Avoiding Harmful Associations
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maṉanala naṉkuṭaiya rāyiṉuñ cāṉṟōrk / kiṉanala mēmāp puṭaittu
“To perfect men, though minds right good belong, / Yet good companionship is confirmation strong.”
“Though themselves are endowed with every virtue, the wise looks upon the company of the pure as a tower of strength.”
Even when the accomplished possess goodness of mind fully, goodness in their associations provides added security.
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Parimelazhagar’s commentary
13th century · public domainParimelazhagar’s own words come first, unaltered. The plain reading follows below.
மன நலம் நன்கு உடையராயினும்= மனநன்மையை முன்னை நல்வினையால் தாமே உடையராயினும்; சான்றோர்க்கு இன நலம் ஏமாப்பு உடைத்து= அமைந்தார்க்கு இனநன்மை அதற்கு வலிமையாதலை உடைத்து.
Source: Tamil Wikisource
Even when noble leaders possess deep inner goodness of mind, surrounding themselves with upright companions serves as an essential fortress of protection.