Kural #1014
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Tamil text
பிறர்பழியும் தம்பழியும் நாணுவார்
நாணுக்கு உறைப்பதூஉம் உண்டோ புகல்
Piṟarpaḻiyum tampaḻiyum nāṇuvār
Nāṇukku uṟaippatūum uṇṭō pukal
English translation
Can there be any refuge stronger than modesty for those who feel shame for others' disgrace as their own?
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Explanation
Those with true modesty feel shame not only for their own faults but also for others' misconduct. Such refined sensitivity makes நாண் itself their strongest protection and refuge.
விளக்கம்
பிறர் செய்யும் தவறுகளுக்குத் தம் தவறுகள்போல் நாணுபவர், நாணத்திற்கே புகலிடமாவர். நாணம் உடையவர்களுக்கு வேறு பாதுகாப்பு தேவையில்லை. இது நாணுடைமை அதிகாரத்தில் சொல்லப்பட்டுள்ளது. நல்லொழுக்கமே காக்கும் கவசம்.
Word meanings
- பிறர்piṟarothers'
- பழியும்paḻiyumdisgrace also
- தம்tamtheir own
- நாணுவார்nāṇuvārthose who feel ashamed
- நாணுக்குnāṇukkufor modesty
- உறைப்பதுuṟaippatudwelling/refuge
- உண்டோuṇṭōis there?
- புகல்pukalrefuge/shelter
Story behind this kural
In the village of Eldoria, lived a humble weaver named Elara. Her reputation was spotless; she was known for her exquisite tapestries and unwavering integrity. One day, a wealthy merchant, Kael, arrived, boasting of a rare dye he'd acquired through questionable means. He sought to use Elara's looms, promising her riches. Initially, Elara hesitated, sensing the dye's origin. But Kael's offers grew, painting a picture of prosperity. Yet, as she wove, the dye's story, and Kael's dishonesty, became clear. She felt a deep unease, as if the stain of his actions was on her own hands. Elara stopped weaving, despite the tempting wealth. She politely refused to continue, explaining her conscience would not allow her to profit from such dealings. Kael scoffed, but Elara remained firm. Soon, the villagers learned of Kael's deceit. They praised Elara’s integrity, admiring the strength of her character that protected her from temptation, and protected the village's values too.