Learning
Tap an underlined Tamil word to explore its sound, meaning, and use.
kaṟka kacaṭaṟak kaṟpavai kaṟṟapiṉ / niṟka vataṟkut taka
Learn what is worth learning without distortion; after learning it, live in a way that accords with it.
▸Other translations · Pope (1886) & Aiyar (1916)
“So learn that you may full and faultless learning gain, / Then in obedience meet to lessons learnt remain.”
“Acquire thoroughly the knowledge that is worth acquiring and after acquiring it walk thou in accordance therewith.”
Parimelazhagar’s commentary
13th century · public domainParimelazhagar’s own words come first, unaltered. The plain reading follows below.
கற்பவை கசடறக் கற்க= ஒருவன் கற்கப்படு நூல்களைப் பழுதறக் கற்க; கற்றபின் அதற்குத் தக நிற்க= அங்ஙனங் கற்றால்அக்கல்விக்குத்தக அவை சொல்லுகின்ற நெறிக்கண்ணே நிற்க.
Source: Tamil Wikisource
Parimelazhagar says one should learn worthy texts without defect and then stand in the conduct they teach. This calls for careful understanding and ethical practice, not perfectionism, unquestioning obedience, or punishment for learning differently.