Thirukkural 680 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
உறைசிறியார் உள்நடுங்கல் அஞ்சிக் குறைபெறின்
கொள்வர் பெரியார்ப் பணிந்து.
Transliteration
Uraisiriyaar Ulnatungal Anjik Kuraiperin
Kolvar Periyaarp Panindhu
Modern English
“When weaker leaders face a stronger power, they may accept its terms to protect their people.”
Modern Interpretation
When weaker leaders face a stronger power, they may accept its terms to protect their people. A small community may cooperate with a larger organization when resistance would put residents at risk.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
When weaker leaders face a stronger power, they may accept its terms to protect their people.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Small statesmen fearing people's fear Submit to foes superior
G.U. Pope Translation
The men of lesser realm, fearing the people's inward dread, Accepting granted terms, to mightier ruler bow the head
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Ministers of small states, afraid of their people being frightened, will yield to and acknowledge their superior foes, if the latter offer them a chance of reconciliation
Tamil commentary
சிறிய இடத்தில் வாழ்பவர், தம்மிலும் பெரியவர் எதிர்த்து வரும்போது அவரைக் கண்டு தம்மவர் நடுங்குவதற்கு அஞ்சி அப்பெரியவரைப் பணிந்து ஏற்றுக் கொள்வர்.
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