Sage Thiru-valluvar
"The Bard of Universal Man"
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Chapter - 31 : The not being Angry
 

Introductory Note

The commonest word for this, the Sanskrit ------, is not found in the -----. We have other words -----, -----, -----.Anger, also known as Wrath, is one of the Seven Deadly Sins in Christianity. It is manifested in the individual who spurns love and opts instead for fury. It is called “ira” in Latin. [2]

Translation(s)

Restrain your wrath where you have the power to work your angry will. Where you do not have the power, what does it matter whether you check or give it rein?

Explanation

Where you have the power to get done what you want, there is no need to be angry - restrain your anger -it is not required. Where you do not have the power, getting angry cannot make it happen - so restrain your anger – it is not relevant. There is no reference to the merit - i.e. whether the anger is justified.

Translation(s)

Where there is no power to wreck your wrath, impotent wrath is ill. Where you have the power to work you will, wrath is still greater evil.

Explanation

“In one case you hurt yourself, in the other both your foe and yourself.” (Pope, P. 240)

Translation(s)

If anyone arouses your wrath straight forget the trespass because wrath will beget an endless of evil.

 

Translation(s)

Wrath robs the face of smile and the heart of joy. What other foe to man can work such annoyance?

 

Translation(s)

If you want to guard yourself, guard against wrath always. One who does not guard against wrath, his wrath shall slay him.

Explanation

Ancient days were different from modern times. Law and order system and justice system were not as strong as today. Killing could happen in disputes or vengeance. Anger is the royal path into such situations, hence the advice."Those who spend (of that which Allah hath given them) in ease and in adversity, those who control their wrath and are forgiving toward mankind; Allah loveth the good;" - Prophet Muhammad (saw), Al-E-Imran 3.134, The Quran. [7]

Translation(s)

Wrath, the fire that slays whosoever draws near, will (also) burn the helpful raft of dear kindred (blood relatives)

Explanation

Jesus Christ also said the same in Sermon on the Mount: Do not be angry with your brother, do not speak words of contempt and slander to him, and quickly make peace with him if he has something against you. Here are the exact words:

"You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca (an Aramaic term of contempt),' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell.

"Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift."

– Jesus Christ, Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5.21-24, The Bible [3]

Translation(s)

The hand that smites the earth feels the sting without fail. Similarly they perish who nurse wrath as a noble thing.

Explanation

Anger, also known as Wrath, is one of the Seven Deadly Sins in Christianity. It is manifested in the individual who spurns love and opts instead for fury. It is called “ira” in Latin. [2]

Translation(s)

Though men give you woes like touch of tongues of fire, it is well if you can save your soul from burning anger.

Explanation

Do not become angry even is such a situation.

Translation(s)

If man preserves his soul from wrathful fires, he gains with that whatever his soul desires.

 

Translation(s)

Men of surpassing wrath are like men who have passed away. Those who renounce wrath, they are equal to all-renouncing sages.

 

Inside the Hall below the Statue - All 1330 Verses of Thirukural are Inscribed
Thiruvalluvar Memorial (133 Feet, 7000 Tonnes), Kanyakumari, India
Credit: Suresh_mask, Flickr

References