15. DIVINE THOUGHTS FROM “THIRUKKURAL” BY THIRUVALLUVAR

Compiled by M. M. Divakaran
[Thiruvalluvar was a great Tamil poet who wrote the Thirukkural. Thirukkural is one of most revered ancient works in the Tamil literature. The name Thiruvalluvar consists of Thiru (a polite Tamil word) and Valluvar (a polite name). The Thirukural has been translated into most languages.
Thirukkural is divided into three sections. Section-1 deals with Aram doing things, with conscience and honor, Section-2 discusses Porul realities or facts of life, and the Section-3 deals on Inbam the worldly pleasures. The First section has 38 chapters; Second has 70 chapters; and the Third section has 25 chapters. Each Chapters consist of 10 kurals thus making 1330 Kurals in total]
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ACTION:
=> The actions of those, who have not desisted from doing deeds forbidden (by succeed), will even if they succeed, cause them sorrow

(AHIMSA) NON-VIOLENCE:
=> What is the good way? It is the path that taketh thought how it may save even the smallest of creatures from being killed.
ATTACHMENT:
=> Attach and tie thyself to Him who hath conquered all attachments: bind thyself firmly to Him in order that all thy bonds may be broken.

BENEVOLENCE:
=> Benevolence seeks not a return. What does the world give back to the clouds?

CHARITY:
=> Practising charity without compassion is as inconceivable As realising Truth without clarity of mind.

=> The fiery scourge called hunger never touches the man who shares his daily meal with others.

FAMILY:
=> The chief blessing is an honourable home - and its crowning glory is worthy offspring.
FREEDOM FROM FRAUD:
=> The fortune that is built up by fraud may appear to thrive; but it is doomed for ever. The thirst for plunder leadeth in its season to endless grief. The man who thirsteth after plunder cannot weigh things aright: nor can he walk in the way of righteousness.

=> Behold the men who can cure the evils that have already befallen thee and who can guard thee from future ones; cultivate thou their friendship with ardour. It will be the rarest of rare good fortunes if thou canst secure to thyself the devotion of men of worth.

FRIENDSHIP:
=> Friendship is not seen on a friendly face, But felt deep within a friendly heart.

GOD:
=> The Supreme dwells within the lotus of the heart. Those who reach His Splendid Feet dwell endearing within unearthly realms.

GOOD NEIGHBOURS:
=> Who can desire the overthrow of the man who has the talent to avoid hostilities? When fortune is about to smile on a man he will ignore all provocation: but when destiny has decreed him ruin, he will set no bounds to his defiance of his fellow beings. From defiance springs all that is bitter; but good will yield the glorious fruit of peace and harmony.

GOVERNANCE:
=> Those that desire that their power should last, let them brandish the rod smartly but lay it on soft. Behold the prince who ruleth with a rod of iron and causeth terror to his people: He will stand without a friend and perish forthwith.

HUMILITY:
=> What is stupidity? It is that vanity Which dares to declare, "I am wise"

JUSTICE:
=> Be impartial and consult with the men of law. That is the way to administer justice.

=> Investigate well, show favour to none, maintain impartiality, consult the law, then give judgment - that is the way of justice.

=> Deliberate well and lean not to either side; be impartial and consult with the men of law; that is the way to administer justice.

LIFE:
=> Among those who strive for liberation, the foremost are they Who live the blessed state of family life as it should be lived.

=> Like a tortoise withdrawing five limbs into its shell, those who restrain the five senses in one life, will find safe shelter for seven.

=> What wondrous greatness this world possesses - That yesterday a man was, and today he is not.

LOVE:
=> Loveless natures, cold and hard, Live for self alone. Heart where love abides regard Self as scarce their own.

=> Without love in the heart, Life is like a sapless tree in a barren desert.

NATURE'S MYSTERY:
=> It is rain that ruins, and it is rain again That raises up those it has ruined.

PATIENCE:
=> Who wreak wrath are despised as being worthless; Who patiently forbear are valued as gold. Who bear have praise till earth shall pass away.

SUFFERING:
=> Hating others, even enemies who harm you unprovoked, Assures incessant sorrow.

TROUBLE:
=> A whole sea of troubles will abase themselves the moment a shifty mind collects itself to face them.

WISE MAN:
=> A flood of troubles will vanish the moment. The mind of wise man collects itself to face them.

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