Words for Youth Part Two
A Continuation of Auvaiyar’s Advice for Young People
Below are the last 45 of the 109-verse Atti Chudi, a poem by second-century-bce saint Auvaiyar, in which she offers terse advice for youth—one topic for each letter of the Tamil alphabet.
65. Do not pursue if sure of defeat.
66. Hold firmly to goodness.
67. Act in ways that are acceptable to the country.
68. Do not depart from a good position.
69. Do not play in dangerous waters.
70. Do not eat tidbits that are unhealthy.
71. Study many books.
72. Plant rice fields.
73. Follow good morals.
74. Do not become involved in destructive actions.
75. Do not speak insulting words.
76. Do not bring illness on yourself.
77. Do not utter vulgarities.
78. Do not associate with people who are like snakes.
79. Do not speak of misdeeds.
80. Follow the path that brings honor.
81. Protect and cherish your supporters and prosper.
82. Plough the land and cultivate crops.
83. Procure the support of great men.
84. Eradicate ignorance.
85. Do not associate with the immature.
86. Protect your wealth and prosper.
87. Do not cause quarreling to occur.
88. Do not waver in your mind.
89. Do not accommodate your enemy.
90. Do not speak excessively.
91. Do not desire to eat too much.
92. Do not tarry where warfare has broken out.
93. Do not associate with obstinate people.
94. Hug your wife of tender nature and good character.
95. Listen to the words of high-minded people.
96. Keep away from a house of immoral women.
97. Speak virtuous words.
98. Give up infatuation for that which is impermanent.
99. Do not boast about your prowess.
100. Do not argue with elderly, wise people.
101. Desire to learn.
102. Follow the path that leads to moksha.
103. Be a person of integrity.
104. Live amicably with the people around you.
105. Do not speak harsh words.
106. Do not do bad deeds willingly.
107. Rise from sleep before daybreak.
108. Do not trust enemies.
109. Do not speak biased words..