Thirukkural 122 in English

Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.

Tamil original

காக்க பொருளா அடக்கத்தை ஆக்கம்
அதனினூஉங் கில்லை உயிர்க்கு.

Transliteration

Kaakka Porulaa Atakkaththai Aakkam
Adhaninooung Killai Uyirkku

English Translation

“No gains with self-control measure Guard with care this great treasure”

Plain-English meaning

Let self-control be guarded as a treasure; there is no greater source of good for man than that

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

No gains with self-control measure Guard with care this great treasure

G.U. Pope Translation

Guard thou as wealth the power of self-control;Than this no greater gain to living soul

Plain-English Meaning

Let self-control be guarded as a treasure; there is no greater source of good for man than that

அடக்கத்தைச் செல்வமாக எண்ணிக் காக்க; அதைக் காட்டிலும் பெரிய செல்வம் வேறு இல்லை.

Chapter 13

அடக்கம் உடைமை

Self-rule leads to realms of gods Indulgence leads to gloomy hades

No gains with self-control measure Guard with care this great treasure

Knowing wisdom who lives controlled Name and fame seek him untold

Firmly fixed in self serene The sage looks grander than mountain

Humility is good for all To the rich it adds a wealth special

Who senses five like tortoise hold Their joy prolongs to births sevenfold

Rein the tongue if nothing else Or slips of tongue bring all the woes

Even a single evil word Will turn all good results to bad

The fire-burnt wounds do find a cure Tongue-burnt wound rests a running sore

Virtue seeks and peeps to see Self-controlled savant anger free