Thirukkural 527 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
காக்கை கரவா கரைந்துண்ணும் ஆக்கமும்
அன்னநீ ரார்க்கே உள.
Transliteration
Kaakkai Karavaa Karaindhunnum Aakkamum
Annanee Raarkke Ula
Modern English
“Like a crow calling others to share its food, people should not hide every good thing for themselves.”
Modern Interpretation
Like a crow calling others to share its food, people should not hide every good thing for themselves. For example, a colleague who shares an opportunity with the team helps everyone grow instead of keeping all the advantage.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Like a crow calling others to share its food, people should not hide every good thing for themselves.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
The crows hide not; thy call and eat Welfare abides a man of heart
G.U. Pope Translation
The crows conceal not, call their friends to come, then eat;Increase of good such worthy ones shall meet
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
The crows do not conceal (their prey), but will call out for others (to share with them) while they eat it; wealth will be with those who show a similar disposition (towards their relatives)
Tamil commentary
காக்கை தன் உணவை மறைக்காமல், தன் இனத்தைச் சத்தமிட்டு அழைத்து உண்ணும்; இதுபோன்ற குணம் உடையவர்க்கே செல்வமும் உள ஆகும்.
Chapter 53
More from Cherishing Kinsmen
சுற்றந் தழால்
Let fortunes go; yet kinsmen know The old accustomed love to show
Kural 522The gift of loving Kins bestows Fadeless fortune's fresh flowers
Kural 523A kinless wealth is like a tank Which overflows without a bank
Kural 524The fruit of growing wealth is gained When kith and kin are happy found
Kural 525Loving words and liberal hand Encircle kith and kin around
Kural 526Large giver and wrathless man Commands on earth countless kinsmen
Kural 527The crows hide not; thy call and eat Welfare abides a man of heart
Kural 528From public gaze when kings perceive Each one's merits so many thrive
Kural 529Forsaken friends will come and stay When cause for discord goes away
Kural 530Who leaves and returns with motive The king should test him and receive