Thirukkural 264 in English

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

Tamil original

ஒன்னார்த் தெறலும் உவந்தாரை ஆக்கலும்
எண்ணின் தவத்தான் வரும்.

Transliteration

Onnaarth Theralum Uvandhaarai Aakkalum
Ennin Thavaththaan Varum

English Translation

“In penance lies the power to save The friends and foil the foe and knave”

Plain-English meaning

If (the ascetic) desire the destruction of his enemies, or the aggrandizement of his friends, it will be effected by (the power of) his austerities

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

In penance lies the power to save The friends and foil the foe and knave

G.U. Pope Translation

Destruction to his foes, to friends increase of joyThe 'penitent' can cause, if this his thoughts employ

Plain-English Meaning

If (the ascetic) desire the destruction of his enemies, or the aggrandizement of his friends, it will be effected by (the power of) his austerities

பகைவர்களை மாற்றவும், நண்பர்களைப் பெருக்கவும் எண்ணினால், தவத்தால் அதைச் செய்ய முடியும்.

Chapter 27

தவம்

Pains endure; pain not beings This is the type of true penance

Penance is fit for penitents Not for him who in vain pretends

Is it to true penitent's aid, That others austere path avoid?

In penance lies the power to save The friends and foil the foe and knave

What they wish as they wish is won Here hence by men penance is done

Who do penance achieve their aim Others desire-rid themselves harm

Pure and bright gets the gold in fire; and so the life by pain austere

He worship wins from every soul Who Master is by soul control

They can even defy death Who get by penance godly strenth

Many are poor and few are rich For they care not for penance much