Thirukkural 775 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
விழித்தகண் வேல்கொண டெறிய அழித்திமைப்பின்
ஒட்டன்றோ வன்க ணவர்க்கு.
Transliteration
Vizhiththakan Velkona Teriya Azhiththimaippin
Ottandro Vanka Navarkku
Modern English
“A warrior who claims courage should not lose heart at the first weapon thrown by an opponent.”
Modern Interpretation
A warrior who claims courage should not lose heart at the first weapon thrown by an opponent. The couplet treats even a moment of flinching as a failure of resolve. For example, someone who accepts a difficult role should not abandon it as soon as criticism appears.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
A warrior who claims courage should not lose heart at the first weapon thrown by an opponent.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
When lances dart if heroes wink \"It is a rout\" the world will think
G.U. Pope Translation
To hero fearless must it not defeat appear,If he but wink his eye when foemen hurls his spear
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Is it not a defeat to the valiant to wink and destroy their ferocious look when a lance in cast at them (by their foe) ?
Tamil commentary
பகைவரைச் சினந்து பார்க்கும் கண், அவர்கள் எறியும் வேலைப் பார்த்து மூடித் திறந்தாலும், சிறந்த வீரர்க்கு அதுவே புறங் கொடுத்தலாகும்.
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