Thirukkural 986 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
சால்பிற்குக் கட்டளை யாதெனின் தோல்வி
துலையல்லார் கண்ணும் கொளல்.
Transliteration
Saalpirkuk Kattalai Yaadhenin Tholvi
Thulaiyallaar Kannum Kolal
Modern English
“A person's character is tested by whether they can accept defeat, even from someone less experienced or less powerful.”
Modern Interpretation
A person's character is tested by whether they can accept defeat, even from someone less experienced or less powerful. For example, a senior player who congratulates a junior teammate after losing shows real maturity.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
A person's character is tested by whether they can accept defeat, even from someone less experienced or less powerful.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
To bear repulse e'en from the mean Is the touch-stone of worthy men
G.U. Pope Translation
What is perfection's test? The equal mindTo bear repulse from even meaner men resigned
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
The touch-stone of perfection is to receive a defeat even at the hands of one's inferiors
Tamil commentary
சான்றாண்மையை உரைத்துப் பார்த்துக் கண்டு அறியப்படும் உரைகல் எதுவென்றால், சிறியவர்களிடம் கூடத் தன் தோல்வியை ஒத்துக் கொள்வதே ஆகும்.
Chapter 99
More from Perfectness
சான்றாண்மை
All goodness is duty to them Who are dutiful and sublime
Kural 982Good in the great is character Than that there is nothing better
Kural 983Love, truth, regard, modesty, grace These five are virtue's resting place
Kural 984Not to kill is penance pure Not to slander virtue sure
Kural 985Humility is valour's strength A force that averts foes at length
Kural 986To bear repulse e'en from the mean Is the touch-stone of worthy men
Kural 987Of perfection what is the gain If it returns not joy for pain?
Kural 988No shame there is in poverty To one strong in good quality
Kural 989Aeons may change but not the seer Who is a sea of virtue pure
Kural 990The world will not more bear its weight If from high virtue fall the great