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

English Translation

“My lust is a sea; I do not see A raft to go across safely”

Plain-English meaning

There is indeed a flood of lust; but there is no raft of safety to cross it with

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

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

Plain-English Meaning

There is indeed a flood of lust; but there is no raft of safety to cross it with

காதல் துன்பம், வெட்கம், இவ்விரண்டிலும் என்னுள் மிகுந்திருப்பது காதல் துன்பம் என்னும் கடலே; அதைக் கடக்கப் பாதுகாப்பான படகுதான் இல்லை.

Chapter 117

படர்மெலிந் திரங்கல்

It swells out like baled out spring How to bear this pain so writhing?

I can't conceal this nor complain For shame to him who caused this pain

In life -poles of this wearied frame Are poised the weights of lust and shame

My lust is a sea; I do not see A raft to go across safely

What wilt they prove when they are foes Who in friendship bring me woes!

The pleasure in love is oceanful But its pangs are more painful

Wild waves of love I swim shoreless Pining alone in midnight hush

Night's mercy lulls all souls to sleep Keeping but me for companionship

Crueller than that cruel he Are midnight hours gliding slowly

Like heart, if my sight reaches him It won't in floods of tears swim!