Thirukkural 658 in English

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

Tamil original

கடிந்த கடிந்தொரார் செய்தார்க்கு அவைதாம்
முடிந்தாலும் பீழை தரும்.

Transliteration

Katindha Katindhoraar Seydhaarkku Avaidhaam
Mutindhaalum Peezhai Tharum

Modern English

“A forbidden act can still bring suffering even if it succeeds at first.”

Modern Interpretation

A forbidden act can still bring suffering even if it succeeds at first. Money gained by cheating may later bring fear, legal trouble, or shame.

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Tamil pronunciation

Speed

Modern Plain English

A forbidden act can still bring suffering even if it succeeds at first.

Poetic Couplet (Bharati)

Those who dare a forbidden deed Suffer troubles though they succeed

G.U. Pope Translation

To those who hate reproof and do forbidden thingWhat prospers now, in after days shall anguish bring

Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)

The actions of those, who have not desisted from doing deeds forbidden (by the great), will, even if they succeed, cause them sorrow

வேண்டா என்று உயர்ந்தோர் விலக்கிய செயல்களைத் தாமும் விலக்காது, பொருள் சேர்க்க எண்ணிச் செய்தவர்க்கு, அச்செயல்கள் நிறைவேறினாலும் துன்பத்தையே தரும்.

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