Tirukkural Chapter 42 - Couplets 4,5,6 Poem by Rajaram Ramachandran

திருக்குறள் -TIRUKKURAL
அதிகாரம் 42 - கேள்வி
CHAPTER 42 - ON LISTENING
***
42/04. கற்றிலன் ஆயினும் கேட்க; அஃதொருவற்கு
ஒற்கத்தின் ஊற்றாம் துணை.

42/04. Katrrilan aayinum ketkka; ; akkdhoruvarrkku
Orrkaththin uoortrraam thunnai.

42/04. Even one has not read useful literatures, he can hear others lectures
That will guard him at the hour of crisis.
***
Gowri: There is no harm if one hears others' lectures
Through his ears even if he has not read good books.

Jaya: God gave these two ears
To listen to good songs
Also to hear good lectures,
That'll guide one, during any crisis.

In fact, music therapy cures
Many mental diseases,
Ears are the two instruments
Which play vital role for this.

When a student hears teachers'
Class room lectures,
He can score high marks
In all the subjects.
***
42/05. இழுக்கல் உடையுழி ஊற்றுக்கோல் அற்றே
ஒழுக்கம் உடையார்வாய்ச் சொல்.

42/05. Izhukkal udaiyzhi ootrrukkol atrre
Ozhukkam udaiyaarvaich chol.

42/05. The words coming from the mouth of a man of virtuous character
Will help one, who is struggling to walk in a slushy mud path.
***
Gowri: A man of virtuous character will not be harsh, but kind.

Jaya: Yes, in a place where such a man is
There'll be complete peace,
And people will listen to him
When he speaks words of wisdom.

Listening is a good habit
That one should cultivate
From his very young age
To widen his general knowledge.

Ears are meant, like windows,
To hear good many speeches,
Which go into the brain
And recorded well therein.
***
42/06. எனைத்தானும் நல்லவை கேட்க; அனைத்தானும்
ஆன்ற பெருமை தரும்.

42/06. Enaththaanum nallavai ketka; anaithaanum
Aanrra perumai tharum

42/06. Let one hear something from others saying good things,
Even if they are a few things, it will give good name to one.
***
Gowri: One should hear what others say even if it is a word or two.

Jaya: Wise men will not speak more than
What is necessary for the occasion.
If one hears and acts accordingly
It's advantageous to him only.

One shouldn't force his ideas
Without acceptance from others,
And should give them a chance
To speak on their views.

This kind of listening to others
Will create a friendly atmosphere
With a ‘give and take' spirit
Whenever they both meet.
***