Sage Thiru-valluvar
"The Bard of Universal Man"
Click the links here to read Thirukural in
Hindi,
Arabic, French, Kannada, Konkani, Latin, Malayalam, Marathi, Russian

Chapter - 17 : Not Envying
 

Introductory Note

Envy is an inability to feel happy at the sight of another’s well-being. It is called “azhukkaaru” in Tamil.The 2nd amongst the Noble Eight Fold Path of Buddhism is called “Right Resolve”, which includes desisting from envy described in this chapter:

“And what is right resolve? Being resolved on renunciation, on freedom from ill will, on harmlessness: This is called right resolve” [13].

I’m referring to freedom from ill will towards others which includes desisting from envy (this chapter-17), not coveting other’s wealth (Chapter-18), not coveting other’s wife (Chapter-15). There is no exact parallel if ill-will in Kural. What does Buddha include in ill will? It is definitely to do with thought / intention / resolve. It is a thing of heart / mind - not deed. It is the cause of bad deeds.

Translation(s)

Let each regard un-envying grace of mind, as laws of ‘strict decorum’ that bind all men.

Explanation

The mental attitude or temper of not envying is as important to follow as are laws of ‘strict decorum.’

Alternatively translation could be: Let one esteem the quality which is free from envy in its soul as the way of decorum.

Possibly, ‘Not Envying’ was outside ‘laws of strict decorum,’ so the poet felt the need to say that treat is equally binding.

In couplet 131, Thiru-valluvar says that decorum is to be cherished more than life.

Translation(s)

If men can learn to envy none on the earth, its richest gift and its worth is beyond compare.

Explanation

Poet says that we can “learn” not to envy. Envy is one of Seven Deadly Sins in Christianity. Charity is identified as it opposite in 'Seven Holy Virtues'. Actually there is a mid-point in between these two, which is absence of envy and is called 'contentment' (santosh in sanskrit). Aristole has also pointed out in some context, the need of such middle virtues.

Translation(s)

It is plain, the man whom others’ wealth does not delight and does not make him feel envious pain; does not desire wealth or virtue.

Explanation

Envy is one of Seven Deadly Sins in Christianity. It is the desire for others’ traits, status abilities, or situation and is called “invidia” in Latin. Envy is associated with the dog and the color green in western culture. [2]The 2nd amongst the Noble Eight Fold Path of Buddhism is called “Right Resolve”, which includes desisting from envy described in this chapter:

“And what is right resolve? Being resolved on renunciation, on freedom from ill will, on harmlessness: This is called right resolve” [13].

I’m referring to freedom from ill will towards others which includes desisting from envy (this chapter-17), not coveting other’s wealth (Chapter-18), not coveting other’s wife (Chapter-15). There is no exact parallel if ill-will in Kural. What does Buddha include in ill will? It is definitely to do with thought / intention / resolve. It is a thing of heart / mind - not deed. It is the cause of bad deeds.

Translation(s)

The wise do not break virtue’s laws driven by envy knowing it as the cause of ill-deeds of foul disgrace.

 

Translation(s)

They who have envy within and that is enough to seal their fate; because though foeman fail, envy can ruin consummate (fully).

 

Translation(s)

One who scans good gifts given to others with envious eyes; his kin, with none to feed or clothe them, surely die.

Explanation

I think Thiru-valluvar is talking of extremely strong feeling of jealousy which can make a man depressed, paralyze his thinking, and become incapable of doing work. Is there an example? (Are envy and jealousy same?

Translation(s)

Goddess of Good Fortune turns away from the envious man; grudging him good, points him out as misfortune’s prey.

Explanation

I think, in real life, envy will paralyze one’s creative thinking and action thereby we will not be able to utilize our potential fully. There should be some example from sports which are highly competitive.

Translation(s)

Envy is embodied ill, incomparable bane, slays good fortune, and cosigns the soul to fiery pain.

Explanation

If this is true then we all should ask ourselves: “Whom do I envy?” The answer would be interesting and we should try to overcome the feeling. But how does one learn not to envy?

Translation(s)

The thoughtful heart will ask the ‘why’, when increase of joy comes to men of envious heart or loss to blameless man.

Explanation

Meaning is not clear. Needs to be explained

Rev. G. U. Pope notes as under:

"Prosperity cannot proceed from envy, nor ruin from its opposite. If, then, an envious man be prosperous or an unenvious man suffer loss, the wise will ponder the mystery. Commentator (of Kural) says: 'old deeds are the cause.' The idea is expanded in Psa. lxxiii."

Translation(s)

No envious men attain large and full happy event. No men free from envy have failed to gain a sure increase.

“None has grown richer by envying. No on has lost anything by no envying.”
– translation by C. Rajagopalachari.

Explanation

Envying will not make you grow rich. Then why envy? What is the advantage of envying?

View from North-East,
Thiruvalluvar Memorial (133 Feet, 7000 Tonnes), Kanyakumari, India
Credit: Arul Jegadish, Flickr

References