Thirukkural 121 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
அடக்கம் அமரருள் உய்க்கும் அடங்காமை
ஆரிருள் உய்த்து விடும்.
Transliteration
Atakkam Amararul Uykkum Atangaamai
Aarirul Uyththu Vitum
Modern English
“Practicing self-control lifts a person toward their best possible life, while giving in to every impulse drags them into confusion and regret.”
Modern Interpretation
Practicing self-control lifts a person toward their best possible life, while giving in to every impulse drags them into confusion and regret. The difference between the two paths starts with small daily choices. For example, someone who pauses before firing back an angry text usually ends up in a much better place than someone who never resists the urge to react.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Practicing self-control lifts a person toward their best possible life, while giving in to every impulse drags them into confusion and regret.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Self-rule leads to realms of gods Indulgence leads to gloomy hades
G.U. Pope Translation
Control of self does man conduct to bliss th' immortals share;Indulgence leads to deepest night, and leaves him there
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Self-control will place (a man) among the Gods; the want of it will drive (him) into the thickest darkness (of hell)
Tamil commentary
அடக்கம் ஒருவனைப் பிற்காலத்தில் தேவர் உலகிற்குக் கொண்டு சேர்க்கும்; அடங்காமல் வாழ்வதோ அவனை நிறைந்த இருளுக்குக் கொண்டு போகும்.
Chapter 13
More from The Possession of Self-restraint
அடக்கம் உடைமை
Self-rule leads to realms of gods Indulgence leads to gloomy hades
Kural 122No gains with self-control measure Guard with care this great treasure
Kural 123Knowing wisdom who lives controlled Name and fame seek him untold
Kural 124Firmly fixed in self serene The sage looks grander than mountain
Kural 125Humility is good for all To the rich it adds a wealth special
Kural 126Who senses five like tortoise hold Their joy prolongs to births sevenfold
Kural 127Rein the tongue if nothing else Or slips of tongue bring all the woes
Kural 128Even a single evil word Will turn all good results to bad
Kural 129The fire-burnt wounds do find a cure Tongue-burnt wound rests a running sore
Kural 130Virtue seeks and peeps to see Self-controlled savant anger free