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
Modern English
“People who can tolerate harsh, disrespectful words from someone acting out of line show a kind of inner discipline that's genuinely rare, on par with people who've dedicated their whole lives to spiritual practice.”
Modern Interpretation
People who can tolerate harsh, disrespectful words from someone acting out of line show a kind of inner discipline that's genuinely rare, on par with people who've dedicated their whole lives to spiritual practice. For example, staying calm and unbothered when a stranger is needlessly rude to you online reflects real emotional maturity.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
People who can tolerate harsh, disrespectful words from someone acting out of line show a kind of inner discipline that's genuinely rare, on par with people who've dedicated their whole lives to spiritual practice.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
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
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Those who bear with the uncourteous speech of the insolent are as pure as the ascetics
Tamil commentary
நெறி கடந்து தீய சொற்களால் திட்டுபவரையும் பொறுத்துக் கொள்பவர். இல்வாழ்க்கையில் வாழ்ந்தாலும் துறவியைப் போலத் தூயரே.
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