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சிற்றினம் சேராமை: Avoiding mean Associations
About this chapter
சிற்றினம் சேராமை, avoiding mean associations, argues that the company one keeps shapes character. The chapter advises choosing companions carefully, because their influence reaches the mind and the conduct.
Kural 451 says that real greatness fears the company of the base, while the small-minded treat the base as kin. Kural 452 gives the chapter's central image: as water takes on the nature of the soil it flows through, a person's understanding takes on the nature of his company. Kural 453 and Kural 454 refine this, noting that understanding seems to belong to the mind but a person's reputation and wisdom depend on the company around him. Kural 455 says purity of mind and purity of action are both supported by pure company, and Kural 456 adds that a pure-minded person leaves good descendants while one with pure associates does nothing bad. Kural 457 says a good mind brings gain and good company brings praise. Kural 458 notes that even those with good minds are strengthened by good company, and Kural 459 says the same of future bliss. Kural 460 sums up: nothing helps more than good company, and nothing brings more grief than bad.
Kural 452 is the one to learn, for its simple image. Kural 460 states the lesson most directly.
For the syllabus, the chapter fits universal values, and it is easy to apply to everyday life.
The 10 kurals of சிற்றினம் சேராமை
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.
சிற்றினம் அஞ்சும் பெருமை சிறுமைதான்
சுற்றமாச் சூழ்ந்து விடும்.
Sitrinam Anjum Perumai Sirumaidhaan
Sutramaach Choozhndhu Vitum
The great of soul will mean association fear; The mean of soul regard mean men as kinsmen dear
நிலத்தியல்பால் நீர்திரிந் தற்றாகும் மாந்தர்க்கு
இனத்தியல்ப தாகும் அறிவு.
Nilaththiyalpaal Neerdhirin Thatraakum Maandharkku
Inaththiyalpa Thaakum Arivu
The waters' virtues change with soil through which they flow; As man's companionship so will his wisdom show
மனத்தானாம் மாந்தர்க் குணர்ச்சி இனத்தானாம்
இன்னான் எனப்படுஞ் சொல்.
Manaththaanaam Maandhark Kunarchchi Inaththaanaam
Innaan Enappatunj Chol
Perceptions manifold in men are of the mind alone; The value of the man by his companionship is known
மனத்து ளதுபோலக் காட்டி ஒருவற்கு
இனத்துள தாகும் அறிவு.
Manaththu Ladhupolak Kaatti Oruvarku
Inaththula Thaakum Arivu
Man's wisdom seems the offspring of his mind;'Tis outcome of companionship we find
மனந்தூய்மை செய்வினை தூய்மை இரண்டும்
இனந்தூய்மை தூவா வரும்.
Manandhooimai Seyvinai Thooimai Irantum
Inandhooimai Thoovaa Varum
Both purity of mind, and purity of action clear, Leaning no staff of pure companionship, to man draw near
மனந்தூயார்க் கெச்சம்நன் றாகும் இனந்தூயார்க்கு
இல்லைநன் றாகா வினை.
Manandhooyaark Kechchamnan Raakum Inandhooyaarkku
Illainan Raakaa Vinai
From true pure-minded men a virtuous race proceeds; To men of pure companionship belong no evil deeds
மனநலம் மன்னுயிர்க் காக்கம் இனநலம்
எல்லாப் புகழும் தரும்.
Mananalam Mannuyirk Kaakkam Inanalam
Ellaap Pukazhum Tharum
Goodness of mind to lives of men increaseth gain; And good companionship doth all of praise obtain
மனநலம் நன்குடைய ராயினும் சான்றோர்க்கு
இனநலம் ஏமாப் புடைத்து.
Mananalam Nankutaiya Raayinum Saandrorkku
Inanalam Emaap Putaiththu
To perfect men, though minds right good belong, Yet good companionship is confirmation strong
மனநலத்தின் ஆகும் மறுமைமற் றஃதும்
இனநலத்தின் ஏமாப் புடைத்து.
Mananalaththin Aakum Marumaimar Raqdhum
Inanalaththin Emaap Putaiththu
Although to mental goodness joys of other life belong, Yet good companionship is confirmation strong
நல்லினத்தி னூங்குந் துணையில்லை தீயினத்தின்
அல்லற் படுப்பதூஉம் இல்.
Nallinaththi Noongun Thunaiyillai Theeyinaththin
Allar Patuppadhooum Il
Than good companionship no surer help we know; Than bad companionship nought causes direr woe
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