Greatness

The light of life is mental energy; disgrace is his
Who says, 'I 'ill lead a happy life devoid of this.'

Explanation
One's light is the abundance of one's courage; one's darkness is the desire to live destitute of such (a state of mind.).

Tamil Transliteration
Olioruvarku Ulla Verukkai Ilioruvarku
Aqdhirandhu Vaazhdhum Enal.

All men that live are one in circumstances of birth;
Diversities of works give each his special worth

Explanation
All human beings agree as regards their birth but differ as regards their characteristics, because of the different qualities of their actions.

Tamil Transliteration
Pirappokkum Ellaa Uyirkkum Sirappovvaa
Seydhozhil Vetrumai Yaan.

The men of lofty line, whose souls are mean, are never great
The men of lowly birth, when high of soul, are not of low estate

Explanation
Though (raised) above, the base cannot become great; though (brought) low, the great cannot become base.

Tamil Transliteration
Melirundhum Melallaar Melallar Keezhirundhum
Keezhallaar Keezhal Lavar.

Like single-hearted women, greatness too,
Exists while to itself is true

Explanation
Exists while to itself is true.

Tamil Transliteration
Orumai Makalire Polap Perumaiyum
Thannaiththaan Kontozhukin Untu.

The man endowed with greatness true,
Rare deeds in perfect wise will do

Explanation
(Though reduced) the great will be able to perform, in the proper way, deeds difficult (for others to do).

Tamil Transliteration
Perumai Yutaiyavar Aatruvaar Aatrin
Arumai Utaiya Seyal.

'As votaries of the truly great we will ourselves enroll,'
Is thought that enters not the mind of men of little soul

Explanation
It is never in the nature of the base to seek the society of the great and partake of their nature.

Tamil Transliteration
Siriyaar Unarchchiyul Illai Periyaaraip
Penikkol Vemennum Nokku.

Whene'er distinction lights on some unworthy head,
Then deeds of haughty insolence are bred

Explanation
Even nobility of birth, wealth and learning, if in (the possession of) the base, will (only) produce everincreasing pride.

Tamil Transliteration
Irappe Purindha Thozhitraam Sirappundhaan
Seeral Lavarkan Patin.

Greatness humbly bends, but littleness always
Spreads out its plumes, and loads itself with praise

Explanation
The great will always humble himself; but the mean will exalt himself in self-admiration.

Tamil Transliteration
Paniyumaam Endrum Perumai Sirumai
Aniyumaam Thannai Viyandhu.

Greatness is absence of conceit; meanness, we deem,
Riding on car of vanity supreme

Explanation
Freedom from conceit is (the nature of true) greatness; (while) obstinacy therein is (that of) meanness.

Tamil Transliteration
Perumai Perumidham Inmai Sirumai
Perumidham Oorndhu Vital.

Greatness will hide a neighbour's shame;
Meanness his faults to all the world proclaim

Explanation
The great hide the faults of others; the base only divulge them.

Tamil Transliteration
Atram Maraikkum Perumai Sirumaidhaan
Kutrame Koori Vitum.