The Possession of Self-restraint
Serivarindhu Seermai Payakkum Arivarindhu / Aatrin Atangap Perin
Classical English couplet — “If versed in wisdom's lore by virtue's law you self restrainYour self-repression known will yield you glory's gain”
What it says in plain words
“Learn what is right, and let that guide your self-control. Good people will notice this and respect you for it.”
The classical Tamil reading
அறிய வேண்டியவற்றை அறிந்து, நல்வழியில் அடங்கி ஒழுகப்பெற்றால், அந்த அடக்கம் நல்லோரால் அறியப்பட்டு மேன்மை பயக்கும்.
An expanded Tamil interpretation
அறிந்து கொள்ள வேண்டியவற்றை அறிந்து அதற்கேற்ப அடக்கத்துடன் நடந்து கொள்பவரின் பண்பை உணர்ந்து பாராட்டுகள் குவியும்
The ethical and philosophical heart
Knowing what is right matters when we put it into practice. Self-control means choosing our words and actions, even when upset. When we let understanding guide our actions, others notice our good conduct. This earns respect through how we live, not what we claim.
In personal life, work and society
- Personal
- You pause before replying to an angry message and choose words that will not hurt.
- Workplace
- You explain a mistake calmly instead of blaming a coworker.
- Family
- You hear your child's explanation before responding to a broken rule.
- Society
- You wait your turn in a long queue instead of pushing ahead.
How to apply this today
- Decision-making
- Pause to consider what is right before acting on a strong feeling.
- Integrity
- Follow what you know is right, even when nobody is watching.
- Communication
- Choose fair words instead of letting anger shape your reply.
- Leadership
- Show others how to stay calm by managing your own reactions.
- Governance
- Officials should understand the rules and follow them without letting personal anger guide decisions.
For leaders and teams
Earn respect by showing self-control guided by understanding in daily actions. Let your response to mistakes show the conduct you expect from others.
Something to sit with
“Where could you put what you know is right into calmer action today?”