Kural #118
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Tamil text
சமன்செய்து சீர்தூக்குங் கோல்போல்
அமைந்தொருபால் கோடாமை சான்றோர்க் கணி
Camañceytu cīrtūkkuṅ kōlpōl
Amaintorupāl kōṭāmai cāṉṟōrk kaṇi
English translation
Like a balance scale that weighs evenly, not tilting to one side, is the ornament of the noble-minded.
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Explanation
The beautiful image of a weighing scale (தராசு) is used. A good balance stands perfectly level, not leaning to either side. Similarly, truly noble people maintain perfect impartiality, judging all matters fairly. This balance is their greatest adornment.
விளக்கம்
சமன் செய்து சீர்தூக்கும் தராசு போல, ஒரு பக்கம் சாயாமல் இருப்பது சான்றோர்க்கு அழகு. நடுவுநிலைமை அதிகாரத்தில், இது நேர்மையின் முக்கியத்துவத்தை கூறுகிறது. நீதி தவறாமல் இருப்பது உயர்ந்த குணம்.
Word meanings
- சமன்camaṉequality/balance
- செய்துceytumaking
- சீர்cīrweight
- தூக்கும்tūkkumthat weighs
- கோல்kōlbalance/scale
- போல்pōllike
- அமைந்துamaintubeing positioned
- ஒருபால்orupālto one side
- கோடாமைkōṭāmainot tilting
- சான்றோர்க்குcāṉṟōrkkufor the noble
- அணிaṇiornament
Story behind this kural
In a small village nestled beside a whispering river, lived two brothers, Arun and Bala. Arun was a skilled carpenter, while Bala was a gifted storyteller. The village elder, a wise woman named Amara, fell ill, and the brothers were called upon to settle a dispute regarding her inheritance. Arun, knowing Amara had always favored Bala’s stories, secretly hoped for a larger share for himself. Bala, remembering Amara’s gentle nature, felt a pang of guilt. The villagers gathered, their eyes fixed on the brothers. Arun presented his case, emphasizing his years of hard labor. Bala listened patiently, then spoke of Amara’s love for sharing stories, and how those memories should be valued. Amara’s closest friend, an old potter, stepped forward. He had observed both brothers throughout their lives. He suggested they divide the inheritance, not based on labor or stories, but based on what Amara would have wanted for each. Arun and Bala, seeing the wisdom in the potter’s words, agreed. The village rejoiced, witnessing true fairness.