Thirukkural 1170 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
உள்ளம்போன்று உள்வழிச் செல்கிற்பின் வெள்ளநீர்
நீந்தல மன்னோஎன் கண்.
Transliteration
Ullampondru Ulvazhich Chelkirpin Vellaneer
Neendhala Mannoen Kan
Modern English
“If my eyes could travel to my beloved as easily as my thoughts do, they would not have to swim through tears.”
Modern Interpretation
If my eyes could travel to my beloved as easily as my thoughts do, they would not have to swim through tears. When you cannot visit someone you miss, your mind goes there while your eyes remain stuck at home.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
If my eyes could travel to my beloved as easily as my thoughts do, they would not have to swim through tears.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Like heart, if my sight reaches him It won't in floods of tears swim!
G.U. Pope Translation
When eye of mine would as my soul go forth to him,It knows not how through floods of its own tears to swim
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Could mine eyes travel like my thoughts to the abode (of my absent lord), they would not swim in this flood of tears
Tamil commentary
என் மனம் போலவே என் கண்களும் என்னவர் இருக்கும் ஊருக்குச் செல்ல முடியுமானால், அவை கண்ணீர் வெள்ளத்தில் நீந்தமாட்டா.
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!