Thirukkural 34 in English

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

Tamil original

மனத்துக்கண் மாசிலன் ஆதல் அனைத்தறன்
ஆகுல நீர பிற.

Transliteration

Manaththukkan Maasilan Aadhal Anaiththu
Aran Aakula Neera Pira

English Translation

“In spotless mind virtue is found And not in show and swelling sound”

Plain-English meaning

Let him who does virtuous deeds be of spotless mind; to that extent is virtue; all else is vain show

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

In spotless mind virtue is found And not in show and swelling sound

G.U. Pope Translation

Spotless be thou in mind! This only merits virtue's name;All else, mere pomp of idle sound, no real worth can claim

Plain-English Meaning

Let him who does virtuous deeds be of spotless mind; to that extent is virtue; all else is vain show

மனத்து அளவில் குற்றம் இல்லாதவனாய் ஆகுக; அறம் என்பது அவ்வளவே; பிற வார்த்தை நடிப்பும், வாழ்க்கை வேடங்களுக்கும் மற்றவர் அறியச் செய்யப்படும் ஆடம்பரங்களே.

Chapter 4

அறன் வலியுறுத்தல்

From virtue weal and wealth outflow; What greater good can mankind know?

Virtue enhances joy and gain; Forsaking it is fall and pain

Perform good deeds as much you can Always and everywhere, o man!

In spotless mind virtue is found And not in show and swelling sound

Four ills eschew and virtue reach, Lust, anger, envy, evil-speech

Do good enow; defer it not A deathless aid in death if sought

Litter-bearer and rider say Without a word, the fortune's way

Like stones that block rebirth and pain Are doing good and good again

Weal flows only from virtue done The rest is rue and renown gone

Worthy act is virtue done Vice is what we ought to shun