Thirukkural 578 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
கருமம் சிதையாமல் கண்ணோட வல்லார்க்கு
உரிமை உடைத்திவ் வுலகு.
Transliteration
Karumam Sidhaiyaamal Kannota Vallaarkku
Urimai Utaiththiv Vulaku
Modern English
“The highest leadership balances compassion with responsibility, so mercy does not damage the work that must be done.”
Modern Interpretation
The highest leadership balances compassion with responsibility, so mercy does not damage the work that must be done. A teacher can give a student another chance while still keeping the class's safety rules.
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Modern Plain English
The highest leadership balances compassion with responsibility, so mercy does not damage the work that must be done.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Who gracious are but dutiful Have right for this earth beautiful
G.U. Pope Translation
Who can benignant smile, yet leave no work undone;By them as very own may all the earth be won
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
The world is theirs (kings) who are able to show kindness, without injury to their affairs, (administration of justice)
Tamil commentary
தம் செயலுக்குச் சேதம் வராமல் கண்ணோட்டம் கொள்ளும் ஆற்றல் உடையவர்க்கு இந்த உலகம் சொந்தமாகும்.
Chapter 58
More from Benignity
கண்ணோட்டம்
Living in the world implies The bounteous dame of benign eyes
Kural 572World lives by looks of lovely worth Who lack them are burdens of earth
Kural 573Of tuneless song what is the use? Without gracious looks what are eyes?
Kural 574Except that they are on the face What for are eyes sans measured grace
Kural 575Kind looks are jewels for eyes to wear Without them they are felt as sore
Kural 576Like trees on inert earth they grow Who don't eye to eye kindness show
Kural 577Ungracious men lack real eyes Men of real eyes show benign grace
Kural 578Who gracious are but dutiful Have right for this earth beautiful
Kural 579To be benign and bear with foes Who vex us is true virtue's phase
Kural 580Men of graceful courtesy Take hemlock and look cheerfully