Thirukkural 373 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
நுண்ணிய நூல்பல கற்பினும் மற்றுந்தன்
உண்மை யறிவே மிகும்.
Transliteration
Nunniya Noolpala Karpinum Matrundhan
Unmai Yarive Mikum
Modern English
“Even after studying many subtle books, a person’s own capacity and circumstances still shape how much they understand.”
Modern Interpretation
Even after studying many subtle books, a person’s own capacity and circumstances still shape how much they understand. For example, two students can read the same lesson yet need different amounts of practice and support to grasp it.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Even after studying many subtle books, a person’s own capacity and circumstances still shape how much they understand.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
What matters subtle study deep? Levels of innate wisdom-keep
G.U. Pope Translation
In subtle learning manifold though versed man be,'The wisdom, truly his, will gain supremacy
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Although (a man) may study the most polished treatises, the knowledge which fate has decreed to him will still prevail
Tamil commentary
பேதை ஆக்குவதற்கு உரிய விதி நமக்கு இருந்தால், நுட்பமான கருத்துக்களை உடைய பல நூல்களைக் கற்றாலும் இயல்பான அறிவே இருக்கும். ( அறிவு விரிவ பெறாது)
Chapter 38
More from Fate
ஊழ்
Efforts succeed by waxing star Wealth-losing brings waning star
Kural 372Loss-fate makes a dull fool of us Gain-fate makes us prosperous, wise!
Kural 373What matters subtle study deep? Levels of innate wisdom-keep
Kural 374Two natures in the world obtain Some wealth and others wisdom gain
Kural 375In making wealth fate changes mood; The good as bad and bad as good
Kural 376Things not thine never remain Things destined are surely thine
Kural 377Who crores amass enjoy but what The Dispenser's decrees allot
Kural 378The destitute desire will quit If fate with ills visit them not
Kural 379Who good in time of good perceive In evil time why should they grieve?
Kural 380What power surpasses fate? Its will Persists against the human skill