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The Holy Kural
Written over two millenia ago by Saint Tiruvalluvar,
translated under the guidance of Gurudeva, Sivaya Subramuniyaswami
Honor |
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Verse 961
Refrain from those actions that would degrade honor
Even though they should be indispensable for the preservation of life.
Verse 962
Those who pursue glory honorably never act ingloriously,
Even if fame is assured.
Verse 963
Cultivate modesty in the midst of good fortune,
But in times of adversity preserve your dignity.
Verse 964
Honorable men fallen from high position
May be likened to odious hari fallen from the head.
Verse 965
Even men grand as a mountain will become small
If they commit an unworthy act though as small as a mustard seed.
Verse 966
It offers neither earth's renown nor heaven's refuge,
So why would one run after or even stand before a man who reviles him?
Verse 967
Better to die right where you stand, the saying goes,
Than to live running after those who despise you.
Verse 968
Will any medicine save the body of the high-born man
When his honor has perished?
Verse 969
Shorn of its hair, the yak will refuse to live;
Such men exist, who prefer death to the loss of honor.
Verse 970
The world will extoll and exalt honorable men
Who exult in death rather than dishonor.
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The Holy Kural
Written over two millenia ago by Saint Tiruvalluvar,
translated under the guidance of Gurudeva, Sivaya Subramuniyaswami
Honor |
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