Thirukkural 361 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
அவாஎன்ப எல்லா உயிர்க்கும் எஞ்ஞான்றும்
தவாஅப் பிறப்பீனும் வித்து.
Transliteration
Avaaenpa Ellaa Uyirkkum Enj
Gnaandrum Thavaaap Pirappeenum Viththu
Modern English
“The verse describes desire as the seed that keeps the cycle of birth going for every living being.”
Modern Interpretation
The verse describes desire as the seed that keeps the cycle of birth going for every living being. For example, an endless craving for status can keep someone chasing the next achievement without ever feeling free or satisfied.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
The verse describes desire as the seed that keeps the cycle of birth going for every living being.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Desire to all, always is seed From which ceaseless births proceed
G.U. Pope Translation
The wise declare, through all the days, to every living thingThat ceaseless round of birth from seed of strong desire doth spring
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
(The wise) say that the seed, which produces unceasing births, at all times, to all creatures, is desire
Tamil commentary
எல்லா உயிர்களுக்கும், எந்தக் காலத்திலும் அழியாமல் வரும் பிறப்பை உண்டாக்கும் விதைதான் ஆசை என்று பெரியோர் கூறுவர்.
Chapter 37
More from Curbing of Desire
அவா அறுத்தல்
Desire to all, always is seed From which ceaseless births proceed
Kural 362If long thou must, long for non-birth It comes by longing no more for earth
Kural 363No such wealth is here and there As peerless wealth of non-desire
Kural 364To nothing crave is purity That is the fruit of verity
Kural 365The free are those who desire not The rest not free in bonds are caught
Kural 366Dread desire; Virtue is there To every soul desire is snare!
Kural 367Destroy desire; deliverance Comes as much as you aspire hence
Kural 368Desire extinct no sorrow-taints Grief comes on grief where it pretends
Kural 369Desire, the woe of woes destroy Joy of joys here you enjoy
Kural 370Off with desire insatiate You gain the native blissful state