Thirukkural 798 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
உள்ளற்க உள்ளம் சிறுகுவ கொள்ளற்க
அல்லற்கண் ஆற்றறுப்பார் நட்பு.
Transliteration
Ullarka Ullam Sirukuva Kollarka
Allarkan Aatraruppaar Natpu
Modern English
“Do not fill your mind with choices that destroy your courage, and do not choose friends who will leave you in trouble.”
Modern Interpretation
Do not fill your mind with choices that destroy your courage, and do not choose friends who will leave you in trouble. Both discouraging thoughts and unreliable companions weaken you. For example, before joining a risky venture, ask whether the people involved will still stand by you when it becomes difficult.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Do not fill your mind with choices that destroy your courage, and do not choose friends who will leave you in trouble.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Off with thoughts that depress the heart Off with friends that in woe depart
G.U. Pope Translation
Think not the thoughts that dwarf the soul; nor takeFor friends the men who friends in time of grief forsake
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Do not think of things that discourage your mind, nor contract friendship with those who would forsake you in adversity
Tamil commentary
உற்சாகம் குறைவதற்கான செயல்களை எண்ண வேண்டா; நம் துன்பக் காலத்தில் நம்மைக் கைவிட்டு விடுபவரின் நட்பைக் கொள்ள வேண்டா.
Chapter 80
More from Investigation in forming Friendships
நட்பாராய்தல்
Than testless friendship nought is worse For contacts formed will scarcely cease
Kural 792Friendship made without frequent test Shall end in grief and death at last
Kural 793Temper, descent, defects and kins Trace well and take companions
Kural 794Take as good friend at any price The nobly born who shun disgrace
Kural 795Who make you weep and chide wrong trends And lead you right are worthy friends
Kural 796Is there a test like misfortune A rod to measure out kinsmen?
Kural 797Keep off contacts with fools; that is The greatest gain so say the wise
Kural 798Off with thoughts that depress the heart Off with friends that in woe depart
Kural 799Friends who betray at ruin's brink Burn our mind ev'n at death to think
Kural 800The blameless ones as friends embarace; Give something and give up the base