Thirukkural 539 in English

Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.

Tamil original

இகழ்ச்சியின் கெட்டாரை உள்ளுக தாந்தம்
மகிழ்ச்சியின் மைந்துறும் போழ்து.

Transliteration

Ikazhchchiyin Kettaarai Ulluka Thaandham
Makizhchchiyin Maindhurum Pozhdhu

English Translation

“When joy deludes, their fate recall Whom negligence has made to fall”

Plain-English meaning

Let (a king) think of those who have been ruined by neglect, when his mind is elated with joy

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Tamil pronunciation

Speed

English Translation

When joy deludes, their fate recall Whom negligence has made to fall

G.U. Pope Translation

Think on the men whom scornful mind hath brought to nought,When exultation overwhelms thy wildered thought

Plain-English Meaning

Let (a king) think of those who have been ruined by neglect, when his mind is elated with joy

தம் மகிழ்ச்சியில் மனவலிமை பெறும்பொழுது எல்லாம் முற்காலத்தில் மகிழ்ச்சியால் மறதி கொண்டு அழிந்தவர்களை நினைவிற் கொள்க.

Chapter 54

பொச்சாவாமை

Worse than wrath in excess is Forgetfulness in joy-excess

Negligence kills renown just as Ceaseless want wisdom destroys

Forgetful nature fails of fame All schools of thinkers say the same

The fearful find no fortress here The forgetful find good never

Failing foresight the guardless man Shall rue his folly later on

Forget none; watch with wakeful care Miss none; the gain is sans compare

With cautious care pursue a thing Impossible there is nothing

Do what the wise commend as worth If not, for seven births no mirth

When joy deludes, their fate recall Whom negligence has made to fall

Easy it is a thing to get When the mind on it is set