Thirukkural 672 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
தூங்குக தூங்கிச் செயற்பால தூங்கற்க
தூங்காது செய்யும் வினை.
Transliteration
Thoonguka Thoongich Cheyarpaala Thoongarka
Thoongaadhu Seyyum Vinai
Modern English
“Some tasks should wait for the right time, but urgent tasks must not be delayed.”
Modern Interpretation
Some tasks should wait for the right time, but urgent tasks must not be delayed. You can schedule routine studying, but you should act immediately when a friend needs emergency help.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Some tasks should wait for the right time, but urgent tasks must not be delayed.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Delay such acts as need delay Delay not acts that need display
G.U. Pope Translation
Slumber when sleepy work's in hand beware Thou slumber not when action calls for sleepless care
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Sleep over such (actions) as may be slept over; (but) never over such as may not be slept over
Tamil commentary
காலந்தாழ்த்திச் செய்யவேண்டிய செயல்கள் என்றால் காலந்தாழ்த்துக; காலம் தாழத்தாது செய்ய வேண்டிய செயல்கள் என்றால் காலம் தாழ்த்த வேண்டா.
Chapter 68
More from Modes of Action
வினை செயல்வகை
When counsel takes a resolve strong Weak delay of action is wrong
Kural 672Delay such acts as need delay Delay not acts that need display
Kural 673It's best to act when feasible If not see what is possible
Kural 674Work or foe left unfinished Flare up like fire unextinguished
Kural 675Money and means, time, place and deed Decide these five and then proceed
Kural 676Weigh well the end, hindrance, profit And then pursue a fitting act
Kural 677Know first the secret from experts That is the way of fruitful acts
Kural 678Lure a tusker by a tusker Achieve a deed by deed better
Kural 679Than doing good to friends it is More urgent to befriend the foes
Kural 680Small statesmen fearing people's fear Submit to foes superior