Thirukkural 1040 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
இலமென்று அசைஇ இருப்பாரைக் காணின்
நிலமென்னும் நல்லாள் நகும்.
Transliteration
Ilamendru Asaii Iruppaaraik Kaanin
Nilamennum Nallaal Nakum
Modern English
“The earth exposes the emptiness of someone who claims to have no means while refusing to make any effort.”
Modern Interpretation
The earth exposes the emptiness of someone who claims to have no means while refusing to make any effort. For example, a person who lets a usable garden or skill lie idle cannot fairly blame the opportunity for every hardship.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
The earth exposes the emptiness of someone who claims to have no means while refusing to make any effort.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Fair good earth will laugh to see Idlers pleading poverty
G.U. Pope Translation
The earth, that kindly dame, will laugh to see,Men seated idle pleading poverty
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
The maiden, Earth, will laugh at the sight of those who plead poverty and lead an idle life
Tamil commentary
நிலமகள் என்னும் நல்ல பெண், நாம் ஏதும் இல்லாத ஏழை என்று சோம்பி இருப்பவரைக் கண்டால் தனக்குள் ஏளனமாய்ச் சிரிப்பாள்.
Chapter 104
More from Farming
உழவு
Farming though hard is foremost trade Men ply at will but ploughmen lead
Kural 1032Tillers are linch-pin of mankind Bearing the rest who cannot tend
Kural 1033They live who live to plough and eat The rest behind them bow and eat
Kural 1034Who have the shade of cornful crest Under their umbra umbrellas rest
Kural 1035Who till and eat, beg not; nought hide But give to those who are in need
Kural 1036Should ploughmen sit folding their hands Desire-free monks too suffer wants
Kural 1037Moulds dried to quarter-dust ensure Rich crops without handful manure
Kural 1038Better manure than plough; then weed; Than irrigating, better guard
Kural 1039If landsmen sit sans moving about The field like wife will sulk and pout
Kural 1040Fair good earth will laugh to see Idlers pleading poverty