Thirukkural 966 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
புகழ்இன்றால் புத்தேள்நாட்டு உய்யாதால் என்மற்று
இகழ்வார்பின் சென்று நிலை.
Transliteration
Pukazhindraal Puththelnaattu Uyyaadhaal Enmatru
Ikazhvaarpin Sendru Nilai
Modern English
“Following people who constantly insult you may preserve a few comforts, but it brings neither honor nor lasting good.”
Modern Interpretation
Following people who constantly insult you may preserve a few comforts, but it brings neither honor nor lasting good. For example, someone trapped under a humiliating boss should look for a safe, dignified way to move on rather than accept abuse as a lifestyle.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Following people who constantly insult you may preserve a few comforts, but it brings neither honor nor lasting good.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Why fawn on men that scorn you here It yields no fame, heaven's bliss neither
G.U. Pope Translation
It yields no praise, nor to the land of Gods throws wide the gate:Why follow men who scorn, and at their bidding wait
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Why follow men who scorn, and at their bidding wait?
Tamil commentary
உயிர் வாழும் பொருட்டு மானத்தை விட்டுவிட்டுத் தம்மை இகழ்பவர் பின்னே சென்று வாழும் வாழ்வு, இம்மைக்குப் புகழ் தராது. மறுமைக்கு விண்ணுலகிலும் சேர்க்காது; வேறு என்னதான் தரும் அது?
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