மன்னரைச் சேர்ந்தொழுகல்
Conduct in the Presence of the King
Read all ten original Tamil couplets from this chapter with clear, modern interpretations for everyday learning.
Kurals
691–700
Reading
10 couplets
Section
பொருட்பால்
A simple reading path
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Tamil + modern meaning
Kural 691
1 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
அகலாது அணுகாது தீக்காய்வார் போல்க
இகல்வேந்தர்ச் சேர்ந்தொழுகு வார்.
Modern interpretation
Those who work close to an unpredictable ruler should keep a careful middle distance, like someone warming by a fire. In a tense workplace, stay respectful without becoming so familiar that boundaries disappear.
Read Kural 691 in full
Kural 692
2 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
மன்னர் விழைப விழையாமை மன்னரால்
மன்னிய ஆக்கந் தரும்.
Modern interpretation
A person serving a ruler should not chase the ruler’s favorite people or interests for personal gain; restraint can earn lasting trust and reward. An adviser who avoids flattering every favorite may be trusted with important work.
Read Kural 692 in full
Kural 693
3 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
போற்றின் அரியவை போற்றல் கடுத்தபின்
தேற்றுதல் யார்க்கும் அரிது.
Modern interpretation
Protect yourself by avoiding serious mistakes; once a ruler suspects you, clearing the suspicion is very hard. A manager who hides one major error may lose trust even after explaining it later.
Read Kural 693 in full
Kural 694
4 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
செவிச்சொல்லும் சேர்ந்த நகையும் அவித்தொழுகல்
ஆன்ற பெரியா ரகத்து.
Modern interpretation
In the presence of a powerful leader, do not whisper to one person or share private laughter with another. During a formal meeting, speak openly and avoid side conversations that look disrespectful.
Read Kural 694 in full
Kural 695
5 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
எப்பொருளும் ஓரார் தொடரார்மற் றப்பொருளை
விட்டக்கால் கேட்க மறை.
Modern interpretation
Do not listen in on a ruler’s private discussion or press for its contents; wait until it is shared with you. If classmates are having a confidential conversation, do not hover or demand to know.
Read Kural 695 in full
Kural 696
6 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
குறிப்பறிந்து காலங் கருதி வெறுப்பில
வேண்டுப வேட்பச் சொலல்.
Modern interpretation
Understand the leader’s mood, choose the right time, and present useful ideas in a way they can accept. Give feedback when your supervisor is ready to hear it, and frame it as a practical solution.
Read Kural 696 in full
Kural 697
7 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
வேட்பன சொல்லி வினையில எஞ்ஞான்றும்
கேட்பினும் சொல்லா விடல்.
Modern interpretation
Offer useful advice, even when it is not requested, but do not recommend something merely because it is requested if it has no value. If a friend asks you to join a pointless argument, suggest a better use of your time.
Read Kural 697 in full
Kural 698
8 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
இளையர் இனமுறையர் என்றிகழார் நின்ற
ஒளியோடு ஒழுகப் படும்.
Modern interpretation
Respect a ruler’s position instead of looking down on them because they are younger or related to you. A younger team captain still deserves respect for the responsibility they carry.
Read Kural 698 in full
Kural 699
9 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
கொளப்பட்டேம் என்றெண்ணிக் கொள்ளாத செய்யார்
துளக்கற்ற காட்சி யவர்.
Modern interpretation
Clear judgment does not treat special favor as permission to do what the ruler dislikes. Being a trusted employee does not make it acceptable to ignore workplace rules.
Read Kural 699 in full
Kural 700
10 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
பழையம் எனக்கருதிப் பண்பல்ல செய்யும்
கெழுதகைமை கேடு தரும்.
Modern interpretation
Long familiarity is not a license to behave badly; using closeness as an excuse can lead to ruin. A longtime friend at work can still lose trust by abusing personal access.
Read Kural 700 in full