102. Shame

Chapter. 102. Shame
Kural - 1011
To shrink abashed from evil deed is 'generous shame';
Other is that of bright-browed one of virtuous fame..
Meaning : True modesty is the fear of (evil) deeds; all other modesty is (simply) the bashfulness of virtuous maids..
Kural - 1012
Food, clothing, and other things alike all beings own;
By sense of shame the excellence of men is known..
Meaning :Food, clothing and the like are common to all men but modesty is peculiar to the good.
Kural - 1013
All spirits homes of flesh as habitation claim,
And perfect virtue ever dwells with shame.
Meaning : As the body is the abode of the spirit, so the excellence of modesty is the abode of perfection.
Kural - 1014
And is not shame an ornament to men of dignity?
Without it step of stately pride is piteous thing to see..
Meaning : Is not the modesty ornament of the noble ? Without it, their haughtiness would be a pain (to others).
Kural - 1015
As home of virtuous shame by all the world the men are known,
Who feel ashamed for others, guilt as for their own.
Meaning :The world regards as the abode of modesty him who fear his own and other's guilt.
Kural - 1016
Unless the hedge of shame inviolate remain,
For men of lofty soul the earth's vast realms no charms retain.
Meaning : The great make modesty their barrier (of defence) and not the wide world.
Kural - 1017
The men of modest soul for shame would life an offering make,
But ne'er abandon virtuous shame for life's dear sake.
Meaning :The modest would rather lose their life for the sake of modesty than lose modesty for the sake of life.
Kural - 1018
Though know'st no shame, while all around asha med must be:
Virtue will shrink away ashamed of thee!
Meaning : Virtue is likely to forsake him who shamelessly does what others are ashamed of..
Kural - 1019
'Twill race consume if right observance fail;
'Twill every good consume if shamelessness prevail.
Meaning :Want of manners injures one's family; but want of modesty injures one's character.
Kural - 1020
'Tis as with strings a wooden puppet apes life's functions, when
Those void of shame within hold intercourse with men.
Meaning : The actions of those who are without modesty at heart are like those of puppet moved by a string.