Thirukkural 252 in English

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

Tamil original

பொருளாட்சி போற்றாதார்க்கு இல்லை அருளாட்சி
ஆங்கில்லை ஊன்தின் பவர்க்கு.

Transliteration

Porulaatchi Potraadhaarkku Illai Arulaatchi
Aangillai Oondhin Pavarkku

English Translation

“The thriftless have no property And flesh-eaters have no pity”

Plain-English meaning

As those possess no property who do not take care of it, so those possess no kindness who feed on flesh

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

The thriftless have no property And flesh-eaters have no pity

G.U. Pope Translation

No use of wealth have they who guard not their estate;No use of grace have they with flesh who hunger sate

Plain-English Meaning

As those possess no property who do not take care of it, so those possess no kindness who feed on flesh

பொருளால் பயன் பெறுவது அதைப் பாதுகாக்காதவர்க்கு இல்லை; அது போல, இரக்கத்தால் பயன்பெறுவது இறைச்சி தின்பவர்க்கு இல்லை.

Chapter 26

புலால் மறுத்தல்

What graciousness can one command who feeds his flesh by flesh gourmand

The thriftless have no property And flesh-eaters have no pity

Who wields a steel is steel-hearted Who tastes body is hard-hearted

If merciless it is to kill, To kill and eat is disgraceful

Off with flesh; a life you save The eater hell's mouth shall not waive!

None would kill and sell the flesh For eating it if they don't wish

From eating flesh men must abstain If they but feel the being's pain

Whose mind from illusion is freed Refuse on lifeless flesh to feed

Not to-kill-and-eat, truly Excels thousand pourings of ghee!

All lives shall lift their palms to him Who eats not flesh nor kills with whim