Guiding Light: The Timeless Wisdom of Thirukkural

## கூடாநட்பு (பொருட்பால்) ### Tamil Verse இனம்போன் றினமல்லார் கேண்மை மகளிர்   மனம்போல வேறு படும் (822)   ### Transliteration inam pōn ru inam allār kēṇmai makaḷir   manam pōla vēru paḍum (822)   ### Word by Word Meaning - **இனம்** (inam) – Like   - **போன்று** (pōnru) – As if   - **இனம் அல்லார்** (inam allār) – Not truly friends   - **கேண்மை** (kēṇmai) – Friendship   - **மகளிர்** (makaḷir) – Women   - **மனம் போல** (manam pōla) – Like the mind   - **வேறு படும்** (vēru paḍum) – Differently   ### Translation and Detailed Explanation Friendship with those who outwardly appear as friends but are not truly so, is akin to the fluctuating nature of a woman's mind. This verse from the Thirukkural highlights the superficiality of false friendships. It compares such relationships to the inconstant nature often attributed to a woman's mind, suggesting that such friendships lack stability and...

அற்றா லளவறிந் துண்க வஃதுடம்பு   பெற்றா னெடிதுய்க்கு மாறு (943) #### Transliteration Aṭṟāl aḷavaṟindu uṇka vaḵtu uṭampu   Peṟṟāṉ neṭitu yuikkum āṟu (943) #### Word by Word Meaning - அற்றால் (aṭṟāl) - once digestion is complete - அளவு (aḷavu) - moderation - அறிந்து (aṟindu) - knowing - உண்க (uṇka) - eat - வஃது (vaḵtu) - that - உடம்பு (uṭampu) - body - பெற்றான் (peṟṟāṉ) - one who possesses - நெடிது (neṭitu) - long - உய்க்கும் (uykkum) - prolong - மாறு (māṟu) - way #### Verse Translation and Detailed Explanation "Once digestion is complete, eat with moderation; that is the way to prolong the life of the body." This verse emphasizes the importance of eating only after the previous meal has been fully digested and stresses the necessity of consuming food in moderation. By doing so, one ensures the proper functioning of the body, thereby extending one’s lifespan. The practice of mindful eating, understanding when the body is ready for the next meal, and avoiding overeating ...

#### Tamil Verse **இன்றி யமையாச் சிறப்பின வாயினுங்   குன்ற வருப விடல் (961)** #### Transliteration **Inri yamaiyach chirappin vaayinung   Kunra varupa vidal (961)** #### Word by Word Meaning - **இன்றி (Inri)** - Without - **அமையாத் (Amaiyaach)** - Impossible - **சிறப்பின (Chirappin)** - Excellence - **வாயினும் (Vaayinung)** - Even if - **குன்ற (Kunra)** - Diminish - **வருப (Varupa)** - Result - **விடல் (Vidal)** - Abandon #### Translation and Detailed Explanation Shun any actions that will diminish honour, even if they are vital for the preservation of life. In this verse, Thiruvalluvar emphasizes the paramount importance of maintaining one's honor and dignity. He advises that one should avoid actions that would degrade one's honor, even if those actions are crucial for one's survival or success. The emphasis here is on the integrity and the esteem of an individual, which should not be compromised under any circumstances. The underlying message is that the value of o...

  **தீயினாற் சுட்டபுண் ணுள்ளாறு மாறாதே   நாவினாற் சுட்ட வடு** **Transliteration:** **Theeyinaar Suttap Punn Ullaaru Maaraadhe   Naavinaar Sutta Vadu** #### Word by Word Meaning: - **தீயினால்** (Theeyinaal) - By fire - **சுட்ட** (Sutta) - Burnt - **புண்** (Punn) - Wound - **உள்** (Ull) - Inside - **ஆறும்** (Aarum) - Heals - **மாறாதே** (Maraadhe) - Does not change - **நாவினால்** (Naavinaal) - By tongue - **சுட்ட** (Sutta) - Burnt - **வடு** (Vadu) - Scar #### Translation and Detailed Explanation: **Translation:** The wound caused by fire heals in its time; the burn inflicted by an inflamed tongue never heals. **Detailed Explanation:** In this kural, Thiruvalluvar highlights the enduring impact of harsh words. While physical wounds caused by fire may eventually heal, the emotional and psychological scars left by cruel or harsh words can persist indefinitely. The kural emphasizes the importance of restraint and mindfulness in speech, as words can cause lasting damage...

  **Verse in Tamil:** வினைபகை யென்றிரண் டினெச்ச நினையுங்காற்   தீயெச்சம் போலத் தெறும் (674) **Transliteration:** Vinai pagai yenriran dinetcha ninaiyungaal   Theeyetchaam poalat therum **Word by Word Meaning:** - வினை (Vinai) - Action - பகை (Pagai) - Enmity - என்று (Yendru) - As said - இரண்டின் (Irannin) - Of the two - எச்சம் (Etcham) - Remnant - நினைக்கும் கால் (Ninaikum Kaal) - If considered - தீ (Thee) - Fire - எச்சம் (Etcham) - Remnant - போலத் (Polat) - Like - தெறும் (Therum) - Will spread **Verse Translation and Detailed Explanation:** If one considers the remnants of actions and enmities, they are similar to the embers of a fire; both will eventually spread and cause destruction. Actions left unfinished and enmities unresolved can lead to significant troubles, growing stealthily and wreaking havoc unexpectedly. Just as a small spark can ignite a massive fire if left unattended, so too can small, unresolved issues in one's actions and relationships grow int...

#### குறள் 947: மருந்து (பொருட்பால்) **Original Verse in Tamil:** தீயள வன்றித் தெரியான் பெரிதுண்ணின்   நோயள வின்றிப் படும் **Transliteration:** Tīyaḷavu anṛit teriyāṉ perituṇṇiṉ   Nōyaḷavu iṉṟip paṭum **Word by Word Meaning:** - **தீ** (tī) - Fire - **அளவு** (aḷavu) - Measure - **அன்றித்** (anṛit) - Without - **தெரியான்** (teriyāṉ) - Not knowing - **பெரிது** (peritu) - Excessively - **உண்ணின்** (uṇṇiṉ) - Eating - **நோய்** (nōy) - Disease - **அளவு** (aḷavu) - Measure - **இன்று** (iṉṟu) - Without - **படும்** (paṭum) - Will fall upon **Translation and Detailed Explanation:** The thoughtless glutton who gorges himself beyond the limits of his digestive fires will be consumed by unmeasured diseases. This Thirukkural emphasizes the importance of moderation in eating. Just as fire has its limits, our body's digestive power also has a threshold. Consuming food without understanding these limits can lead to various illnesses. Overeating burdens the digestive system, leading t...

#### Verse in Tamil and Transliteration **இயக்கம்:**   அற்றார் அழிபசி தீர்த்தலஃது ஒருவன்   பெற்றான் பொருள்வைப் புழி **Transliteration:**   Aṟṟār aḻipasi tīrttalaḵdu oruvaṉ   Peṟṟāṉ poruḷvaip puḻi #### Word by Word Meaning - **அற்றார் (Aṟṟār)** - வறியவர்கள் (The poor) - **அழி பசி (Aḻi pasi)** - கடும் பசி (Ravaging hunger) - **தீர்த்தல் (Tīrttal)** - தீர்த்தல் (Relieving) - **அஃது (Aḵdu)** - அதுவே (That is) - **ஒருவன் (Oruvaṉ)** - ஒருவன் (A man) - **பெற்றான் (Peṟṟāṉ)** - பெற்றவன் (Who has obtained) - **பொருள் (Poruḷ)** - செல்வம் (Wealth) - **வைப் புழி (Vaip puḻi)** - சேர்த்து வைக்கும் இடம் (Safe place to store) #### Verse Translation and Detailed Explanation **Translation:**   Relieving the ravaging hunger of the poor is the proper use of the wealth that a man has obtained. **Explanation:**   The Thirukkural emphasizes the importance of charity in this couplet. The greatest and most noble use of one's wealth is to alleviate the s...

  #### அவாவறுத்தல் (அறத்துப்பால்) **அவாவினை யாற்ற வறுப்பிற் றவாவினை   தான்வேண்டு மாற்றான் வரும்** (367) **Transliteration:** *Avāvinai yāṟṟa vaṟuppiṟ ṟavāvinai   tāṉvēṇṭu māṟṟāṉ varum* ### Word by Word Meaning - **அவாவினை** (avāvinai) - Desire-driven deeds - **யாற்ற** (yāṟṟa) - To desist - **அறுப்பின்** (aṟuppiṟ) - When one renounces - **தவா** (tavā) - Renunciation - **வினை** (vinai) - Actions or deeds - **தான்** (tāṉ) - One's own - **வேண்டும்** (vēṇṭum) - Desire - **ஆற்றான்** (āṟṟāṉ) - Approach or attain - **வரும்** (varum) - Comes ### Translation and Detailed Explanation **Translation:** When one renounces desire-driven deeds, the noble actions that lead to an undiminished life come to him as he wishes. **Detailed Explanation:** Thiruvalluvar, in this Kural, emphasizes the importance of renouncing desires to attain a higher state of being. By desisting from actions driven by personal desires, a person aligns themselves with righteousness (Dharma) and inner pea...

### குறள்: **ஊருணி நீர்நிறைந் தற்றே யுலகவாம்   பேரறி வாளன் திரு (215)** ### Transliteration: **Ūruṇi nīrniṟainḏ aṟṟē yulakuvām   Pēraṟi vāḷaṉ tiru (215)** ### Word by Word Meaning: - **ஊருணி** (ūruṇi) - Village water tank - **நீர்** (nīr) - Water - **நிறைந்து** (niṟainḏu) - Filled - **அற்றே** (aṟṟē) - Like - **உலகு** (ulaku) - World - **அவாம்** (avām) - Is (becomes) - **பேரறிவாளன்** (pēraṟivāḷaṉ) - Wise man - **திரு** (tiru) - Wealth ### Translation and Detailed Explanation: The wealth of a benevolent, wise person in the world is comparable to a village water tank that is filled to the brim with water. In this Kural, Thiruvalluvar emphasizes the importance of benevolence and the impact of a wise person's wealth on the community. Just as a well-filled village tank ensures the sustenance and prosperity of all who rely on it, the wealth of a wise and benevolent person enriches and supports the entire community. This wealth is not merely material but encompasses knowle...

**Verse in Tamil:**   அழிவி னவைநீக்கி யாறுய்த் தழிவின்க   ணல்ல லுழப்பதா நட்பு (787) **Transliteration:**   Azhivin avai neekki aaruyth azhivin   Kan alla luzhappadhaa natpu (787) **Word-by-Word Meaning:**   - **அழிவின்** (azhivin) - From destruction   - **அவை** (avai) - Troubles   - **நீக்கி** (neekki) - Removing   - **ஆறு** (aaru) - Guide   - **உய்த்து** (uyththu) - Save   - **அழிவின்கண்** (azhivin-kan) - In times of misfortune   - **அல்லல்** (allal) - Suffering   - **உழப்பது** (uzhappadhu) - Shares the burden   - **ஆம்** (aam) - Is   - **நட்பு** (natpu) - Friendship **Translation:**   True friendship removes one’s troubles and destruction, guides one towards a path of safety, and stands firm through tough times, sharing the burden. **Detailed Explanation:**   In this verse, Thiruvalluvar underscores the characteristics of genui...

மடியுளாண் மாமுகடி யென்ப மடியிலான்   றாளுளா டாமரையி னாள்   **Transliteration:** Maḍi uḷāḷ mā mukadi yenpa maḍi ilāṇ   ṭāḷ uḷā ḍāmaraiyin āḷ   ### Word-by-Word Meaning - **மடி (Maḍi)** - Laziness - **உளாள் (uḷāḷ)** - Resides - **மா (mā)** - Great - **முகடி (mukadi)** - Black ogress (personification of misfortune) - **என்ப (yenpa)** - They say - **மடி (maḍi)** - Laziness - **இலான் (ilāṇ)** - Without - **தாள் (ṭāḷ)** - Feet - **உளாள் (uḷāḷ)** - Resides - **தாமரையினாள் (ṭāmaraiyin āḷ)** - Lotus goddess (Goddess of Fortune) ### Translation and Detailed Explanation **Translation:** They say the black ogress called Misfortune lurks in laziness, while Goddess Fortune lingers in the labouring toils of active men. **Explanation:** This Kural emphasizes the consequences of laziness versus diligence. It metaphorically describes laziness as harboring an ominous presence, the "black ogress" or Misfortune. In contrast, those who are diligent and hardworking are g...

  🔍 Word by Word Meaning: - கல்லாதவரின் (kallāthavarin) - than the unlearned - கடை என்ப (kaṭai eṉpa) - are said to be inferior - கற்று அறிந்தும் (kaṟṟu aṟinthum) - though they have learned and understood - நல்லார் அவை (nallār avai) - the assembly of the good - அஞ்சுவார் (añcuvār) - those who are afraid of ## 📝 Summary This Kural emphasizes that learned individuals who fear speaking in front of wise assemblies are considered even lower than the uneducated.  ### 🎓 The Importance of Confidence - Despite having acquired knowledge, some people lack the confidence to express their ideas in front of an esteemed gathering. - Thiruvalluvar points out that such individuals are regarded as inferior to those who have not even learned.  ### 💪 Overcoming Fear - It is crucial to develop the courage to articulate one's thoughts and engage in discussions with the learned. - Fear can hinder the application and sharing of knowledge, rendering it less valuable.  ## 🌟 Highlights - K...

#### Verse in Tamil and Transliteration **தூது (Porrutpāl)** விடுமாற்றம் வேந்தர்க் குரைப்பான் வடுமாற்றம்   வாய்சோரா வன்க ணவன் (689) **Viḍumāṟṟam vēntark kuṟaippāṉ vaṭumāṟṟam   vāy sōrā vaṉkaṇ avaṉ (689)** #### Word by Word Meaning - **விடுமாற்றம்** (viḍumāṟṟam) – important communication - **வேந்தர்க்கு** (vēntarkku) – to the king - **உரைப்பான்** (uraippāṉ) – one who conveys - **வடுமாற்றம்** (vaṭumāṟṟam) – grave errors - **வாய் சோரா** (vāy sōrā) – without faltering in speech - **வன்கண்** (vaṉkaṇ) – steady gaze - **அவன்** (avaṉ) – he #### Translation and Detailed Explanation "Commission him to deliver the monarch’s mandates, who has a steady gaze and never blurts out flawed words." This verse emphasizes the qualities required in a diplomat or messenger who is tasked with conveying the commands of a king. The ideal envoy is someone who can deliver messages without making errors, maintaining a composed and steady demeanor. Such a person should be reliable, articulate, an...

#### Original Verse in Tamil: வலியார்முன் றன்னை நினைக்க தான் றன்னின்   மெலியார்மேற் செல்லு மிடத்து #### Transliteration: Valiyārmun ṟannai ninaikka tāṉ ṟanniṉ   Meliyārmēr ceyllu miṭattu #### Word-by-Word Meaning: - வலியார் (Valiyār) - Stronger persons - முன் (Mun) - Before - தன்னை (Ṭannai) - Oneself - நினைக்க (Ninaikka) - To think - தான் (Ṭāṉ) - Oneself - தன்னின் (Ṭanniṉ) - Oneself's - மெலியார் (Meliyār) - Weaker persons - மேல் (Mēr) - Over - செல்லும் (Ceyllum) - Going - இடத்து (Iṭattu) - Occasion #### Translation and Detailed Explanation: **Translation:** "Before proceeding against men weaker than oneself, one should ponder about the time when they stood before those more powerful." **Detailed Explanation:** This Kural emphasizes the importance of empathy and self-reflection. When one is in a position of power over someone weaker, it is crucial to remember the times when they were vulnerable in front of someone stronger. This reflection should inspire compassion an...

  ## The Perils of False Affections ### திருக்குறள் 92: வரைவின்மகளிர் (பொருட்பால்) **குறள் (Verse in Tamil):** அன்பின் விழையார் பொருள்விழையு மாய்தொடியா   ரின்சொ லிழுக்குத் தரும் (911) **Transliteration:** Anbin vizhaiyaar porul vizhaiyum aay thodiyaar   Insol izhukku tharum ### பதப்பிரிப்பு (Word by Word Meaning): - **அன்பின் விழையார்** - Anbin vizhaiyaar - Those who do not seek love - **பொருள் விழையும்** - Porul vizhaiyum - Seek wealth - **ஆய் தொடியார்** - Aay thodiyaar - Beautifully bangled women - **இன் சொல்** - In sol - Sweet words - **இழுக்குத் தரும்** - Izhukku tharum - Lead to disgrace ### குறள் உரை (Verse Translation and Detailed Explanation): Those who do not seek love but desire wealth, the sweet words of such beautifully adorned women will bring disgrace. This verse highlights the deceitful nature of individuals who feign affection for material gains. Valluvar warns that the sweet words of such people, particularly women adorned with bangles (symboliz...

**Tamil Verse:** ``` வினைசெய்வார் தஞ்சுற்றம் வேண்டாதார் என்றாங் கனைவரையு மாராய்வ தொற்று ``` **Transliteration:** ``` Vinai seyvaar tham suttram vendathaar endraang Kanaivaraiyu maaraaiva thatru ``` #### Word by Word Meaning: - **வினை செய்வார் (Vinai seyvaar)** - Those who perform actions - **தம் சுற்றம் (Tham suttram)** - Their own circle - **வேண்டாதார் (Vendathaar)** - Unwanted persons or enemies - **என்றாங் (Endraang)** - These types - **கனைவரையும் (Kanaivaraiyum)** - Everyone without exception - **ஆராய்வது (Aaraaivathu)** - To investigate - **ஒற்று (Otru)** - Spy #### Verse Translation and Detailed Explanation: This verse from Thirukkural underlines the scope and necessity of espionage in statecraft. Valluvar asserts that a spy must scrutinize everyone associated with action - be it workers, family, or adversaries. The underlying philosophy is that in governance or management, understanding all dimensions of human interactions and intentions is crucial for security and success. This...

  ### Embrace Timely Action: Understanding Thirukkural's Wisdom on Proactivity #### **Verse in Tamil and Transliteration** தூங்குக தூங்கி செயற்பால தூங்கற்க   தூங்காது செய்யும் வினை. Thunguga thoongi seyalpaal thoongarka   Thoongaathu seyyum vinai. #### **Word by Word Meaning (Tamil-English)** - **தூங்குக (Thunguga)** - Sleep - **தூங்கி (Thoongi)** - Having slept - **செயற்பால (Seyalpaal)** - Towards actions - **தூங்கற்க (Thoongarka)** - Do not sleep - **தூங்காது (Thoongaathu)** - Without sleeping - **செய்யும் (Seyyum)** - Will do - **வினை (Vinai)** - Task or duty #### **Verse Translation and Detailed Explanation** **Translation:**   Sleep after your duties are done; do not sleep when action is needed, execute tasks with sleepless diligence. **Detailed Explanation:**   This verse from Thirukkural emphasizes the importance of prioritizing work and responsibilities over rest. It suggests that one should only allow themselves the comfort of rest a...

**Verse in Tamil:** மறமான மாண்ட வழிச்செலவு தேற்ற மெனநான்கே யேமம் படைக்கு (766) **Transliteration:** Maramaana maanda vazhichchelavu thettra menanaanku yemam padaikku **Word by Word Meaning:** - மறம் - Bravery - மானம் - Honor - மாண்ட வழி - Esteemed tradition - செலவு - Conduct - தேற்றம் - Trustworthiness - மென நான்கு - These four soft - ஏமம் - Protection - படை - Army **Verse Translation and Detailed Explanation:** The verse articulates that the most formidable armies are those endowed with four intrinsic qualities: bravery, honor, a tradition of noble conduct, and trustworthiness. These virtues are not merely attributes but the backbone that strengthens and sustains the force in times of challenge and conflict. **Example/Analogy:** Imagine a castle that remains unconquered not merely because of its high walls or deep moats, but because of the courage, honor, wise leadership, and the trust placed in those who defend it. Similarly, an army fortified with these virtues becomes impregnable. ...

**பருகுவார் போலினும் பண்பிலார் கேண்மை   பெருகலிற் குன்ற லினிது.** **Transliteration:** **Paruguvaar polinum panbilar kenmai   Perugalir kunral inidhu.** #### Word by Word Meaning: - **பருகுவார் போலினும்** (Paruguvaar polinum): Even if they seem to embrace you - **பண்பிலார்** (Panbilar): Those without virtue - **கேண்மை** (Kenmai): Friendship - **பெருகலிற்** (Perugalir): In growing - **குன்றல்** (Kunral): Diminishing - **இனிது** (Inidhu): Better ### Translation and Detailed Explanation: **Translation:** "Though unscrupulous men may seem to consume you in friendship, their companionship grows more delightful as it declines." **Explanation:** The verse emphasizes the nature of friendships with those who lack virtue. Even if such individuals appear to be friendly and affectionate, their company is ultimately harmful. Thiruvalluvar suggests that it is better for such friendships to diminish rather than grow. The decline of relationships with unprincipled people is benefici...

**Verse in Tamil:** இகலின் மிகலினி தென்பவன் வாழ்க்கை   தவலுங் கெடலு நணித்து **Transliteration:** Ikalin mikal ini thenbavan vaalkkai   Thavalum kedalum naniththu **Word-by-Word Meaning:** - **இகல் (Ikal):** Hatred - **மிகல் (Mikal):** Great delight - **இனி (Ini):** Delicious/pleasurable - **தன்பவன் (Thanbavan):** He who considers - **வாழ்க்கை (Vaalkkai):** Life - **தவல் (Thaval):** Misery - **கெடல் (Kedal):** Destruction - **நணித்து (Naniththu):** Approaching/drawing near **Translation:** For all who boast that they take delight in hatred, failure and death are drawing near. **Detailed Explanation:** In this verse, Thiruvalluvar speaks about the destructive power of hatred. He emphasizes that those who find joy in harboring enmity, grudge, or hatred towards others are essentially sowing seeds of misery and destruction for themselves. Their delight in hatred will only accelerate the decline and degradation of their life, as hatred corrodes their mind and soul, attract...