PrepMaticThirukkural · அறத்துப்பால் · துறவறவியல்
கள்ளாமை: The Absence of Fraud
About this chapter
கள்ளாமை, the absence of fraud, deals with stealing and dishonestly taking what belongs to others, even in thought. The chapter works through a contrast between களவு (theft) and அளவு (measure or restraint), which rhyme in Tamil.
Kural 281 asks anyone who wishes to be respected to guard the mind against defrauding another of even the smallest thing. Kural 282 goes to the root, saying that even to think of taking another's property by stealth is wrong. Kural 283 warns that gain by fraud seems to grow but perishes, and Kural 284 says the strong desire for it brings lasting sorrow. Kural 285 adds that those who wait for another's moment of carelessness have no kindness, and Kural 286 says they cannot keep within bounds. Kurals 287 and 288 contrast the "dark knowledge" of fraud with the greatness that comes from rectitude, as deceit lives in the heart of the cheat and virtue in the heart of the upright. Kural 289 says those who know nothing but fraud perish in committing it. Kural 290 ends with the contrast between the thief's loss of life and the honest person's place with the gods.
Kural 282 and Kural 283 are the two to learn, one for the idea that thought itself counts and the other for the short life of stolen gain.
For the syllabus, the chapter belongs with honesty and personal integrity, which also bear on public life.
The 10 kurals of கள்ளாமை
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.
எள்ளாமை வேண்டுவான் என்பான் எனைத்தொன்றும்
கள்ளாமை காக்கதன் நெஞ்சு.
Ellaamai Ventuvaan Enpaan Enaiththondrum
Kallaamai Kaakkadhan Nenju
Who seeks heaven's joys, from impious levity secure, Let him from every fraud preserve his spirit pure
உள்ளத்தால் உள்ளலும் தீதே பிறன்பொருளைக்
கள்ளத்தால் கள்வேம் எனல்.
Ullaththaal Ullalum Theedhe Piranporulaik
Kallaththaal Kalvem Enal
'Tis sin if in the mind man but thought conceive;'By fraud I will my neighbour of his wealth bereave.'
களவினால் ஆகிய ஆக்கம் அளவிறந்து
ஆவது போலக் கெடும்.
Kalavinaal Aakiya Aakkam Alavirandhu
Aavadhu Polak Ketum
The gain that comes by fraud, although it seems to growWith limitless increase, to ruin swift shall go
களவின்கண் கன்றிய காதல் விளைவின்கண்
வீயா விழுமம் தரும்.
Kalavinkan Kandriya Kaadhal Vilaivinkan
Veeyaa Vizhumam Tharum
The lust inveterate of fraudful gain, Yields as its fruit undying pain
அருள்கருதி அன்புடைய ராதல் பொருள்கருதிப்
பொச்சாப்புப் பார்ப்பார்கண் இல்.
Arulkarudhi Anputaiya Raadhal Porulkarudhip
Pochchaappup Paarppaarkan Il
'Grace' is not in their thoughts, nor know they kind affection's power, Who neighbour's goods desire, and watch for his unguarded hour
அளவின்கண் நின்றொழுகல் ஆற்றார் களவின்கண்
கன்றிய காத லவர்.
Alavinkan Nindrozhukal Aatraar Kalavinkan
Kandriya Kaadha Lavar
They cannot walk restrained in wisdom's measured bound, In whom inveterate lust of fraudful gain is found
களவென்னும் காரறி வாண்மை அளவென்னும்
ஆற்றல் புரிந்தார்கண்ட இல்.
Kalavennum Kaarari Vaanmai Alavennum
Aatral Purindhaarkanta Il
Practice of fraud's dark cunning arts they shun, Who long for power by 'measured wisdom' won
அளவறிந்தார் நெஞ்சத் தறம்போல நிற்கும்
களவறிந்தார் நெஞ்சில் கரவு.
Alavarindhaar Nenjath Tharampola Nirkum
Kalavarindhaar Nenjil Karavu
As virtue dwells in heart that 'measured wisdom' gains; Deceit in hearts of fraudful men established reigns
அளவல்ல செய்தாங்கே வீவர் களவல்ல
மற்றைய தேற்றா தவர்.
Alavalla Seydhaange Veevar Kalavalla
Matraiya Thetraa Thavar
Who have no lore save that which fraudful arts supply, Acts of unmeasured vice committing straightway die
கள்வார்க்குத் தள்ளும் உயிர்நிலை கள்வார்க்குத்
தள்ளாது புத்தே ளுளகு.
Kalvaarkkuth Thallum Uyirnilai Kalvaarkkuth
Thallaadhu Puththe Lulaku
The fraudful forfeit life and being here below; Who fraud eschew the bliss of heavenly beings know
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