திருக்குறள் 262, தவம்

Transliteration

Thavamum Thavamutaiyaarkku Aakum Adhanai
Aqdhilaar Merkol Vadhu

English Translation

Penance is fit for penitents Not for him who in vain pretends

தமிழ் விளக்கம் (Tamil Meaning)

தவக்கோலமும் தவஒழுக்கமும் உடையவர்க்கே பொருந்துவதாகும்; அக் கோலத்தை தவஒழுக்கம் இல்லாதவர் மேற்கொள்வது வீண்முயற்சியாகும்.

Couplet (G.U. Pope Translation)

To 'penitents' sincere avails their 'penitence';Where that is not, 'tis but a vain pretence

Explanation

Austerities can only be borne, and their benefits enjoyed, by those who have practised them (in a former birth); it will be useless for those who have not done so, to attempt to practise them (now)