Thirukkural 15 in English

Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.

Tamil original

கெடுப்பதூஉம் கெட்டார்க்குச் சார்வாய்மற் றாங்கே
எடுப்பதூஉம் எல்லாம் மழை.

Transliteration

Ketuppadhooum Kettaarkkuch Chaarvaaimar Raange
Etuppadhooum Ellaam Mazhai

Modern English

“The same thing that causes a problem can also become part of the solution.”

Modern Interpretation

The same thing that causes a problem can also become part of the solution. When rain is absent, crops fail, livelihoods suffer, and communities struggle. When rain returns, farms recover, businesses improve, and people regain hope. In modern life, this applies to many situations. A difficult project can teach valuable lessons that lead to future success. A business setback can inspire innovation. Challenges and opportunities are often two sides of the same coin. This Kural reminds us that recovery is possible, and that the forces that affect our lives can both test us and help us grow.

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Tamil pronunciation

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Modern Plain English

The same thing that causes a problem can also become part of the solution.

Poetic Couplet (Bharati)

Destruction it may sometimes pour But only rain can life restore

G.U. Pope Translation

'Tis rain works all: it ruin spreads, then timely aid supplies;As, in the happy days before, it bids the ruined rise

Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)

Rain by its absence ruins men; and by its existence restores them to fortune

Tamil commentary

பெய்யாமல் மக்களைக் கெடுப்பதும்; பெய்து கெட்டவரைத் திருத்துவதும் எல்லாமே மழைதான்

Chapter 2

More from The Blessing of Rain

வான்சிறப்பு

Read all 10 Kurals →