Wealth (பொருட்பால்) / Miscellaneous
Chapter 99
சான்றாண்மை
Perfectness
Saandraanmai. Malay: Kesempurnaan Peribadi. Kurals 981 to 990.
When striving for excellence of character.
How to say it
Katanenpa Nallavai Ellaam KatanarindhuSaandraanmai Merkol Pavarkku
Meaning in plain English
It is said that those who are conscious of their duty and behave with a perfect goodness will regard as natural all that is good
Poetic translation
All goodly things are duties to the men, they sayWho set themselves to walk in virtue's perfect way
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Kunanalam Saandror Nalane PiranalamEnnalaththu Ulladhooum Andru
Meaning in plain English
The only delight of the perfect is that of their goodness; all other (sensual) delights are not to be included among any (true) delights
Poetic translation
The good of inward excellence they claim, The perfect men; all other good is only good in name
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Anpunaan Oppuravu Kannottam VaaimaiyotuAindhusaal Oondriya Thoon
Meaning in plain English
Affection, fear (of sin), benevolence, favour and truthfulness; these are the five pillars on which perfect goodness rests
Poetic translation
Love, modesty, beneficence, benignant grace, With truth, are pillars five of perfect virtue's resting-place
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Kollaa Nalaththadhu Nonmai PirardheemaiSollaa Nalaththadhu Saalpu
Meaning in plain English
Penance consists in the goodness that kills not , and perfection in the goodness that tells not others' faults
Poetic translation
The type of 'penitence' is virtuous good that nothing slays; To speak no ill of other men is perfect virtue's praise
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Aatruvaar Aatral Panidhal AdhusaandrorMaatraarai Maatrum Patai
Meaning in plain English
Stooping (to inferiors) is the strength of those who can accomplish (an undertaking); and that is the weapon with which the great avert their foes
Poetic translation
Submission is the might of men of mighty acts; the sageWith that same weapon stills his foeman's rage
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Saalpirkuk Kattalai Yaadhenin TholviThulaiyallaar Kannum Kolal
Meaning in plain English
The touch-stone of perfection is to receive a defeat even at the hands of one's inferiors
Poetic translation
What is perfection's test? The equal mindTo bear repulse from even meaner men resigned
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Innaasey Thaarkkum Iniyave SeyyaakkaalEnna Payaththadho Saalpu
Meaning in plain English
Of what avail is perfect goodness if it cannot do pleasing things even to those who have pained (it) ?
Poetic translation
What fruit doth your perfection yield you, say!Unless to men who work you ill good repay
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Inmai Oruvarku Ilivandru SaalpennumThinmai Un Taakap Perin
Meaning in plain English
Poverty is no disgrace to one who abounds in good qualities
Poetic translation
To soul with perfect virtue's strength endued, Brings no disgrace the lack of every earthly good
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Oozhi Peyarinum Thaampeyaraar SaandraanmaikkuAazhi Enappatu Vaar
Meaning in plain English
Those who are said to be the shore of the sea of perfection will never change, though ages may change
Poetic translation
Call them of perfect virtue's sea the shore, Who, though the fates should fail, fail not for evermore
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Saandravar Saandraanmai Kundrin IrunilandhaanThaangaadhu Manno Porai
Meaning in plain English
If there is a defect in the character of the perfect, (even) the great world cannot bear (its) burden
Poetic translation
The mighty earth its burthen to sustain must cease, If perfect virtue of the perfect men decrease
G. U. Pope, 1886