Thirukkural 772 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
கான முயலெய்த அம்பினில் யானை
பிழைத்தவேல் ஏந்தல் இனிது.
Transliteration
Kaana Muyaleydha Ampinil Yaanai
Pizhaiththavel Endhal Inidhu
Modern English
“A brave attempt at a great challenge can be more honorable than an easy success with a small goal.”
Modern Interpretation
A brave attempt at a great challenge can be more honorable than an easy success with a small goal. The value lies in the courage and ambition behind the effort. For example, applying for a demanding scholarship and missing it can teach more than choosing a competition that offers no real challenge.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
A brave attempt at a great challenge can be more honorable than an easy success with a small goal.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
To lift a lance that missed a tusker Is prouder than shaft that hit a hare
G.U. Pope Translation
Who aims at elephant, though dart should fail, has greater praiseThan he who woodland hare with winged arrow slays
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
It is more pleasant to hold the dart that has missed an elephant than that which has hit hare in the forest
Tamil commentary
காட்டில் அஞ்சி ஓடும் முயலைக் கொன்ற அம்பைப் பிடித்திருப்பதை விட, எதிர்த்து வரும் யானையின் மீது பட்டும், அதை வீழ்த்தாத வேலைப் பிடித்திருப்பது நல்லது.
Chapter 78
More from Military Spirit
படைச் செருக்கு
Stand not before my chief, O foes! Many who stood, in stones repose
Kural 772To lift a lance that missed a tusker Is prouder than shaft that hit a hare
Kural 773Valour is fight with fierce courage Mercy to the fallen is its edge
Kural 774At the tusker he flings his lance One in body smiles another chance
Kural 775When lances dart if heroes wink \"It is a rout\" the world will think
Kural 776The brave shall deem the days as vain Which did not battle-wounds sustain
Kural 777Their anklets aloud jingle their name Who sacrifice their life for fame
Kural 778The king may chide, they pursue strife; They fear loss of glory; not life
Kural 779Who will blame the heroes that lose Their lives in war to keep their vows?
Kural 780Such a death shall be prayed for Which draws the the tears of the ruler