PrepMaticThirukkural · பொருட்பால் · குடியியல்
கயமை: Baseness
About this chapter
கயமை, baseness, is the last chapter of the Porutpaal and a portrait of moral baseness in a person. It defines the base by what is missing: conscience, shame, generosity and trust.
Kural 1071 sets the opening, saying that the base look like humans, and that no other species resembles humans so closely. Kurals 1072 and 1073 are in ironic praise: they are more fortunate than those who know the good, since they have no anxiety, and are like gods, since they do as they please. Kural 1074 says that the base are proud when they see people who are worse than themselves. Kural 1075 says that fear is their only discipline, and, failing that, hope of gain. Kural 1076 compares them to a beaten drum, which gives away secrets, and Kural 1077 to those who will not shake the food from their hands for anyone unless threatened. Kural 1078 compares the good, who give when they are asked, with the sugar-cane, which gives only when crushed. Kural 1079 says that the base look for faults in people who are well fed and well clothed. Kural 1080 closes by noting that they will sell themselves as soon as a calamity strikes.
Kural 1071 is the one to learn first. Kural 1078 has the most memorable image.
For the syllabus, it fits universal values, as the counter-picture to chapters like 99 on perfection and 100 on courtesy.
The 10 kurals of கயமை
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.
மக்களே போல்வர் கயவர் அவரன்ன
ஒப்பாரி யாங்கண்ட தில்.
Makkale Polvar Kayavar Avaranna
Oppaari Yaanganta Thil
The base resemble men in outward form, I ween; But counterpart exact to them I've never seen
நன்றறி வாரிற் கயவர் திருவுடையர்
நெஞ்சத்து அவலம் இலர்.
Nandrari Vaarir Kayavar Thiruvutaiyar
Nenjaththu Avalam Ilar
Than those of grateful heart the base must luckier be, Their minds from every anxious thought are free
தேவர் அனையர் கயவர் அவருந்தாம்
மேவன செய்தொழுக லான்.
Thevar Anaiyar Kayavar Avarundhaam
Mevana Seydhozhuka Laan
The base are as the Gods; they tooDo ever what they list to do
அகப்பட்டி ஆவாரைக் காணின் அவரின்
மிகப்பட்டுச் செம்மாக்கும் கீழ்.
Akappatti Aavaaraik Kaanin Avarin
Mikappattuch Chemmaakkum Keezh
When base men those behold of conduct vile, They straight surpass them, and exulting smile
அச்சமே கீழ்களது ஆசாரம் எச்சம்
அவாவுண்டேல் உண்டாம் சிறிது.
Achchame Keezhkaladhu Aasaaram Echcham
Avaavuntel Untaam Siridhu
Fear is the base man's virtue; if that fail, Intense desire some little may avail
அறைபறை அன்னர் கயவர்தாம் கேட்ட
மறைபிறர்க்கு உய்த்துரைக்க லான்.
Araiparai Annar Kayavardhaam Ketta
Maraipirarkku Uyththuraikka Laan
The base are like the beaten drum; for, when they hearThe sound the secret out in every neighbour's ear
ஈர்ங்கை விதிரார் கயவர் கொடிறுடைக்கும்
கூன்கையர் அல்லா தவர்க்கு.
Eerngai Vidhiraar Kayavar Kotirutaikkum
Koonkaiyar Allaa Thavarkku
From off their moistened hands no clinging grain they shake, Unless to those with clenched fist their jaws who break
சொல்லப் பயன்படுவர் சான்றோர் கரும்புபோல்
கொல்லப் பயன்படும் கீழ்.
Sollap Payanpatuvar Saandror Karumpupol
Kollap Payanpatum Keezh
The good to those will profit yield fair words who use; The base, like sugar-cane, will profit those who bruise
உடுப்பதூஉம் உண்பதூஉம் காணின் பிறர்மேல்
வடுக்காண வற்றாகும் கீழ்.
Utuppadhooum Unpadhooum Kaanin Pirarmel
Vatukkaana Vatraakum Keezh
If neighbours clothed and fed he see, the baseIs mighty man some hidden fault to trace
எற்றிற் குரியர் கயவரொன்று உற்றக்கால்
விற்றற்கு உரியர் விரைந்து.
Etrir Kuriyar Kayavarondru Utrakkaal
Vitrarku Uriyar Viraindhu
For what is base man fit, if griefs assail?Himself to offer, there and then, for sale
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