Manly Exertion
.
Tap an underlined Tamil word to explore its sound, meaning, and use.
arumai yuṭaitteṉ ṟacāvāmai vēṇṭum / perumai muyaṟci tarum.
Do not lose heart by saying, ‘This is too difficult.’ Sustained effort creates in us the capacity and distinction needed to complete it.
▸Other translations · Pope (1886) & Aiyar (1916)
“Say not, 'Tis hard', in weak, desponding hour, / For strenuous effort gives prevailing power.”
“Shrink not from any work saying, It is impossible: for labour will give thee the strength to achieve everything.”
Parimelazhagar’s commentary
13th century · public domainParimelazhagar’s own words come first, unaltered. The plain reading follows below.
அருமை உடைத்து என்று அசாவாமை வேண்டும்= தஞ்சிறுமை நோக்கி நாம் இவ்வினைமுடித்தல் அருமை உடைத்துஎன்று கருதித் தளராது ஒழிக; பெருமை முயற்சி தரும்= அது முடித்தற்கு ஏற்ற பெருமையைத் தமக்கு முயற்சி உண்டாக்கும்.
Source: Tamil Wikisource
Parimelazhagar says that a person should not look at present limitations, decide that the undertaking is too hard, and sink into discouragement. Effort itself produces the greatness suited to completion: the growing power and competence required for the work.