Thirukkural 270 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
இலர்பல ராகிய காரணம் நோற்பார்
சிலர்பலர் நோலா தவர்.
Transliteration
Ilarpala Raakiya Kaaranam Norpaar
Silarpalar Nolaa Thavar
Modern English
“There are many people who feel powerless because only a few practice the discipline that builds real strength.”
Modern Interpretation
There are many people who feel powerless because only a few practice the discipline that builds real strength. Self-control is uncommon, but its absence leaves people vulnerable to every desire. For example, a group with many impulsive members but few steady leaders quickly loses direction.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
There are many people who feel powerless because only a few practice the discipline that builds real strength.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Many are poor and few are rich For they care not for penance much
G.U. Pope Translation
The many all things lack! The cause is plain,The 'penitents' are few The many shun such pain
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Because there are few who practise austerity and many who do not, there are many destitute and few rich in this world
Tamil commentary
பிறர் செய்யும்தீமைகளைப் பொறுத்துக் கொள்வதும், அவர்க்குத் தீமை செய்யாது இருப்பதும் ஆகிய தவத்தைச் செய்பவர் சிலர்; செய்யாதவர் பலர்; ஏதுமற்ற ஏழைகள் பலராக இருப்பதற்கு இதுவே காரணம்.
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