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பண்புடைமை: Courtesy
About this chapter
பண்புடைமை, courtesy (refinement or good character), is about the quality that makes a person good company in the world. It begins with accessibility and ends with striking images.
Kural 991 says that those who are easy to approach will easily learn courtesy, and Kural 992 names affection and good family as its two paths. Kural 993 is the chapter's most important statement: likeness of body does not make people alike, and real likeness lies in the qualities they share. Kural 994 says the world praises the character of those whose goodness is done with fairness. Kural 995 says that even in jest ridicule hurts, and that those who understand people stay courteous even to their enemies. Kural 996 gives the largest claim, that the world goes on because of the good, and without them it would sink into the earth. Kural 997 says a person who lacks human qualities is like a tree, however sharp his wit may be. Kural 998 adds that failing in courtesy even to the unfriendly is the lowest course. Kural 999 says the world is dark even at noon for those who cannot smile, and Kural 1000 compares wealth in the hands of the uncourteous to sweet milk spoiled in a dirty vessel.
Kural 993 and Kural 996 are the two to know.
For the syllabus, it fits universal values and socio-political affairs, in particular the idea that people are alike by quality and not by outward form.
The 10 kurals of பண்புடைமை
Each kural is shown in Tamil with a transliteration and G. U. Pope's English verse translation. Open a kural for its plain English meaning.
எண்பதத்தால் எய்தல் எளிதென்ப யார்மாட்டும்
பண்புடைமை என்னும் வழக்கு.
Enpadhaththaal Eydhal Elidhenpa Yaarmaattum
Panputaimai Ennum Vazhakku
Who easy access give to every man, they say, Of kindly courtesy will learn with ease the way
அன்புடைமை ஆன்ற குடிப்பிறத்தல் இவ்விரண்டும்
பண்புடைமை என்னும் வழக்கு.
Anputaimai Aandra Kutippiraththal Ivvirantum
Panputaimai Ennum Vazhakku
Benevolence and high born dignity, These two are beaten paths of courtesy
உறுப்பொத்தல் மக்களொப்பு அன்றால் வெறுத்தக்க
பண்பொத்தல் ஒப்பதாம் ஒப்பு.
Uruppoththal Makkaloppu Andraal Veruththakka
Panpoththal Oppadhaam Oppu
Men are not one because their members seem alike to outward view; Similitude of kindred quality makes likeness true
நயனொடு நன்றி புரிந்த பயனுடையார்
பண்புபா ராட்டும் உலகு.
Nayanotu Nandri Purindha Payanutaiyaar
Panpupaa Raattum Ulaku
Of men of fruitful life, who kindly benefits dispense, The world unites to praise the 'noble excellence.'
நகையுள்ளும் இன்னா திகழ்ச்சி பகையுள்ளும்
பண்புள பாடறிவார் மாட்டு.
Nakaiyullum Innaa Thikazhchchi Pakaiyullum
Panpula Paatarivaar Maattu
Contempt is evil though in sport They who man's nature know, E'en in their wrath, a courteous mind will show
பண்புடையார்ப் பட்டுண்டு உலகம் அதுஇன்றேல்
மண்புக்கு மாய்வது மன்.
Panputaiyaarp Pattuntu Ulakam Adhuindrel
Manpukku Maaivadhu Man
The world abides; for 'worthy' men its weight sustainWere it not so, 'twould fall to dust again
அரம்போலும் கூர்மைய ரேனும் மரம்போல்வர்
மக்கட்பண்பு இல்லா தவர்.
Arampolum Koormaiya Renum Marampolvar
Makkatpanpu Illaa Thavar
Though sharp their wit as file, as blocks they must remain, Whose souls are void of 'courtesy humane'
நண்பாற்றார் ஆகி நயமில செய்வார்க்கும்
பண்பாற்றார் ஆதல் கடை.
Nanpaatraar Aaki Nayamila Seyvaarkkum
Panpaatraar Aadhal Katai
Though men with all unfriendly acts and wrongs assail,'Tis uttermost disgrace in 'courtesy' to fail
நகல்வல்லர் அல்லார்க்கு மாயிரு ஞாலம்
பகலும்பாற் பட்டன்று இருள்.
Nakalvallar Allaarkku Maayiru Gnaalam
Pakalumpaar Pattandru Irul
To him who knows not how to smile in kindly mirth, Darkness in daytime broods o'er all the vast and mighty earth
பண்பிலான் பெற்ற பெருஞ்செல்வம் நன்பால்
கலந்தீமை யால்திரிந் தற்று.
Panpilaan Petra Perunjelvam Nanpaal
Kalandheemai Yaaldhirin Thatru
Like sweet milk soured because in filthy vessel poured, Is ample wealth in churlish man's unopened coffers stored
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