Tirukural

CHAPTER 66

Purity of Action

651

Good friendships bring wealth to a man, but goodness of action fulfills his every wish.§

652

Fame-garnering actions of no real benefit should always be strictly avoided.§

653

Declaring that their future will be brighter, men must desist from deeds that darken glory’s light.§

654

However troubled the times, men of imperturbable perception never commit shameful or sordid deeds.§

655

Do nothing that would make you regret, “What have I done!” However, if regrettable deeds occur, do not remain regretful.§

656

Though he must behold his own mother’s hunger, let a man desist from deeds condemned by wise men.§

657

The worst poverty of worthy men is more worthwhile than the greatest wealth amassed by wrongful means.§

658

Forbidden deeds, however well accomplished, inflict sorrow on those who seek after rather than shun them.§

659

What is gained by tears will go by tears. Even if it begins with loss, in the end, goodness gives many good things.§

660

Protecting the country with wrongly garnered wealth is like preserving water in an unbaked clay pot.§