Kural #124
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Tamil text
நிலையின் திரியாது அடங்கியான் தோற்றம்
மலையினும் மாணப் பெரிது
Nilaiyiṉ tiriyātu aṭaṅkiyāṉ tōṟṟam
Malaiyiṉum māṇap peritu
English translation
The greatness of one who remains steadfast in self-control without wavering is mightier than a mountain.
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Explanation
A person of unwavering self-control (திரியாது அடங்கியான்) is compared to a mountain - steady, immovable, awe-inspiring. Such a person's presence (தோற்றம்) commands respect greater than even the mightiest peak.
விளக்கம்
குறள் 124 விளக்கம்: தன்னுடைய நிலையிலிருந்து மாறாமல், அடக்கத்துடன் இருப்பவரின் பெருமை மலையை விட உயர்ந்தது. அடக்கமுடைமை அதிகாரத்தில், மனக்கட்டுப்பாட்டின் வலிமையை இது காட்டுகிறது. வாழ்வில் பொறுமையுடன் இருந்தால், பெரிய புகழை அடையலாம்.
Word meanings
- நிலையின்nilaiyiṉfrom one's position
- திரியாதுtiriyātuwithout wavering
- அடங்கியான்aṭaṅkiyāṉone who is self-controlled
- தோற்றம்tōṟṟamappearance/greatness
- மலையினும்malaiyiṉumthan a mountain
- மாணmāṇaexcellently
- பெரிதுperituis great
Story behind this kural
The village of Aravind was known for its bustling marketplace. One day, a fierce storm swept through, scattering goods and causing chaos. Merchants scrambled, yelling and grabbing at what they could save. Amidst the turmoil, a potter named Kumar remained calm. His stall, laden with delicate clay pots, was directly in the storm’s path. While others panicked, Kumar carefully covered his wares with sturdy cloths, one by one. The wind howled, threatening to shatter everything, but Kumar stood firm, his movements deliberate and unhurried. When the storm finally passed, the marketplace was a scene of devastation. Many merchants had lost everything. But Kumar’s pots, protected by his steady hand and unwavering focus, were mostly unharmed. Villagers, witnessing his composure, marveled at his strength. He had not moved a muscle in fear. Kumar's quiet presence stood taller than the scattered remnants of the storm.