Penance

To bear due penitential pains, while no offence
He causes others, is the type of 'penitence'

Explanation
The nature of religious discipline consists, in the endurance (by the ascetic) of the sufferings which it brings on himself, and in abstaining from giving pain to others.

Tamil Transliteration
Utranoi Nondral Uyirkkurukan Seyyaamai
Atre Thavaththir Kuru.

To 'penitents' sincere avails their 'penitence';
Where that is not, 'tis but a vain pretence

Explanation
Austerities can only be borne, and their benefits enjoyed, by those who have practised them (in a former birth); it will be useless for those who have not done so, to attempt to practise them (now).

Tamil Transliteration
Thavamum Thavamutaiyaarkku Aakum Adhanai
Aqdhilaar Merkol Vadhu.

Have other men forgotten 'penitence' who strive
To earn for penitents the things by which they live

Explanation
It is to provide food etc, for the ascetics who have abandoned (the desire of earthly possessions) that other persons have forgotten (to practise) austerity ?.

Tamil Transliteration
Thurandhaarkkuth Thuppuravu Venti Marandhaarkol
Matrai Yavarkal Thavam.

Destruction to his foes, to friends increase of joy
The 'penitent' can cause, if this his thoughts employ

Explanation
If (the ascetic) desire the destruction of his enemies, or the aggrandizement of his friends, it will be effected by (the power of) his austerities.

Tamil Transliteration
Onnaarth Theralum Uvandhaarai Aakkalum
Ennin Thavaththaan Varum.

That what they wish may, as they wish, be won,
By men on earth are works of painful 'penance' done

Explanation
Religious dislipline is practised in this world, because it secures the attainment of whatever one may wish to enjoy (in the world to come).

Tamil Transliteration
Ventiya Ventiyaang Keydhalaal Seydhavam
Eentu Muyalap Patum.

Who works of 'penance' do, their end attain,
Others in passion's net enshared, toil but in vain

Explanation
Those discharge their duty who perform austerities; all others accomplish their own destruction, through the entanglement of the desire (of riches and sensual pleasure).

Tamil Transliteration
Thavanj Cheyvaar Thangarumanj Cheyvaarmar Rallaar
Avanjeyvaar Aasaiyut Pattu.

The hotter glows the fining fire, the gold the brighter shines;
The pain of penitence, like fire, the soul of man refines

Explanation
Just as gold is purified as heated in the fire, will those shine, who have endured the burning of pain (in frequent austerities).

Tamil Transliteration
Sutachchutarum Ponpol Olivitum Thunpanjjch
Utachchuta Norkir Pavarkku.

Who gains himself in utter self-control,
Him worships every other living soul

Explanation
All other creatures will worship him who has attained the control of his own soul.

Tamil Transliteration
Thannuyir Thaanarap Petraanai Enaiya
Mannuyi Rellaan Thozhum.

E'en over death the victory he may gain,
If power by penance won his soul obtain

Explanation
Those who have attained the power which religious discipline confers, will be able also to pass the limit of Yama, (the God of death).

Tamil Transliteration
Kootram Kudhiththalum Kaikootum Notralin
Aatral Thalaippat Tavarkkul.

The many all things lack! The cause is plain,
The 'penitents' are few The many shun such pain

Explanation
Because there are few who practise austerity and many who do not, there are many destitute and few rich in this world.

Tamil Transliteration
Ilarpala Raakiya Kaaranam Norpaar
Silarpalar Nolaa Thavar.