Thirukkural 160 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
உண்ணாது நோற்பார் பெரியர் பிறர்சொல்லும்
இன்னாச்சொல் நோற்பாரின் பின்.
Transliteration
Unnaadhu Norpaar Periyar Pirarsollum
Innaachchol Norpaarin Pin
Modern English
“Fasting and other extreme forms of self-denial are impressive, but they still rank just below the discipline of tolerating other people's harsh words without losing your composure.”
Modern Interpretation
Fasting and other extreme forms of self-denial are impressive, but they still rank just below the discipline of tolerating other people's harsh words without losing your composure. Patience under insult is its own kind of hard-won achievement. For example, someone who can calmly shrug off a public insult without needing to fire back is showing a kind of self-control that's harder to master than many physical challenges.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Fasting and other extreme forms of self-denial are impressive, but they still rank just below the discipline of tolerating other people's harsh words without losing your composure.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Who fast are great to do penance Greater are they who bear offence
G.U. Pope Translation
Though 'great' we deem the men that fast and suffer pain,Who others' bitter words endure, the foremost place obtain
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Those who endure abstinence from food are great, next to those who endure the uncourteous speech of others
Tamil commentary
பிறர் சொல்லும் தீய சொற்களைப் பொறுத்துக் கொள்பவருக்கும் பின்புதான் விரதம் காரணமாக உணவைத் தவிர்த்து நோன்பு இருப்பவர் பெரியவர் ஆவார்.
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