Thirukkural 209 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
தன்னைத்தான் காதல னாயின் எனைத்தொன்றும்
துன்னற்க தீவினைப் பால்.
Transliteration
Thannaiththaan Kaadhala Naayin Enaiththondrum
Thunnarka Theevinaip Paal
Modern English
“If you genuinely care about your own well-being, stay away from wrongdoing entirely, even the smallest instance of it.”
Modern Interpretation
If you genuinely care about your own well-being, stay away from wrongdoing entirely, even the smallest instance of it. Self-respect and small compromises don't mix. For example, someone who values their own integrity won't tell even a tiny 'harmless' lie, because they know exactly where letting it slide can lead.
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Modern Plain English
If you genuinely care about your own well-being, stay away from wrongdoing entirely, even the smallest instance of it.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Let none who loves himself at all Think of evil however small
G.U. Pope Translation
Beware, if to thyself thyself is dear,Lest thou to aught that ranks as ill draw near
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
If a man love himself, let him not commit any sin however small
Tamil commentary
தன்மீது அன்புள்ளவன், எவ்வளவு சிறிது என்றாலும் சரி, மற்றவர்க்குத் தீமை செயய வேண்டா.
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