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Kural 311

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ciṟappīṉuñ celvam peṟiṉum piṟarkkiṉṉā / ceyyāmai mācaṟṟār kōḷ

🎬 குறள் கதை · Story
G.U. Pope1886

“Though ill to neighbour wrought should glorious pride of wealth secure, / No ill to do is fixed decree of men in spirit pure.”

V.V.S. Aiyar1916

“The pure in heart injure not others even for the sake of the wealth that glorifieth a man: for that is their way.”

Modern readingAI draft

Even if causing pain could bring distinction and wealth, the firm principle of the morally unblemished is not to hurt others.

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Parimelazhagar’s commentary

13th century · public domain

Parimelazhagar’s own words come first, unaltered. The plain reading follows below.

சிறப்பு ஈனும் செல்வம் பெறினும்= யோகமாகிய சிறப்புத் தரும் அணிமா முதலிய செல்வங்களைப் பிறர்க்கு இன்னா செய்து பெறலாமாயினும்; பிறர்க்கு இன்னா செய்யாமை மாசு அற்றார் கோள்= அதனைச் செய்யாமை ஆகமங்கள் கூறியவாற்றான் மனம் தூயாரது துணிவு.

Source: Tamil Wikisource

In plain EnglishAI draft · pending review

Even if doing harm could yield glorious renown and supreme wealth, the unswerving principle of the pure in heart is never to inflict suffering on another.