Here are five couplets from the Thirukural that focus on ethics, along with transliterations and translations in English:
1.
Tamil: அறத்தாற்றின் இல்வாழ்க்கை வாழ்பவன் என்பான் பிறத்தாற் கரம்கவிழ்ந்து இல்.
Transliteration: Aṟatthāṟṟiṉ ilvāḻkkai vāḻpavaṉ eṉpāṉ piṟattāṟ karamkaviḻntu il.
Translation: The householder who lives by the path of virtue (Dharma) is regarded as one whose actions are free from flaws.
A friendlier explanation: Living with integrity is like building a foundation that gives us peace of mind. When we try our best to be honest and kind, especially in our close relationships, it frees us from worries and regrets. Think of it as giving yourself a kind of inner strength—a reassurance that you’re doing your best in each moment, which helps us face challenges with a clearer conscience.
2.
Tamil: அறிவொடுநிலையின் அணிகொடுத்து அழுக்காறற்ற வாழ்க்கை பெரிது.
Transliteration: Aṟivoṭu nilaiyiṉ aṇikoṭuttu aḻukkāṟṟa vāḻkkai peritu.
Translation: A life adorned with wisdom and free from envy and hatred is a life of true greatness.
A friendlier explanation: Envy and resentment can weigh us down, keeping us from truly enjoying life and appreciating what we have. A wise way to live is to let go of these feelings—imagine what that would be like! When we focus on what’s good in our own lives and celebrate others’ successes, it feels lighter and lets us build a life that’s truly our own, full of genuine happiness and gratitude.
3.
Tamil: அறன் எனப்படுவது யாதெனின் யாதொன்றும் பிறன்கண் தீங்கொளல் தானல்லது.
Transliteration: Aṟaṉ eṉappaṭuvatu yāteṉiṉ yātoṉṟum piṟaṉkaṇ tīṅkoḷal tāṉallatu.
Translation: What is called virtue? It is nothing but avoiding doing harm to others in any way.
A friendlier explanation: One simple way to live well is to consider how our actions impact others. It doesn’t mean we won’t make mistakes, but it helps to think, “How would I feel if this were done to me?” This approach, focusing on kindness, not only avoids hurting others but also brings us peace and respect. Small moments of thoughtfulness can go a long way in building trust and harmony with those around us.
4.
Tamil: பிறனின்பம் என்னும் துறவினைத் தான்விடும்பின் அரன்எனப் பால் பெறும்.
Transliteration: Piṟaṉiṉpam eṉṉum tuṟaviṉait tāṉviṭumpiṉ araṉeṉap pāl peṟum.
Translation: One who renounces their own pleasures to bring joy to others achieves the state of divinity.
A friendlier explanation: There’s something wonderful about bringing joy to someone else, isn’t there? When we do something kind, we often end up feeling better ourselves. It’s not about giving up our happiness but finding fulfillment in the connections we build. So, when you make small sacrifices for those you love, remember it’s a part of what gives life deeper meaning—it’s love and empathy in action.
5.
Tamil: ஒழுக்கம் விழுப்பந் தரலான் ஒழுக்கம் உயிரினும் ஓம்பப் படும்.
Transliteration: Oḻukkam viḻuppan taralāṉ oḻukkam uyiriṉum ōmpap paṭum.
Translation: Ethics bestows a noble character; therefore, it should be safeguarded even more than one’s own life.
A friendlier explanation: Having a strong sense of ethics is like holding onto a compass in a world that’s always moving. It helps us navigate challenges and make choices we feel proud of. When we protect our values—even when it’s hard—we create a sense of inner stability and trust within ourselves. Think of it as building self-respect and resilience, which can guide you through the ups and downs of life with confidence and grace.
These couplets illustrate Thiruvalluvar’s emphasis on leading a virtuous life, valuing ethical conduct, and prioritizing the welfare of others. The Thirukural offers a timeless moral compass for personal and societal well-being.
