வலியறிதல்
The Knowledge of Power
Read all ten original Tamil couplets from this chapter with clear, modern interpretations for everyday learning.
Kurals
471–480
Reading
10 couplets
Section
பொருட்பால்
A simple reading path
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Tamil + modern meaning
Kural 471
1 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
வினைவலியும் தன்வலியும் மாற்றான் வலியும்
துணைவலியும் தூக்கிச் செயல்.
Modern interpretation
Before acting, weigh the task, your own strength, the other side’s strength, and the support available to both. For example, a small team should check its skills and resources before taking on a major competitor.
Read Kural 471 in full
Kural 472
2 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
ஒல்வ தறிவது அறிந்ததன் கண்தங்கிச்
செல்வார்க்குச் செல்லாதது இல்.
Modern interpretation
Know what you can do, learn what the task requires, and stay focused on it. For example, someone who studies the tools needed for a difficult skill can achieve more than someone who relies only on enthusiasm.
Read Kural 472 in full
Kural 473
3 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
உடைத்தம் வலியறியார் ஊக்கத்தின் ஊக்கி
இடைக்கண் முரிந்தார் பலர்.
Modern interpretation
Many people start boldly without knowing their limits and fail before they finish. For example, taking on five demanding commitments at once can leave every one of them incomplete.
Read Kural 473 in full
Kural 474
4 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
அமைந்தாங் கொழுகான் அளவறியான் தன்னை
வியந்தான் விரைந்து கெடும்.
Modern interpretation
A person who ignores others, misunderstands their own limits, and admires their own greatness can fall quickly. For example, a boastful team leader may lose everyone’s cooperation and fail the project.
Read Kural 474 in full
Kural 475
5 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
பீலிபெய் சாகாடும் அச்சிறும் அப்பண்டஞ்
சால மிகுத்துப் பெயின்.
Modern interpretation
Even small burdens become dangerous when too many are piled together. For example, a backpack that feels light at first can tear or hurt your back when it is overloaded.
Read Kural 475 in full
Kural 476
6 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
நுனிக்கொம்பர் ஏறினார் அஃதிறந் தூக்கின்
உயிர்க்கிறுதி ஆகி விடும்.
Modern interpretation
Once you have reached your safe limit, pushing farther can turn success into danger. For example, continuing up a difficult trail after ignoring warning signs can put your life at risk.
Read Kural 476 in full
Kural 477
7 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
ஆற்றின் அறவறிந்து ஈக அதுபொருள்
போற்றி வழங்கு நெறி.
Modern interpretation
Give according to what you can truly afford; measured generosity protects your ability to keep helping. For example, set a donation budget instead of promising money you cannot spare.
Read Kural 477 in full
Kural 478
8 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
ஆகாறு அளவிட்டி தாயினுங் கேடில்லை
போகாறு அகலாக் கடை.
Modern interpretation
A modest income is not harmful when spending stays within it. For example, a student can manage a small allowance well by avoiding debt and unnecessary purchases.
Read Kural 478 in full
Kural 479
9 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
அளவறிந்து வாழாதான் வாழ்க்கை உளபோல
இல்லாகித் தோன்றாக் கெடும்.
Modern interpretation
A life lived beyond its means may look prosperous for a while, but it cannot last. For example, constant credit-card spending can make success disappear under growing bills.
Read Kural 479 in full
Kural 480
10 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
உளவரை தூக்காத ஒப்புர வாண்மை
வளவரை வல்லைக் கெடும்.
Modern interpretation
Generosity without regard for your resources can quickly destroy what you have. For example, repeatedly paying every friend’s expenses may leave you unable to meet your own needs.
Read Kural 480 in full