Chapter 66: Purity in Action

துணைநலம் ஆக்கம் த்ருஉம் வினைநலம்
வேண்டிய எல்லாந் தரும்.

Thunainalam Aakkam Tharuum Vinainalam
Ventiya Ellaan Tharum

Friendship brings gain; but action pure Does every good thing we desire

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

என்றும் ஒருவுதல் வேண்டும் புகழொடு
நன்றி பயவா வினை.

Endrum Oruvudhal Ventum Pukazhotu
Nandri Payavaa Vinai

Eschew always acts that do not Bring good nor glory on their part

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

ஒஓதல் வேண்டும் ஒளிமாழ்கும் செய்வினை
ஆஅதும் என்னு மவர்.

Oodhal Ventum Olimaazhkum Seyvinai
Aaadhum Ennu Mavar

Those in the world desire for fame Should shun the deed that dims their name

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

இடுக்கண் படினும் இளிவந்த செய்யார்
நடுக்கற்ற காட்சி யவர்.

Itukkan Patinum Ilivandha Seyyaar
Natukkatra Kaatchi Yavar

Though perils press the faultless wise Shun deeds of mean, shameful device

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

எற்றென்று இரங்குவ செய்யற்க செய்வானேல்
மற்றன்ன செய்யாமை நன்று.

Etrendru Iranguva Seyyarka Seyvaanel
Matranna Seyyaamai Nandru

Do not wrong act and grieve, \"Alas\" If done, do not repeat it twice

Meaning: 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

ஈன்றாள் பசிகாண்பான் ஆயினுஞ் செய்யற்க
சான்றோர் பழிக்கும் வினை.

Eendraal Pasikaanpaan Aayinunj Cheyyarka
Saandror Pazhikkum Vinai

Though she who begot thee hungers Shun acts denounced by ancient seers

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

பழிமலைந்து எய்திய ஆக்கத்தின் சான்றோர்
கழிநல் குரவே தலை.

Pazhimalaindhu Eydhiya Aakkaththin Saandror
Kazhinal Kurave Thalai

Pinching poverty of the wise Is more than wealth hoarded by Vice

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

கடிந்த கடிந்தொரார் செய்தார்க்கு அவைதாம்
முடிந்தாலும் பீழை தரும்.

Katindha Katindhoraar Seydhaarkku Avaidhaam
Mutindhaalum Peezhai Tharum

Those who dare a forbidden deed Suffer troubles though they succeed

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

அழக்கொண்ட எல்லாம் அழப்போம் இழப்பினும்
பிற்பயக்கும் நற்பா லவை.

Azhak Konta Ellaam Azhappom
Izhappinum Pirpayakkum Narpaa Lavai

Gains from weeping, weeping go Though lost, from good deeds blessings flow

Meaning: 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

சலத்தால் பொருள்செய்தே மார்த்தல் பசுமண்
கலத்துள்நீர் பெய்திரீஇ யற்று.

Salaththaal Porulseydhe Maarththal Pasuman
Kalaththulneer Peydhireei Yatru

The wealth gathered in guilty ways Is water poured in wet clay vase

Meaning: (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