Thirukkural 36 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
அன்றறிவாம் என்னாது அறஞ்செய்க மற்றது
பொன்றுங்கால் பொன்றாத் துணை.
Transliteration
Andrarivaam Ennaadhu Aranjeyka Matradhu
Pondrungaal Pondraath Thunai
Modern English
“Do not postpone doing what is right by telling yourself that you will begin later.”
Modern Interpretation
Do not postpone doing what is right by telling yourself that you will begin later. The good choices made today shape the person you become and the trust people place in you. For example, if someone notices a colleague being treated unfairly, speaking up now may protect that colleague and strengthen the person's own character. Virtue built over a lifetime remains meaningful when other possessions disappear.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Do not postpone doing what is right by telling yourself that you will begin later.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Do good enow; defer it not A deathless aid in death if sought
G.U. Pope Translation
Do deeds of virtue now Say not, 'To-morrow we'll be wise';Thus, when thou diest, shalt thou find a help that never dies
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Defer not virtue to another day; receive her now; and at the dying hour she will be your undying friend
Tamil commentary
முதுமையில் செய்யலாம் என எண்ணாமல் இப்போதே அறத்தைச் செய்க; அந்த அறம் நாம் அழியும் போது தான் அழியாமல் நமக்கு துணை ஆகும்.
Chapter 4
More from Assertion of the Strength of Virtue
அறன் வலியுறுத்தல்
From virtue weal and wealth outflow; What greater good can mankind know?
Kural 32Virtue enhances joy and gain; Forsaking it is fall and pain
Kural 33Perform good deeds as much you can Always and everywhere, o man!
Kural 34In spotless mind virtue is found And not in show and swelling sound
Kural 35Four ills eschew and virtue reach, Lust, anger, envy, evil-speech
Kural 36Do good enow; defer it not A deathless aid in death if sought
Kural 37Litter-bearer and rider say Without a word, the fortune's way
Kural 38Like stones that block rebirth and pain Are doing good and good again
Kural 39Weal flows only from virtue done The rest is rue and renown gone
Kural 40Worthy act is virtue done Vice is what we ought to shun