Unforgetfulness

'Tis greater ill, it rapture of o'erweening gladness to the soul
Bring self-forgetfulness than if transcendent wrath control

Explanation
More evil than excessive anger, is forgetfulness which springs from the intoxication of great joy.

Tamil Transliteration
Irandha Vekuliyin Theedhe Sirandha
Uvakai Makizhchchiyir Sorvu.

Perpetual, poverty is death to wisdom of the wise;
When man forgets himself his glory dies

Explanation
Forgetfulness will destroy fame, even as constant poverty destroys knowledge.

Tamil Transliteration
Pochchaappuk Kollum Pukazhai Arivinai
Nichcha Nirappuk Kon Raangu.

'To self-oblivious men no praise'; this rule
Decisive wisdom sums of every school

Explanation
Thoughtlessness will never acquire fame; and this tenet is upheld by all treatises in the world.

Tamil Transliteration
Pochchaappaark Killai Pukazhmai Adhuulakaththu
Eppaalnoo Lorkkum Thunivu.

'To cowards is no fort's defence'; e'en so
The self-oblivious men no blessing know

Explanation
Just as the coward has no defence (by whatever fortifications ha may be surrounded), so the thoughtless has no good (whatever advantages he may possess).

Tamil Transliteration
Achcha Mutaiyaarkku Aranillai Aangillai
Pochchaap Putaiyaarkku Nanku.

To him who nought foresees, recks not of anything,
The after woe shall sure repentance bring

Explanation
The thoughtless man, who provides not against the calamities that may happen, will afterwards repent for his fault.

Tamil Transliteration
Munnurak Kaavaadhu Izhukkiyaan Thanpizhai
Pinnooru Irangi Vitum.

Towards all unswerving, ever watchfulness of soul retain,
Where this is found there is no greater gain

Explanation
There is nothing comparable with the possession of unfailing thoughtfulness at all times; and towards all persons.

Tamil Transliteration
Izhukkaamai Yaarmaattum Endrum Vazhukkaamai
Vaayin Adhuvoppadhu Il.

Though things are arduous deemed, there's nought may not be won,
When work with mind's unslumbering energy and thought is done

Explanation
There is nothing too difficult to be accomplished, if a man set about it carefully, with unflinching endeavour.

Tamil Transliteration
Ariyaendru Aakaadha Illaipoch Chaavaak
Karuviyaal Potrich Cheyin.

Let things that merit praise thy watchful soul employ;
Who these despise attain through sevenfold births no joy

Explanation
Let (a man) observe and do these things which have been praised (by the wise); if he neglects and fails to perform them, for him there will be no (happiness) throughout the seven births.

Tamil Transliteration
Pukazhndhavai Potrich Cheyalventum Seyyaadhu
Ikazhndhaarkku Ezhumaiyum Il.

Think on the men whom scornful mind hath brought to nought,
When exultation overwhelms thy wildered thought

Explanation
Let (a king) think of those who have been ruined by neglect, when his mind is elated with joy.

Tamil Transliteration
Ikazhchchiyin Kettaarai Ulluka Thaandham
Makizhchchiyin Maindhurum Pozhdhu.

'Tis easy what thou hast in mind to gain,
If what thou hast in mind thy mind retain

Explanation
It is easy for (one) to obtain whatever he may think of, if he can again think of it.

Tamil Transliteration
Ulliyadhu Eydhal Elidhuman Matrundhaan
Ulliyadhu Ullap Perin.