Tirukkural Chapter 99 - Couplets 1,2,3 Poem by Rajaram Ramachandran

திருக்குறள் -TIRUKKURAL
அதிகாரம் 99 - சான்றாண்மை
CHAPTER 99 - GOOD CONDUCT
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99/01. கடன் என்ப நல்லவை எல்லாம் கடன்அறிந்து
சான்றாண்மை மேற்கொள் பவர்க்கு.

99/01. Kadan enba nallavai ellaam kadanarrindhu
Saandrraannmai merrkoll bhavarkku.

99/01. Those who follow good conduct
will study the nature of a deed
and consider all good deeds as their duty
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Aruna: A person of good conduct will take it as his duty
If he has to do any good deed.

Nirmala: A good person will examine
First if the proposed action
Is fit to be done by him
Within a specific time.

Once he jumps into action,
With all his dedication,
The entire job is done
To the best of his satisfaction.

Because of men with good conduct
Today's world is at its height
In the fields of arts and science,
Exhibiting their excellence.
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99/02. குணநலம் சான்றோர் நலனே; பிறநலம்
எந்நலத் துள்ளதூஉம் அன்று.

99/02. Gunanalam saandrror nalane; ; pirranalam
Ennalath thulladhoom andrru.

99/02. Great men prefer good conduct among all the treasures.
If it is not there, they don't consider others more valuable.
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Aruna: If there is no salt in the food one cannot eat.
Like that if there no good conduct one is unfit to live.

Nirmala: You've correctly said it,
If there is no good conduct,
What is the use of one,
Calling him ‘self' a wise man.

He's worst than jungle animals,
Which eat, mate and sleep well,
Killing other animals for food,
And not doing anything good.

The silent majority of the world,
Remain in their places unnoticed,
On account of their good conduct
The rains fall for all, as a matter of fact.
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99/03. அன்புநாண் ஒப்புரவு கண்ணோட்டம் வாய்மையோடு
ஐந்துசால்பு ஊன்றிய தூண்.

99/03. Anbunaann oppuravu kannottam vaaimaiyodu
Aindhusaalbu oonrriya thoonn.

99/03.1. Love all,2. Don't commit sins,3. Help everyone,
4. Show pity and 5. Speak always truth; the combination
of all these five qualities is called good conduct.
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Aruna: The poet has given a big list of five items
Which form one good conduct.

Nirmala: He really means what he says.
Love, help, pity, truth and sinless,
To hear all these five sweet words
It's like music flowing into our ears.

How far these can be followed
In the present practical world?
One can ask this big question,
The answer is with everyone.

Can I love all?
Can I avoid sins?
Can I help everyone?
Can I take pity on sufferers?

Can I always speak the truth?
If everyone on this earth
Ask themselves these questions,
World will adopt "Good Conduct."
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