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குற்றங்கடிதல்: The Correction of Faults
About this chapter
குற்றங்கடிதல், the correction of faults, is about identifying and removing one's own faults, especially those that damage a ruler's standing. Its kurals speak of a king, but they apply equally to any person in authority.
Kural 431 says greatness belongs to those free of pride, anger and meanness. Kural 432 names avarice, undignified self-regard and unseemly pleasures as faults in a ruler. Kural 433 gives a memorable measure of seriousness: those who fear disgrace treat a fault as small as a millet seed as if it were a palm tree. Kural 434 says that freedom from faults is real wealth, and Kural 435 compares the person who does not guard in time to straw before a fire. Kural 436 sets the order of correction, that a ruler who first removes his own faults and then looks at others' will be left faultless. Kural 437 says the miser's wealth is wasted, and Kural 438 goes further and treats avarice as worse than any other fault. Kural 439 warns against self-praise and useless actions, and Kural 440 advises keeping one's desires hidden from enemies.
Kural 436 is the most useful, since it makes self-correction come first. Kural 433 gives the best image.
For the syllabus, the chapter links to the theme of governance, as part of the guidance on leadership.
The 10 kurals of குற்றங்கடிதல்
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.
செருக்குஞ் சினமும் சிறுமையும் இல்லார்
பெருக்கம் பெருமித நீர்த்து.
Serukkunj Chinamum Sirumaiyum Illaar
Perukkam Perumidha Neerththu
Who arrogance, and wrath, and littleness of low desire restrain, To sure increase of lofty dignity attain
இவறலும் மாண்பிறந்த மானமும் மாணா
உவகையும் ஏதம் இறைக்கு.
Ivaralum Maanpirandha Maanamum Maanaa
Uvakaiyum Edham Iraikku
A niggard hand, o'erweening self-regard, and mirthUnseemly, bring disgrace to men of kingly brith
தினைத்துணையாங் குற்றம் வரினும் பனைத்துணையாக்
கொள்வர் பழிநாணு வார்.
Thinaiththunaiyaang Kutram Varinum Panaiththunaiyaak
Kolvar Pazhinaanu Vaar
Though small as millet-seed the fault men deem; As palm tree vast to those who fear disgrace 'twill seem
குற்றமே காக்க பொருளாகக் குற்றமே
அற்றந் த்ரூஉம் பகை.
Kutrame Kaakka Porulaakak Kutrame
Atran Tharooum Pakai
Freedom from faults is wealth; watch heedfully'Gainst these, for fault is fatal enmity
வருமுன்னர்க் காவாதான் வாழ்க்கை எரிமுன்னர்
வைத்தூறு போலக் கெடும்.
Varumunnark Kaavaadhaan Vaazhkkai Erimunnar
Vaiththooru Polak Ketum
His joy who guards not 'gainst the coming evil day, Like straw before the fire shall swift consume away
தன்குற்றம் நீக்கிப் பிறர்குற்றங் காண்கிற்பின்
என்குற்ற மாகும் இறைக்கு?
Thankutram Neekkip Pirarkutrang Kaankirpin
Enkutra Maakum Iraikku?
Faultless the king who first his own faults cures, and thenPermits himself to scan faults of other men
செயற்பால செய்யா திவறியான் செல்வம்
உயற்பால தன்றிக் கெடும்.
Seyarpaala Seyyaa Thivariyaan Selvam
Uyarpaala Thandrik Ketum
Who leaves undone what should be done, with niggard mind, His wealth shall perish, leaving not a wrack behind
பற்றுள்ளம் என்னும் இவறன்மை எற்றுள்ளும்
எண்ணப் படுவதொன் றன்று.
Patrullam Ennum Ivaranmai Etrullum
Ennap Patuvadhon Randru
The greed of soul that avarice men call, When faults are summed, is worst of all
வியவற்க எஞ்ஞான்றும் தன்னை நயவற்க
நன்றி பயவா வினை.
Viyavarka Egngnaandrum Thannai Nayavarka
Nandri Payavaa Vinai
Never indulge in self-complaisant mood, Nor deed desire that yields no gain of good
காதல காதல் அறியாமை உய்க்கிற்பின்
ஏதில ஏதிலார் நூல்.
Kaadhala Kaadhal Ariyaamai Uykkirpin
Edhila Edhilaar Nool
If, to your foes unknown, you cherish what you love, Counsels of men who wish you harm will harmless prove
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