Thirukkural 599 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
பரியது கூர்ங்கோட்டது ஆயினும் யானை
வ்ருஉம் புலிதாக் குறின்.
Transliteration
Pariyadhu Koorngottadhu Aayinum Yaanai
Veruum Pulidhaak Kurin
Modern English
“Physical size and outward power do not guarantee courage; focused determination can overcome them.”
Modern Interpretation
Physical size and outward power do not guarantee courage; focused determination can overcome them. A smaller player who stays calm and plays bravely may outmatch a stronger opponent.
Listen
Tamil pronunciation
Compare translations
Modern Plain English
Physical size and outward power do not guarantee courage; focused determination can overcome them.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Huge elephant sharp in tusk quails When tiger, less in form, assails
G.U. Pope Translation
Huge bulk of elephant with pointed tusk all armed,When tiger threatens shrinks away alarmed
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Although the elephant has a large body, and a sharp tusk, yet it fears the attack of the tiger
Tamil commentary
யானை பெரிய உடம்பையும் கூர்மையான கொம்பினையும் உடையது என்றாலும் புலி தாக்கினால் பயப்படும்.
Chapter 60
More from Energy
ஊக்கம் உடைமை
To own is to own energy All others own but lethargy
Kural 592Psychic heart is wealth indeed Worldly wealth departs in speed
Kural 593The strong in will do not complain The loss of worldly wealth and gain
Kural 594Fortune enquires, enters with boom Where tireless strivers have their home
Kural 595Water depth is lotus height Mental strength is men's merit
Kural 596Let thoughts be always great and grand Though they fail their virtues stand
Kural 597Elephants are firm when arrows hit Great minds keep fit ev'n in defeat
Kural 598Heartless persons cannot boast \"We are liberal to our best\"
Kural 599Huge elephant sharp in tusk quails When tiger, less in form, assails
Kural 600Mental courage is true manhood Lacking that man is like a wood