Kural #109
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Tamil text
கொன்றன்ன இன்னா செயினும்
அவர்செய்த ஒன்றுநன்று உள்ளக் கெடும்
Koṉṟaṉṉa iṉṉā ceyiṉum
Avarceyata oṉṟunaṉṟu uḷḷak keṭum
English translation
Even if someone causes harm as severe as murder, remembering one good deed they did will dissolve that hostility.
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Explanation
This is one of the most profound kurals on forgiveness. Even if someone wrongs you terribly, recalling even one kindness they showed you can neutralize your anger. Gratitude has the power to overcome even extreme resentment.
விளக்கம்
ஒருவர் கொலை செய்வது போல் தீமை செய்தாலும், அவர் முன் செய்த ஒரு உதவியை நினைத்தால் பகைமை நீங்கும். நன்றியறிதல் அதிகாரத்தில், சிறிய நன்மைக்கும் நன்றி மறவாமல் இருக்க வேண்டும் என்பதே இதன் பொருள். பகைமை மறக்க நன்றே வழி.
Word meanings
- கொன்றன்னkoṉṟaṉṉalike killing/murder
- இன்னாiṉṉāharm/evil
- செயினும்ceyiṉumeven if done
- அவர்avarthey
- செய்தceytadid
- ஒன்றுoṉṟuone
- நன்றுnaṉṟugood deed
- உள்ளuḷḷaremembering
- கெடும்keṭumwill perish/dissolve
Story behind this kural
The old farmer, Elan, found his prize bullock, Surya, gored and dying in the field. He knew it was the work of the neighboring farmer, Velan, a man known for his jealousy. Rage filled Elan. He grabbed his axe, intending revenge. He stormed towards Velan's hut, his heart pounding. Just as he was about to break down the door, a memory flickered: Velan, years ago, helping him rebuild his home after a fire. He had worked tirelessly, side-by-side with Elan, offering food and shelter. The image of Velan's kindness softened Elan's anger. The axe felt heavy in his hand. He lowered it, a new thought emerging. He returned home, the image of Surya’s pain still fresh, but now mixed with the memory of Velan's selfless act. The next day, Elan went to Velan's field, not with vengeance, but with a request for help, his heart now softened.