Unbefitting Conduct (By St. Thiruvalluvar) Poem by Rajendran Muthiah

271.The five-fold elements within his body laugh at
the feigned behavior of the deceitful minded man.
272.When one’s mind consciously indulges in well known crimes
What will be the use of his high holy appearance?
273.As a cow wrapped in a tiger’s skin grazes the crops,
A man lacking self-control feigns a mighty show of virtue.
274.As one does evil hiding in the garb of a stern ascetic
A fowler lurks in a bush to ensnare birds.
275.The misconduct of those who profess renunciation
brings them sorrows to cry out: “Oh, what have we done? ”
276.None are cruel-eyed as those who renounced not the world
But feign and live as the one renounced of all desires.
277.some people shine as bright outward as the red berry
of the wild kundril but inside as black as its nose.
288.With a foul heart, appear holy and bathe in sacred waters
And make a show of greatness, the masked men of conduct.
289.Though the straight arrow is cruel and bent lute is sweet
Men are to be judged by the effect of their deeds.
290.You need not shave your head or grow long hair
If you shun what the wise condemned as wrong.