Maxim # 30: அறனை மறவேல் -- Never forget virtue.

ஆத்திச்சூடி # 30: அறனை மறவேல் (aRa-nai ma-Ra-vEl)

Translation: Never forget virtue.

Rumination: "அறன்" means "virtue" and "மறவேல்" means "never forget." So it is "never forget virtue." In the very first maxim we were exhorted to "desire to perform virtue." Now it is time to be reminded of not having to forget the virtue earned. In a generic sense, virtue is an exemplification of attaining perfection in almost any sphere by a person. Virtue can be intellectual, moral, religious, human, cultural so on and so forth. To many attainment of virtue is a destination, its growth gets stunted. It is never as a life-long journey. Aphasia then sets in and the person is no more able to even focus on the virtue he wants to attain. Opposite of virtue is the vice. Though it may give temporary respite, it has the power to prevail over virtue. How many of us have seen otherwise good people having been addicted to pornography, lewd and lascivious lust of sexual addiction, alcohol, drugs, gambling etc? Any amount of flame can be extinguished by water, thanks to its innate nature. Similar is vice, capable of always prevailing over virtue. That is the reason, one has to always be mindful of attaining virtues. A person focused on virtues cannot be distracted by vices. Hinduism asserts virtue to be the fundamental constituent of the Law of Dharma. Many other religions do too.

Quotes: "Just as treasures are uncovered from the earth, so virtue appears from good deeds, and wisdom appears from a pure and peaceful mind. To walk safely through the maze of human life, one needs the light of wisdom and the guidance of virtue." -- Lord Buddha, 563 -483 B.C.