Picture of Valluvar Temple 100 years ago.

Written by London Swaminathan

Post No. 15,957

Date uploaded in London – 7 July 2026

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Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.

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tamilandvedas.com, swamiindology.blogspot.com

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Two interesting points are to be noted in this chapter 14. Couplet 134 insists the character only for Brahmins, not for others! Even Buddha, in the last chapter of Dhammapada, speaks only about Brahmins. Earlier he said that a Brahmin can do murder or topple a government and there is nothing wrong in it; no sin will occur to him; but in the last chapter Buddha stressed the character or right conduct for Brahmins like Manu Smriti. That shows they expected too much from Brahmins only, because they were given high position or highest status. Tamil Tolkappiam also said Brahmins can (only) act as ambassadors. Madhavi sent letter only though a Brahmin in Silappadikaram; Brahmin Madala Maraiyon was the link or backbone in Silappadikaram. In Nala Damyanti story too, Damayanti’s father sends Brahmins to find out Nala.

Another point is two Sanskrit worlds Kuti and Loka used by Valluvar.

The last Kural is similar to Do in Rome as Romans do.

***

Part 28

Following Translations are used:

1.A Aranganatha Mudaliyar – ANM+2 and B.L. Aranganatha iyer and R. Srinivasa Desikan. Year 1933

2.S M Diaz, I G of Police- SMD Year 2000

3.Rev.Dr.GU Pope – GUP. Year 1886

4.Suddhananda Bharathiyar- SB

5.EVS Publishers, Singapore- EVS, Year 1986

6.H A Popley – HAP (not full book; only selected couplets) Year 1931

7.Tamil Original

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136.Men of heroic mould never turn or shrink from the narrow mountain path of their right conduct dreading the abyss of humiliation yawning below— A Aranganatha Mudaliyar – ANM+2 and B.L. Aranganatha iyer and R. Srinivasa Desikan. Year 1933

***

136.The strong of mind do not shrink from right conduct;

They know its breach will spell ruin— S M Diaz, I G of Police- SMD, Year 2000

***

136.
The strong of soul no jot abate of ‘strict decorum’s’ laws,
Knowing that ‘due decorum’s’ breach foulest disgrace will cause.
Those firm in mind will not slacken in their observance of the proprieties of life, knowing, as they do, the misery that flows from the transgression from them— Rev.Dr.GU Pope – GUP. Year 1886.

***
136.The firm from virtue falter not
They know the ills of evil thought –Suddhananda Bharathiyar- SB

***

136.The firm minded will not failing their conduct knowing  that such failure brings degradation of his rank of birth– EVS Publishers, Singapore- EVS, Year 1986

***

136.The strong souled men will never in conduct fail:

They know too well the ills that failure brings— H A Popley – HAP (not full book; only selected couplets) Year 1931

***

136. ஒழுக்கத்தின் ஒல்கார் உரவோர் இழுக்கத்தின்
ஏதம் படுபாக் கறிந்து

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137.All honour to the shining host of men of noble conduct, but dreadful ignominy to the fallen—– ANM+2

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137.A well-regulated life brings honour;

Neglect of it leads to disgrace— SMD

***
137.
‘Tis source of dignity when ‘true decorum’ is preserved;
Who break ‘decorum’s’ rules endure e’en censures undeserved.
From propriety of conduct men obtain greatness; from impropriety comes insufferable disgrace– GUP

***

137.Conduct good ennobles man,
Bad conduct entails disgrace mean-SB

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137.Good conduct brings nobleness. Improper conduct causes unprecedented infamy—EVS

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137. ஒழுக்கத்தின் எய்துவர் மேன்மை இழுக்கத்தின்
எய்துவர் எய்தாப் பழி

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138.Right conduct is the seed of virtue; but an evil one is the mother of endless woes—– ANM+2

***

138.Right conduct is the seed of virtue,

Bad conduct will lead one to grief— SMD

***
138.
‘Decorum true’ observed a seed of good will be;
‘Decorum’s breach’ will sorrow yield eternally.
Propriety of conduct is the seed of virtue; impropriety will ever cause sorrow—GUP

***

138.Good conduct sows seeds of blessings
Bad conduct endless evil brings– SB
***

138.Right conduct results in happy and virtuous life; bad conduct always results in misery and ruin– EVS

***
138.Good conduct- this the seed of goodness is;

An evil life is cause of endless ills-HAP

138. நன்றிக்கு வித்தாகும் நல்லொழுக்கம் தீயொழுக்கம்
என்றும் இடும்பை தரும்

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139.Even in the unguarded moments of their lives , never do evil words slip out of the tongue of men of unblemished conduct –– ANM+2

***

139.The men of virtue will not utter evil,

Even by a slip of the tongue— SMD

***

139.
It cannot be that they who ‘strict decorum’s’ law fulfil,
E’en in forgetful mood, should utter words of ill.
Those who study propriety of conduct will not speak evil, even forgetfully--GUP
***

139.Foul words will never fall from lips
Of righteous men even by slips- SB

***

139.A man of pure character will not utter foul words even by a slip of the tongue- EVS

***
139. ஒழுக்க முடையவர்க்கு ஒல்லாவே தீய
வழுக்கியும் வாயாற் சொலல்

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

140.Of what avail is the vast learning of a man, if he does not dwell in harmony with the world–– ANM+2

***

140. Even men of learning will be as ignorant men,

If they do not live in tune with the world—SMD

***
140.
Who know not with the world in harmony to dwell,
May many things have learned, but nothing well.
Those who know not how to act agreeably to the world, though they have learnt many things, are still ignorant – GUP

***

140.Though read much they are ignorant
Whose life is not world-accordant– SB

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140.Those who have not learnt to conduct themselves in conformity with the world, however learned they may be, are in reality ignorant—EVS

***
140.Who have not learnt the art of noble living learnt,

Though much they have learnt, are still unlearned men– HAP

***

140. உலகத்தோடு ஒட்ட ஒழுகல் பலகற்றும்
கல்லார் அறிவிலா தார்

To be continued………………………

Tags-Tirukkural Encyclopaedia- Chapter 14 (Kural 136-140)