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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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
The genial rain ambrosia call: The world but lasts while rain shall fall
Kural 12The rain begets the food we eat
Kural 13Let clouds their visits stay, and dearth Distresses all the sea-girt earth
Kural 14Unless the fruitful shower descend, The ploughman's sacred toil must end
Kural 15Destruction it may sometimes pour But only rain can life restore
Kural 16No grassy blade its head will rear, If from the cloud no drop appear
Kural 17The ocean's wealth will waste away, Except the cloud its stores repay
Kural 18The earth, beneath a barren sky, Would offerings for the gods deny
Kural 19Were heaven above to fail below Nor alms nor penance earth would show
Kural 20Water is life that comes from rain Sans rain our duties go in vain