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
Modern English
“People who've genuinely mastered their impulses don't start wanting what belongs to others just because they're going through a rough patch financially.”
Modern Interpretation
People who've genuinely mastered their impulses don't start wanting what belongs to others just because they're going through a rough patch financially. Hard times don't excuse crossing that line. For example, someone struggling with money who still won't "borrow" a friend's belongings without asking is showing real self-discipline.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
People who've genuinely mastered their impulses don't start wanting what belongs to others just because they're going through a rough patch financially.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
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
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
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."
Tamil commentary
ஏதும் இல்லாத ஏழையாய் இருக்கிறோமோ என எண்ணி, ஐம்புலன் ஆசைகளையும் வென்ற பேர் அறிஞர், பிறர் பொருளைக் கவரமாட்டார்.
Chapter 18
More from Not Coveting
வெஃகாமை
Who covets others' honest wealth That greed ruins his house forthwith
Kural 172Who shrink with shame from sin, refrain From coveting which brings ruin
Kural 173For spiritual bliss who long For fleeting joy commit no wrong
Kural 174The truth-knowers of sense-control Though in want covet not at all
Kural 175What is one's subtle wisdom worth If it deals ill with all on earth
Kural 176Who seeks for grace on righteous path Suffers by evil covetous wealth
Kural 177Shun the fruit of covetousness All its yield is inglorious
Kural 178The mark of lasting wealth is shown By not coveting others' own
Kural 179Fortune seeks the just and wise Who are free from coveting vice
Kural 180Desireless, greatness conquers all; Coveting misers ruined fall