Thirukkural 452 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
நிலத்தியல்பால் நீர்திரிந் தற்றாகும் மாந்தர்க்கு
இனத்தியல்ப தாகும் அறிவு.
Transliteration
Nilaththiyalpaal Neerdhirin Thatraakum Maandharkku
Inaththiyalpa Thaakum Arivu
Modern English
“Your surroundings influence how you think and behave, just as soil changes the water that flows through it.”
Modern Interpretation
Your surroundings influence how you think and behave, just as soil changes the water that flows through it. For example, a student in a focused study group may build better habits.
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Modern Plain English
Your surroundings influence how you think and behave, just as soil changes the water that flows through it.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
With soil changes water's taste With mates changes the mental state
G.U. Pope Translation
The waters' virtues change with soil through which they flow;As man's companionship so will his wisdom show
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
As water changes (its nature), from the nature of the soil (in which it flows), so will the character of men resemble that of their associates
Tamil commentary
தான் சேர்ந்த நிலத்தின் தன்மையால் நீர் தன் இயல்பை இழந்து, நிலத்தின் இயல்பாகவே மாறிவிடும்; மனிதரின் அறிவும் அவர் சேர்ந்த இனத்தின் இயல்பாகவே ஆகிவிடும்.
Chapter 46
More from Avoiding mean Associations
சிற்றினம் சேராமை
The ignoble the noble fear The mean hold them as kinsmen dear
Kural 452With soil changes water's taste With mates changes the mental state
Kural 453Wisdom depends upon the mind The worth of man upon his friend
Kural 454Wisdom seems to come from mind But it truly flows from the kind
Kural 455Purity of the thought and deed Comes from good company indeed
Kural 456Pure-hearted get good progeny Pure friendship acts with victory
Kural 457Goodness of mind increases gain Good friendship fosters fame again
Kural 458Men of wisdom, though good in mind In friends of worth a new strength find
Kural 459Good mind decides the future bliss Good company gains strength to this
Kural 460No help good company exeeds; The bad to untold anguish leads