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அறிவுடைமை: The Possession of Knowledge
About this chapter
அறிவுடைமை, the possession of knowledge, treats wisdom as a practical skill: judging well, foreseeing trouble and fitting in with the world. It differs from the chapter on learning by looking at how knowledge is used.
Kural 421 calls wisdom a weapon against destruction and an inner fortress that enemies cannot break. Kural 422 defines it as holding the mind back from wandering, keeping it from evil and guiding it to good. Kural 423 gives a rule for what one hears: see the truth in everything, whoever says it. Kural 424 is about communication, speaking so that others grasp one's meaning and catching the subtle meaning in what they say. Kural 425 says wisdom welcomes the world and, unlike a lotus, does not open and close, and Kural 426 adds that to live as the world lives is wisdom, echoing Kural 140. Kurals 427 to 429 deal with foresight: the wise know what will come, fear what should be feared and guard against it. Kural 430 ends with the claim that the wise possess everything, and the unwise, whatever they own, have nothing.
Kural 423 is the most useful, because it asks the reader to judge a statement and not the person speaking. Its second line is the same as that of Kural 355. Kural 428 is the best on foresight.
For the syllabus, the chapter fits universal values.
The 10 kurals of அறிவுடைமை
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.
அறிவற்றங் காக்குங் கருவி செறுவார்க்கும்
உள்ளழிக்க லாகா அரண்.
Arivatrang Kaakkung Karuvi Seruvaarkkum
Ullazhikka Laakaa Aran
True wisdom wards off woes, A circling fortress high; Its inner strength man's eager foes Unshaken will defy
சென்ற இடத்தால் செலவிடா தீதொரீஇ
நன்றின்பால் உய்ப்ப தறிவு.
Sendra Itaththaal Selavitaa Theedhoreei
Nandrinpaal Uyppa Tharivu
Wisdom restrains, nor suffers mind to wander where it would; From every evil calls it back, and guides in way of good
எப்பொருள் யார்யார்வாய்க் கேட்பினும் அப்பொருள்
மெய்ப்பொருள் காண்ப தறிவு.
Epporul Yaaryaarvaaik Ketpinum Apporul
Meypporul Kaanpa Tharivu
Though things diverse from divers sages' lips we learn,'Tis wisdom's part in each the true thing to discern
எண்பொருள வாகச் செலச்சொல்லித் தான்பிறர்வாய்
நுண்பொருள் காண்ப தறிவு.
Enporula Vaakach Chelachchollith Thaanpirarvaai
Nunporul Kaanpa Tharivu
Wisdom hath use of lucid speech, words that acceptance win, And subtle sense of other men's discourse takes in
உலகம் தழீஇய தொட்பம் மலர்தலும்
கூம்பலும் இல்ல தறிவு.
Ulakam Thazheeiya Thotpam Malardhalum
Koompalum Illa Tharivu
Wisdom embraces frank the world, to no caprice exposed; Unlike the lotus flower, now opened wide, now petals strictly closed
எவ்வ துறைவது உலகம் உலகத்தோடு
அவ்வ துறைவ தறிவு.
Evva Thuraivadhu Ulakam Ulakaththotu
Avva Thuraiva Tharivu
As dwells the world, so with the world to dwellIn harmony- this is to wisely live and well
அறிவுடையார் ஆவ தறிவார் அறிவிலார்
அஃதறி கல்லா தவர்.
Arivutaiyaar Aava Tharivaar Arivilaar
Aqdhari Kallaa Thavar
The wise discern, the foolish fail to see, And minds prepare for things about to be
அஞ்சுவ தஞ்சாமை பேதைமை அஞ்சுவது
அஞ்சல் அறிவார் தொழில்.
Anjuva Thanjaamai Pedhaimai Anjuvadhu
Anjal Arivaar Thozhil
Folly meets fearful ills with fearless heart; To fear where cause of fear exists is wisdom's part
எதிரதாக் காக்கும் அறிவினார்க் கில்லை
அதிர வருவதோர் நோய்.
Edhiradhaak Kaakkum Arivinaark Killai
Adhira Varuvadhor Noi
The wise with watchful soul who coming ills foresee; From coming evil's dreaded shock are free
அறிவுடையார் எல்லா முடையார் அறிவிலார்
என்னுடைய ரேனும் இலர்.
Arivutaiyaar Ellaa Mutaiyaar Arivilaar
Ennutaiya Renum Ilar
The wise is rich, with ev'ry blessing blest; The fool is poor, of everything possessed
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