Thirukkural 917 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
நிறைநெஞ்சம் இல்லவர் தோய்வார் பிறநெஞ்சிற்
பேணிப் புணர்பவர் தோள்.
Transliteration
Nirainenjam Illavar Thoivaar Piranenjir
Penip Punarpavar Thol
Modern English
“People who cannot govern their desires may pursue someone whose body is present while their heart seeks other things.”
Modern Interpretation
People who cannot govern their desires may pursue someone whose body is present while their heart seeks other things. For example, a lonely person may mistake paid attention for love and ignore the lack of genuine care.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
People who cannot govern their desires may pursue someone whose body is present while their heart seeks other things.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Hollow hearts alone desire The arms of whores with hearts elsewere
G.U. Pope Translation
Who cherish alien thoughts while folding in their feigned embrace,These none approach save those devoid of virtue's grace
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Those who are destitute of a perfectly (reformed) mind will covet the shoulders of those who embrace (them) while their hearts covet other things
Tamil commentary
பிறவற்றைப் பெறும் பொருட்டு மன ஆசை கொண்டு, அதற்காகவே உடம்பால் புணரும் பாலியல் தொழிலாளரின் தோளை மன அடக்கம் இல்லாதவரே தீண்டுவர்.
Chapter 92
More from Wanton Women
வரைவின் மகளிர்
For gold, not love their tongue cajoles Men are ruined by bangled belles
Kural 912Avoid ill-natured whores who feign Love only for their selfish gain
Kural 913The false embrace of whores is like That of a damned corpse in the dark
Kural 914The wise who seek the wealth of grace Look not for harlots' low embrace
Kural 915The lofty wise will never covet The open charms of a vile harlot
Kural 916Those who guard their worthy fame Shun the wanton's vaunting charm
Kural 917Hollow hearts alone desire The arms of whores with hearts elsewere
Kural 918Senseless fools are lured away By arms of sirens who lead astray
Kural 919The soft jewelled arms of whores are hell Into which the degraded fall
Kural 920Double-minded whores, wine and dice Are lures of those whom fortune flies