Thirukkural 874 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
பகைநட்பாக் கொண்டொழுகும் பண்புடை யாளன்
தகைமைக்கண் தங்கிற்று உலகு.
Transliteration
Pakainatpaak Kontozhukum Panputai Yaalan
Thakaimaikkan Thangitru Ulaku
Modern English
“The world respects the greatness of a good-natured person who knows how to turn hostility into friendship.”
Modern Interpretation
The world respects the greatness of a good-natured person who knows how to turn hostility into friendship. For example, a mediator who helps two rival groups cooperate earns trust from both sides.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
The world respects the greatness of a good-natured person who knows how to turn hostility into friendship.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
This world goes safely in his grace Whose heart makes friends even of foes
G.U. Pope Translation
The world secure on his dexterity depends,Whose worthy rule can change his foes to friends
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Whose worthy rule can change his foes to friends
Tamil commentary
பகையையும் நட்பாக மாற்றி, அவருடன் இணைந்து வாழும் குணம் உடைய ஆட்சியாளரின் பெருமைக்குள் இவ்வுலகம் அடங்கும்.
Chapter 88
More from Knowing the Quality of Hate
பகைத்திறம் தெரிதல்
Let not one even as a sport The ill-natured enmity court
Kural 872Incur the hate of bow-ploughers But not the hate of word-ploughers
Kural 873Forlorn, who rouses many foes The worst insanity betrays
Kural 874This world goes safely in his grace Whose heart makes friends even of foes
Kural 875Alone, if two foes you oppose Make one of them your ally close
Kural 876Trust or distrust; during distress Keep aloof; don't mix with foes
Kural 877To those who know not, tell not your pain Nor your weakness to foes explain
Kural 878Know how and act and defend well The pride of enemies shall fall
Kural 879Cut off thorn-trees when young they are; Grown hard, they cut your hands beware
Kural 880To breathe on earth they are not fit Defying foes who don't defeat