Thirukkural 48 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
ஆற்றின் ஒழுக்கி அறனிழுக்கா இல்வாழ்க்கை
நோற்பாரின் நோன்மை உடைத்து.
Transliteration
Aatrin Ozhukki Aranizhukkaa Ilvaazhkkai
Norpaarin Nonmai Utaiththu
Modern English
“A householder who remains ethical while caring for a family shows great strength.”
Modern Interpretation
A householder who remains ethical while caring for a family shows great strength. They also make it possible for teachers, volunteers, spiritual seekers, and others who serve society to continue their work. For example, a family may provide food or practical support to a community worker while still managing its own duties honestly. Living responsibly amid everyday pressures can require as much endurance as formal discipline.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
A householder who remains ethical while caring for a family shows great strength.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Straight in virtue, right in living Make men brighter than monks praying
G.U. Pope Translation
Others it sets upon their way, itself from virtue ne'er declines;Than stern ascetics' pains such life domestic brighter shines
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
The householder who, not swerving from virtue, helps the ascetic in his way, endures more than those who endure penance
Tamil commentary
மற்றவர்களை அவர்களின் வழியில் வாழச்செய்து, தானும் அறத்திலிருந்து விலகாமல், மனைவியுடன் வாழும் வாழ்க்கை, துறவறத்தார் காட்டும் பொறுமையிலும் வலிமை மிக்கது.
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