Kural 698Chapter 70: Conduct in the Presence of the King

Thirukkural 698 in English

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

Tamil original

இளையர் இனமுறையர் என்றிகழார் நின்ற
ஒளியோடு ஒழுகப் படும்.

Transliteration

Ilaiyar Inamuraiyar Endrikazhaar Nindra
Oliyotu Ozhukap Patum

Modern English

“Respect a ruler’s position instead of looking down on them because they are younger or related to you.”

Modern Interpretation

Respect a ruler’s position instead of looking down on them because they are younger or related to you. A younger team captain still deserves respect for the responsibility they carry.

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Modern Plain English

Respect a ruler’s position instead of looking down on them because they are younger or related to you.

Poetic Couplet (Bharati)

As young and kinsman do not slight; Look with awe king's light and might

G.U. Pope Translation

Say not, 'He's young, my kinsman,' despising thus your king;But reverence the glory kingly state doth bring

Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)

Ministers should behave in accordance with the (Divine) light in the person of kings and not despise them saying, "He is our junior (in age) and connected with our family!"

Tamil commentary

ஆட்சியாளருடன் பழகும்போது இவர் என்னைக் காட்டிலும் வயதில் சிறியவர்; இவர் உறவால் எனக்கு இன்ன முறை வேண்டும் என்று எண்ணாமல், ஆட்சியாளர் இருக்கும் பதவியை எண்ணி அவருடன் பழகுக.

Chapter 70

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மன்னரைச் சேர்ந்து ஒழுகல்

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Kural 696

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Kural 697

Tell pleasing things; and never tell Even if pressed what is futile

Kural 698

As young and kinsman do not slight; Look with awe king's light and might

Kural 699

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Kural 700

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