Thirukkural 150 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
அறன்வரையான் அல்ல செயினும் பிறன்வரையாள்
பெண்மை நயவாமை நன்று.
Transliteration
Aranvaraiyaan Alla Seyinum Piranvaraiyaal
Penmai Nayavaamai Nandru
Modern English
“Even someone who's made plenty of other mistakes is still better off if they've never crossed the line with someone else's partner.”
Modern Interpretation
Even someone who's made plenty of other mistakes is still better off if they've never crossed the line with someone else's partner. Of all the things worth avoiding, this one carries an outsized cost. For example, someone with a messy track record in other areas can still protect one thing, never chasing a friend's partner, and it matters more than it might seem.
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Modern Plain English
Even someone who's made plenty of other mistakes is still better off if they've never crossed the line with someone else's partner.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Sinners breaking virtue's behest Lust not for another's wife at least
G.U. Pope Translation
Though virtue's bounds he pass, and evil deeds hath wrought;At least, 'tis good if neighbour's wife he covet not
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Though a man perform no virtuous deeds and commit (every) vice, it will be well if he desire not the womanhood of her who is within the limit (of the house) of another
Tamil commentary
அறம் செய்யாமல் பாவத்தையே செய்பவனாக இருந்தாலும் அடுத்தவனின் உரிமை ஆகிய மனைவிமேல் ஆசைப்படாமல் இருப்பது நல்லது.
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