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Kural No. 123 · Virtue (Aram) · Ch 13

The Possession of Self-restraint

அடக்கம் உடைமை
Original Kural · ஓலைச்சுவடி
செறிவறிந்து சீர்மை பயக்கும் அறிவறிந்து
ஆற்றின் அடங்கப் பெறின்.

Serivarindhu Seermai Payakkum Arivarindhu / Aatrin Atangap Perin

Classical English couplet — “If versed in wisdom's lore by virtue's law you self restrainYour self-repression known will yield you glory's gain”

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Choose from 26 languages · narrated with native voice
A
Simple English Meaning
AI-assisted

What it says in plain words

Learn what is right, and let that guide your self-control. Good people will notice this and respect you for it.”

B
எளிய தமிழ் விளக்கம் · Simple Tamil Interpretation

The classical Tamil reading

அறிய வேண்டியவற்றை அறிந்து, நல்வழியில் அடங்கி ஒழுகப்பெற்றால், அந்த அடக்கம் நல்லோரால் அறியப்பட்டு மேன்மை பயக்கும்.

C
ஆழமான தமிழ் விளக்கம் · Deeper Tamil Commentary

An expanded Tamil interpretation

அறிந்து கொள்ள வேண்டியவற்றை அறிந்து அதற்கேற்ப அடக்கத்துடன் நடந்து கொள்பவரின் பண்பை உணர்ந்து பாராட்டுகள் குவியும்

D
Deeper English Meaning
AI-assisted

The ethical and philosophical heart

Knowing what is right matters when we put it into practice. Self-control means choosing our words and actions, even when upset. When we let understanding guide our actions, others notice our good conduct. This earns respect through how we live, not what we claim.

E
Practical Example (English)
AI-assisted

In personal life, work and society

Personal
You pause before replying to an angry message and choose words that will not hurt.
Workplace
You explain a mistake calmly instead of blaming a coworker.
Family
You hear your child's explanation before responding to a broken rule.
Society
You wait your turn in a long queue instead of pushing ahead.
F
Modern Application (English)
AI-assisted

How to apply this today

Decision-making
Pause to consider what is right before acting on a strong feeling.
Integrity
Follow what you know is right, even when nobody is watching.
Communication
Choose fair words instead of letting anger shape your reply.
Leadership
Show others how to stay calm by managing your own reactions.
Governance
Officials should understand the rules and follow them without letting personal anger guide decisions.
G
Leadership Lesson (English)
AI-assisted

For leaders and teams

Earn respect by showing self-control guided by understanding in daily actions. Let your response to mistakes show the conduct you expect from others.

H
Reflection Question (English)
AI-assisted

Something to sit with

“Where could you put what you know is right into calmer action today?”

Thirukkural Wisdom

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Disclaimer

This application provides educational explanations of the Thirukkural. English meanings and AI-assisted explanations are intended to make the text easier to understand. Classical texts can have multiple valid interpretations.

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