Thirukkural 351 in English

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

Tamil original

பொருளல்ல வற்றைப் பொருளென்று உணரும்
மருளானாம் மாணாப் பிறப்பு.

Transliteration

Porulalla Vatraip Porulendru Unarum
Marulaanaam Maanaap Pirappu

English Translation

“That error entails ignoble birth Which deems vain things as things of worth”

Plain-English meaning

Inglorious births are produced by the confusion (of mind) which considers those things to be real which are not real

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

That error entails ignoble birth Which deems vain things as things of worth

G.U. Pope Translation

Of things devoid of truth as real things men deem;-Cause of degraded birth the fond delusive dream

Plain-English Meaning

Inglorious births are produced by the confusion (of mind) which considers those things to be real which are not real

பொய்யானவற்றை மெய் என்று எண்ணும் மயக்கத்தால் இழிவான பிறப்பு வரும்.

Chapter 36

மெய்யுணர்தல்

That error entails ignoble birth Which deems vain things as things of worth

Men of spotless pure insight Enjoy delight devoid of night

To doubtless minds whose heart is clear More than earth heaven is near

Knowledge of five senses is vain Without knowing the Truth within

Knowledge is truth of things to find In every case of every kind

Who learn and here the Truth discern Enter the path of non-return

One-minded sage sees inner-truth He is free from thoughts of rebirth

It is knowledge to know Self-Truth And remove the folly of birth

Know the Refuge; off with bondage Be free from ills of thraldom, O sage

Woes expire when lust, wrath, folly Expire even to name, fully