Kalwioluckam, or Rules of Learning, by Avyar (aka Ayvar)

Translation of the Kalwioluckam, or Rules of Learning, by Avyar as appeared in the seventh volume of the “Asiatic Researches” (1808).

The zealous study of sciences brings increasing happiness and honour.

From the fifth year of age learning must begin.

The more we learn the more understanding we get.

Spare no expence to learn reading and writing.

Of all treasures, reading and writing are the most valuable.

Learning is really the most durable treasure.

An ignorant man ought to remain dumb.

He who is ignorant of reading and writing, is indeed very poor.

Though thou should’st be very poor, learn at least something.

Of each matter endeavour to get a clear knowledge.

The true end of knowledge is to distinguish good and bad.

He who has learned nothing is a confused prattler.

The five syllables Na ma si va yah contain a great mystery.

He who is without knowledge is like a blind man.

Cyphering must be learned in youth.

Be not the cause of shame to thy relations.

Fly from all that is low.

One accomplished philosopher is hardly to be met with among thousands.

A wise man will never cease to learn.

If all should be lost, what we have learned will never be lost.

He who loves instruction will never perish.

A wise man is like a supporting hand.

He who has attained learning by free self application, excels other philosophers.

Continue always in learning, though thou should’st do it at a great expence.

Enjoy always the company of wise men.

He who has learned most is most worthy of honour.

What we have learned in youth, is like a writing cut in stone.

Speak the Tamul language not only elegantly, but also distinctly.

False speaking causes infinite quarrels.

He who studies sophistry and deceit, turns out a wicked man.

Science is an ornament wherever we come.

He who converses with the wicked, perishes with them.

Honour a moral master (tutor.)

Speak slowly when thou conversest or teachest.

He who knoweth himself is the wisest.

What thou hast learned teach also to others.

Learn in a proper manneq then thou wilt succeed in being wise.

He who will be a tutor, must first have a well grounded knowledge.

If one knows what sin is, he becomes wise.

The wicked will not accept of instruction.

Do not fix thy attention on vain women.

Well principled wise men approach the perfection of the Divinity.

Begin thy learning in the name of the Divine Son, (Pulleyar.)

Endeavour to be respected amongst men by learning.

Let thy learning be thy best friend.

Use the strongest intreaties where thou canst learn something, then wilt thou become a great man in the world.

All perishes except learning.

Though one is of a low birth, learning will make him respected.

Religious wise men enjoy great happiness.

Though thou should’st be one hundred years old, endeavour still to increase in knowledge.

Wisdom is firm grounded even on the great ocean.

Without wisdom no where is there ground to stand upon.

Learning also suits old age.

Wise men will never offend any by speaking.

Accept instructions even from men of a low birth.

Do not behave impolitely to men of learning.

Poets require a great deal of learning.

The unwise only flatter others.

Seek honor, and thou shalt get it.

The virtuous aee also tutors.

Wisdom is the greatest treasure on earth.

The wiser the more respected.

Learning gives great fame.

Learn one thing after the other, but not hastily.

A science in which we take no pleasure is like a bitter medicine.

Speak so that town and country people may understand thee.

Wise men are as good as kings.

Do not deceive even thine own enemy.

Hast thou learned much, communicate it also in an agreeable manner.

In whom is much science, in him is great value.

The present Tamul language does not equal the old.

He that knows the sciences of the Antients, is the greatest Philosopher.

Truth is in learning the best.

Wise men are exalted above all other men.

True philosophy does not suffer a man to be put in confusion.

In proportion as one increases in learning, he ought also to increase in virtue.

The most prosperous good is the increase in learning,

He who has no knowledge knows not also the truth.

Wisdom is a treasure valued every where.

A good tutor is beloved over the whole world.

What we gain by science is the best estate, (inheritance).

Adore the Goddess Sarasbadi.

The Vedam (sacred writings) teaches wisdom.

Speak and write for the benefit of the public.

He who speaks well and connectedly, is best understood by all.

If knowledge has a proper influence on the mind, it makes us virtuous.

End of the Moral Book Kalwioluckam, composed by Avyar.