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

English Translation

“All lives have their lodge in flesh Perfection has its home in blush”

Plain-English meaning

As the body is the abode of the spirit, so the excellence of modesty is the abode of perfection

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

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

Plain-English Meaning

As the body is the abode of the spirit, so the excellence of modesty is the abode of perfection

எல்லா உயிர்களும் உடம்பை இடமாகக் கொண்டுள்ளன; அதுபோல், சான்றாண்மையும், நாணம் என்னும் நல்ல குணத்தை இடமாகக் கொண்டுள்ளது.

Chapter 102

நாணுடைமை

To shrink from evil deed is shame The rest is blush of fair-faced dame

Food, dress and such are one for all Modesty marks the higher soul

All lives have their lodge in flesh Perfection has its home in blush

Shame is the jewel of dignity Shameless swagger is vanity

In them resides the sense of shame Who blush for their and other's blame

The great refuse the wonder-world Without modesty's hedge and shield

For shame their life the shame-sensed give Loss of shame they won't outlive

Virtue is much ashamed of him Who shameless does what others shame

Lapse in manners injures the race Want of shame harms every good grace

Movements of the shameless in heart Are string-led puppet show in fact