Thirukkural 152 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
பொறுத்தல் இறப்பினை என்றும் அதனை
மறத்தல் அதனினும் நன்று.
Transliteration
Poruththal Irappinai Endrum Adhanai
Maraththal Adhaninum Nandru
Modern English
“Tolerating an insult is admirable, but actually forgetting it completely, so it stops taking up space in your head, is even better.”
Modern Interpretation
Tolerating an insult is admirable, but actually forgetting it completely, so it stops taking up space in your head, is even better. Holding onto it, even quietly, still costs you something. For example, letting go of a friend's thoughtless comment so completely that it doesn't cross your mind again is more freeing than just biting your tongue about it.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Tolerating an insult is admirable, but actually forgetting it completely, so it stops taking up space in your head, is even better.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Forgive insults is a good habit Better it is to forget it
G.U. Pope Translation
Forgiving trespasses is good always;Forgetting them hath even higher praise;
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Bear with reproach even when you can retaliate; but to forget it will be still better than that
Tamil commentary
தீமையைத் தண்டிக்க முடியும் என்றபோதும் பொறுத்துக் கொள்க; அந்தத் தீமையை மனத்துள் வைக்காமல் மறந்தே விடுவது பொறுத்தலையும் விட நல்லது.
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