Thirukkural 981 in English

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

Tamil original

கடன்என்ப நல்லவை எல்லாம் கடன்அறிந்து
சான்றாண்மை மேற்கொள் பவர்க்கு.

Transliteration

Katanenpa Nallavai Ellaam Katanarindhu
Saandraanmai Merkol Pavarkku

English Translation

“All goodness is duty to them Who are dutiful and sublime”

Plain-English meaning

It is said that those who are conscious of their duty and behave with a perfect goodness will regard as natural all that is good

Listen

Tamil pronunciation

Speed

English Translation

All goodness is duty to them Who are dutiful and sublime

G.U. Pope Translation

All goodly things are duties to the men, they sayWho set themselves to walk in virtue's perfect way

Plain-English Meaning

It is said that those who are conscious of their duty and behave with a perfect goodness will regard as natural all that is good

நாம் செய்யத்தக்க கடமை இது என்று சான்றாண்மையை மேற்கொண்டு வாழ்பவர்க்கு, நல்ல குணங்கள் எல்லாம் இயல்பாக இருக்கும் என்று கூறுவர்.

Chapter 99

சான்றாண்மை

All goodness is duty to them Who are dutiful and sublime

Good in the great is character Than that there is nothing better

Love, truth, regard, modesty, grace These five are virtue's resting place

Not to kill is penance pure Not to slander virtue sure

Humility is valour's strength A force that averts foes at length

To bear repulse e'en from the mean Is the touch-stone of worthy men

Of perfection what is the gain If it returns not joy for pain?

No shame there is in poverty To one strong in good quality

Aeons may change but not the seer Who is a sea of virtue pure

The world will not more bear its weight If from high virtue fall the great