Kural 271
A deceiver’s own five elements remain undeceived
by his double-dealing mind and silently mock him.
Kural 272
Of what avail is an outer appearance of saintliness
if the mind suffers inwardly from knowledge of its iniquity?
Kural 273
He who has not attained the power yet wears the garb of saints
is like a cow that grazes about wearing a tiger’s skin.
Kural 274
He who conceals himself beneath holy robes and commits sins
is like a hunter hiding in the bushes to snare unwary birds.
Kural 275
The day will come when those who claim dispassion
yet act deceitfully exclaim,”Alas! Alas! What have I done?”
Kural 276
None is so heartless as he who, without renunciation in his heart,
poses as a renunciate and lives in pretense.
Kural 277
Like the poisonous jequirity bean, with its red and black sides,
there are outwardly dazzling men whose insides are dark.
Kural 278
Many are the men who piously bathe in purifying waters,
while in their black hearts impure conduct lies concealed.
Kural 279
The arrow is straight but cruel; the lute is crooked but sweet.
Therefore, judge men by their acts, not their appearance.
Kural 280
Neither shaven head nor long matted locks are needed,
provided one casts off conduct condemned by the world.
