Thirukkural 414 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
கற்றில னாயினுங் கேட்க அஃதொருவற்கு
ஒற்கத்தின் ஊற்றாந் துணை.
Transliteration
Katrila Naayinung Ketka Aqdhoruvarku
Orkaththin Ootraan Thunai
Modern English
“Even without formal education, listening to people who know more can become a steady support in difficult times.”
Modern Interpretation
Even without formal education, listening to people who know more can become a steady support in difficult times. For example, an apprentice who follows a mentor's advice can handle a crisis more calmly.
Listen
Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Even without formal education, listening to people who know more can become a steady support in difficult times.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Though not learned, hear and heed That serves a staff and stay in need
G.U. Pope Translation
Though learning none hath he, yet let him hear alway:In weakness this shall prove a staff and stay
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Although a man be without learning, let him listen (to the teaching of the learned); that will be to him a staff in adversity
Tamil commentary
கல்லாதவனே என்றாலும் கற்றவர் கூறும் சிறந்த செய்திகளைக் கேட்க வேண்டும்; அப்படிக் கேட்பது அவனுக்கு நெருக்கடி வரும்போது பிடிப்பதற்கு ஏற்ற துணையாக உதவும்.
Chapter 42
More from Hearing
கேள்வி
Wealth of wealths is listening's wealth It is the best of wealths on earth
Kural 412Some food for the stomach is brought When the ear gets no food for thought
Kural 413Whose ears get lots of wisdom-food Equal gods on oblations fed
Kural 414Though not learned, hear and heed That serves a staff and stay in need
Kural 415Virtuous men's wisdom is found A strong staff on slippery ground
Kural 416Lend ear to good words however few That much will highly exalt you
Kural 417Who listen well and learn sharply Not ev'n by slip speak foolishly
Kural 418That ear though hearing is dulled Which is not by wisdom drilled
Kural 419A modest mouth is hard for those Who care little to counsels wise
Kural 420Who taste by mouth and not by ear What if they fare ill or well here?