Kural #133
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Tamil text
ஒழுக்கம் உடைமை குடிமை
இழுக்கம் இழிந்த பிறப்பாய் விடும்
Oḻukkam uṭaimai kuṭimai
Iḻukkam iḻinta piṟappāy viṭum
English translation
Possessing good conduct elevates one's family status; misconduct reduces one to low birth.
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Explanation
Good conduct (ஒழுக்கம்) ennobles your entire lineage (குடிமை). But misconduct (இழுக்கம்) degrades you, making even high birth worthless. Your actions determine your true status, not your ancestry.
விளக்கம்
ஒழுக்கம் காப்பது குடிப் பெருமை; ஒழுக்கம் தவறுவது தாழ்ந்த பிறப்பாகும். நற்குணங்கள் நம் குடும்பத்தை உயர்த்தும். ஒழுக்கமின்மை இழிவான நிலைக்குத் தள்ளும். ஒழுக்கமுடைமை அதிகாரத்தில் இது முக்கியம்.
Word meanings
- ஒழுக்கம்oḻukkamgood conduct
- உடைமைuṭaimaipossessing
- குடிமைkuṭimainoble family status
- இழுக்கம்iḻukkammisconduct
- இழிந்தiḻintalowly
- பிறப்புpiṟappubirth
- ஆய்விடும்āyviṭumwill become
Story behind this kural
In a prosperous village nestled beside a whispering river, lived two brothers, both sons of the village elder. The elder brother, Tharan, was known for his sharp tongue and boastful ways. He treated others with disdain, believing his lineage made him superior. The younger brother, Arul, was humble and kind. He helped anyone in need, always speaking with respect. One year, a terrible drought struck. Tharan, hoarding his grain, refused to share, even as his neighbors suffered. His fields lay barren, untouched by his selfishness. Arul, however, opened his storehouse, offering what he had, even to those who had once slighted him. Rain finally came, and while Tharan’s crops failed, Arul’s flourished. Villagers helped him, their hearts filled with gratitude. Tharan, though born into privilege, was left isolated and alone. Arul, despite the hardships, found himself esteemed and surrounded by friends.