
Maasaru kaatchi yavarkku. (Thirukkurahl – 352).
Internal and external purity are necessary for a person to lead a happy life. External purity depends on the cooperation of others. Internal purity depends on one’s own mind.
External purity is affected by the environment. To create a good environment, all the people around us must help. In the absence of a situation wherein the people are ignorant, the government should step in to improve the surroundings. The affluent people could move to a good place and live there. When poor people intend to earn more money, they indulge in wrongful activities; by this way, they lose their internal purity. When a person is in misery, he will not be able to think properly. By utilizing this situation, some people persuade the poor to perform some work, which will not be accepted by learned persons. Therefore, the ignorant persons should not believe everything what others say. We have to think before doing what others tell us.
It is not possible for everyone to understand everything completely. We have to listen to wise and learned persons, and follow accordingly. We should not act according to ordinary persons. Hence, let us realize and eliminate our ignorance, and improve our knowledge.
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