The Kural or the Maxims of Tiruvalluvar/Chapter 13
CHAPTER 13
SELF-CONTROL
121. Self-control leadeth unto heaven, but uncontrolled passion is the royal road to endless darkness.
122. Guard thy self-control as a very treasure : life hath no richer wealth here below.
123. Behold the man who controlleth his passions consciously and by the right way: wisdom and every other blessing will come unto him.
124. Behold the man who hath triumphed over his passions and who swerveth not from duty: his form is more imposing than a mountain.
125. Humility is beautiful in all man: but alone on the rich doth it shine in all its splendour.
126. Behold the man who can draw in into himself his five senses even as the tortoise doth its limbs : he hath laid up for himself a treasure for all his future births.
127. Whatever else thou rein not in, rein in thy tongue : for an unbridled tongue leadeth unto grief.
128. If even one word of thine causeth pain to another, all thy virtue is lost.
129. The burn caused by fire healeth in its time: but the wound burned in by the tongue remaineth green for ever.
130. Behold the man who hath learned wisdom and whose mind is tranquil and under perfect control: Righteousness pilgrimageth to his home in order to have a look at him.
