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ஒழுக்கம் உடைமை: The Possession of Decorum
About this chapter
ஒழுக்கம் உடைமை, the possession of decorum, argues that right conduct is the most valuable thing a person has. The word ஒழுக்கம் covers behaviour, discipline and moral propriety together.
Kural 131 gives the thesis, that decorum brings distinction and should be guarded more carefully than life itself. Kural 132 adds that even a person with great learning finds conduct the real support. Kural 133 says conduct is true nobility of birth (குடிமை), and Kural 134 gives an example, saying that a Brahmin (பார்ப்பான்) who forgets his scripture can relearn it but loses his standing if his conduct fails. Kural 135 compares the lack of conduct to the lack of wealth in the envious. Kurals 136 and 137 say the firm-minded never slacken, because greatness comes from conduct and disgrace from lapses, and Kural 138 calls good conduct the seed of good. Kural 139 observes that people of good conduct do not speak ill, even by slip. Kural 140 closes with the principle of living in harmony with the world, without which much learning counts for little.
Kural 131 and Kural 140 are the two best worth learning, one for the high value on conduct and the other for its social side.
For the syllabus, the chapter is a direct statement of universal values, and its test of worth by conduct rather than birth echoes the way Kural 30 defines அந்தணர் by conduct.
The 10 kurals of ஒழுக்கம் உடைமை
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.
ஒழுக்கம் விழுப்பந் தரலான் ஒழுக்கம்
உயிரினும் ஓம்பப் படும்.
Ozhukkam Vizhuppan Tharalaan Ozhukkam
Uyirinum Ompap Patum
'Decorum' gives especial excellence; with greater care'Decorum' should men guard than life, which all men share
பரிந்தோம்பிக் காக்க ஒழுக்கம் தெரிந்தோம்பித்
தேரினும் அஃதே துணை.
Parindhompik Kaakka Ozhukkam Therindhompith
Therinum Aqdhe Thunai
Searching, duly watching, learning, 'decorum' still we find; Man's only aid; toiling, guard thou this with watchful mind
ஒழுக்கம் உடைமை குடிமை இழுக்கம்
இழிந்த பிறப்பாய் விடும்.
Ozhukkam Utaimai Kutimai Izhukkam
Izhindha Pirappaai Vitum
'Decorum's' true nobility on earth;'Indecorum's' issue is ignoble birth
மறப்பினும் ஓத்துக் கொளலாகும் பார்ப்பான்
பிறப்பொழுக்கங் குன்றக் கெடும்.
Marappinum Oththuk Kolalaakum Paarppaan
Pirappozhukkang Kundrak Ketum
Though he forget, the Brahman may regain his Vedic lore; Failing in 'decorum due,' birthright's gone for evermore
அழுக்கா றுடையான்கண் ஆக்கம்போன்று இல்லை
ஒழுக்க மிலான்கண் உயர்வு.
Azhukkaa Rutaiyaankan Aakkampondru Illai
Ozhukka Milaankan Uyarvu
The envious soul in life no rich increase of blessing gains, So man of 'due decorum' void no dignity obtains
ஒழுக்கத்தின் ஒல்கார் உரவோர் இழுக்கத்தின்
ஏதம் படுபாக் கறிந்து.
Ozhukkaththin Olkaar Uravor Izhukkaththin
Edham Patupaak Karindhu
The strong of soul no jot abate of 'strict decorum's' laws, Knowing that 'due decorum's' breach foulest disgrace will cause
ஒழுக்கத்தின் எய்துவர் மேன்மை இழுக்கத்தின்
எய்துவர் எய்தாப் பழி.
Ozhukkaththin Eydhuvar Menmai Izhukkaththin
Eydhuvar Eydhaap Pazhi
'Tis source of dignity when 'true decorum' is preserved; Who break 'decorum's' rules endure e'en censures undeserved
நன்றிக்கு வித்தாகும் நல்லொழுக்கம் தீயொழுக்கம்
என்றும் இடும்பை தரும்.
Nandrikku Viththaakum Nallozhukkam Theeyozhukkam
Endrum Itumpai Tharum
'Decorum true' observed a seed of good will be;'Decorum's breach' will sorrow yield eternally
ஒழுக்க முடையவர்க்கு ஒல்லாவே தீய
வழுக்கியும் வாயாற் சொலல்.
Ozhukka Mutaiyavarkku Ollaave Theeya
Vazhukkiyum Vaayaar Solal
It cannot be that they who 'strict decorum's' law fulfil, E'en in forgetful mood, should utter words of ill
உலகத்தோடு ஒட்ட ஒழுகல் பலகற்றும்
கல்லார் அறிவிலா தார்
Ulakaththotu Otta Ozhukal Palakatrum
Kallaar Arivilaa Thaar
Who know not with the world in harmony to dwell, May many things have learned, but nothing well
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