Thirukkural 1020 in English

Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.

Tamil original

நாண்அகத் தில்லார் இயக்கம் மரப்பாவை
நாணால் உயிர்மருட்டி அற்று.

Transliteration

Naanakath Thillaar Iyakkam Marappaavai
Naanaal Uyirmarutti Atru

English Translation

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

Plain-English meaning

The actions of those who are without modesty at heart are like those of puppet moved by a string

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

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

G.U. Pope Translation

'Tis as with strings a wooden puppet apes life's functions, whenThose void of shame within hold intercourse with men

Plain-English Meaning

The actions of those who are without modesty at heart are like those of puppet moved by a string

மனத்துள் வெட்கம் இல்லாதவர்களின் நடமாட்டம், மரத்தால் செய்த பொம்மைக்கு உயிர் ஊட்டியிருப்பதாகக் காட்டி மயக்கியது போலாம்.

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