Kural 893Chapter 90: Not Offending the Great

Thirukkural 893 in English

Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.

Tamil original

கெடல்வேண்டின் கேளாது செய்க அடல்வேண்டின்
ஆற்று பவர்கண் இழுக்கு.

Transliteration

Ketalventin Kelaadhu Seyka Atalventin
Aatru Pavarkan Izhukku

Modern English

“If someone wants ruin, they can ignore good advice and offend people who have the power to strike back.”

Modern Interpretation

If someone wants ruin, they can ignore good advice and offend people who have the power to strike back. For example, a manager who breaks every rule and humiliates a capable team invites a serious downfall.

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Tamil pronunciation

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Modern Plain English

If someone wants ruin, they can ignore good advice and offend people who have the power to strike back.

Poetic Couplet (Bharati)

Heed not and do, if ruin you want Offence against the mighty great

G.U. Pope Translation

Who ruin covet let them shut their ears, and do despiteTo those who, where they list to ruin have the might

Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)

If a person desires ruin, let him not listen to the righteous dictates of law, but commit crimes against those who are able to slay (other sovereigns)

Tamil commentary

ஒருவன் தான் அழிய எண்ணினால் பிறரை அழிப்பதைச் செய்து முடிக்கும் ஆற்றல் படைத்தவர்களிடம், நீதிநூல்கள் சொல்லும் வழிகளையும் எண்ணிப் பாராமல் பிழை செய்க.

Chapter 90

More from Not Offending the Great

பெரியாரைப் பிழையாமை

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Kural 891

Not to spite the mighty ones Safest safeguard to living brings

Kural 892

To walk unmindful of the great Shall great troubles ceaseless create

Kural 893

Heed not and do, if ruin you want Offence against the mighty great

Kural 894

The weak who insult men of might Death with their own hands invite

Kural 895

Where can they go and thrive where Pursued by powerful monarch's ire?

Kural 896

One can escape in fire caught The great who offends escapes not

Kural 897

If holy mighty sages frown Stately gifts and stores who can own?

Kural 898

When hill-like sages are held small The firm on earth lose home and all

Kural 899

Before the holy sage's rage Ev'n Indra's empire meets damage

Kural 900

Even mighty aided men shall quail If the enraged holy seers will