Thirukkural 971 in English

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

Tamil original

ஒளிஒருவற்கு உள்ள வெறுக்கை இளிஒருவற்கு
அஃதிறந்து வாழ்தும் எனல்.

Transliteration

Olioruvarku Ulla Verukkai Ilioruvarku
Aqdhirandhu Vaazhdhum Enal

English Translation

“A heart of courage lives in light Devoid of that one's life is night”

Plain-English meaning

One's light is the abundance of one's courage; one's darkness is the desire to live destitute of such (a state of mind.)

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

A heart of courage lives in light Devoid of that one's life is night

G.U. Pope Translation

The light of life is mental energy; disgrace is hisWho says, 'I 'ill lead a happy life devoid of this.'

Plain-English Meaning

One's light is the abundance of one's courage; one's darkness is the desire to live destitute of such (a state of mind.)

ஒருவனுக்குப் பெருமை, பிறர் செய்ய முடியாத நல்ல செய்வேன் என்று எண்ணும் மன ஊக்கமே; அவ்வூக்கம் இல்லாமல் வாழ்வேன் என்று எண்ணுவது கேவலமே.

Chapter 98

பெருமை

A heart of courage lives in light Devoid of that one's life is night

All beings are the same in birth But work decides their varied worth

Ignoble high not high they are The noble low not low they fare

Greatness like woman's chastity Is guarded by self-varacity

Great souls when their will is active Do mighty deeds rare to achieve

The petty-natured ones have not The mind to seek and befriend the great

The base with power and opulence Wax with deeds of insolence

Greatness bends with modesty Meanness vaunts with vanity

Greatness is free from insolence Littleness swells with that offence

Weakness of others greatness screens Smallness defects alone proclaims