Kural #120
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Tamil text
வாணிகம் செய்வார்க்கு வாணிகம்
பேணிப் பிறவும் தமபோல் செயின்
Vāṇikam ceyvārkku vāṇikam
Pēṇip piṟavum tamapōl ceyiṉ
English translation
True business conduct for traders is to treat others' goods with the same care as their own.
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Explanation
This closing kural applies impartiality to commerce. Honest merchants should value their customers' interests equally with their own. Treating others' goods as you would your own is the essence of ethical business. This creates lasting prosperity through trust.
விளக்கம்
வணிகம் செய்பவர் பிறர் பொருளைத் தம் பொருள் போல் காக்க வேண்டும். நடுவுநிலைமை அதிகாரத்தின்படி, இது நேர்மையான வணிகத்தின் அடையாளம். இதனால் நம்பிக்கை பெருகி, வணிகம் சிறக்கும்.
Word meanings
- வாணிகம்vāṇikamtrade/business
- செய்வார்க்குceyvārkkufor those who do
- பேணிpēṇicherishing/caring
- பிறவும்piṟavumothers' (goods)
- தமtamatheir own
- போல்pōllike
- செயின்ceyiṉif they do
Story behind this kural
In the village of Eldoria, lived two merchants, Elara and Theron. Both sold fine silks, but their methods differed. Elara, when selling her own silks, would carefully display them, highlighting their beauty. Yet, when bartering for others' silks, she'd often rush the transaction, sometimes concealing minor flaws. Theron, however, treated all silks with equal care. Whether his own or another’s, he’d gently unfold the fabrics, pointing out their unique qualities, and offering fair prices. Villagers noticed the difference. Elara's business fluctuated; some were pleased, but others felt cheated. Theron’s shop, however, always bustled. Customers trusted him, knowing he valued their interests as much as his own. They returned, bringing friends and family. Soon, Theron's wealth grew, not just in coin, but in the unwavering respect of his community. His shop became a symbol of fairness, a place where trust was woven into every transaction.