Thirukkural 203 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
அறிவினுள் எல்லாந் தலையென்ப தீய
செறுவார்க்கும் செய்யா விடல்.
Transliteration
Arivinul Ellaan Thalaiyenpa Theeya
Seruvaarkkum Seyyaa Vital
Modern English
“The highest form of wisdom is refusing to hurt back the very people who deliberately wronged you.”
Modern Interpretation
The highest form of wisdom is refusing to hurt back the very people who deliberately wronged you. It takes more strength to hold back than to strike. For example, staying fair and professional with a coworker who tried to sabotage you says more about your character than getting even ever could.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
The highest form of wisdom is refusing to hurt back the very people who deliberately wronged you.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
The wisest of the wise are those Who injure not even their foes
G.U. Pope Translation
Even to those that hate make no return of ill;So shalt thou wisdom's highest law, 'tis said, fulfil
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
So shalt thou wisdom's highest law, 'tis said, fulfil
Tamil commentary
தனக்குத் தீமை செய்பவர்க்கும் தீமை செய்யாது இருப்பதே, அறிவில் எல்லாம் முதன்மை அறிவு என்று கூறுவர்.
Chapter 21
More from Dread of Evil Deeds
தீவினையச்சம்
Sinners fear not the pride of sin The worthy dread the ill within
Kural 202Since evil begets evil dire Fear ye evil more than fire
Kural 203The wisest of the wise are those Who injure not even their foes
Kural 204His ruin virtue plots who plans The ruin of another man's
Kural 205Who makes poverty plea for ill Shall reduce himself poorer still
Kural 206From wounding others let him refrain Who would from harm himself remain
Kural 207Men may escape other foes and live But sin its deadly blow will give
Kural 208Ruin follows who evil do As shadow follows as they go
Kural 209Let none who loves himself at all Think of evil however small
Kural 210He is secure, know ye, from ills Who slips not right path to do evils