2.4.3. Greatness Tirukural 971 The light of life is mental energy; disgrace is his Who says, I ill lead a happy life devoid of this. Ones light is the abundance of ones courage; ones darkness is the desire to live destitute of such (a state of mind.) 972 All men that live are one in circumstances of birth; Diversities of works give each his special worth. All human beings agree as regards their birth but differ as regards their characteristics, because of the different qualities of their actions. 973 The men of lofty line, whose souls are mean, are never great The men of lowly birth, when high of soul, are not of low estate. Though (raised) above, the base cannot become great; though (brought) low, the great cannot become base. 974 Like single-hearted women, greatness too, 118 Exists while to itself is true. Even greatness, like a womans chastity, belongs only to him who guards himself. 975 The man endowed with greatness true, Rare deeds in perfect wise will do. (Though reduced) the great will be able to perform, in the proper way, deeds difficult (for others to do). Tirukural 976 As votaries of the truly great we will ourselves enroll, Is thought that enters not the mind of men of little soul. It is never in the nature of the base to seek the society of the great and partake of their nature. 977 Wheneer distinction lights on some unworthy head, Then deeds of haughty insolence are bred. Even nobility of birth, wealth and learning, if in (the possession of) the base, will (only) produce everincreasing pride. 978 Greatness humbly bends, but littleness always Spreads out its plumes, and loads itself with praise. The great will always humble himself; but the mean will exalt himself in self-admiration. 979 Greatness is absence of conceit; meanness, we deem, Riding on car of vanity supreme. Freedom from conceit is (the nature of true) greatness; (while) obstinacy therein is (that of) meanness. 980 Greatness will hide a neighbours shame; Meanness his faults to all the world proclaim. The great hide the faults of others; the base only divulge them.
Posted on: Fri, 15 Nov 2013 15:41:00 +0000
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