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வினைத் தூய்மை: Purity in Action
About this chapter
வினைத் தூய்மை, purity in action, argues that how an aim is achieved matters as much as the aim. It addresses ministers, but the principle of clean means holds for anyone who works with others' trust.
Kural 651 holds that good action yields everything desired, while support from others yields only wealth. Kural 652 says to avoid acts that bring neither fame nor future benefit, and Kural 653 that those who hope to rise should shun deeds that dim their glory. Kural 654 says those of unshaken judgement do not do shameful things even in danger, and Kural 655 advises not to do what one will regret. Kural 656 sets a hard line: even if one sees one's mother starving, one should not do what the wise condemn. Kural 657 holds that the extreme poverty of the wise is better than wealth heaped up by sin. Kural 658 says that forbidden deeds bring sorrow even if they succeed. Kural 659 gives the memorable rule, that what is gained by making others weep will leave with weeping, while good deeds that cost at first bear fruit later. Kural 660 closes with an image: protecting oneself with wealth gained by foul means is like keeping a wet clay pot from dissolving by filling it with water.
Kural 659 and Kural 660 are the two to learn.
For the syllabus, the chapter fits governance and universal values, since it concerns integrity in public work.
The 10 kurals of வினைத் தூய்மை
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.
துணைநலம் ஆக்கம் த்ருஉம் வினைநலம்
வேண்டிய எல்லாந் தரும்.
Thunainalam Aakkam Tharuum Vinainalam
Ventiya Ellaan Tharum
The good external help confers is worldly gain; By action good men every needed gift obtain
என்றும் ஒருவுதல் வேண்டும் புகழொடு
நன்றி பயவா வினை.
Endrum Oruvudhal Ventum Pukazhotu
Nandri Payavaa Vinai
From action evermore thyself restrainOf glory and of good that yields no gain
ஒஓதல் வேண்டும் ஒளிமாழ்கும் செய்வினை
ஆஅதும் என்னு மவர்.
Oodhal Ventum Olimaazhkum Seyvinai
Aaadhum Ennu Mavar
Who tell themselves that nobler things shall yet be wonAll deeds that dim the light of glory must they shun
இடுக்கண் படினும் இளிவந்த செய்யார்
நடுக்கற்ற காட்சி யவர்.
Itukkan Patinum Ilivandha Seyyaar
Natukkatra Kaatchi Yavar
Though troubles press, no shameful deed they do, Whose eyes the ever-during vision view
எற்றென்று இரங்குவ செய்யற்க செய்வானேல்
மற்றன்ன செய்யாமை நன்று.
Etrendru Iranguva Seyyarka Seyvaanel
Matranna Seyyaamai Nandru
Do nought that soul repenting must deplore, If thou hast sinned, 'tis well if thou dost sin no more
ஈன்றாள் பசிகாண்பான் ஆயினுஞ் செய்யற்க
சான்றோர் பழிக்கும் வினை.
Eendraal Pasikaanpaan Aayinunj Cheyyarka
Saandror Pazhikkum Vinai
Though her that bore thee hung'ring thou behold, no deedDo thou, that men of perfect soul have crime decreed
பழிமலைந்து எய்திய ஆக்கத்தின் சான்றோர்
கழிநல் குரவே தலை.
Pazhimalaindhu Eydhiya Aakkaththin Saandror
Kazhinal Kurave Thalai
Than store of wealth guilt-laden souls obtain, The sorest poverty of perfect soul is richer gain
கடிந்த கடிந்தொரார் செய்தார்க்கு அவைதாம்
முடிந்தாலும் பீழை தரும்.
Katindha Katindhoraar Seydhaarkku Avaidhaam
Mutindhaalum Peezhai Tharum
To those who hate reproof and do forbidden thingWhat prospers now, in after days shall anguish bring
அழக்கொண்ட எல்லாம் அழப்போம் இழப்பினும்
பிற்பயக்கும் நற்பா லவை.
Azhak Konta Ellaam Azhappom
Izhappinum Pirpayakkum Narpaa Lavai
What's gained through tears with tears shall go; From loss good deeds entail harvests of blessings grow
சலத்தால் பொருள்செய்தே மார்த்தல் பசுமண்
கலத்துள்நீர் பெய்திரீஇ யற்று.
Salaththaal Porulseydhe Maarththal Pasuman
Kalaththulneer Peydhireei Yatru
In pot of clay unburnt he water pours and would retain, Who seeks by wrong the realm in wealth and safety to maintain
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