Thirukkural 8 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
அறவாழி அந்தணன் தாள்சேர்ந்தார்க் கல்லால்
பிறவாழி நீந்தல் அரிது.
Transliteration
Aravaazhi Andhanan Thaalserndhaark Kallaal
Piravaazhi Neendhal Aridhu
Modern English
“Life often feels like sailing through rough waters.”
Modern Interpretation
Life often feels like sailing through rough waters. People face setbacks, failures, temptations, disappointments, and difficult decisions. During such times, talent, wealth, or intelligence alone may not be enough. What often helps people survive and recover is their character, values, and sense of right and wrong. For example, a business owner faces financial difficulties and is tempted to deceive customers to make quick money. Instead, they remain honest and transparent. The struggle may continue for a while, but their integrity earns trust and support that eventually helps them move forward. This Kural teaches that when life's storms arrive, strong values become the anchor that keeps us from sinking.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Life often feels like sailing through rough waters.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Who swims the sea of vice is he Who clasps the feet of Virtue's sea
G.U. Pope Translation
Unless His feet 'the Sea of Good, the Fair and Bountiful,' men gain,'Tis hard the further bank of being's changeful sea to attain
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
None can swim the sea of vice, but those who are united to the feet of that gracious Being who is a sea of virtue
Tamil commentary
அறக்கடலான கடவுளின் திருவடிகளை சேர்ந்தவரே அல்லாமல் மற்றவர் பிறவியாக கடலை நீந்திக் கடப்பது கடினம்
Chapter 1
More from The Praise of God
கடவுள் வாழ்த்து
'A' leads letters; the Ancient Lord Leads and lords the entire world
Kural 2That lore is vain which does not fall At His good feet who knoweth all
Kural 3Long they live on earth who gain The feet of God in florid brain
Kural 4Who hold His feet who likes nor loathes Are free from woes of human births
Kural 5God's praise who tell, are free from right And wrong, the twins of dreaming night
Kural 6They prosper long who walk His way Who has the senses signed away
Kural 7His feet, whose likeness none can find, Alone can ease the anxious mind
Kural 8Who swims the sea of vice is he Who clasps the feet of Virtue's sea
Kural 9Like senses stale that head is vain Which bows not to Eight-Virtued Divine
Kural 10The sea of births they alone swim Who clench His feet and cleave to Him