Thirukkural 158 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
மிகுதியான் மிக்கவை செய்தாரைத் தாந்தம்
தகுதியான் வென்று விடல்.
Transliteration
Mikudhiyaan Mikkavai Seydhaaraith Thaandham
Thakudhiyaan Vendru Vital
Modern English
“When someone acts with excessive pride or aggression, the strongest response is often simply staying composed and letting your own restraint outlast their outburst.”
Modern Interpretation
When someone acts with excessive pride or aggression, the strongest response is often simply staying composed and letting your own restraint outlast their outburst. Patience can be its own kind of victory. For example, staying calm and professional when a boastful rival tries to provoke you at a competition often does more to establish your credibility than arguing back.
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Modern Plain English
When someone acts with excessive pride or aggression, the strongest response is often simply staying composed and letting your own restraint outlast their outburst.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
By noble forbearance vanquish The proud that have caused you anguish
G.U. Pope Translation
With overweening pride when men with injuries assail,By thine own righteous dealing shalt thou mightily prevail
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Let a man by patience overcome those who through pride commit excesses
Tamil commentary
மனச் செருக்கால் தீமை செய்தவரைப் பொறுமையால் வென்றுவிடுக.
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