A name's credit

We often hear about people say, "She is Thengai kadai chettiyaar's daughter. His hands and scales were always pure. No one can go wrong in that family." And more. That is what a name's worth. I am reminded of this seyyul,

attalum paal suvaiyil kundrathu
alavalaai Nattalum namballar namballare!
Kettalum men makkal men makkale,
sanghu suttalum venmai tharum.

But to one who's credit is bad, the following is attributed :

Aana muthalil athigam selavaanal,
Maanam ezanthu mathi kettu pona thisai
Ellarukkum kalvanaai, ezh pirappum theeyanai
Nallarkkum pollanaam naadu!


The above is my Mom’s mantra for financial success. Probably the best advice for today’s financial world. I may have not worded it right but the meaning stands out as:

One who spends more than one’s income
Loses his name’s credit, honor, and senses
Becomes a thief in everyone’s eyes, condemned to dishonor for all his births
A bad example even to the good people in the world!

Very powerful words. Especially when my mom says them. I am reminded of this whenever I am planning to be extravagant and stop right there and take an about turn.

Ellarum poi naaladiyar padinga pa!!! MBA padika vanthutanga!!!