Thirukkural 773 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
பேராண்மை என்ப தறுகண்ஒன் றுற்றக்கால்
ஊராண்மை மற்றதன் எஃகு.
Transliteration
Peraanmai Enpa Tharukanon Rutrakkaal
Ooraanmai Matradhan Eqku
Modern English
“Bravery is not only the power to face an enemy; its highest form is helping that enemy when misfortune strikes.”
Modern Interpretation
Bravery is not only the power to face an enemy; its highest form is helping that enemy when misfortune strikes. Strength can make room for mercy. For example, after defeating a rival team, a captain can still help an injured opponent get medical care.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Bravery is not only the power to face an enemy; its highest form is helping that enemy when misfortune strikes.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Valour is fight with fierce courage Mercy to the fallen is its edge
G.U. Pope Translation
Fierceness in hour of strife heroic greatness shows;Its edge is kindness to our suffering foes
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
The learned say that fierceness (incontest with a foe) is indeed great valour; but to become a benefactor in case of accident (to a foe) is the extreme (limit) of that valour
Tamil commentary
பகைவர் மீது இரக்கம் காட்டாமல் இருப்பதை மிகுந்த ஆண்மை என்பர்; ஆனால், அந்தப் பகைவர்க்கு ஒரு தாழ்வு வரும்போது அவர் மீது இரக்கம் கொண்டு, அவர் தாழ்ச்சியைப் போக்க உதவுவது ஆளுமையை மேலும் சிறப்பிக்கும்.
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