The Greatness of Ascetics

The settled rule of every code requires, as highest good,
Their greatness who, renouncing all, true to their rule have stood

Explanation
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.

Tamil Transliteration
Ozhukkaththu Neeththaar Perumai Vizhuppaththu
Ventum Panuval Thunivu.

As counting those that from the earth have passed away,
'Tis vain attempt the might of holy men to say

Explanation
To describe the measure of the greatness of those who have forsaken the two-fold desires, is like counting the dead.

Tamil Transliteration
Thurandhaar Perumai Thunaikkoorin Vaiyaththu
Irandhaarai Ennikkon Tatru.

Their greatness earth transcends, who, way of both worlds weighed,
In this world take their stand, in virtue's robe arrayed

Explanation
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).

Tamil Transliteration
Irumai Vakaidherindhu Eentuaram Poontaar
Perumai Pirangitru Ulaku.

He, who with firmness, curb the five restrains,
Is seed for soil of yonder happy plains

Explanation
He who guides his five senses by the hook of wisdom will be a seed in the world of heaven.

Tamil Transliteration
Uranennum Thottiyaan Oraindhum Kaappaan
Varanennum Vaippirkor Viththu.

Their might who have destroyed 'the five', shall soothly tell
Indra, the lord of those in heaven's wide realms that dwell

Explanation
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.

Tamil Transliteration
Aindhaviththaan Aatral Akalvisumpu Laarkomaan
Indhirane Saalung Kari.

Things hard in the doing will great men do;
Things hard in the doing the mean eschew

Explanation
The great will do those things which is difficult to be done; but the mean cannot do them.

Tamil Transliteration
Seyarkariya Seyvaar Periyar Siriyar
Seyarkariya Seykalaa Thaar.

Taste, light, touch, sound, and smell: who knows the way
Of all the five,- the world submissive owns his sway

Explanation
The world is within the knowledge of him who knows the properties of taste, sight, touch, hearing and smell.

Tamil Transliteration
Suvaioli Ooruosai Naatramendru Aindhin
Vakaidherivaan Katte Ulaku.

The might of men whose word is never vain,
The 'secret word' shall to the earth proclaim

Explanation
The hidden words of the men whose words are full of effect, will shew their greatness to the world.

Tamil Transliteration
Niraimozhi Maandhar Perumai Nilaththu
Maraimozhi Kaatti Vitum.

The wrath 'tis hard e'en for an instant to endure,
Of those who virtue's hill have scaled, and stand secure

Explanation
The anger of those who have ascended the mountain of goodness, though it continue but for a moment, cannot be resisted.

Tamil Transliteration
Kunamennum Kundreri Nindraar Vekuli
Kanameyum Kaaththal Aridhu.

Towards all that breathe, with seemly graciousness adorned they live;
And thus to virtue's sons the name of 'Anthanar' men give

Explanation
The virtuous are truly called Anthanar; because in their conduct towards all creatures they are clothed in kindness.

Tamil Transliteration
Andhanar Enpor Aravormar Revvuyir Kkum
Sendhanmai Poontozhuka Laan.