Kural #137
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Tamil text
ஒழுக்கத்தின் எய்துவர் மேன்மை
இழுக்கத்தின் எய்துவர் எய்தாப் பழி
Oḻukkattiṉ eytuvar mēṉmai
Iḻukkattiṉ eytuvar eytāp paḻi
English translation
Through good conduct one attains greatness; through misconduct one attains endless disgrace.
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Explanation
Simple cause and effect: ஒழுக்கம் leads to மேன்மை (greatness/honor); இழுக்கம் leads to எய்தாப் பழி (never-ending disgrace). The phrase எய்தாப் பழி means shame that one cannot escape from.
விளக்கம்
ஒழுக்கமான நடத்தை மேன்மையை தரும். ஒழுக்கம் தவறி நடந்தால் தீராத பழியை அடைவர். ஒழுக்கம் உடைமை அதிகாரத்தில், நல்வழி வாழ்வே சிறந்தது என வள்ளுவர் கூறுகிறார். ஒழுக்கமே வாழ்வின் அடிப்படை.
Word meanings
- ஒழுக்கத்தின்oḻukkattiṉthrough good conduct
- எய்துவர்eytuvarwill attain
- மேன்மைmēṉmaigreatness
- இழுக்கத்தின்iḻukkattiṉthrough misconduct
- எய்தாeytāunending/inescapable
- பழிpaḻidisgrace
Story behind this kural
The village of Eldoria buzzed with anticipation. Young Elara, known for her kindness and honesty, prepared for the King's Harvest Festival. Across the square, stood Kael, a merchant's son, envied for his quick wit and cunning. Elara diligently tended her family's small plot, sharing her surplus with those in need. She practiced the village customs and always spoke truthfully, even when it was difficult. Kael, however, sought shortcuts. He used his cleverness to manipulate deals and hoard his father's finest goods, always seeking personal gain. When the day of the festival arrived, Elara's humble stall, overflowing with fresh produce and genuine smiles, attracted the King's attention. He praised her generosity and awarded her a place in the royal gardens. Kael, meanwhile, found himself exposed. His deceitful practices were revealed, and he was banished from the marketplace, forever marked by the villagers' distrust.