Thirukkural 37 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
அறத்தாறு இதுவென வேண்டா சிவிகை
பொறுத்தானோடு ஊர்ந்தான் இடை.
Transliteration
Araththaaru Ithuvena Ventaa Sivikai
Poruththaanotu Oorndhaan Itai
Modern English
“The benefits of virtue can be seen in the way people live, not just explained in books.”
Modern Interpretation
The benefits of virtue can be seen in the way people live, not just explained in books. A person who acts with integrity usually carries responsibilities with greater peace, while someone who acts selfishly often feels burdened by fear and conflict. For example, two managers may face the same problem: the honest one can ask for help openly, while the dishonest one must keep hiding past actions. Conduct creates its own rewards and burdens.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
The benefits of virtue can be seen in the way people live, not just explained in books.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Litter-bearer and rider say Without a word, the fortune's way
G.U. Pope Translation
Needs not in words to dwell on virtue's fruits: compareThe man in litter borne with them that toiling bear
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
The fruit of virtue need not be described in books; it may be inferred from seeing the bearer of a palanquin and the rider therein
Tamil commentary
அறத்தைச் செய்வதால் வரும் பயன் இது என்று நூல்களைக் கொண்டு மெய்ப்பிக்க வேண்டியது இல்லை. பல்லக்கைத் தூக்கிச் செல்பவனையும் அதில் பயணிப்பவனையும் கண்ட அளவில் பயனை அறியலாம்.
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