Kural #122
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Tamil text
காக்க பொருளா அடக்கத்தை
ஆக்கம் அதனினூஉங் கில்லை உயிர்க்கு
Kākka poruḷā aṭakkattai
Ākkam ataṉiṉūuṅ killai uyirkku
English translation
Guard self-control as a treasure; there is no greater wealth for the soul than this.
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Explanation
Self-control should be protected like precious treasure (பொருளா). For spiritual well-being (உயிர்க்கு), there is no greater asset. All material wealth pales before the wealth of a disciplined mind and body.
விளக்கம்
அடக்கத்தை பொக்கிஷமா காக்கணும். அடக்கமா இருக்கிறதுதான் ஆன்மாவுக்கு பெரிய செல்வம். அடக்கமுடைமை அதிகாரத்துல இது முக்கியம். ஒழுக்கம்தான் வாழ்க்கை உயர்த்தும்.
Word meanings
- காக்கkākkaguard/protect
- பொருளாporuḷāas a treasure
- அடக்கத்தைaṭakkattaiself-control
- ஆக்கம்ākkamprosperity/wealth
- அதனின்ataṉiṉthan that
- ஊங்குūṅkugreater
- இல்லைillaithere is not
- உயிர்க்குuyirkkufor the soul
Story behind this kural
In a village nestled beside a whispering forest, lived two brothers, Arun and Bala. Arun was known for his quick temper and impulsive nature. If a task was difficult, he would quickly abandon it. Bala, however, was calm and deliberate. He would face challenges with patience, never letting his emotions control him. One day, the brothers discovered a hidden spring, rumored to hold water with the power to heal. Arun, eager to be the first, rushed towards it, slipping on the mossy rocks and giving up in frustration. Bala, carefully picking his way, reached the spring. He filled a small gourd and returned, sharing the water with his ailing mother. Soon, the village was struck by a severe drought. While others panicked, Arun, unable to control his despair, wasted resources and energy. Bala, using his self-control, rationed his water, cultivated a small, drought-resistant garden, and helped his neighbors. When the rains finally returned, it was Bala’s family that had thrived, while Arun's had nearly perished.