Thirukkural 653 in English

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

Tamil original

ஒஓதல் வேண்டும் ஒளிமாழ்கும் செய்வினை
ஆஅதும் என்னு மவர்.

Transliteration

Oodhal Ventum Olimaazhkum Seyvinai
Aaadhum Ennu Mavar

Modern English

“If you want to grow in respect, avoid choices that damage your good name.”

Modern Interpretation

If you want to grow in respect, avoid choices that damage your good name. A student who refuses to cheat protects the trust they are building.

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Tamil pronunciation

Speed

Modern Plain English

If you want to grow in respect, avoid choices that damage your good name.

Poetic Couplet (Bharati)

Those in the world desire for fame Should shun the deed that dims their name

G.U. Pope Translation

Who tell themselves that nobler things shall yet be wonAll deeds that dim the light of glory must they shun

Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)

Those who say, "we will become (better)" should avoid the performance of acts that would destroy (their fame)

உயர்ந்து விடவேண்டும் என்று முயல்பவர் தாம் வாழும் காலத்துத் தம் மேன்மையை அழிக்கும் செயல்களைச் செய்வதைத் தவிர்க்க வேண்டும்.

Chapter 66

வினைத் தூய்மை

Friendship brings gain; but action pure Does every good thing we desire

Eschew always acts that do not Bring good nor glory on their part

Those in the world desire for fame Should shun the deed that dims their name

Though perils press the faultless wise Shun deeds of mean, shameful device

Do not wrong act and grieve, \"Alas\" If done, do not repeat it twice

Though she who begot thee hungers Shun acts denounced by ancient seers

Pinching poverty of the wise Is more than wealth hoarded by Vice

Those who dare a forbidden deed Suffer troubles though they succeed

Gains from weeping, weeping go Though lost, from good deeds blessings flow

The wealth gathered in guilty ways Is water poured in wet clay vase