AN INTRODUCTION TO
THE STUDY OF TIRUVALLUVAR
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A Lecture by Prof.Avvai Duraisami Pillai
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Part – 16
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வாணிகம் செய்வார்க்கு வாணிகம் பேணிப்
பிறவும் தமபோல் செயின். (20)
Supposing a businessman or a judge in a court of law entertains a thought which fails to equipoise his mind, then he must take it for granted, that it is a sure sign of disaster and destruction awaiting to befall himself and the nation he belongs to.
கெடுவல்யான் என்பது அறிக தன் நெஞ்சம்
நடுவொரீஇ அல்ல செயின். (21)
In the routine of our life, especially when we come in contact with men and matters highly beneficial, there is every likelihood for our mind to go beyond our control, and our words more excessive. Self-restraint or control is the only weapon to guard us from consequential downfall.
காக்க பொருளா அடக்கத்தை ஆக்கம்
அதனின் ஊஉங்கில்லை உயிர்க்கு. (22)
Of course, self control is excellent in all, but it most befits those whom fortune smiles upon. If the mind sometimes break the control, it will begin to roam about in thought and its harm will not be so serious as the unrestrained word; when it loses its control over the tongue, words become harsh and hot and cause grievous wounds to others. Thiruvalluvar says
தீயினால் சுட்டபுண் உள்ளாறும் மாறாதே
நாவினால் சுட்ட வடு. (23)
i. e. ‘The wound may heal though from a burning brand, And be forgotton; but the wound never heals a burning tongue inflicts.’ (Ellis). Even though a person may be unrestrained in all else, he must have effective control over his tongue; otherwise he will be degraded by licentious speech and put to trouble by his indiscreet words. Control of mind and restraint over tongue of an individual contribute a good deal to the well-being of the human society.
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