Thirukkural 38 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
வீழ்நாள் படாஅமை நன்றாற்றின் அஃதொருவன்
வாழ்நாள் வழியடைக்கும் கல்.
Transliteration
Veezhnaal Pataaamai Nandraatrin Aqdhoruvan
Vaazhnaal Vazhiyataikkum Kal
Modern English
“Do not let a day pass without doing at least one good thing.”
Modern Interpretation
Do not let a day pass without doing at least one good thing. Daily acts of kindness and responsibility gradually shape a meaningful life and leave fewer regrets. For example, a person might help an elderly neighbour, complete an honest day's work, or encourage someone who is struggling. Small good actions, repeated over time, build a strong path through life.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Do not let a day pass without doing at least one good thing.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Like stones that block rebirth and pain Are doing good and good again
G.U. Pope Translation
If no day passing idly, good to do each day you toil,A stone it will be to block the way of future days of moil
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
If one allows no day to pass without some good being done, his conduct will be a stone to block up the passage to other births
Tamil commentary
அறத்தை செய்யாது விட்ட நாள் இல்லை என்று சொல்லும்படி ஒருவன் அறம் செய்தால், அச்செயலே, அவன் திரும்பப் பிறக்கும் வழியை அடைக்கும் கல் 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