Thirukkural 337 in English

Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.

Tamil original

ஒருபொழுதும் வாழ்வது அறியார் கருதுப
கோடியும் அல்ல பல.

Transliteration

Orupozhudhum Vaazhvadhu Ariyaar Karudhupa
Kotiyum Alla Pala

English Translation

“Man knows not his next moment On crores of things he is intent”

Plain-English meaning

Innumerable are the thoughts which occupy the mind of (the unwise), who know not that they shall live another moment

Listen

Tamil pronunciation

Speed

English Translation

Man knows not his next moment On crores of things he is intent

G.U. Pope Translation

Who know not if their happy lives shall last the day,In fancies infinite beguile the hours away

Plain-English Meaning

Innumerable are the thoughts which occupy the mind of (the unwise), who know not that they shall live another moment

உயிரும் உடம்பும் இணைந்திருந்தும் உ‌டம்பின் நிலையற்ற தன்மையை ஒரு கணப்பொழுதும் அறிய இயலாதவர் கோடிக்கும் மேலான நினைவுகளை எண்ணி நிற்பர்.

Chapter 34

நிலையாமை

The worst of follies it is told The fleeting as lasting to hold

Like a drama-crowd wealth gathers Like passing show its pride too goes

Wealth wanes away; but when it comes Take care to do enduring things

The showy day is but a saw Your life, know that, to file and gnaw

Ere tongue benumbs and hiccough comes Rise up to do good deeds betimes

One was yesterday; not today!

Man knows not his next moment On crores of things he is intent

The soul from body any day Like bird from egg-shell flies away

Death is like a slumber deep And birth like waking from that sleep

The life berthed in this body shows A fixed home it never knows