Thirukkural 1013 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
ஊனைக் குறித்த உயிரெல்லாம் நாண்என்னும்
நன்மை குறித்தது சால்பு.
Transliteration
Oonaik Kuriththa Uyirellaam Naanennum
Nanmai Kuriththadhu Saalpu
Modern English
“Just as the body gives life a home, modesty gives a person's excellence its inner support.”
Modern Interpretation
Just as the body gives life a home, modesty gives a person's excellence its inner support. For example, a talented leader who still feels responsible after hurting someone has character, not just ability.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Just as the body gives life a home, modesty gives a person's excellence its inner support.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
All lives have their lodge in flesh Perfection has its home in blush
G.U. Pope Translation
All spirits homes of flesh as habitation claim,And perfect virtue ever dwells with shame
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
As the body is the abode of the spirit, so the excellence of modesty is the abode of perfection
Tamil commentary
எல்லா உயிர்களும் உடம்பை இடமாகக் கொண்டுள்ளன; அதுபோல், சான்றாண்மையும், நாணம் என்னும் நல்ல குணத்தை இடமாகக் கொண்டுள்ளது.
Chapter 102
More from Shame
நாணுடைமை
To shrink from evil deed is shame The rest is blush of fair-faced dame
Kural 1012Food, dress and such are one for all Modesty marks the higher soul
Kural 1013All lives have their lodge in flesh Perfection has its home in blush
Kural 1014Shame is the jewel of dignity Shameless swagger is vanity
Kural 1015In them resides the sense of shame Who blush for their and other's blame
Kural 1016The great refuse the wonder-world Without modesty's hedge and shield
Kural 1017For shame their life the shame-sensed give Loss of shame they won't outlive
Kural 1018Virtue is much ashamed of him Who shameless does what others shame
Kural 1019Lapse in manners injures the race Want of shame harms every good grace
Kural 1020Movements of the shameless in heart Are string-led puppet show in fact