Old Tamil Poetry

Translations of Tamil Poetic works that span 2000 years

Archive for the month “December, 2019”

13 Dec 2019
4 Comments

Thirukkural – 633

To divide foes, to strengthen bond with allies,
To reconcile with erstwhile friends – are a minister’s skills.

பிரித்தலும், பேணிக்கொளலும், பிரிந்தார்ப்
பொருத்தலும், வல்லது–அமைச்சு.

A good minister is one who is skillful in making sure that foes are divided, one’s alliances are strong and reconciling with former allies who have parted ways. By this he will be able to help his ruler rule the country.

பிரித்தல் – divide
பேணுதல் – to take care / strengthen bond
பிரிந்தார் – those who parted ways (erstwhile friends)
பொருத்தல் – to join
வல்லது – ability
அமைச்சு – minister

Posted in Padhinen Keel Kanakku and tagged
04 Dec 2019
2 Comments

Naaladiyaar – 65

 

Abstinence by youth is real abstinence;
Charity by one who lacks bountiful wealth is real charity;
One who has the strength to destroy anything,
His restraint is real restraint.

இளையான் அடக்கம் அடக்கம் கிளைபொருள்
இல்லான் கொடையே கொடைப்பயன் – எல்லாம்
ஒறுக்கும் மதுகை உரனுடை யாளன்
பொறுக்கும் பொறையே பொறை.

It is easy for older people to abstain from sensory pleasures. But for a youth to abstain from pleasures is real abstinence. One whose wealth is not growing, who yet gives to charity is real charity. Similarly restraint by one who has the strength to have his own way against any opposition is the real restraint. To have the power and yet have control is the real deal.

இளையான் – youth
அடக்கம் – control (of senses)
கிளை – grow
கொடை – charity
ஒறுக்கும் – destroy
மதுகை – strength
பொறை – patience / restraint

Posted in Padhinen Keel Kanakku and tagged

Post Navigation