Thirukkural 159 in English

Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.

Tamil original

துறந்தாரின் தூய்மை உடையர் இறந்தார்வாய்
இன்னாச்சொல் நோற்கிற் பவர்.

Transliteration

Thurandhaarin Thooimai Utaiyar Irandhaarvaai
Innaachchol Norkir Pavar

English Translation

“More than ascetics they are pure Who bitter tongues meekly endure”

Plain-English meaning

Those who bear with the uncourteous speech of the insolent are as pure as the ascetics

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

More than ascetics they are pure Who bitter tongues meekly endure

G.U. Pope Translation

They who transgressors' evil words endureWith patience, are as stern ascetics pure

Plain-English Meaning

Those who bear with the uncourteous speech of the insolent are as pure as the ascetics

நெறி கடந்து தீய சொற்களால் திட்டுபவரையும் பொறுத்துக் கொள்பவர். இல்வாழ்க்கையில் வாழ்ந்தாலும் துறவியைப் போலத் தூயரே.

Chapter 16

பொறையுடைமை

As earth bears up with diggers too To bear revilers is prime virtue

Forgive insults is a good habit Better it is to forget it

Neglect the guest is dearth of dearth To bear with fools is strength of strength

Practice of patient quality Retains intact itegrity

Vengeance is not in esteem held Patience is praised as hidden gold

Revenge accords but one day's joy Patience carries its praise for aye

Though others cause you wanton pain Grieve not; from unjust harm refrain

By noble forbearance vanquish The proud that have caused you anguish

More than ascetics they are pure Who bitter tongues meekly endure

Who fast are great to do penance Greater are they who bear offence