Thirukkural 148 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
பிறன்மனை நோக்காத பேராண்மை சான்றோர்க்கு
அறனொன்றோ ஆன்ற வொழுக்கு.
Transliteration
Piranmanai Nokkaadha Peraanmai Saandrorkku
Aranondro Aandra Vozhukku
Modern English
“Not looking twice at someone who's already committed to another person isn't just the right thing to do, it's also a sign of real strength of character.”
Modern Interpretation
Not looking twice at someone who's already committed to another person isn't just the right thing to do, it's also a sign of real strength of character. Restraint here says more about someone than almost any other single choice. For example, staying loyal and respectful even when tempted by someone unavailable reflects a kind of maturity that's immediately noticeable to others.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Not looking twice at someone who's already committed to another person isn't just the right thing to do, it's also a sign of real strength of character.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
They lead a high-souled manly life The pure who eye not another's wife
G.U. Pope Translation
Manly excellence, that looks not on another's wife,Is not virtue merely, 'tis full 'propriety' of life
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
That noble manliness which looks not at the wife of another is the virtue and dignity of the great
Tamil commentary
அடுத்தவன் மனைவியை மனத்துள் எண்ணாத பேராண்மை அறம் மட்டும் அன்று; சான்றோர்க்கு நிறைவான ஒழுக்கமும் ஆகும்
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