Chapter 24: Renown

ஈதல் இசைபட வாழ்தல் அதுவல்லது
ஊதியம் இல்லை உயிர்க்கு.

Eedhal Isaipata Vaazhdhal Adhuvalladhu
Oodhiyam Illai Uyirkku

They gather fame who freely give The greatest gain for all that live

Meaning: Give to the poor and live with praise There is no greater profit to man than that

உரைப்பார் உரைப்பவை எல்லாம் இரப்பார்க்கொன்று
ஈவார்மேல் நிற்கும் புகழ்.

Uraippaar Uraippavai Ellaam Irappaarkkondru
Eevaarmel Nirkum Pukazh

The glory of the alms-giver Is praised aloud as popular

Meaning: Whatsoever is spoken in the world will abide as praise upon that man who gives alms to the poor

ஒன்றா உலகத்து உயர்ந்த புகழல்லால்
பொன்றாது நிற்பதொன் றில்.

Ondraa Ulakaththu Uyarndha Pukazhallaal
Pondraadhu Nirpadhon Ril

Nothing else lasts on earth for e'er Saving high fame of the giver!

Meaning: There is nothing that stands forth in the world imperishable, except fame, exalted in solitary greatness

நிலவரை நீள்புகழ் ஆற்றின் புலவரைப்
போற்றாது புத்தேள் உலகு.

Nilavarai Neelpukazh Aatrin Pulavaraip
Potraadhu Puththel Ulaku

From hailing gods heavens will cease To hail the men of lasting praise

Meaning: If one has acquired extensive fame within the limits of this earth, the world of the Gods will no longer praise those sages who have attained that world

நத்தம்போல் கேடும் உளதாகும் சாக்காடும்
வித்தகர்க் கல்லால் அரிது.

Naththampol Ketum Uladhaakum Saakkaatum
Viththakark Kallaal Aridhu

Fame in fall and life in death Are rare but for the soulful worth

Meaning: Prosperity to the body of fame, resulting in poverty to the body of flesh and the stability to the former arising from the death of the latter, are achievable only by the wise

தோன்றின் புகழொடு தோன்றுக அஃதிலார்
தோன்றலின் தோன்றாமை நன்று.

Thondrin Pukazhotu Thondruka Aqdhilaar
Thondralin Thondraamai Nandru

Be born with fame if birth you want If not of birth you must not vaunt

Meaning: If you are born (in this world), be born with qualities conductive to fame From those who are destitute of them it will be better not to be born

புகழ்பட வாழாதார் தந்நோவார் தம்மை
இகழ்வாரை நோவது எவன்?

Pukazhpata Vaazhaadhaar Thannovaar Thammai
Ikazhvaarai Novadhu Evan?

Why grieve at those who blame the shame Of those who cannot live in fame?

Meaning: Why do those who cannot live with praise, grieve those who despise them, instead of grieving themselves for their own inability

வசையென்ப வையத்தார்க் கெல்லாம் இசையென்னும்
எச்சம் பெறாஅ விடின்.

Vasaiyenpa Vaiyaththaark Kellaam Isaiyennum
Echcham Peraaa Vitin

To men on earth it is a shame Not to beget the child of fame

Meaning: Not to beget fame will be esteemed a disgrace by the wise in this world

வசையிலா வண்பயன் குன்றும் இசையிலா
யாக்கை பொறுத்த நிலம்.

Vasaiyilaa Vanpayan Kundrum Isaiyilaa
Yaakkai Poruththa Nilam

The land will shrink in yield if men O'erburden it without renown

Meaning: The ground which supports a body without fame will diminish in its rich produce

வசையொழிய வாழ்வாரே வாழ்வார் இசையொழிய
வாழ்வாரே வாழா தவர்.

Vasaiyozhiya Vaazhvaare Vaazhvaar Isaiyozhiya
Vaazhvaare Vaazhaa Thavar

They live who live without blemish The blameful ones do not flurish

Meaning: Those live who live without disgrace Those who live without fame live not