Thirukkural 461 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
அழிவதூஉம் ஆவதூஉம் ஆகி வழிபயக்கும்
ஊதியமும் சூழ்ந்து செயல்.
Transliteration
Azhivadhooum Aavadhooum Aaki Vazhipayakkum
Oodhiyamum Soozhndhu Seyal
Modern English
“Before acting, consider what you may lose, what you may gain, and what the final result could be.”
Modern Interpretation
Before acting, consider what you may lose, what you may gain, and what the final result could be. For example, compare the cost, risks, and long-term value before accepting a new job.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Before acting, consider what you may lose, what you may gain, and what the final result could be.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Weigh well output the loss and gain And proper action ascertain
G.U. Pope Translation
Expenditure, return, and profit of the deedIn time to come; weigh these- than to the act proceed
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Let a man reflect on what will be lost, what will be acquired and (from these) what will be his ultimate gain, and (then, let him) act
Tamil commentary
ஒரு செயலைச் செய்யும்போது வரும் நட்டத்தையும், பின் விளைவையும் பார்த்து, அதற்குப்பின் வரும் லாபத்தையும் கணக்கிட்டுச் செய்க.
Chapter 47
More from Acting after due Consideration
தெரிந்து செயல்வகை
Weigh well output the loss and gain And proper action ascertain
Kural 462Nothing is hard for him who acts With worthy counsels weighing facts
Kural 463The wise risk not their capital In doubtful gains and lose their all
Kural 464They who scornful reproach fear Commence no work not made clear
Kural 465Who marches without plans and ways His field is sure to foster foes
Kural 466Doing unfit action ruins Failing fit-act also ruins
Kural 467Think and dare a proper deed Dare and think is bad in need
Kural 468Toil without a plan ahead Is doomed to fall though supported
Kural 469Attune the deeds to habitude Or ev'n good leads to evil feud
Kural 470Do deeds above reproachfulness The world refutes uncomely mess