Thirukkural 263 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
துறந்தார்க்குத் துப்புரவு வேண்டி மறந்தார்கொல்
மற்றை யவர்கள் தவம்.
Transliteration
Thurandhaarkkuth Thuppuravu Venti Marandhaarkol
Matrai Yavarkal Thavam
Modern English
“People should not forget their own practice of self-control merely because they want to support those who have renounced ordinary life.”
Modern Interpretation
People should not forget their own practice of self-control merely because they want to support those who have renounced ordinary life. Helping others is good, but it does not excuse neglecting our own duties. For example, donating to a good cause while refusing to control harmful habits leaves the work unfinished.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
People should not forget their own practice of self-control merely because they want to support those who have renounced ordinary life.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Is it to true penitent's aid, That others austere path avoid?
G.U. Pope Translation
Have other men forgotten 'penitence' who striveTo earn for penitents the things by which they live
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
It is to provide food etc, for the ascetics who have abandoned (the desire of earthly possessions) that other persons have forgotten (to practise) austerity ?
Tamil commentary
துறவு மேற்கொண்டவர்களுக்கு உதவ எண்ணி, மற்றவர்கள் தவம் செய்வதை மறந்து இருப்பார்கள் போலும்.
Chapter 27
More from Penance
தவம்
Pains endure; pain not beings This is the type of true penance
Kural 262Penance is fit for penitents Not for him who in vain pretends
Kural 263Is it to true penitent's aid, That others austere path avoid?
Kural 264In penance lies the power to save The friends and foil the foe and knave
Kural 265What they wish as they wish is won Here hence by men penance is done
Kural 266Who do penance achieve their aim Others desire-rid themselves harm
Kural 267Pure and bright gets the gold in fire; and so the life by pain austere
Kural 268He worship wins from every soul Who Master is by soul control
Kural 269They can even defy death Who get by penance godly strenth
Kural 270Many are poor and few are rich For they care not for penance much