Thirukkural 964 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
தலையின் இழிந்த மயிரனையர் மாந்தர்
நிலையின் இழிந்தக் கடை.
Transliteration
Thalaiyin Izhindha Mayiranaiyar Maandhar
Nilaiyin Izhindhak Katai
Modern English
“When someone abandons a respected position and its principles, their former standing falls away like hair from the head.”
Modern Interpretation
When someone abandons a respected position and its principles, their former standing falls away like hair from the head. For example, a trusted official who sells decisions for approval can quickly lose the respect once earned.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
When someone abandons a respected position and its principles, their former standing falls away like hair from the head.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Like hair fallen from head are those Who fall down from their high status
G.U. Pope Translation
Like hairs from off the head that fall to earth,When fall'n from high estate are men of noble birth
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
They who have fallen from their (high) position are like the hair which has fallen from the head
Tamil commentary
நல்ல குடும்பத்தில் பிறந்தவர் மானம் காக்காமல் தம் உயர்ந்த நிலையை விட்டுவிட்டுத் தாழ்ந்தால், தலையை விட்டு விழுந்த மயிரைப் போன்றவர் ஆவார்.
Chapter 97
More from Honour
மானம்
Though needed for your life in main, From mean degrading acts refrain
Kural 962Who seek honour and manly fame Don't do mean deeds even for name
Kural 963Be humble in prosperity In decline uphold dignity
Kural 964Like hair fallen from head are those Who fall down from their high status
Kural 965Even hill-like men will sink to nought With abrus-grain-like small default
Kural 966Why fawn on men that scorn you here It yields no fame, heaven's bliss neither
Kural 967Better it is to die forlorn Than live as slaves of those who scorn
Kural 968Is nursing body nectar sweet Even when one's honour is lost?
Kural 969Honour lost, the noble expire Like a yak that loses its hair
Kural 970Their light the world adores and hails Who will not live when honour fails