Thirukkural 758 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
குன்றேறி யானைப்போர் கண்டற்றால் தன்கைத்தொன்று
உண்டாகச் செய்வான் வினை.
Transliteration
Kundreri Yaanaip Por Kantatraal
Thankaiththondru Untaakach Cheyvaan Vinai
Modern English
“Starting a task with resources already in hand is like watching a difficult contest from a safe hill: it gives confidence and control.”
Modern Interpretation
Starting a task with resources already in hand is like watching a difficult contest from a safe hill: it gives confidence and control. Preparation makes hard work less dangerous. For example, a student with savings and a clear plan can begin a course without being overwhelmed by every expense.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Starting a task with resources already in hand is like watching a difficult contest from a safe hill: it gives confidence and control.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Treasures in hand fulfil all things Like hill-tuskers the wars of kings
G.U. Pope Translation
As one to view the strife of elephants who takes his stand,On hill he's climbed, is he who works with money in his hand
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
An undertaking of one who has wealth in one's hands is like viewing an elephant-fight from a hill-top
Tamil commentary
தன் கையிலே பணம் இருக்க ஒரு செயலைச் செய்யத் தொடங்குவது, ஒருவன் மலை மேல் ஏறி நின்று யானைச் சண்டையைக் கண்டது போலாம்.
Chapter 76
More from Way of Accumulating Wealth
பொருள் செயல்வகை
Naught exists that can, save wealth Make the worthless as men of worth
Kural 752The have-nothing poor all despise The men of wealth all raise and praise
Kural 753Waneless wealth is light that goes To every land and gloom removes
Kural 754The blameless wealth from fairest means Brings good virtue and also bliss
Kural 755Riches devoid of love and grace Off with it; it is disgrace!
Kural 756Escheats, derelicts; spoils of war Taxes duties are king's treasure
Kural 757Grace the child of love is nourished By the wet-nurse of wealth cherished
Kural 758Treasures in hand fulfil all things Like hill-tuskers the wars of kings
Kural 759Make wealth; there is no sharper steel The insolence of foes to quell
Kural 760They have joy and virtue at hand Who acquire treasures abundant