Thirukkural 692 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
மன்னர் விழைப விழையாமை மன்னரால்
மன்னிய ஆக்கந் தரும்.
Transliteration
Mannar Vizhaipa Vizhaiyaamai Mannaraal
Manniya Aakkan Tharum
Modern English
“A person serving a ruler should not chase the ruler’s favorite people or interests for personal gain; restraint can earn lasting trust and reward.”
Modern Interpretation
A person serving a ruler should not chase the ruler’s favorite people or interests for personal gain; restraint can earn lasting trust and reward. An adviser who avoids flattering every favorite may be trusted with important work.
Listen
Tamil pronunciation
Compare translations
Modern Plain English
A person serving a ruler should not chase the ruler’s favorite people or interests for personal gain; restraint can earn lasting trust and reward.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Crave not for things which kings desire This brings thee their fruitful favour
G.U. Pope Translation
To those who prize not state that kings are wont to prize,The king himself abundant wealth supplies
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
For ministers not to cover the things desired by their kings will through the kings themselves yield them everlasting wealth
Tamil commentary
ஆட்சியாளருடன் பழகுபவர் ஆட்சியாளர் எவற்றை விரும்புகிறாரோ அவற்றை விரும்பாமல் இருப்பது, அவருக்கு ஆட்சியாளரால் நிலைத்த செல்வத்தைக் கொடுக்கும்.
Chapter 70
More from Conduct in the Presence of the King
மன்னரைச் சேர்ந்து ஒழுகல்
Move with hostile kings as with fire Not coming close nor going far
Kural 692Crave not for things which kings desire This brings thee their fruitful favour
Kural 693Guard thyself from petty excess Suspected least, there's no redress
Kural 694Whisper not; nor smile exchange Amidst august men's assemblage
Kural 695Hear not, ask not the king's secret Hear only when he lets it out
Kural 696Discern his mood and time and tell No dislikes but what king likes well
Kural 697Tell pleasing things; and never tell Even if pressed what is futile
Kural 698As young and kinsman do not slight; Look with awe king's light and might
Kural 699The clear-visioned do nothing base Deeming they have the monarch's grace
Kural 700Worthless acts based on friendship old Shall spell ruin and woe untold