Created by Jijith Nadumuri at 11 Oct 2011 10:32 and updated at 11 Oct 2011 10:32
TIRUKKURAL of Tiruvalluvar, the Tamil poet
BOOK 1
VIRTUE
DIVISION 3
ADHIKARAM 1
1.3.1. The Possession of Benevolence
241
Wealth mid Wealth is Wealth kindliness
Wealth of goods the vilest too possess.
The Wealth of Kindness is Wealth of Wealth, in as much as the Wealth of property is possessed by the basest of men.
242
The law of grace fulfil, by methods good due trial made,
Though many systems you explore, this is your only aid.
(Stand) in the good path, consider, and be kind. Even considering according to the conflicting tenets of the different sects, Kindness will be your best aid, (in the acquisition of Heavenly bliss.)
243
They in whose Breast a gracious kindliness resides,
See not the gruesome world, where Darkness drear abides.
They will never enter the World of Darkness and wretchedness whose minds are the abode of Kindness.
244
Who for undying Souls of men provides with gracious zeal,
In his own Soul the dreaded guilt of sin shall never feel.
(The wise) say that the Evils, which his Soul would dread, will never come upon the man who exercises Kindness and protects the life (of other creatures)
245
The teeming Earth s vast realm, round which the wild winds blow,
Is witness, men of grace no woeful want shall know.
This great rich Earth over which the wind blows, is a witness that Sorrow never comes upon the kind Hearted.
246
Gain of true Wealth oblivious they eschew,
Who grace forsake, and graceless actions do.
(The wise) say that those who neglect Kindness and practise cruelties, neglected Virtue (in their former birth), and forgot (the Sorrows which they must suffer.)
247
As to impoverished men this present World is not;
The graceless in you World have neither part nor lot.
As this World is not for those who are without Wealth, so that World is not for those who are without Kindness.
248
Who lose the Flower of Wealth, when seasons change, again may bloom;
Who lose benevolence lose all; nothing can change their doom.
Those who are without Wealth may, at some Future time, become prosperous; those who are destitute of Kindness are utterly destitute; for them there is no change.
249
When Souls unwise true Wisdom s mystic vision see,
The graceless man may work true works of charity.
If you consider, the Virtue of him who is without Kindness is like the perception of the true being by him who is without Wisdom.
250
When weaker men you front with threat ning brow,
Think how you felt in presence of some stronger Foe.
When a man is about to rush upon those who are weaker than himself, let him remember how he has stood (trembling) before those who are stronger than himself.
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