Thirukkural 425 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
உலகம் தழீஇய தொட்பம் மலர்தலும்
கூம்பலும் இல்ல தறிவு.
Transliteration
Ulakam Thazheeiya Thotpam Malardhalum
Koompalum Illa Tharivu
Modern English
“Wise friendship with good people stays steady instead of blooming with excitement and then fading away.”
Modern Interpretation
Wise friendship with good people stays steady instead of blooming with excitement and then fading away. For example, a dependable friend supports you during both exam success and disappointment.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Wise friendship with good people stays steady instead of blooming with excitement and then fading away.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
The wise-world the wise befriend They bloom nor gloom, equal in mind
G.U. Pope Translation
Wisdom embraces frank the world, to no caprice exposed;Unlike the lotus flower, now opened wide, now petals strictly closed
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
To secure the friendship of the great is true wisdom; it is (also) wisdom to keep (that friendship unchanged, and) not opening and closing (like the lotus flower)
Tamil commentary
உலகை நட்பாக்கிக் கொள்வது அறிவு; நட்பின் ஆரம்பத்தில் பெரிதாக மகிழ்வதும், நாளடைவில் வாடுவதும் இல்லாது. எப்போதும் ஒரே சீராக இருப்பது அறிவு.
Chapter 43
More from The Possession of Knowledge
அறிவுடைமை
Wisdom's weapon wards off all woes It is a fort defying foes
Kural 422Wisdom checks the straying senses Expels evils, impels goodness
Kural 423To grasp the Truth from everywhere From everyone is wisdom fair
Kural 424Speaking out thoughts in clear trends Wisdom subtle sense comprehends
Kural 425The wise-world the wise befriend They bloom nor gloom, equal in mind
Kural 426As moves the world so move the wise In tune with changing times and ways
Kural 427The wise foresee what is to come The unwise lack in that wisdom
Kural 428Fear the frightful and act wisely Not to fear the frightful's folly
Kural 429No frightful evil shocks the wise Who guard themselves against surprise
Kural 430Who have wisdom they are all full Whatev'r they own, misfits are nil