Thirukkural 180 in English

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

Tamil original

இறலீனும் எண்ணாது வெஃகின் விறல்ஈனும்
வேண்டாமை என்னுஞ் செருக்கு.

Transliteration

Iraleenum Ennaadhu Veqkin Viraleenum
Ventaamai Ennunj Cherukku

English Translation

“Desireless, greatness conquers all; Coveting misers ruined fall”

Plain-English meaning

To covet (the wealth of another) regardless of consequences will bring destruction That greatness (of mind) which covets not will give victory

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

Desireless, greatness conquers all; Coveting misers ruined fall

G.U. Pope Translation

From thoughtless lust of other's goods springs fatal ill,Greatness of soul that covets not shall triumph still

Plain-English Meaning

To covet (the wealth of another) regardless of consequences will bring destruction That greatness (of mind) which covets not will give victory

பின் வி‌ளைவை எண்ணாமல் அடுத்தவர் பொருளை விரும்பிக் கவர்ந்தால், அது நமக்கு அழிவைக் கொடுக்கும்; அதற்கு ஆசைப்படாத செல்வமோ வெற்றியைக் கொடுக்கும்‌.

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