Kural #131
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Tamil text
ஒழுக்கம் விழுப்பந் தரலான்
ஒழுக்கம் உயிரினும் ஓம்பப் படும்
Oḻukkam viḻuppan taralāṉ
Oḻukkam uyiriṉum ōmpap paṭum
English translation
Since good conduct bestows excellence, it should be guarded more carefully than life itself.
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Explanation
This opening kural elevates proper conduct above life itself. ஒழுக்கம் (decorum/good conduct) brings விழுப்பம் (excellence/nobility). Therefore, protect your character more carefully than you protect your physical existence.
விளக்கம்
ஒழுக்கம் நமக்கு உயர்வைத் தரும். அதுவே நம்மைச் சிறந்த மனிதராக்கும். அதனால், ஒழுக்கத்தை உயிரை விட மேலாகக் காக்க வேண்டும். நற்பண்புகளே ஒழுக்கமுடைமை அதிகாரத்தின் முக்கியம்.
Word meanings
- ஒழுக்கம்oḻukkamgood conduct/decorum
- விழுப்பம்viḻuppamexcellence/nobility
- தரலான்taralāṉbecause it gives
- உயிரினும்uyiriṉummore than life
- ஓம்பōmpato be protected
- படும்paṭumshould be
Story behind this kural
In a small village nestled beside a whispering forest, lived a woodcutter named Arul. Known for his strength, Arul could fell the mightiest trees with a single swing. One day, a wealthy merchant offered Arul a fortune to steal a sacred artifact from the village temple. Tempted by the riches, Arul agreed. That night, he crept into the temple, the glint of gold in his eyes. But as he reached for the artifact, a voice echoed in his heart – the memory of his father’s teachings: "A good name is worth more than gold." Arul paused, the weight of his father’s words heavier than any treasure. He chose to abandon his plan. The next morning, the merchant, furious at his failure, threatened Arul's life. Arul, however, faced the threat with unwavering courage. The villagers, witnessing his integrity, rallied to his defense, protecting him. Even the merchant was moved by Arul's steadfastness. He departed, and Arul remained, honored and respected, his name a beacon of virtue in the village.