Kural #121
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Tamil text
அடக்கம் அமரருள் உய்க்கும்
அடங்காமை ஆரிருள் உய்த்து விடும்
Aṭakkam amararuḷ uykkum
Aṭaṅkāmai ārriruḷ uyttu viṭum
English translation
Self-control will lead one to the realm of the gods; lack of self-control will cast one into utter darkness.
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Explanation
This opening kural presents a stark contrast. அடக்கம் (self-control) elevates one to the divine level, while அடங்காமை (lack of control) leads to deep darkness - ignorance, suffering, and spiritual degradation. The choice defines one's destiny.
விளக்கம்
அடக்கம் தேவர்க்கு நிகராக்கும். அடங்காமை இருளில் தள்ளும். அடக்கமுடைமை அதிகாரத்தின்படி, நம்மை அடக்கி ஆள்வது நல்லது. இதுவே நல்வழி காட்டும்.
Word meanings
- அடக்கம்aṭakkamself-control/restraint
- அமரர்amararthe immortals/gods
- உள்uḷamong
- உய்க்கும்uykkumwill lead
- அடங்காமைaṭaṅkāmailack of self-control
- ஆர்ārdense/utter
- இருள்iruḷdarkness
- உய்த்துவிடும்uyttuviṭumwill cast into
Story behind this kural
In a small village nestled beside a whispering forest, lived two brothers, Arun and Bala. Arun, the elder, was known for his calm demeanor. When faced with challenges, he would pause, consider, and then act with measured precision. Bala, on the other hand, was impulsive. If he felt anger, he lashed out. If he craved something, he took it without thought. One day, both brothers sought entry to the sacred grove, a place said to grant enlightenment. The gatekeeper, a wise old man, gave each a single seed. "Tend to this," he instructed, "and only those who cultivate patience and restraint will witness the sun's golden heart." Arun nurtured his seed, watering it gently, protecting it from harsh weather. Bala, impatient for results, dug up his seed daily, fretting over its slow growth. Arun’s seed blossomed into a radiant flower, and he entered the grove. Bala's seed withered, and he was left alone in the encroaching shadows of the forest.