Thirukkural 308 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
இணர்எரி தோய்வன்ன இன்னா செயினும்
புணரின் வெகுளாமை நன்று.
Transliteration
Inareri Thoivanna Innaa Seyinum
Punarin Vekulaamai Nandru
Modern English
“Even when someone has hurt you as severely as a fire burns, it is better to let go of anger when peace becomes possible.”
Modern Interpretation
Even when someone has hurt you as severely as a fire burns, it is better to let go of anger when peace becomes possible. Forgiveness here means refusing to keep feeding the conflict, not pretending the harm never happened. For example, accepting a sincere apology can stop one painful mistake from destroying an entire relationship.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Even when someone has hurt you as severely as a fire burns, it is better to let go of anger when peace becomes possible.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Save thy soul from burning ire Though tortured like the touch of fire
G.U. Pope Translation
Though men should work thee woe, like touch of tongues of fire'Tis well if thou canst save thy soul from burning ire
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Though one commit things against you as painful (to bear) as if a bundle of fire had been thrust upon you, it will be well, to refrain, if possible, from anger
Tamil commentary
பல சுடரை உடைய பெருநெருப்பு நம் மீது பட்டது போன்ற தீமையை ஒருவன் நமக்குச் செய்தாலும், நம்மால் கோபம் கொள்ளாதிருக்க முடியுமானால் அது நம் உடலுக்கும் நல்லது.
Chapter 31
More from Restraining Anger
வெகுளாமை
Anger against the weak is wrong It is futile against the strong
Kural 302Vain is wrath against men of force Against the meek it is still worse
Kural 303Off with wrath with any one It is the source of sin and pain
Kural 304Is there a foe like harmful ire Which kills the smile and joyful cheer?
Kural 305Thyself to save, from wrath away! If not thyself the wrath will slay
Kural 306Friend-killer is the fatal rage It burns the helpful kinship-barge
Kural 307The wrath-lover to doom is bound Like failless-hand that strikes the ground
Kural 308Save thy soul from burning ire Though tortured like the touch of fire
Kural 309Wishes he gains as he wishes If man refrains from rage vicious!
Kural 310Dead are they who are anger-fed Saints are they from whom wrath has fled