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
Modern English
“Wanting to take what belongs to someone else, without thinking through the consequences, tends to end in real loss; but genuinely not wanting it in the first place is its own kind of quiet victory.”
Modern Interpretation
Wanting to take what belongs to someone else, without thinking through the consequences, tends to end in real loss; but genuinely not wanting it in the first place is its own kind of quiet victory. For example, choosing not to pursue an unfair advantage over a rival, even when you easily could, often leaves you with a cleaner kind of success in the end.
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Modern Plain English
Wanting to take what belongs to someone else, without thinking through the consequences, tends to end in real loss; but genuinely not wanting it in the first place is its own kind of quiet victory.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
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
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
To covet (the wealth of another) regardless of consequences will bring destruction That greatness (of mind) which covets not will give victory
Tamil commentary
பின் விளைவை எண்ணாமல் அடுத்தவர் பொருளை விரும்பிக் கவர்ந்தால், அது நமக்கு அழிவைக் கொடுக்கும்; அதற்கு ஆசைப்படாத செல்வமோ வெற்றியைக் கொடுக்கும்.
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