Curbing of Desire
Avaavinai Aatra Aruppin Thavaavinai / Thaanventu Maatraan Varum
Classical English couplet — “Who thoroughly rids his life of passion-prompted deed,Deeds of unfailing worth shall do, which, as he plans, succeed”
What it says in plain words
“When you fully let go of greed, good actions come more easily. These actions help you build a life free from harm.”
The classical Tamil reading
ஒருவன் ஆசையை முழுதும் ஒழித்தால், அவன் கெடாமல் வாழ்வதற்கு உரிய நல்ல செயல் அவன் விரும்புமாறு வாய்க்கும்.
An expanded Tamil interpretation
கெடாமல் வாழ்வதற்குரிய நிலை, ஒருவன் விரும்புமாறு வாய்ப்பதற்கு, அவன் பேராசைக் குணத்தை முற்றிலும் ஒழித்தவனாக இருக்க வேண்டும்
The ethical and philosophical heart
Greed can make getting more seem more important than doing good. Letting go of greed makes room for better choices. You can care for your needs without taking from others. The couplet points to good actions, not getting everything you want.
In personal life, work and society
- Personal
- You stop chasing expensive clothes and use your money for daily needs.
- Workplace
- You give a coworker fair credit instead of taking all the praise.
- Family
- You share an inheritance fairly instead of demanding the largest share.
- Society
- You take only the supplies you need, leaving enough for others.
How to apply this today
- Decision-making
- Set aside the wish for more before choosing what to do.
- Integrity
- Refuse extra money when earning it would mean cheating someone.
- Communication
- Speak honestly instead of twisting facts to get what you want.
- Leadership
- Put the group's needs before your wish for personal rewards.
- Governance
- Use public money for people's needs, not officials' personal gain.
For leaders and teams
Lead by putting good actions before personal gain. Let go of greed so your choices protect those who depend on you.
Something to sit with
“Where could letting go of wanting more help you do something good today?”