Thirukkural 151 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
அகழ்வாரைத் தாங்கும் நிலம்போலத் தம்மை
இகழ்வார்ப் பொறுத்தல் தலை.
Transliteration
Akazhvaaraith Thaangum Nilampolath Thammai
Ikazhvaarp Poruththal Thalai
Modern English
“Just as the earth holds up even the people who dig into it, bearing with people who insult or provoke you is one of the most valuable things you can practice.”
Modern Interpretation
Just as the earth holds up even the people who dig into it, bearing with people who insult or provoke you is one of the most valuable things you can practice. It doesn't mean you're weak; it means you're steady. For example, staying calm when a classmate mocks you in front of others, instead of escalating the fight, usually leaves you looking like the more mature one.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Just as the earth holds up even the people who dig into it, bearing with people who insult or provoke you is one of the most valuable things you can practice.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
As earth bears up with diggers too To bear revilers is prime virtue
G.U. Pope Translation
As earth bears up the men who delve into her breast,To bear with scornful men of virtues is the best
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
To bear with those who revile us, just as the earth bears up those who dig it, is the first of virtues
Tamil commentary
தன்னையே தோண்டினாலும் தோண்டுபவர் விழுந்துவிடாதபடி தாங்கும் நிலம் போலத், தன்னை வார்த்தைகளால் அவமதிப்பவரையும் மதித்துப் பொறுப்பது முதன்மை அறம்
Chapter 16
More from The Possession of Patience, Forbearance
பொறையுடைமை
As earth bears up with diggers too To bear revilers is prime virtue
Kural 152Forgive insults is a good habit Better it is to forget it
Kural 153Neglect the guest is dearth of dearth To bear with fools is strength of strength
Kural 154Practice of patient quality Retains intact itegrity
Kural 155Vengeance is not in esteem held Patience is praised as hidden gold
Kural 156Revenge accords but one day's joy Patience carries its praise for aye
Kural 157Though others cause you wanton pain Grieve not; from unjust harm refrain
Kural 158By noble forbearance vanquish The proud that have caused you anguish
Kural 159More than ascetics they are pure Who bitter tongues meekly endure
Kural 160Who fast are great to do penance Greater are they who bear offence