Thirukkural 1164 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
காமக் கடல்மன்னும் உண்டே அதுநீந்தும்
ஏமப் புணைமன்னும் இல்.
Transliteration
Kaamak Katalmannum Unte Adhuneendhum
Emap Punaimannum Il
Modern English
“The sea of longing surrounds me, but I have no safe boat to cross it.”
Modern Interpretation
The sea of longing surrounds me, but I have no safe boat to cross it. During a long separation, strong feelings can feel overwhelming when there is no comfort or reassurance.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
The sea of longing surrounds me, but I have no safe boat to cross it.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
My lust is a sea; I do not see A raft to go across safely
G.U. Pope Translation
A sea of love, 'tis true, I see stretched out before,But not the trusty bark that wafts to yonder shore
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
There is indeed a flood of lust; but there is no raft of safety to cross it with
Tamil commentary
காதல் துன்பம், வெட்கம், இவ்விரண்டிலும் என்னுள் மிகுந்திருப்பது காதல் துன்பம் என்னும் கடலே; அதைக் கடக்கப் பாதுகாப்பான படகுதான் இல்லை.
Chapter 117
More from Complainings
படர்மெலிந் திரங்கல்
It swells out like baled out spring How to bear this pain so writhing?
Kural 1162I can't conceal this nor complain For shame to him who caused this pain
Kural 1163In life -poles of this wearied frame Are poised the weights of lust and shame
Kural 1164My lust is a sea; I do not see A raft to go across safely
Kural 1165What wilt they prove when they are foes Who in friendship bring me woes!
Kural 1166The pleasure in love is oceanful But its pangs are more painful
Kural 1167Wild waves of love I swim shoreless Pining alone in midnight hush
Kural 1168Night's mercy lulls all souls to sleep Keeping but me for companionship
Kural 1169Crueller than that cruel he Are midnight hours gliding slowly
Kural 1170Like heart, if my sight reaches him It won't in floods of tears swim!