Thirukkural 586 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
துறந்தார் படிவத்த ராகி இறந்தாராய்ந்து
என்செயினும் சோர்விலது ஒற்று.
Transliteration
Thurandhaar Pativaththa Raaki Irandhaaraaindhu
Enseyinum Sorviladhu Otru
Modern English
“The best spy can enter difficult places in disguise, learn what is needed, and keep their identity secret despite pressure.”
Modern Interpretation
The best spy can enter difficult places in disguise, learn what is needed, and keep their identity secret despite pressure. An undercover investigator may face intense questioning yet protect the investigation until the facts are safe.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
The best spy can enter difficult places in disguise, learn what is needed, and keep their identity secret despite pressure.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Guised as monks they gather secrets They betray them not under threats
G.U. Pope Translation
As monk or devotee, through every hindrance making way,A spy, whate'er men do, must watchful mind display
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
He is a spy who, assuming the appearance of an ascetic, goes into (whatever place he wishes), examines into (all, that is needful), and never discovers himself, whatever may be done to him
Tamil commentary
செல்ல முடியாத இடங்களுக்கும் கூடத் துறவியர் வேடத்தில் சென்று, அறிய வேண்டுவற்றை அறிந்து, அங்கே பிடிபட்டால், பிடித்தவர் எத்தகைய துன்பம் செய்தாலும் ரகசியத்தைச் சொல்லாதவரே ஒற்றர்.
Chapter 59
More from Detectives
ஒற்றாடல்
A king should treat these two as eyes The code of laws and careful spies
Kural 582All that happens, always, to all The king should know in full detail
Kural 583Conquests are not for the monarch Who cares not for the Spy's remark
Kural 584His officers, kinsmen and foes Who watch keenly are worthy spies
Kural 585Fearless gaze, suspectless guise Guarding secrets mark the spies
Kural 586Guised as monks they gather secrets They betray them not under threats
Kural 587A spy draws out other's secrets Beyond a doubt he clears his facts
Kural 588The reports given by one spy By another spy verify
Kural 589Engage the spies alone, apart When three agree confirm report
Kural 590Give not the spy open reward It would divulge the secret heard!