Thirukkural 654 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
இடுக்கண் படினும் இளிவந்த செய்யார்
நடுக்கற்ற காட்சி யவர்.
Transliteration
Itukkan Patinum Ilivandha Seyyaar
Natukkatra Kaatchi Yavar
Modern English
“Clear-minded people do not choose disgraceful acts even in hardship.”
Modern Interpretation
Clear-minded people do not choose disgraceful acts even in hardship. When money is tight, someone may still refuse to lie or exploit others for quick relief.
Listen
Tamil pronunciation
Compare translations
Modern Plain English
Clear-minded people do not choose disgraceful acts even in hardship.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Though perils press the faultless wise Shun deeds of mean, shameful device
G.U. Pope Translation
Though troubles press, no shameful deed they do,Whose eyes the ever-during vision view
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Those who have infallible judgement though threatened with peril will not do acts which have brought disgrace (on former ministers)
Tamil commentary
தடுமாற்றம் இல்லாது தெளிந்த அறிவினை உடையவர் தாம் துன்பப்பட நேர்ந்தாலும் இழிவான செயல்களைச் செய்யமாட்டார்.
Chapter 66
More from Purity in Action
வினைத் தூய்மை
Friendship brings gain; but action pure Does every good thing we desire
Kural 652Eschew always acts that do not Bring good nor glory on their part
Kural 653Those in the world desire for fame Should shun the deed that dims their name
Kural 654Though perils press the faultless wise Shun deeds of mean, shameful device
Kural 655Do not wrong act and grieve, \"Alas\" If done, do not repeat it twice
Kural 656Though she who begot thee hungers Shun acts denounced by ancient seers
Kural 657Pinching poverty of the wise Is more than wealth hoarded by Vice
Kural 658Those who dare a forbidden deed Suffer troubles though they succeed
Kural 659Gains from weeping, weeping go Though lost, from good deeds blessings flow
Kural 660The wealth gathered in guilty ways Is water poured in wet clay vase