Sage Thiru-valluvar
"The Bard of Universal Man"
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Chapter - 42 : Hearing
 

Translation(s)

Wealth acquired by the attentive ear is wealth of wealth; it is supremely excellent wealth mid all wealth.

Explanation

Learn to be silent.
Let your quiet mind
listen and absorb.
- Pythagoras, Greek Mathematician & Philosopher, Famous for 'Pythagoras Theorem', C 6th Cent BC

Translation(s)

When it is no longer the time to feed the listening ear, supply the body need with trifling dole of food.

 

Translation(s)

Those who feed their ear with rare learned teachings are happy like those who share the rich oblations to gods.

 

Translation(s)

Though one has no learning, yet let him always listen; this shall prove a staff and stay in weakness.

 

Translation(s)

Words from the mouth of those who walk in righteous ways are like a staff in hands of one who strays in slippery grounds.

 

Translation(s)

Let each man learn good things; for even as he learns, he gains increase of perfect dignity.

 

Translation(s)

They who have heard learning’s ample lessons with clear discerning mind; do not speak foolish word even through inadvertence.

 

Translation(s)

When teaching has not opened a man’s ear; he may hear but scarcely can listen.

 

Translation(s)

His mouth can taste but the ear can give no taste of joy; what difference does it make whether such a person dies or lives prosperously?

 

Summary Note

In ancient days, centuries before the printing press, writing and reading were rare, almost non-existent. There were no books and newspapers like today. Literacy would have been less than 1%.  In those days, the primary and sole method of acquiring learning was thru the ear – listening to others. It was natural to give so much importance is given to listening.

The king, princes, and others in royalty should become good listeners.

Proclamation of The State of Maryland, USA, on
International Thirukkural Conference Week, July 8 to 10, 2005
Credit: Thirukkural 2005 Conference, Flickr

References