Thirukkural 267 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
சுடச்சுடரும் பொன்போல் ஒளிவிடும் துன்பஞ்
சுடச்சுட நோற்கிற் பவர்க்கு.
Transliteration
Sutachchutarum Ponpol Olivitum Thunpanjjch
Utachchuta Norkir Pavarkku
Modern English
“Gold becomes brighter in the fire, and a disciplined person can become stronger through hardship.”
Modern Interpretation
Gold becomes brighter in the fire, and a disciplined person can become stronger through hardship. Difficulties can deepen wisdom when we face them with purpose. For example, an athlete who learns from exhausting training may emerge more capable and confident.
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Modern Plain English
Gold becomes brighter in the fire, and a disciplined person can become stronger through hardship.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Pure and bright gets the gold in fire; and so the life by pain austere
G.U. Pope Translation
The hotter glows the fining fire, the gold the brighter shines;The pain of penitence, like fire, the soul of man refines
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Just as gold is purified as heated in the fire, will those shine, who have endured the burning of pain (in frequent austerities)
Tamil commentary
நெருப்பு சுடச்சுடப் பொன்னின் ஒளி பெருகுவது போலத் துன்பம் வருத்த வருத்தத் தவம் செய்பவர்க்கு ஞானம் பெருகும்.
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