PrepMaticThirukkural · பொருட்பால் · நட்பியல்
நட்பு: Friendship
About this chapter
நட்பு, friendship, is the first of a long run of friendship chapters (79 to 83) in the Porutpaal. It defines what a true friend is and what friendship is for.
Kural 781 says that nothing is as hard to win as friendship and nothing protects as well. Kural 782 contrasts the friendship of the good, which grows like the crescent moon, with the friendship of fools, which wanes like the full moon. Kural 783 says friendship with the noble, like a good book, grows sweeter with each reading. Kural 784 says friends meet not only to laugh but to rebuke each other when one goes too far, and Kural 785 holds that understanding, not constant meeting, creates the bond. Kural 786 gives the chapter's best-known test, saying friendship is the smile of the heart, not just of the face. Kural 787 says a friend turns you from ruin, leads you on the right path and shares your sorrow in trouble. Kural 788 compares such help to the hand of someone whose garment slips, which acts at once. Kural 789 says friendship is at its best when it gives steady support, and Kural 790 treats boasting of closeness as mean.
Kural 786 and Kural 788 are the two to know first, one for sincerity and one for prompt help.
For the syllabus, it fits universal values and everyday life. The next chapter (80) turns from what a friend is to how to choose one.
The 10 kurals of நட்பு
Each kural is shown in Tamil with a transliteration and G. U. Pope's English verse translation. Open a kural for its plain English meaning.
செயற்கரிய யாவுள நட்பின் அதுபோல்
வினைக்கரிய யாவுள காப்பு.
Seyarkariya Yaavula Natpin Adhupol
Vinaikkariya Yaavula Kaappu
What so hard for men to gain as friendship trueWhat so sure defence 'gainst all that foe can do
நிறைநீர நீரவர் கேண்மை பிறைமதிப்
பின்னீர பேதையார் நட்பு.
Niraineera Neeravar Kenmai Piraimadhip
Pinneera Pedhaiyaar Natpu
Friendship with men fulfilled of good Waxes like the crescent moon; Friendship with men of foolish mood, Like the full orb, waneth soon
நவில்தொறும் நூல்நயம் போலும் பயில்தொறும்
பண்புடை யாளர் தொடர்பு.
Navildhorum Noolnayam Polum Payildhorum
Panputai Yaalar Thotarpu
Learned scroll the more you ponder, Sweeter grows the mental food; So the heart by use grows fonder, Bound in friendship with the good
நகுதற் பொருட்டன்று நட்டல் மிகுதிக்கண்
மேற்செனறு இடித்தற் பொருட்டு.
Nakudhar Poruttandru Nattal Mikudhikkan
Mersenaru Itiththar Poruttu
Nor for laughter only friendship all the pleasant day, But for strokes of sharp reproving, when from right you stray
புணர்ச்சி பழகுதல் வேண்டா உணர்ச்சிதான்
நட்பாங் கிழமை தரும்.
Punarchchi Pazhakudhal Ventaa Unarchchidhaan
Natpaang Kizhamai Tharum
Not association constant, not affection's token bind;'Tis the unison of feeling friends unites of kindred mind
முகநக நட்பது நட்பன்று நெஞ்சத்து
அகநக நட்பது நட்பு.
Mukanaka Natpadhu Natpandru Nenjaththu
Akanaka Natpadhu Natpu
Not the face's smile of welcome shows the friend sincere, But the heart's rejoicing gladness when the friend is near
அழிவி னவைநீக்கி ஆறுய்த்து அழிவின்கண்
அல்லல் உழப்பதாம் நட்பு.
Azhivi Navaineekki Aaruyththu Azhivinkan
Allal Uzhappadhaam Natpu
Friendship from ruin saves, in way of virtue keeps; In troublous time, it weeps with him who weeps
உடுக்கை இழந்தவன் கைபோல ஆங்கே
இடுக்கண் களைவதாம் நட்பு.
Utukkai Izhandhavan Kaipola Aange
Itukkan Kalaivadhaam Natpu
As hand of him whose vesture slips away, Friendship at once the coming grief will stay
நட்பிற்கு வீற்றிருக்கை யாதெனின் கொட்பின்றி
ஒல்லும்வாய் ஊன்றும் நிலை.
Natpirku Veetrirukkai Yaadhenin Kotpindri
Ollumvaai Oondrum Nilai
And where is friendship's royal seat? In stable mind, Where friend in every time of need support may find
இனையர் இவரெமக்கு இன்னம்யாம் என்று
புனையினும் புல்லென்னும் நட்பு.
Inaiyar Ivaremakku Innamyaam Endru
Punaiyinum Pullennum Natpu
Mean is the friendship that men blazon forth,'He's thus to me' and 'such to him my worth'
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