Thirukkural 678 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
வினையான் வினையாக்கிக் கோடல் நனைகவுள்
யானையால் யானையாத் தற்று.
Transliteration
Vinaiyaan Vinaiyaakkik Kotal Nanaikavul
Yaanaiyaal Yaanaiyaath Thatru
Modern English
“One task can help accomplish another, just as one elephant can help capture another.”
Modern Interpretation
One task can help accomplish another, just as one elephant can help capture another. A research project can also build the skills and contacts needed for a later opportunity.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
One task can help accomplish another, just as one elephant can help capture another.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Lure a tusker by a tusker Achieve a deed by deed better
G.U. Pope Translation
By one thing done you reach a second work's accomplishment; So furious elephant to snare its fellow brute is sent
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
To make one undertaking the means of accomplishing another (similar to it) is like making one rutting elephant the means of capturing another
Tamil commentary
ஒரு செயலைச் செய்யும்போதே இன்னொரு செயலையும் செய்து கொள்வது மதநீர் வழியும் யானையால் இன்னொரு யானையைப் பிடிப்பது போலாம்.
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