Intrepidity in the Face of Misfortune
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iṉṉāmai yiṉpa meṉakkoḷi ṉākuntaṉ / ṉoṉṉār viḻaiyuñ ciṟappu.
When one receives the necessary hardship of worthy effort as part of its joy, a distinction arises that even rivals are moved to respect.
▸Other translations · Pope (1886) & Aiyar (1916)
“Who pain as pleasure takes, he shall acquire / The bliss to which his foes in vain aspire.”
“Behold the man who looketh upon the stress and strain of exertion as a veritable joy: he will be extolled by his very enemies.”
Parimelazhagar’s commentary
13th century · public domainParimelazhagar’s own words come first, unaltered. The plain reading follows below.
இன்னாமை இன்பம் எனக்கொளின்= ஒருவன் வினைசெய்யும் இடத்து முயற்சியான் வரும் துன்பம்தன்னையே தனக்கு இன்பமாகக் கற்பித்துக் கொள்வானாயின்; தன் ஒன்னார் விழையும் சிறப்பு ஆகும்= அதனான் தன் பகைவர் நன்கு மதித்தற்கு ஏதுவாய கவர்ச்சி உண்டாம்.
Source: Tamil Wikisource
Parimelazhagar explains that one who treats the hardship arising from effort in an undertaking as a form of joy gains a distinction that makes even opponents respect them. This is not love of pain, injury, exploitation, abuse, or danger. It is willing acceptance of the unavoidable exertion, discipline, and correction involved in worthy and ethical work.