Kural #136
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Tamil text
ஒழுக்கத்தின் ஒல்கார் உரவோர்
இழுக்கத்தின் ஏதம் படுபாக் கறிந்து
Oḻukkattiṉ olkār uravōr
Iḻukkattiṉ ētam paṭupāk kaṟintu
English translation
The strong-minded will not waver from good conduct, knowing the harm that comes from misconduct.
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Explanation
Wise, strong-minded people (உரவோர்) never deviate from proper conduct. They understand that இழுக்கம் (misconduct) brings ஏதம் (harm/misery). This knowledge keeps them steadfast in virtue.
விளக்கம்
ஒழுக்கம் தவறினால் துன்பம் வரும் என அறிந்த மனவலிமை உள்ளவர், நல்லொழுக்கத்திலிருந்து விலக மாட்டார். ஒழுக்கமுடைமை அதிகாரத்தில், ஒழுக்கத்தின் முக்கியத்துவத்தை இது காட்டுகிறது. தீய வழியில் போனால் கெடுதல் என்பதை உணர்ந்து நல்வழியில் நடப்பதே சிறப்பு.
Word meanings
- ஒழுக்கத்தின்oḻukkattiṉfrom good conduct
- ஒல்கார்olkārwill not waver
- உரவோர்uravōrthe strong-minded
- இழுக்கத்தின்iḻukkattiṉfrom misconduct
- ஏதம்ētamharm/evil
- படுபாக்குpaṭupākkuthat will befall
- அறிந்துaṟintuknowing
Story behind this kural
In a village nestled beside a whispering forest lived two brothers, Arun and Bala. Arun, known for his steady nature, always kept his word. Bala, however, was easily swayed by fleeting pleasures. One day, a wealthy merchant offered them a task: guard his precious jewels for a week, and they would be handsomely rewarded. Arun readily agreed, meticulously following the merchant's instructions. Bala, tempted by the jewels' sparkle, considered selling one, then another. Each night, Arun would remind Bala of their agreement, the trust placed in them. Bala would initially agree, but the next day, the temptation would return. Finally, on the sixth day, Bala secretly pocketed a small, glittering gem. When the merchant returned, Arun presented the jewels, untouched. Bala, ashamed, confessed his theft. The merchant, though disappointed, only kept the jewels, offering them nothing. Arun, however, received his promised reward, his integrity shining brighter than any gem.