Thirukkural 982 in English

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

Tamil original

குணநலம் சான்றோர் நலனே பிறநலம்
எந்நலத்து உள்ளதூஉம் அன்று.

Transliteration

Kunanalam Saandror Nalane Piranalam
Ennalaththu Ulladhooum Andru

English Translation

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

Plain-English meaning

The only delight of the perfect is that of their goodness; all other (sensual) delights are not to be included among any (true) delights

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

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

G.U. Pope Translation

The good of inward excellence they claim,The perfect men; all other good is only good in name

Plain-English Meaning

The only delight of the perfect is that of their goodness; all other (sensual) delights are not to be included among any (true) delights

சான்றோர் என்பவர்க்கு அழகு, குறங்களால் ஆகிய அழகே; பிற புற அழகெல்லாம் எந்த அழகிலும் சேரா.

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