Kural 265Chapter 27: Penance

Thirukkural 265 in English

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

Tamil original

வேண்டிய வேண்டியாங் கெய்தலால் செய்தவம்
ஈண்டு முயலப் படும்.

Transliteration

Ventiya Ventiyaang Keydhalaal Seydhavam
Eentu Muyalap Patum

Modern English

“Serious self-discipline is valued because it helps people reach what they truly seek.”

Modern Interpretation

Serious self-discipline is valued because it helps people reach what they truly seek. Focused effort can turn a wish into an achievement. For example, a student who follows a demanding study plan is more likely to reach a difficult goal.

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Modern Plain English

Serious self-discipline is valued because it helps people reach what they truly seek.

Poetic Couplet (Bharati)

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

G.U. Pope Translation

That what they wish may, as they wish, be won,By men on earth are works of painful 'penance' done

Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)

Religious dislipline is practised in this world, because it secures the attainment of whatever one may wish to enjoy (in the world to come)

Tamil commentary

விரும்பியவற்றை விரும்பியபடியே அடைய முடியுமாதலால் இப்பூமியில் தவம் முயன்று செய்யப்படும்.

Chapter 27

More from Penance

தவம்

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Kural 261

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

Kural 262

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

Kural 263

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

Kural 264

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

Kural 265

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

Kural 266

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

Kural 267

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

Kural 268

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

Kural 269

They can even defy death Who get by penance godly strenth

Kural 270

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