Thirukkural · அறத்துப்பால் · இல்லறவியல்

தீவினையச்சம்: Dread of Evil Deeds

Chapter 21 of 133 (Theevinaiyachcham) · Virtue · Domestic Virtue · Kurals 201 to 210

About this chapter

தீவினையச்சம், dread of evil deeds, argues that wrongdoing is to be feared more than any outer danger, because its consequences follow the doer. The chapter keeps returning to the idea that harm done comes back.

Kural 201 distinguishes between those who are experienced in wrongdoing and so do not fear it, and the excellent, who fear the pride of sin. Kural 202 says evil breeds more evil and should be dreaded more than fire. Kural 203 offers what it calls the highest wisdom, which is not to return evil even to those who hate us. Kural 204 warns against plotting another's ruin, since virtue will plot the ruin of the plotter, and Kural 205 says that poverty is no excuse for evil, which only makes one poorer. Kural 206 gives a rule of the "do as you would be done by" kind: whoever does not want suffering should not inflict harm. Kural 207 compares enemies one can escape with the enmity of sin, which pursues, and Kural 208 gives the image of the shadow that never leaves one's heels. Kurals 209 and 210 close by saying that anyone who loves himself should avoid even the smallest sin, and that the one who never strays is safe from ruin.

Kural 206 is the most useful as a principle of conduct, and Kural 208 the most memorable image.

For the syllabus, it fits universal values and everyday life.

The 10 kurals of தீவினையச்சம்

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.

Kural 201

தீவினையார் அஞ்சார் விழுமியார் அஞ்சுவர்
தீவினை என்னும் செருக்கு.

Theevinaiyaar Anjaar Vizhumiyaar Anjuvar
Theevinai Ennum Serukku

With sinful act men cease to feel the dread of ill within, The excellent will dread the wanton pride of cherished sin

Kural 202

தீயவை தீய பயத்தலால் தீயவை
தீயினும் அஞ்சப் படும்.

Theeyavai Theeya Payaththalaal Theeyavai
Theeyinum Anjap Patum

Since evils new from evils ever grow, Evil than fire works out more dreaded woe

Kural 203

அறிவினுள் எல்லாந் தலையென்ப தீய
செறுவார்க்கும் செய்யா விடல்.

Arivinul Ellaan Thalaiyenpa Theeya
Seruvaarkkum Seyyaa Vital

Even to those that hate make no return of ill; So shalt thou wisdom's highest law, 'tis said, fulfil

Kural 204

மறந்தும் பிறன்கேடு சூழற்க சூழின்
அறஞ்சூழம் சூழ்ந்தவன் கேடு.

Marandhum Piranketu Soozharka Soozhin
Aranjoozham Soozhndhavan Ketu

Though good thy soul forget, plot not thy neighbour's fall, Thy plans shall 'virtue's Power' by ruin to thyself forestall

Kural 205

இலன்என்று தீயவை செய்யற்க செய்யின்
இலனாகும் மற்றும் பெயர்த்து.

Ilan Endru Theeyavai Seyyarka
Seyyin Ilanaakum Matrum Peyarththu

Make not thy poverty a plea for ill; Thy evil deeds will make thee poorer still

Kural 206

தீப்பால தான்பிறர்கண் செய்யற்க நோய்ப்பால
தன்னை அடல்வேண்டா தான்.

Theeppaala Thaanpirarkan Seyyarka Noippaala
Thannai Atalventaa Thaan

What ranks as evil spare to do, if thou would'st shunAffliction sore through ill to thee by others done

Kural 207

எனைப்பகை யுற்றாரும் உய்வர் வினைப்பகை
வீயாது பின்சென்று அடும்.

Enaippakai Yutraarum Uyvar Vinaippakai
Veeyaadhu Pinsendru Atum

From every enmity incurred there is to 'scape, a way; The wrath of evil deeds will dog men's steps, and slay

Kural 208

தீயவை செய்தார் கெடுதல் நிழல்தன்னை
வீயாது அஇஉறைந் தற்று.

Theeyavai Seydhaar Ketudhal Nizhaldhannai
Veeyaadhu Atiurain Thatru

Man's shadow dogs his steps where'er he wends; Destruction thus on sinful deeds attends

Kural 209

தன்னைத்தான் காதல னாயின் எனைத்தொன்றும்
துன்னற்க தீவினைப் பால்.

Thannaiththaan Kaadhala Naayin Enaiththondrum
Thunnarka Theevinaip Paal

Beware, if to thyself thyself is dear, Lest thou to aught that ranks as ill draw near

Kural 210

அருங்கேடன் என்பது அறிக மருங்கோடித்
தீவினை செய்யான் எனின்.

Arungetan Enpadhu Arika Marungotith
Theevinai Seyyaan Enin

The man, to devious way of sin that never turned aside, From ruin rests secure, whatever ills betide

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