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Thirukkural- On Virtue- Hypocrisy-Kural-278

Thirukkural, Kural 278
Manathathu maasaaka maandaarni raadi Maraintholuku maandhar palar

There are men of sinful heart, who feign saintly ablutions,As cover of virtue for their foul activities.

Many such people pass for holy men, and indulge in cleansing rituals, which are only external in their effect, while they themselves wallow in the mire of hidden shame all the time.

The word 'Maasu' or stain, refers to the three vices, 'Kaamam' (lust), 'Vekuli' (anger) & 'Mayakkam' (delusion).

Gita refers in (16,21) to lust, anger & greed, but reconciliation over the last can be had when we realize that greed is excessive desire, which arises from delusion.

The hypocrites resort to ablutions, not really to remove those stains, but to keep up appearances, & so remain unclean really.

Story first published: Wednesday, October 7, 2009, 11:49 [IST]
Read more about: penance thirukural