Thirukkural 571 in English

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

Tamil original

கண்ணோட்டம் என்னும் கழிபெருங் காரிகை
உண்மையான் உண்டிவ் வுலகு.

Transliteration

Kannottam Ennum Kazhiperung Kaarikai
Unmaiyaan Untiv Vulaku

English Translation

“Living in the world implies The bounteous dame of benign eyes”

Plain-English meaning

The world exists through that greatest ornament (of princes), a gracious demeanour

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

Living in the world implies The bounteous dame of benign eyes

G.U. Pope Translation

Since true benignity, that grace exceeding great, residesIn kingly souls, world in happy state abides

Plain-English Meaning

The world exists through that greatest ornament (of princes), a gracious demeanour

முகம் பார்த்தல் என்னும் பேரழகு மனிதருள் இருப்பதால்தான் மக்கள் வாழ்க்கை தொடர்கின்றது.

Chapter 58

கண்ணோட்டம்

Living in the world implies The bounteous dame of benign eyes

World lives by looks of lovely worth Who lack them are burdens of earth

Of tuneless song what is the use? Without gracious looks what are eyes?

Except that they are on the face What for are eyes sans measured grace

Kind looks are jewels for eyes to wear Without them they are felt as sore

Like trees on inert earth they grow Who don't eye to eye kindness show

Ungracious men lack real eyes Men of real eyes show benign grace

Who gracious are but dutiful Have right for this earth beautiful

To be benign and bear with foes Who vex us is true virtue's phase

Men of graceful courtesy Take hemlock and look cheerfully