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

English Translation

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

Plain-English meaning

The touch-stone of perfection is to receive a defeat even at the hands of one's inferiors

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

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

Plain-English Meaning

The touch-stone of perfection is to receive a defeat even at the hands of one's inferiors

சான்றாண்மையை உரைத்துப் பார்த்துக் கண்டு அறியப்படும் உரைகல் எதுவென்றால், சிறியவர்களிடம் கூடத் தன் தோல்வியை ஒத்துக் கொள்வதே ஆகும்.

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