Virtue (அறத்துப்பால்) Prologue
When you look for role models of discipline and self-control.
Ozhukkaththu Neeththaar Perumai VizhuppaththuVentum Panuval Thunivu
The end and aim of all treatise is to extol beyond all other excellence, the greatness of those who, while abiding in the rule of conduct peculiar to their state, have abandoned all desire
The settled rule of every code requires, as highest good, Their greatness who, renouncing all, true to their rule have stood
G. U. Pope, 1886
Thurandhaar Perumai Thunaikkoorin VaiyaththuIrandhaarai Ennikkon Tatru
To describe the measure of the greatness of those who have forsaken the two-fold desires, is like counting the dead
As counting those that from the earth have passed away,'Tis vain attempt the might of holy men to say
G. U. Pope, 1886
Irumai Vakaidherindhu Eentuaram PoontaarPerumai Pirangitru Ulaku
The greatness of those who have discovered the properties of both states of being, and renounced the world, shines forth on earth (beyond all others)
Their greatness earth transcends, who, way of both worlds weighed, In this world take their stand, in virtue's robe arrayed
G. U. Pope, 1886
Uranennum Thottiyaan Oraindhum KaappaanVaranennum Vaippirkor Viththu
He who guides his five senses by the hook of wisdom will be a seed in the world of heaven
He, who with firmness, curb the five restrains, Is seed for soil of yonder happy plains
G. U. Pope, 1886
Aindhaviththaan Aatral Akalvisumpu LaarkomaanIndhirane Saalung Kari
Indra, the king of the inhabitants of the spacious heaven, is himself, a sufficient proof of the strength of him who has subdued his five senses
Their might who have destroyed 'the five', shall soothly tellIndra, the lord of those in heaven's wide realms that dwell
G. U. Pope, 1886
Seyarkariya Seyvaar Periyar SiriyarSeyarkariya Seykalaa Thaar
The great will do those things which is difficult to be done; but the mean cannot do them
Things hard in the doing will great men do; Things hard in the doing the mean eschew
G. U. Pope, 1886
Suvaioli Ooruosai Naatramendru AindhinVakaidherivaan Katte Ulaku
The world is within the knowledge of him who knows the properties of taste, sight, touch, hearing and smell
Taste, light, touch, sound, and smell: who knows the wayOf all the five,- the world submissive owns his sway
G. U. Pope, 1886
Niraimozhi Maandhar Perumai NilaththuMaraimozhi Kaatti Vitum
The hidden words of the men whose words are full of effect, will shew their greatness to the world
The might of men whose word is never vain, The 'secret word' shall to the earth proclaim
G. U. Pope, 1886
Kunamennum Kundreri Nindraar VekuliKanameyum Kaaththal Aridhu
The anger of those who have ascended the mountain of goodness, though it continue but for a moment, cannot be resisted
The wrath 'tis hard e'en for an instant to endure, Of those who virtue's hill have scaled, and stand secure
G. U. Pope, 1886
Andhanar Enpor Aravormar RevvuyirKkum Sendhanmai Poontozhuka Laan
The virtuous are truly called Anthanar; because in their conduct towards all creatures they are clothed in kindness
Towards all that breathe, with seemly graciousness adorned they live; And thus to virtue's sons the name of 'Anthanar' men give
G. U. Pope, 1886
