First edition in 2006; revised edition in 2024 This Tirukkural translation in English is drawn from translations by more than 25 different authors - mostly published in print, some unpublished and some in press. Twenty of these were either complete or partial translations and the remaining ten were isolated translations that appeared in articles, monographs and books authored by different scholars on the Tirukkural and Tiruvalluvar. The choicest translation of every couplet that is close to the original - in spirit, content and style - has been chosen for presentation. Preference has been given for brevity, simplicity and clarity. Emphasize was also laid on translations that manage to reflect, as much as possible, every word found in the original. Sometimes translations of two authors were combined to produce the best reflection of the original. The translator or translators of every couplet have been acknowledged with their initials (eg. PS, SS, SB, VS, RM etc.) in a separate column. The initials have been expanded with the names of these translators at the end of every page, and the full citation of the source has been given at the end of all translations. When no translation was found particularly satisfactory, I chose to render them myself. These have been marked by initial NV. An astrix (*) at the end of a translation indicate that the rendering has been improved upon, either by adding/replacing words or deleting words found to be unnecessary. To know more on the process of this comparison and criteria of selection, click here: ComparingTirukkural translations to unfold the best. |
Division II. Wealth (Continued…..)
051
|
Testing and choosing
|
Translators
|
Notes
|
0501
|
Before you trust, test people's
attitude to these four:
Virtue, wealth, love and survival. * |
JN
|
|
0502
|
Noble heritage, freedom from faults and shame of blame
Are some norms to choose. |
JN
|
|
0503
|
Even the widely-read and
faultless, when scrutinized,
Are rarely found free of ignorance. |
PS, SS
|
|
0504
|
Weigh a man's merits and also his defects.
Whichever weighs more is his nature. |
VS, PS
|
|
0505
|
A man's deeds are the touchstone
of his
Greatness and littleness. |
DL
|
|
0506
|
Choose not men who have no kindred.
With no bonds to restrain, they dread no shame. * |
PS, GU
|
|
0507
|
To favour and select the
incompetent out of love,
Leads to folly in all forms. * |
PS, SB
|
|
0508
|
To choose a stranger untried
Will trouble one's line without end. |
PS
|
|
0509
|
Trust none untried, and after
trial
Entrust him with the trusted job. |
PS, NV
|
|
0510
|
Trusting those untested and suspecting those tested,
Both lead to endless trouble. * |
SI
|
Yes
|
Notes:
510. If this verse is taken out of this context of "Testing and choosing", and placed under "Realization" [Chapter 36: மெய்யுணர்தல்], the words "தேரான்" could mean 'muddled', “தெளிந்தான்" could mean "Clarified/realized" and "ஐயுறவும்" could be taken to mean 'doubts'. The couplet then could well mean "The clarity claimed by a muddled-head and the doubts of a Realized, both cause endless trouble". The idea is that the realized souls should have no doubts and the unrealized cannot claim to be free of doubts.
510. If this verse is taken out of this context of "Testing and choosing", and placed under "Realization" [Chapter 36: மெய்யுணர்தல்], the words "தேரான்" could mean 'muddled', “தெளிந்தான்" could mean "Clarified/realized" and "ஐயுறவும்" could be taken to mean 'doubts'. The couplet then could well mean "The clarity claimed by a muddled-head and the doubts of a Realized, both cause endless trouble". The idea is that the realized souls should have no doubts and the unrealized cannot claim to be free of doubts.
052
|
Testing and deployment
|
Translators
|
Notes
|
0511
|
Employ those who prefer to do
the good
After scanning both good and bad. |
NV
|
|
0512
|
Entrust the job to one who can augment revenue,
Foster wealth and find out hurdles. * |
JN
|
|
0513
|
The qualified possess these
four:
Affection, wisdom, clarity and contentment. |
NV
|
|
0514
|
Put into many tests, they pass.
Yet when subjected to different tasks, many fail. |
NV
|
|
0515
|
Where knowledge and
diligence are required,
Don't entrust tasks on personal loyalty. |
KV, PS
|
|
0516
|
Weigh well the agent, the task
And the time before you act. |
PS
|
|
0517
|
Assured this man will do this
task this way,
Leave it to him. |
PS
|
Yes
|
0518
|
After ascertaining what work befits a man,
Assign him the responsibility. * |
SS
|
|
0519
|
Fortune deserts him who doubts
The liberties taken by a devout worker. * |
PS, VSS
|
|
0520
|
Nothing goes wrong in the state of a king
Who often checks his officials for any wrong. |
NV
|
Notes:
517. In other words, "Delegation is best made to the one who's decidedly well equipped to perform well" - SDR
517. In other words, "Delegation is best made to the one who's decidedly well equipped to perform well" - SDR
053
|
Cherishing the kindred
|
Translators
|
Notes
|
0521
|
Only the kindred, because of
their old contact,
Show attachment even in adversity. |
NV, PS
|
|
0522
|
When kindred show unfailing love,
Wealth of all kinds never fail to flow. * |
SS, NV
|
|
0523
|
The life of an unattached
man
Is like a boundless pond flowing unbound. |
PS, NV
|
Yes
|
0524
|
To be circled by circles of kin is the benefit
One gains by gaining wealth.
|
NV, PS
|
|
0525
|
Generosity and sweet words
enable a man
To be circled by circles of kin. * |
PS
|
|
0526
|
None in this world has a larger kinship than he
Who is liberal and curbs his wrath. * |
PS
|
|
0527
|
Crows trumpet their finds and
share them.
Prosperity also abides with such men. |
PS, SS
|
|
0528
|
Many thrive seeing a king who sees case by case,
Not seeing mere sameness in all. |
SS, NV
|
|
0529
|
Associates who left will return,
Once the cause of dissociation is removed. |
NV
|
|
0530
|
The king should ascertain the motive of the deserters
Who wish to come back. |
NV
|
Notes:
523. Compare with 215. “The wealth of a wise
philanthropist is a village pool ever full” - PS
054
|
Avoiding slackness
|
Translators
|
Notes
|
0531
|
Worse than too much wrath is the
laxity
Due to too much exultation. |
PS
|
|
0532
|
Just as constant
want crushes the intellect,
Negligence kills repute. * |
KV
|
|
0533
|
All writings of the world
conclude the same
That fame is not for the lax. * |
PS
|
|
0534
|
There is no refuge for the coward,
Nor is there anything good for the lax. |
NV, PS
|
|
0535
|
The negligent unmindful of
threats beforehand
Will repent for the mistakes later on. |
NV, SS
|
|
0536
|
Nothing can equal never being lax
With anyone at any time without fail. * |
PS
|
|
0537
|
There is nothing too difficult
for a man
Armed with vigilance. |
PS, DL
|
|
0538
|
Cherish and perform praiseworthy acts.
To neglect and put off deprives one in seven births. * |
SS, MS
|
|
0539
|
When the mind is elated with
joy,
Think of those who were ruined by neglect. * |
DL
|
|
0540
|
What is aimed is easy to achieve,
If only the mind is set on what is aimed. |
NV
|
Yes
|
Notes:
540. Compare with couplets 666 and 309. "What is sought will be got as desired if only the seeker is determined" – NV and "All wishes are realized at once if they keep away wrath from their mind" - NV
540. Compare with couplets 666 and 309. "What is sought will be got as desired if only the seeker is determined" – NV and "All wishes are realized at once if they keep away wrath from their mind" - NV
055
|
Right governance
|
Translators
|
Notes
|
0541
|
The way is to launch an enquiry,
investigate with impartiality,
And dispense as per norms. |
NV
|
|
0542
|
All the world looks up to heaven for rain
And the subjects to their king for justice. * |
PS
|
|
0543
|
The scepter of the king
furnishes the basic support
To virtue and scriptures. |
SM
|
|
0544
|
A great kingdom's monarch who rules embracing his subjects
Has the world embrace his feet. * |
SS
|
|
0545
|
The king who rules according to
the law
Never lacks rain and corn. |
PS
|
|
0546
|
Not his spear but a straight scepter
Is what gives a monarch his triumph. |
PS
|
|
0547
|
The king guards all the land,
and his own rule
Will guard him if he is straight. |
PS
|
|
0548
|
An indifferent unjust king beyond the reach of his subjects
Will sink beyond and perish. |
NV
|
|
0549
|
For a king who would guard and
cherish his people,
To punish crimes is a duty, not defect. |
PS
|
|
0550
|
A king punishing criminals by execution
Is like a farmer removing weeds from his fields.* |
SS
|
Notes:
545. Relationship between King and Rain has been
emphasized by Valluvar in at least three places in Kural. Very similar ideas
are conveyed in two couplets of the next chapter on “Misrule”. In 557, Valluvar
says “How fares the earth without rain? So fares life under a ruthless king”
and in 559 he says “If a king acts contrary to justice, monsoons fail and
clouds shed no rain”.
056
|
Misrule
|
Translators
|
Notes
|
0551
|
More malicious than a murderer
is the king
Who rules with injustice and oppression.* |
SS
|
|
0552
|
A tyrant taxing his subjects
Is like an armed dacoit extorting money. * |
KK
|
|
0553
|
A king who fails in his day
today affairs
Loses his kingdom day by day. |
KK
|
|
0554
|
A thoughtless king who abuses his scepter
Will lose at once his wealth and subjects. |
PS, SB
|
|
0555
|
It is the tears of those
groaning under oppression
That wear out the prosperity of the king. |
VS
|
Yes
|
0556
|
Just rule stabilizes a king.
Lacking it his glory fades. |
PS
|
|
0557
|
How fares the earth without
rain?
So fares life under a ruthless king. |
PS
|
|
0558
|
Possessions are worse than poverty
Under the scepter of an unjust king. |
NV, PS
|
|
0559
|
If a king acts contrary to
justice,
Monsoons fail and clouds shed no rain. |
DL, NV
|
|
0560
|
Cows yield less and priests forget their hymns
If the protector fails to protect. * |
PS
|
Yes
|
Notes:
555. The couplet is sometimes shown ending with a question mark. The phrase is "கண்ணீரன்றே" and not "கண்ணீரன்றோ". A good abridgment of the verse is given by KV: "The tears resulting from suffering caused by the king will be the cause of his undoing"
557. Relationship between King and Rain has been emphasized by Valluvar in at least three places in Kural. In the very next verse 559 Valluvar says “If a king acts contrary to justice, monsoons fail and clouds shed no rain”. Only in the previous chapter on "Just Government" had he stated that "The king who rules according to the law never lacks rain and corn".
560. "அறுதொழிலோர்" here has been taken to mean priests. "Brahmins are they who perform the six duties" says Tirumandiram [224]. While commenting on this mantra, translator B. Natarajan mentions that the six duties of a Brahmin are: To learn, to instruct, to give alms, to receive gifts, to perform sacrifice and to persuade other to perform sacrifices.
555. The couplet is sometimes shown ending with a question mark. The phrase is "கண்ணீரன்றே" and not "கண்ணீரன்றோ". A good abridgment of the verse is given by KV: "The tears resulting from suffering caused by the king will be the cause of his undoing"
557. Relationship between King and Rain has been emphasized by Valluvar in at least three places in Kural. In the very next verse 559 Valluvar says “If a king acts contrary to justice, monsoons fail and clouds shed no rain”. Only in the previous chapter on "Just Government" had he stated that "The king who rules according to the law never lacks rain and corn".
560. "அறுதொழிலோர்" here has been taken to mean priests. "Brahmins are they who perform the six duties" says Tirumandiram [224]. While commenting on this mantra, translator B. Natarajan mentions that the six duties of a Brahmin are: To learn, to instruct, to give alms, to receive gifts, to perform sacrifice and to persuade other to perform sacrifices.
057
|
Avoiding tyranny
|
Translators
|
Notes
|
0561
|
Call him king who probes and
whose punishment
Is deterrent and proportionate. |
PS
|
|
0562
|
Raise your hand forcibly but bring it lightly
To have a lasting effect. |
SDR
|
Yes
|
0563
|
A dictator causing oppression
Will have a speedy and certain end. |
NV
|
|
0564
|
When a king is decried a tyrant,
His life is shortened and end becomes imminent. |
NV, PS
|
|
0565
|
The great wealth of one
inaccessible and sour-faced
Is no better than a demon's. * |
PS
|
|
0566
|
If he is unkind and speaks harsh,
His lofty wealth ends there without lasting long. * |
SS
|
|
0567
|
Harsh words and excessive
punishments
Are files that grind down a king's might. * |
PS
|
|
0568
|
The king who rages but not reflect on his counsel,
Will soon see his wealth shrink. * |
KK
|
|
0569
|
A king who neglects his
defences,
Will die of fright at the time of war. * |
PS
|
|
0570
|
The earth bears no heavier burden
Than a tyrant surrounded by ignorant men. * |
PS
|
Notes:
562. What is meant by this statement is this: "Pretend to be harsh, but act mildly if you want long lasting effect" - KK
562. What is meant by this statement is this: "Pretend to be harsh, but act mildly if you want long lasting effect" - KK
058
|
Compassion
|
Translators
|
Notes
|
0571
|
What truly moves this world
Is that ravishing beauty called compassion. |
NV, VS
|
|
0572
|
Compassion sustains the world.
Without it men are but a burden on earth. * |
KV
|
|
0573
|
What use is a rāgā that
cannot be sung?
Or eyes without sympathy? |
PS
|
Yes
|
0574
|
What use are eyes that look like eyes
But lack boundless sympathy? |
PS
|
|
0575
|
Compassion is an ornament of the
eyes.
Without it eyes are deemed sores. * |
SS
|
Yes
|
0576
|
Like trees earth-bound which cannot move
Are eyes unmoved by pity. |
PS
|
|
0577
|
Men without sympathy have no
eyes;
Nor those who have eyes lack sympathy. |
NV
|
|
0578
|
This world is theirs who compassionately perform
Their duties without fail. |
NV
|
|
0579
|
That quality of forbearance and
sympathy is the best,
Even to those who hurt us. |
NV
|
Yes
|
0580
|
Those desirous of refinement will drink with smile
Even hemlock when offered. * |
PS
|
Notes:
573. The word "rāgā" means tune or melody.
575. Not only compassion, but also learning is must says Valluvar employing the same idea in couplet 393: “Only the learned have eyes. The unlearned have two sores on their face!” (PS).
579. Compare with 158. "Let a man conquer by his forbearance those who wrong him with arrogance" * -SS
573. The word "rāgā" means tune or melody.
575. Not only compassion, but also learning is must says Valluvar employing the same idea in couplet 393: “Only the learned have eyes. The unlearned have two sores on their face!” (PS).
579. Compare with 158. "Let a man conquer by his forbearance those who wrong him with arrogance" * -SS
059
|
Espionage
|
Translators
|
Notes
|
0581
|
Spies and classics on
statecraft:
These two are a king's pair of eyes. * |
PS
|
|
0582
|
A king's job is to know in time everything
That happens to everyone every day. * |
PS
|
|
0583
|
No king has ever succeeded
Without considering the news of the spies. |
NV
|
|
0584
|
Employees, kinsmen and enemies
Are the people a spy should cover. |
PS
|
|
0585
|
Able spies are always elusive
With perfect guise and fearless eyes. |
NV
|
|
0586
|
Disguised as a monk a spy should probe all places
Unperturbed despite hardships. * |
NV, SS
|
|
0587
|
A spy should ferret out hidden
facts
And get them verified beyond doubt. |
SS, KV
|
|
0588
|
Even what one spy has spied
Must be spied through another. * |
PS
|
|
0589
|
Let not one spy know another.
And act when three spies agree. |
PS
|
|
0590
|
Never honour a spy in public
Lest your secret should be out. |
PS
|
060
|
Possessing vigour
|
Translators
|
Notes
|
0591
|
What is one's own is one's
vigour.
Without it what does one own? |
PS
|
Yes
|
0592
|
Real asset is the asset of a resolute mind.
Material assets stay not but flee. * |
PS
|
|
0593
|
Those who have vigour will not
lament saying:
"We have suffered loss". |
PS, NV
|
|
0594
|
To a man of unshaken vigour,
Wealth will ask and find its way. |
PS
|
|
0595
|
Water level determines the lotus
height.
A man's stature by the level of his mind. |
NV
|
|
0596
|
Let all thy aims be high.
Failure then is as good as success. * |
PS
|
Yes
|
0597
|
An elephant pierced by arrows
stands unperturbed.
The courageous relent not in adversities. * |
JN
|
|
0598
|
The poor in spirit can never attain the pride of being
The generous patrons of the world. |
KS, NV
|
|
0599
|
Though huge and sharp-tusked,
An elephant fears a tiger when attacked. * |
PS
|
|
0600
|
Energy is a man's strength: the immobile are
Trees in human form. * |
PS
|
Notes:
591. Compare with 53 and 591 for similar style: "With a good wife, what is lacking? And when she is lacking, what is good?" – PS and "What is one's own is one's vigour. Without it what does one own?" - PS
596. Compare with 540 for similar idea. "What is aimed is easy to achieve, if only the mind is set on what is aimed" – NV and "What is sought will be got as desired if only the seeker is determined" - NV
591. Compare with 53 and 591 for similar style: "With a good wife, what is lacking? And when she is lacking, what is good?" – PS and "What is one's own is one's vigour. Without it what does one own?" - PS
596. Compare with 540 for similar idea. "What is aimed is easy to achieve, if only the mind is set on what is aimed" – NV and "What is sought will be got as desired if only the seeker is determined" - NV
Key to the initials of different translators:
CR - C.
Rajagopalachari
|
KS - Kasthuri
Sreenivasan
|
SI - K.R. Srinivasa
Iyengar
|
DL -W.H. Drew
and J. Lazarus
|
KV - K. Krishnaswamy & Vijaya Ramkumar
|
SM -S. Maharajan
|
DZ - S.M. Diaz
|
MS - M.S.
Poornalingam Pillai
|
SS -
Satguru Subramuniyaswami
|
EL - F.W. Ellis
|
NC - Norman
Cutler
|
TD - S. Thandapani
Desikar
|
GU - G.U. Pope
|
NV - N.V.K.
Ashraf
|
TK - T.K.
Chidambaranatha Mudaliar
|
GV - G.
Vanmikanathan
|
PS - P.S.
Sundaram
|
VC - V.C. Kulandai Swamy
|
JN - J.
Narayanaswamy
|
SB -
Shuddhananda Bharatiar
|
VR - V.
Ramasamy
|
KK - K. Kannan
|
SD - S.D.
Rajendran
|
VS - V.V.S.
Aiyar
|
KN - K.N.
Subramanyam
|
SG - G.
Siromoney, S. Govindaraju & M. Chandrasekaran,
|
|
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