Thirukkural 142 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
அறன்கடை நின்றாருள் எல்லாம் பிறன்கடை
நின்றாரின் பேதையார் இல்.
Transliteration
Arankatai Nindraarul Ellaam Pirankatai
Nindraarin Pedhaiyaar Il
Modern English
“Among people who've clearly crossed moral lines, few look worse than someone who tries to win over another person's partner.”
Modern Interpretation
Among people who've clearly crossed moral lines, few look worse than someone who tries to win over another person's partner. It's a particular kind of betrayal that damages trust on every side. For example, pursuing a close friend's partner behind their back is one of the fastest ways to destroy multiple relationships at once.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Among people who've clearly crossed moral lines, few look worse than someone who tries to win over another person's partner.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
He is the worst law breaking boor Who haunts around his neighbour's door
G.U. Pope Translation
No fools, of all that stand from virtue's pale shut out,Like those who longing lurk their neighbour's gate without
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Among all those who stand on the outside of virtue, there are no greater fools than those who stand outside their neighbour's door
Tamil commentary
பாவ வழியில் நடக்கும் மனிதருள் எல்லாம், அடுத்தவன் மனைவியை விரும்பி அவன் வாசலில் நிற்கும் மூடனைப் போன்ற கடை நிலை மனிதர் வேறு 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