Thirukkural 153 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
இன்மையுள் இன்மை விருந்தொரால் வன்மையுள்
வன்மை மடவார்ப் பொறை.
Transliteration
Inmaiyul Inmai Virundhoraal Vanmaiyul
Vanmai Matavaarp Porai
Modern English
“Failing to make a guest feel welcome is one of the worst kinds of poverty, even poorer than having no money.”
Modern Interpretation
Failing to make a guest feel welcome is one of the worst kinds of poverty, even poorer than having no money. And the greatest kind of strength is tolerating the provocations of people who don't know any better. For example, staying composed when a rude customer snaps at you for something out of your control shows more real strength than winning any argument would.
Listen
Tamil pronunciation
Compare translations
Modern Plain English
Failing to make a guest feel welcome is one of the worst kinds of poverty, even poorer than having no money.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Neglect the guest is dearth of dearth To bear with fools is strength of strength
G.U. Pope Translation
The sorest poverty is bidding guest unfed depart;The mightiest might to bear with men of foolish heart
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
To neglect hospitality is poverty of poverty To bear with the ignorant is might of might
Tamil commentary
வறுமையுள் வறுமை, வந்த விருந்தினரை உபசரிக்காதது; வலிமையுள் வலிமை அற்றவரின் ஆத்திர மூட்டல்களைப் பொறுத்துக் கொள்வது
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