Thirukkural 174 in English

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

Tamil original

இலமென்று வெஃகுதல் செய்யார் புலம்வென்ற
புன்மையில் காட்சி யவர்.

Transliteration

Ilamendru Veqkudhal Seyyaar Pulamvendra
Punmaiyil Kaatchi Yavar

English Translation

“The truth-knowers of sense-control Though in want covet not at all”

Plain-English meaning

The wise who have conquered their senses and are free from crime, will not covet (the things of others), with the thought "we are destitute."

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

The truth-knowers of sense-control Though in want covet not at all

G.U. Pope Translation

Men who have conquered sense, with sight from sordid vision freed,Desire not other's goods, e'en in the hour of sorest need

Plain-English Meaning

The wise who have conquered their senses and are free from crime, will not covet (the things of others), with the thought "we are destitute."

ஏதும் இல்லாத ஏழையாய் இருக்கிறோமோ என எண்ணி, ஐம்புலன் ஆசைகளையும் வென்ற பேர் அறிஞர், பிறர் பொருளைக் கவரமாட்டார்.

Chapter 18

வெஃகாமை

Who covets others' honest wealth That greed ruins his house forthwith

Who shrink with shame from sin, refrain From coveting which brings ruin

For spiritual bliss who long For fleeting joy commit no wrong

The truth-knowers of sense-control Though in want covet not at all

What is one's subtle wisdom worth If it deals ill with all on earth

Who seeks for grace on righteous path Suffers by evil covetous wealth

Shun the fruit of covetousness All its yield is inglorious

The mark of lasting wealth is shown By not coveting others' own

Fortune seeks the just and wise Who are free from coveting vice

Desireless, greatness conquers all; Coveting misers ruined fall