Virtue (அறத்துப்பால்) Ascetic Virtue
When facing loss, change, death and impermanence of life.
Nillaadha Vatrai Nilaiyina EndrunarumPullari Vaanmai Katai
That ignorance which considers those things to be stable which are not so, is dishonourable (to the wise)
Lowest and meanest lore, that bids men trust secure, In things that pass away, as things that shall endure
G. U. Pope, 1886
Kooththaattu Avaik Kuzhaath ThatrePerunjelvam Pokkum Adhuvilin Thatru
The acquisition of wealth is like the gathering together of an assembly for a theatre; its expenditure is like the breaking up of that assembly
As crowds round dancers fill the hall, is wealth's increase; Its loss, as throngs dispersing, when the dances cease
G. U. Pope, 1886
Arkaa Iyalpitruch Chelvam AdhupetraalArkupa Aange Seyal
Wealth is perishable; let those who obtain it immediately practise those (virtues) which are imperishable
Unenduring is all wealth; if you wealth enjoy, Enduring works in working wealth straightway employ
G. U. Pope, 1886
Naalena Ondrupor Kaatti UyirEerum Vaaladhu Unarvaarp Perin
Time, which shows itself (to the ignorant) as if it were something (real) is in the estimation of the wise (only) a saw which cuts down life
As 'day' it vaunts itself; well understood, 'tis knife', That daily cuts away a portion from thy life
G. U. Pope, 1886
Naachchetru Vikkulmel Vaaraamun NalvinaiMersendru Seyyap Patum
Let virtuous deeds be done quickly, before the hiccup comes making the tongue silent
Before the tongue lie powerless, 'mid the gasp of gurgling breath, Arouse thyself, and do good deeds beyond the power of death
G. U. Pope, 1886
Nerunal Ulanoruvan Indrillai EnnumPerumai Utaiththuiv Vulaku
This world possesses the greatness that one who yesterday was is not today
Existing yesterday, today to nothing hurled!-Such greatness owns this transitory world
G. U. Pope, 1886
Orupozhudhum Vaazhvadhu Ariyaar KarudhupaKotiyum Alla Pala
Innumerable are the thoughts which occupy the mind of (the unwise), who know not that they shall live another moment
Who know not if their happy lives shall last the day, In fancies infinite beguile the hours away
G. U. Pope, 1886
Kutampai Thaniththu Ozhiyap PulparanThatre Utampotu Uyiritai Natpu
The love of the soul to the body is like (the love of) a bird to its egg which it flies away from and leaves empty
Birds fly away, and leave the nest deserted bare; Such is the short-lived friendship soul and body share
G. U. Pope, 1886
Urangu Vadhupolunj Chaakkaatu UrangiVizhippadhu Polum Pirappu
Death is like sleep; birth is like awaking from it
Death is sinking into slumbers deep; Birth again is waking out of sleep
G. U. Pope, 1886
Pukkil Amaindhindru Kollo UtampinulThuchchil Irundha Uyirkku
It seems as if the soul, which takes a temporary shelter in a body, had not attained a home
The soul in fragile shed as lodger courts repose:-Is it because no home's conclusive rest it knows
G. U. Pope, 1886
