Tirukural – Chapter 28
Chapter 28: Deceptive Conduct
Verse 271
A man sits in deep meditation, clearly controlling his senses, which are shown behind him in personified form: the eyes, nose, mouth, ears and sense of touch.
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Weaver’s Wisdom
Verse 271
A deceiver’s own five elements remain undeceived
by his double-dealing mind and silently mock him.
Verse 272
Of what avail is an outer appearance of saintliness
if the mind suffers inwardly from knowledge of its iniquity?
Verse 273
He who has not attained the power yet wears the garb of saints
is like a cow that grazes about wearing a tiger’s skin.
Verse 274
He who conceals himself beneath holy robes and commits sins
is like a hunter hiding in the bushes to snare unwary birds.
Verse 275
The day will come when those who claim dispassion
yet act deceitfully exclaim,”Alas! Alas! What have I done?”
Verse 276
None is so heartless as he who, without renunciation in his heart,
poses as a renunciate and lives in pretense.
Verse 277
Like the poisonous jequirity bean, with its red and black sides,
there are outwardly dazzling men whose insides are dark.
Verse 278
Many are the men who piously bathe in purifying waters,
while in their black hearts impure conduct lies concealed.
Verse 279
The arrow is straight but cruel; the lute is crooked but sweet.
Therefore, judge men by their acts, not their appearance.
Verse 280
Neither shaven head nor long matted locks are needed,
provided one casts off conduct condemned by the world.
3 Responses to “Tirukural – Chapter 28”
From Our Gurus' Teachings
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March 22nd, 2021 at 4:17 pm
“AUM”!.
March 23rd, 2021 at 3:12 pm
Jai Jai Shree Maha Ganesh
Thank you Swamis for this post. May I humbly make a comment on this subject. INTELLIGENT PERCEPTION vs THE ART OF DECEPTION! A great leader thru his intelligent perception of his citizens will lead his country and people without any personal rewards to himself. Similarly, a true aspirant will work hard to achieve higher spiritual progress. While leaders who put their self interests before their citizens will ultimately accumulate negative karma and will have to pay their dues. Universal law of karma vs the flow of dharma.
Aum Namasivaya
April 13th, 2021 at 5:38 am
Thank you.