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

English Translation

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

Plain-English meaning

Defer not virtue to another day; receive her now; and at the dying hour she will be your undying friend

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Tamil pronunciation

Speed

English Translation

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

Plain-English Meaning

Defer not virtue to another day; receive her now; and at the dying hour she will be your undying friend

முதுமையில் செய்யலாம் என எண்ணாமல் இப்போதே அறத்தைச் செய்க; அந்த அறம் நாம் அழியும் போது தான் அழியாமல் நமக்கு துணை ஆகும்.

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