Thirukkural 317 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
எனைத்தானும் எஞ்ஞான்றும் யார்க்கும் மனத்தானாம்
மாணாசெய் யாமை தலை.
Transliteration
Enaiththaanum Egngnaandrum Yaarkkum Manaththaanaam
Maanaasey Yaamai Thalai
Modern English
“The highest virtue is refusing to knowingly harm anyone, even in a small way, at any time.”
Modern Interpretation
The highest virtue is refusing to knowingly harm anyone, even in a small way, at any time. Good character begins with what we choose not to do. For example, skipping a cruel joke about someone's weakness can protect their dignity.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
The highest virtue is refusing to knowingly harm anyone, even in a small way, at any time.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Any, anywhere injure not At any time even in thought
G.U. Pope Translation
To work no wilful woe, in any wise, through all the days,To any living soul, is virtue's highest praise
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
It is the chief of all virtues not knowingly to do any person evil, even in the lowest degree, and at any time
Tamil commentary
எவ்வளவு சிறிதாயினும், எவருக்கு என்றாலும், எப்பொழுது ஆனாலும் சரி, மனத்தால் கூடத் தீமையைச் செய்யா திருப்பதே உயர்ந்தது.
Chapter 32
More from Not doing Evil
இன்னா செய்யாமை
The pure by faith mean pain to none Though princely wealth by that is won
Kural 312The spotless hearts seek not revenge Though Malice does the worst in rage
Kural 313Revenging even causeless hate Bad-blood breeds and baneful heat
Kural 314Doing good-turns, put them to shame Thus chide the evil who do harm
Kural 315What does a man from wisdom gain If he pines not at other's pain?
Kural 316What you feel as pain to yourself Do it not to the other-self
Kural 317Any, anywhere injure not At any time even in thought
Kural 318How can he injure other souls Who in his life injury feels
Kural 319Harm others in the forenoon Harm seeks thee in afternoon
Kural 320No harm is done by peace-lovers For pains rebound on pain-givers