Thirukkural 141 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
பிறன்பொருளாள் பெட்டொழுகும் பேதைமை ஞாலத்து
அறம்பொருள் கண்டார்கண் இல்.
Transliteration
Piranporulaal Pettozhukum Pedhaimai Gnaalaththu
Aramporul Kantaarkan Il
Modern English
“People who truly understand what's right and what belongs to whom would never seriously consider pursuing someone who's already committed to another person.”
Modern Interpretation
People who truly understand what's right and what belongs to whom would never seriously consider pursuing someone who's already committed to another person. That kind of restraint comes from clear values, not luck. For example, someone who respects boundaries won't flirt with a friend's partner, even if the opportunity seems to present itself.
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Modern Plain English
People who truly understand what's right and what belongs to whom would never seriously consider pursuing someone who's already committed to another person.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Who know the wealth and virtue's way After other's wife do not stray
G.U. Pope Translation
Who laws of virtue and possession's rights have known,Indulge no foolish love of her by right another's own
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
The folly of desiring her who is the property of another will not be found in those who know (the attributes of) virtue and (the rights of) property
Tamil commentary
இவ்வுலகில் அறத்தையும், பொருளையும் கற்று அறிந்தவரிடம் அடுத்தவனின் உரிமை ஆகிய மனைவி மீது ஆசைப்பட்டு வாழும் அறியாமை இல்லை.
Chapter 15
More from Not coveting another"s Wife
பிறனில் விழையாமை
Who know the wealth and virtue's way After other's wife do not stray
Kural 142He is the worst law breaking boor Who haunts around his neighbour's door
Kural 143The vile are dead who evil aim And put faithful friends' wives to shame
Kural 144Their boasted greatness means nothing When to another's wife they cling
Kural 145Who trifles with another's wife His guilty stain will last for life
Kural 146Hatred, sin, fear, and shame-these four Stain adulterers ever more
Kural 147He is the righteous householder His neighbour's wife who covets never
Kural 148They lead a high-souled manly life The pure who eye not another's wife
Kural 149Good in storm bound earth is with those Who clasp not arms of another's spouse
Kural 150Sinners breaking virtue's behest Lust not for another's wife at least