Thirukkural 177 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
வேண்டற்க வெஃகியாம் ஆக்கம் விளைவயின்
மாண்டற் கரிதாம் பயன்.
Transliteration
Ventarka Veqkiyaam Aakkam Vilaivayin
Maantar Karidhaam Payan
Modern English
“Don't chase gains that come from wanting what isn't yours; whatever you get that way rarely brings the satisfaction or respect you'd hope for.”
Modern Interpretation
Don't chase gains that come from wanting what isn't yours; whatever you get that way rarely brings the satisfaction or respect you'd hope for. The win feels hollow once you actually have it. For example, winning a scholarship through a forged recommendation might get you in the door, but it won't bring the pride that earning it honestly would.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Don't chase gains that come from wanting what isn't yours; whatever you get that way rarely brings the satisfaction or respect you'd hope for.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Shun the fruit of covetousness All its yield is inglorious
G.U. Pope Translation
Seek not increase by greed of gain acquired;That fruit matured yields never good desired
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Desire not the gain of covetousness In the enjoyment of its fruits there is no glory
Tamil commentary
பிறர் பொருளை அவர் விரும்பாதிருக்க, நாம் விரும்பிப் பெற்று அனுபவிக்கும்போது அதன் பயன் நல்லதாக இல்லை என்று அறிவதால், பிறர் பொருளைக் கவர்வதற்கு விரும்ப வேண்டா.
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