Chereads / The voices of the Thirukural / Chapter 3 - 3. The Greatness of Ascetics

Chapter 3 - 3. The Greatness of Ascetics

1. The settled rule every code requires, as higher good,Their greatness who, renouncing all, true to their rule have stood.

2. As counting those that from the earth have passed away, 'Tis vain attempt the might of holy men to say.

3. Their greatness earth transcends, who, way of both worlds weighed, in this world take their stand, in virtues's to be arrayed.

4. He, who with firmness, curb the five restrains, is seed for soil of yonder happy plains.

5. Their might who have destroyed 'the five',shall soothly tell Indra, the lord of those in heaven's wide realms that dwell.

6.Things hard in the doing will great men do; Things hard in the doing the mean eschew.

7.Taste, light touch, sound, and smell: who knows the way, Of all the five,- the world submissive Owns his sway.

8. The might of men whose word is never vain, The 'secret word' shall to the earth proclaim.

9. The wrath 'Tis hard e'en for an instant to endure, Of those who virtues's hill have sealed, and stand secure.

10. Towards all that breathe,with seemly graciousness adorned they live; And thus to virtues's sons the name of 'Anthanar' men give.