Thirukkural 576 in English

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

Tamil original

மண்ணோ டியைந்த மரத்தனையர் கண்ணோ
டியைந்துகண் ணோடா தவர்.

Transliteration

Manno Tiyaindha Maraththanaiyar Kanno
Tiyaindhukan Notaa Thavar

English Translation

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

Plain-English meaning

They resemble the trees of the earth, who although they have eyes, never look kindly (on others)

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

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

G.U. Pope Translation

Whose eyes 'neath brow infixed diffuse no rayOf grace; like tree in earth infixed are they

Plain-English Meaning

They resemble the trees of the earth, who although they have eyes, never look kindly (on others)

கண் பெற்றிருந்தும் கண்ணோட்டம் இல்லாதவர் இயங்கினாலும் மண்ணோடு சேர்ந்து இயங்காமல் நிற்கும் மரம் போன்றவரே.

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