Thirukkural 124 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
நிலையின் திரியாது அடங்கியான் தோற்றம்
மலையினும் மாணப் பெரிது.
Transliteration
Nilaiyin Thiriyaadhu Atangiyaan Thotram
Malaiyinum Maanap Peridhu
Modern English
“Someone who stays steady and doesn't lose their composure, even under pressure, ends up looking more impressive than someone who's simply loud or flashy.”
Modern Interpretation
Someone who stays steady and doesn't lose their composure, even under pressure, ends up looking more impressive than someone who's simply loud or flashy. Consistency of character outweighs any grand gesture. For example, a team captain who stays calm and encouraging after a tough loss earns more respect than one who throws a dramatic tantrum after a win.
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Modern Plain English
Someone who stays steady and doesn't lose their composure, even under pressure, ends up looking more impressive than someone who's simply loud or flashy.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Firmly fixed in self serene The sage looks grander than mountain
G.U. Pope Translation
In his station, all unswerving, if man self subdue,Greater he than mountain proudly rising to the view
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
More lofty than a mountain will be the greatness of that man who without swerving from his domestic state, controls himself
Tamil commentary
தன் நேர்மையான வழியை விட்டு விலகாது, அடக்கத்துடன் வாழ்பவனைப் பற்றிய பிறர் மனத் தோற்றம் மலையைக் காட்டிலும் மிக உயரமானது.
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