Thirukkural 990 in English

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

Tamil original

சான்றவர் சான்றாண்மை குன்றின் இருநிலந்தான்
தாங்காது மன்னோ பொறை.

Transliteration

Saandravar Saandraanmai Kundrin Irunilandhaan
Thaangaadhu Manno Porai

English Translation

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

Plain-English meaning

If there is a defect in the character of the perfect, (even) the great world cannot bear (its) burden

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

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

G.U. Pope Translation

The mighty earth its burthen to sustain must cease,If perfect virtue of the perfect men decrease

Plain-English Meaning

If there is a defect in the character of the perfect, (even) the great world cannot bear (its) burden

சான்றோர் தம் சான்றாண்மைப் பண்பிலிருந்து விலகிக் குறைவுபடுவார் என்றால், இப்பூவுலகம் தன் பாரம் தாங்காமல் அழியும்.

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