Tirukural

CHAPTER 61

Avoidance of Idleness

601

The eternal flame of a family vanishes when eclipsed by that dark cloud called idleness.§

602

Let those who wish their family to be a noble family call laziness “laziness” and live without it.§

603

The simpleton whose actions are stifled by ruinous indolence will see his family perish before he dies.§

604

Their families decrease and their vices increase when men, ensnared in sloth, do not put forth earnest effort.§

605

Procrastination, forgetfulness, sloth and sleep— these four shape the ship bearing those destined for ruin.§

606

Seldom do languid men achieve anything special, even when supported by the world’s wealthy proprietors.§

607

Idle men, incapable of honorable exertion, invite scorn and suffer the shame of scolding words.§

608

If languor is allowed to linger in aristocrats, they will be forced into servitude under foes.§

609

Disgrace that has come upon a man and his family will disappear the moment he casts out laziness.§

610

A king devoid of indolence will thereby procure all that cosmic expanse measured by God’s immeasurable strides.§