Thirukkural 961 in English

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

Tamil original

இன்றி அமையாச் சிறப்பின ஆயினும்
குன்ற வருப விடல்.

Transliteration

Indri Amaiyaach Chirappina Aayinum
Kundra Varupa Vital

English Translation

“Though needed for your life in main, From mean degrading acts refrain”

Plain-English meaning

Actions that would degrade (one's) family should not be done; though they may be so important that not doing them would end in death

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

Though needed for your life in main, From mean degrading acts refrain

G.U. Pope Translation

Though linked to splendours man no otherwise may gain,Reject each act that may thine honour's clearness stain

Plain-English Meaning

Actions that would degrade (one's) family should not be done; though they may be so important that not doing them would end in death

ஒன்று இல்லாமல் எதுவும் நடைபெறாது என்னும் அளவிற்கு அது முக்கியமானது; ஆனாலும் அதைச் செய்தால் குடும்பத்திற்கு இழிவு வரும் என்றால் அந்த ஒன்றைச் செய்யாதே.

Chapter 97

மானம்

Though needed for your life in main, From mean degrading acts refrain

Who seek honour and manly fame Don't do mean deeds even for name

Be humble in prosperity In decline uphold dignity

Like hair fallen from head are those Who fall down from their high status

Even hill-like men will sink to nought With abrus-grain-like small default

Why fawn on men that scorn you here It yields no fame, heaven's bliss neither

Better it is to die forlorn Than live as slaves of those who scorn

Is nursing body nectar sweet Even when one's honour is lost?

Honour lost, the noble expire Like a yak that loses its hair

Their light the world adores and hails Who will not live when honour fails