Thirukkural 123 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
செறிவறிந்து சீர்மை பயக்கும் அறிவறிந்து
ஆற்றின் அடங்கப் பெறின்.
Transliteration
Serivarindhu Seermai Payakkum Arivarindhu
Aatrin Atangap Perin
Modern English
“Real self-control comes from understanding what matters and then choosing restraint on purpose, not from simply being naturally quiet or passive.”
Modern Interpretation
Real self-control comes from understanding what matters and then choosing restraint on purpose, not from simply being naturally quiet or passive. That kind of discipline earns quiet respect from people who notice it. For example, a player who chooses not to argue with a referee's bad call, because they understand it won't change anything, stands out to coaches and teammates alike.
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Modern Plain English
Real self-control comes from understanding what matters and then choosing restraint on purpose, not from simply being naturally quiet or passive.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Knowing wisdom who lives controlled Name and fame seek him untold
G.U. Pope Translation
If versed in wisdom's lore by virtue's law you self restrainYour self-repression known will yield you glory's gain
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Knowing that self-control is knowledge, if a man should control himself, in the prescribed course, such self-control will bring him distinction among the wise
Tamil commentary
அடக்கத்துடன் வாழ்வதே அறிவுடைமை என்று அறிந்து, ஒருவன் அடக்கமாக வாழ்ந்தால் அவனது அடக்கம் நல்லவர்களால் அறியப்பட்டு அது அவனுக்குப் பெருமையைக் கொடுக்கும்.
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