Thirukkural 580 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
பெயக்கண்டும் நஞ்சுண் டமைவர் நயத்தக்க
நாகரிகம் வேண்டு பவர்.
Transliteration
Peyakkantum Nanjun Tamaivar Nayaththakka
Naakarikam Ventu Pavar
Modern English
“True civility can keep us from answering betrayal with hatred, though it does not require staying in danger.”
Modern Interpretation
True civility can keep us from answering betrayal with hatred, though it does not require staying in danger. If a friend breaks your trust, you can set a boundary and still speak without revenge.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
True civility can keep us from answering betrayal with hatred, though it does not require staying in danger.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Men of graceful courtesy Take hemlock and look cheerfully
G.U. Pope Translation
They drink with smiling grace, though poison interfused they see,Who seek the praise of all-esteemed courtesy
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Those who desire (to cultivate that degree of) urbanity which all shall love, even after swallowing the poison served to them by their friends, will be friendly with them
Tamil commentary
எல்லாராலும் விரும்பத்தக்க நாகரிகத்தை விரும்புபவர், தமக்கு நெருக்கமானவர் நஞ்சையே தருகிறார் என அறிந்தும் கண்ணோட்டம் காரணமாக அதை உண்டு அவருடன் பழகுவர்.
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