PrepMaticThirukkural · பொருட்பால் · குடியியல்
மானம்: Honour
About this chapter
மானம், honour (self-respect), is about the dignity that a person should not give up, even under pressure or for gain. The language is strong, and shows how much value the poet places on self-respect.
Kural 961 says that actions which would degrade one's standing should be avoided even when they seem essential, and Kural 962 adds that those who want honour will not do dishonourable things, even for fame. Kural 963 offers the chapter's most practical advice: be humble in prosperity and keep one's dignity in adversity. Kural 964 compares people who have fallen from their position to hair that has fallen from the head. Kural 965 says that even those as high as a hill are brought low by deeds as small as an abrus seed. Kurals 966 and 967 ask why anyone should follow those who scorn him, saying it is better to be said to have perished than to live by following enemies. Kural 968 asks whether clinging to the body is a cure once honour is lost. Kural 969 compares those who give up life for honour to the kavari-mā, a long-haired animal that the kural says dies if it loses its hair. Kural 970 says the world reveres those who would not live under indignity.
Kural 963 is the one to know. The poet says honour sometimes calls for restraint and sometimes for firmness.
For the syllabus, it fits universal values, in particular self-respect and integrity in public life.
The 10 kurals of மானம்
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.
இன்றி அமையாச் சிறப்பின ஆயினும்
குன்ற வருப விடல்.
Indri Amaiyaach Chirappina Aayinum
Kundra Varupa Vital
Though linked to splendours man no otherwise may gain, Reject each act that may thine honour's clearness stain
சீரினும் சீரல்ல செய்யாரே சீரொடு
பேராண்மை வேண்டு பவர்.
Seerinum Seeralla Seyyaare Seerotu
Peraanmai Ventu Pavar
Who seek with glory to combine honour's untarnished fame, Do no inglorious deeds, though men accord them glory's name
பெருக்கத்து வேண்டும் பணிதல் சிறிய
சுருக்கத்து வேண்டும் உயர்வு.
Perukkaththu Ventum Panidhal Siriya
Surukkaththu Ventum Uyarvu
Bow down thy soul, with increase blest, in happy hour; Lift up thy heart, when stript of all by fortune's power
தலையின் இழிந்த மயிரனையர் மாந்தர்
நிலையின் இழிந்தக் கடை.
Thalaiyin Izhindha Mayiranaiyar Maandhar
Nilaiyin Izhindhak Katai
Like hairs from off the head that fall to earth, When fall'n from high estate are men of noble birth
குன்றின் அனையாரும் குன்றுவர் குன்றுவ
குன்றி அனைய செயின்.
Kundrin Anaiyaarum Kundruvar Kundruva
Kundri Anaiya Seyin
If meanness, slight as 'abrus' grain, by men be wrought, Though like a hill their high estate, they sink to nought
புகழ்இன்றால் புத்தேள்நாட்டு உய்யாதால் என்மற்று
இகழ்வார்பின் சென்று நிலை.
Pukazhindraal Puththelnaattu Uyyaadhaal Enmatru
Ikazhvaarpin Sendru Nilai
It yields no praise, nor to the land of Gods throws wide the gate:Why follow men who scorn, and at their bidding wait
ஒட்டார்பின் சென்றொருவன் வாழ்தலின் அந்நிலையே
கெட்டான் எனப்படுதல் நன்று.
Ottaarpin Sendroruvan Vaazhdhala�n Annilaiye
Kettaan Enappatudhal Nandru
Better 'twere said, 'He's perished!' than to gainThe means to live, following in foeman's train
மருந்தோமற்று ஊன்ஓம்பும் வாழ்க்கை பெருந்தகைமை
பீடழிய வந்த இடத்து.
Marundhomatru Oonompum Vaazhkkai Perundhakaimai
Peetazhiya Vandha Itaththu
When high estate has lost its pride of honour meet, Is life, that nurses this poor flesh, as nectar sweet
மயிர்நீப்பின் வாழாக் கவரிமா அன்னார்
உயிர்நீப்பர் மானம் வரின்.
Mayirneeppin Vaazhaak Kavarimaa Annaar
Uyirneeppar Maanam Varin
Like the wild ox that, of its tuft bereft, will pine away, Are those who, of their honour shorn, will quit the light of day
இளிவரின் வாழாத மானம் உடையார்
ஒளிதொழுது ஏத்தும் உலகு.
Ilivarin Vaazhaadha Maanam Utaiyaar
Olidhozhudhu Eththum Ulaku
Who, when dishonour comes, refuse to live, their honoured memoryWill live in worship and applause of all the world for aye
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