Thirukkural 44 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
பழியஞ்சிப் பாத்தூண் உடைத்தாயின் வாழ்க்கை
வழியெஞ்சல் எஞ்ஞான்றும் இல்.
Transliteration
Pazhiyanjip Paaththoon Utaiththaayin Vaazhkkai
Vazhiyenjal Egngnaandrum Il
Modern English
“A household remains strong when its income is earned without wrongdoing and its resources are shared wisely.”
Modern Interpretation
A household remains strong when its income is earned without wrongdoing and its resources are shared wisely. Wealth gained through fraud or exploitation can damage a family's honour, while generosity strengthens relationships and community. For example, a family may budget carefully, refuse dishonest earnings, and regularly share meals or supplies with relatives and neighbours. Such conduct helps the family continue with dignity.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
A household remains strong when its income is earned without wrongdoing and its resources are shared wisely.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Sin he shuns and food he shares His home is bright and brighter fares
G.U. Pope Translation
Who shares his meal with other, while all guilt he shuns,His virtuous line unbroken though the ages runs
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
His descendants shall never fail who, living in the domestic state, fears vice (in the acquisition of property) and shares his food (with others)
Tamil commentary
பொருள் தேடும்போது பாவத்திற்குப் பயந்து தேடிய பொருளை உறவோடு பகிர்ந்து உண்ணும் இல்வாழ்பவனின் பரம்பரை ஒருகாலும் அழிவதில்லை.
Chapter 5
More from Domestic Life
இல்வாழ்க்கை
The ideal householder is he Who aids the natural orders there
Kural 42His help the monk and retired share, And celibate students are his care
Kural 43By dutiful householder's aid God, manes, kin, self and guests are served
Kural 44Sin he shuns and food he shares His home is bright and brighter fares
Kural 45In grace and gain the home excels, Where love with virtue sweetly dwells
Kural 46Who turns from righteous family To be a monk, what profits he?
Kural 47Of all who strive for bliss, the great Is he who leads the married state
Kural 48Straight in virtue, right in living Make men brighter than monks praying
Kural 49Home-life and virtue, are the same; Which spotless monkhood too can claim
Kural 50He is a man of divine worth Who lives in ideal home on earth