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பொறையுடைமை: The Possession of Patience, Forbearance
About this chapter
பொறையுடைமை, patience or forbearance, teaches bearing with those who wrong, insult or provoke us. The chapter treats this as strength, not weakness, and ranks it above even the austerities of the ascetic.
Kural 151 opens with the image that gives the chapter its force: as the earth bears those who dig into it, so one should bear those who revile. Kural 152 goes further, saying it is good to forgive a wrong when one could retaliate, and better still to forget it. Kural 153 calls bearing with the ignorant the might of might, and the prose translation sets this beside neglect of hospitality as the poverty of poverty. Kurals 154 to 156 give the practical case: patience keeps one's greatness (Kural 154), the patient are prized like stored gold (Kural 155), and the avenger enjoys a single day of pleasure while the forbearing earn praise that lasts. Kural 157 advises feeling pity for those who harm us instead of doing wrong in return, and Kural 158 says to overcome the proud through one's own worth. Kurals 159 and 160 end with a comparison to ascetics: those who bear harsh words are as pure as renunciants, and fasting is great, but enduring cruel speech ranks above it.
Kural 151 is the one to learn first, for the earth image. Kural 160 shows how highly the chapter values patience.
For the syllabus, it fits universal values and everyday conduct.
The 10 kurals of பொறையுடைமை
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.
அகழ்வாரைத் தாங்கும் நிலம்போலத் தம்மை
இகழ்வார்ப் பொறுத்தல் தலை.
Akazhvaaraith Thaangum Nilampolath Thammai
Ikazhvaarp Poruththal Thalai
As earth bears up the men who delve into her breast, To bear with scornful men of virtues is the best
பொறுத்தல் இறப்பினை என்றும் அதனை
மறத்தல் அதனினும் நன்று.
Poruththal Irappinai Endrum Adhanai
Maraththal Adhaninum Nandru
Forgiving trespasses is good always; Forgetting them hath even higher praise;
இன்மையுள் இன்மை விருந்தொரால் வன்மையுள்
வன்மை மடவார்ப் பொறை.
Inmaiyul Inmai Virundhoraal Vanmaiyul
Vanmai Matavaarp Porai
The sorest poverty is bidding guest unfed depart; The mightiest might to bear with men of foolish heart
நிறையுடைமை நீங்காமை வேண்டின் பொறையுடைமை
போற்றி யொழுகப் படும்.
Niraiyutaimai Neengaamai Ventin Poraiyutaimai
Potri Yozhukap Patum
Seek'st thou honour never tarnished to retain; So must thou patience, guarding evermore, maintain
ஒறுத்தாரை ஒன்றாக வையாரே வைப்பர்
பொறுத்தாரைப் பொன்போற் பொதிந்து.
Oruththaarai Ondraaka Vaiyaare Vaippar
Poruththaaraip Ponpor Podhindhu
Who wreak their wrath as worthless are despised; Who patiently forbear as gold are prized
ஒறுத்தார்க்கு ஒருநாளை இன்பம் பொறுத்தார்க்குப்
பொன்றுந் துணையும் புகழ்.
Oruththaarkku Orunaalai Inpam Poruththaarkkup
Pondrun Thunaiyum Pukazh
Who wreak their wrath have pleasure for a day; Who bear have praise till earth shall pass away
திறனல்ல தற்பிறர் செய்யினும் நோநொந்து
அறனல்ல செய்யாமை நன்று.
Thiranalla Tharpirar Seyyinum Nonondhu
Aranalla Seyyaamai Nandru
Though others work thee ill, thus shalt thou blessing reap; Grieve for their sin, thyself from vicious action keep
மிகுதியான் மிக்கவை செய்தாரைத் தாந்தம்
தகுதியான் வென்று விடல்.
Mikudhiyaan Mikkavai Seydhaaraith Thaandham
Thakudhiyaan Vendru Vital
With overweening pride when men with injuries assail, By thine own righteous dealing shalt thou mightily prevail
துறந்தாரின் தூய்மை உடையர் இறந்தார்வாய்
இன்னாச்சொல் நோற்கிற் பவர்.
Thurandhaarin Thooimai Utaiyar Irandhaarvaai
Innaachchol Norkir Pavar
They who transgressors' evil words endureWith patience, are as stern ascetics pure
உண்ணாது நோற்பார் பெரியர் பிறர்சொல்லும்
இன்னாச்சொல் நோற்பாரின் பின்.
Unnaadhu Norpaar Periyar Pirarsollum
Innaachchol Norpaarin Pin
Though 'great' we deem the men that fast and suffer pain, Who others' bitter words endure, the foremost place obtain
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