Purity in Action

The good external help confers is worldly gain;
By action good men every needed gift obtain

Explanation
The efficacy of support will yield (only) wealth; (but) the efficacy of action will yield all that is desired.

Tamil Transliteration
Thunainalam Aakkam Tharuum Vinainalam
Ventiya Ellaan Tharum.

From action evermore thyself restrain
Of glory and of good that yields no gain

Explanation
Ministers should at all times avoid acts which, in addition to fame, yield no benefit (for the future).

Tamil Transliteration
Endrum Oruvudhal Ventum Pukazhotu
Nandri Payavaa Vinai.

Who tell themselves that nobler things shall yet be won
All deeds that dim the light of glory must they shun

Explanation
Those who say, "we will become (better)" should avoid the performance of acts that would destroy (their fame).

Tamil Transliteration
Oodhal Ventum Olimaazhkum Seyvinai
Aaadhum Ennu Mavar.

Though troubles press, no shameful deed they do,
Whose eyes the ever-during vision view

Explanation
Those who have infallible judgement though threatened with peril will not do acts which have brought disgrace (on former ministers).

Tamil Transliteration
Itukkan Patinum Ilivandha Seyyaar
Natukkatra Kaatchi Yavar.

Do nought that soul repenting must deplore,
If thou hast sinned, 'tis well if thou dost sin no more

Explanation
Let a minister never do acts of which he would have to grieve saying, "what is this I have done"; (but) should he do (them), it were good that he grieved not.

Tamil Transliteration
Etrendru Iranguva Seyyarka Seyvaanel
Matranna Seyyaamai Nandru.

Though her that bore thee hung'ring thou behold, no deed
Do thou, that men of perfect soul have crime decreed

Explanation
Though a minister may see his mother starve; let him do not act which the wise would (treat with contempt).

Tamil Transliteration
Eendraal Pasikaanpaan Aayinunj Cheyyarka
Saandror Pazhikkum Vinai.

Than store of wealth guilt-laden souls obtain,
The sorest poverty of perfect soul is richer gain

Explanation
Far more excellent is the extreme poverty of the wise than wealth obtained by heaping up of sinful.

Tamil Transliteration
Pazhimalaindhu Eydhiya Aakkaththin Saandror
Kazhinal Kurave Thalai.

To those who hate reproof and do forbidden thing
What prospers now, in after days shall anguish bring

Explanation
The actions of those, who have not desisted from doing deeds forbidden (by the great), will, even if they succeed, cause them sorrow.

Tamil Transliteration
Katindha Katindhoraar Seydhaarkku Avaidhaam
Mutindhaalum Peezhai Tharum.

What's gained through tears with tears shall go;
From loss good deeds entail harvests of blessings grow

Explanation
All that has been obtained with tears (to the victim) will depart with tears (to himself); but what has been by fair means; though with loss at first, will afterwards yield fruit.

Tamil Transliteration
Azhak Konta Ellaam Azhappom Izhappinum
Pirpayakkum Narpaa Lavai.

In pot of clay unburnt he water pours and would retain,
Who seeks by wrong the realm in wealth and safety to maintain

Explanation
(For a minister) to protect (his king) with wealth obtained by foul means is like preserving a vessel of wet clay by filling it with water.

Tamil Transliteration
Salaththaal Porulseydhe Maarththal Pasuman
Kalaththulneer Peydhireei Yatru.