Thirukkural 614 in English

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

Tamil original

தாளாண்மை இல்லாதான் வேளாண்மை பேடிகை
வாளாண்மை போலக் கெடும்.

Transliteration

Thaalaanmai Illaadhaan Velaanmai Petikai
Vaalaanmai Polak Ketum

English Translation

“Bounty of man who never strives Like sword in eunuch's hand it fails”

Plain-English meaning

The liberality of him, who does not labour, will fail, like the manliness of a hermaphrodite, who has a sword in its hand

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

Bounty of man who never strives Like sword in eunuch's hand it fails

G.U. Pope Translation

Beneficent intent in men by whom no strenuous work is wrought,Like battle-axe in sexless being's hand availeth nought

Plain-English Meaning

The liberality of him, who does not labour, will fail, like the manliness of a hermaphrodite, who has a sword in its hand

முயற்சி இல்லாதவன், பிறர்க்கு உதவுவேன் என்பது, படை கண்டு நடுங்கும் பேடி, களத்துள் நின்று தன் கை வாளைச் சுழற்றுதல் போல ஒரு பயனும் இல்லாமல் போகும்.

Chapter 62

ஆள்வினை உடைமை

Feel not frustrate saying This hard Who tries attains striving's reward

In doing work don't break and shirk The world will quit who quits his work

On excellence of industry Depends magnanimous bounty

Bounty of man who never strives Like sword in eunuch's hand it fails

Work who likes and not pleasure Wipes grief of friends, pillar secure

Industry adds prosperity Indolence brings but poverty

Illuck abides with sloth they say *Laxmi's gifts with labourers stay *Laxmi the Goddes of wealth and prosperity

Misfortune is disgrace to none The shame is nothing learnt or done

Though fate is against fulfilment Hard labour has ready payment

Tireless Toiler's striving hand Shall leave even the fate behind