Honour
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iṉṟi yamaiyāc ciṟappiṉa vāyiṉuṅ / kuṉṟa varupa viṭal.
“Though linked to splendours man no otherwise may gain, / Reject each act that may thine honour's clearness stain.”
“Forbear from those things that would lower thee, even though they should be indispensable for the very preservation of thy life.”
Though deeds promise indispensable eminence, renounce whatever compromises your honor.
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Parimelazhagar’s commentary
13th century · public domainParimelazhagar’s own words come first, unaltered. The plain reading follows below.
இன்றி அமையாச் சிறப்பின ஆயினும்= செய்யாதவழித் தாம் அமையாத சிறப்பினை உடையவே எனினும்; குன்ற வருப விடல்= தம் குடிப்பிறப்புத் தாழவரும் செயல்களை ஒழிக.
Source: Tamil Wikisource
Even if an undertaking promises indispensable glory or life-saving advantage, completely renounce anything that compromises your dignity and honor.