Thirukkural 268 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
தன்னுயிர் தான்அறப் பெற்றானை ஏனைய
மன்னுயி ரெல்லாந் தொழும்.
Transliteration
Thannuyir Thaanarap Petraanai Enaiya
Mannuyi Rellaan Thozhum
Modern English
“The person who lets go of ego and possessiveness earns the respect of other living beings.”
Modern Interpretation
The person who lets go of ego and possessiveness earns the respect of other living beings. Greatness grows when someone stops making everything about “me” and “mine.” For example, a leader who shares credit and listens to others is respected more than one who demands praise.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
The person who lets go of ego and possessiveness earns the respect of other living beings.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
He worship wins from every soul Who Master is by soul control
G.U. Pope Translation
Who gains himself in utter self-control,Him worships every other living soul
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
All other creatures will worship him who has attained the control of his own soul
Tamil commentary
தன் உயிர், தான் என்னும் எண்ணம் முற்றும் இல்லாதவனைப் பிற உயிர்கள் எல்லாம் தொழும்.
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