Thirukkural Chapter 35 - Renunciation


Couplet 341 
From whatever, aye, whatever, man gets free,
From what, aye, from that, no more of pain hath he
Explanation
Whatever thing, a man has renounced, by that thing; he cannot suffer pain

Couplet 342 
'Renunciation' made- ev'n here true pleasures men acquire;
'Renounce' while time is yet, if to those pleasures you aspire
Explanation
After a man has renounced (all things), there will still be many things in this world (which he may enjoy); if he should desire them, let him, while it is time abandon (the world)

Couplet 343 
'Perceptions of the five' must all expire;-
Relinquished in its order each desire
Explanation
Let the five senses be destroyed; and at the same time, let everything be abandoned that (the ascetic) has (formerly) desired

Couplet 344 
'Privation absolute' is penance true;
'Possession' brings bewilderment anew
Explanation
To be altogether destitute is the proper condition of those who perform austerities; if they possess anything, it will change (their resolution) and bring them back to their confused state

Couplet 345 
To those who sev'rance seek from being's varied strife,
Flesh is burthen sore; what then other bonds of life
Explanation
What means the addition of other things those who are attempting to cut off (future) births, when even their body is too much (for them)

Couplet 346 
Who kills conceit that utters 'I' and 'mine',
Shall enter realms above the powers divine
Explanation
Shall enter realms above the powers divine

Couplet 347 
Who cling to things that cling and eager clasp,
Griefs cling to them with unrelaxing grasp
Explanation
Sorrows will never let go their hold of those who give not up their hold of desire

Couplet 348 
Who thoroughly 'renounce' on highest height are set;
The rest bewildered, lie entangled in the net
Explanation
Those who have entirely renounced (all things and all desire) have obtained (absorption into God); all others wander in confusion, entangled in the net of (many) births

Couplet 349 
When that which clings falls off, severed is being's tie;
All else will then be seen as instability
Explanation
At the moment in which desire has been abandoned, (other) births will be cut off; when that has not been done, instability will be seen

Couplet 350 
Cling thou to that which He, to Whom nought clings, hath bid thee cling,
Cling to that bond, to get thee free from every clinging thing
Explanation
Desire the desire of Him who is without desire; in order to renounce desire, desire that desire