Kural #150
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Tamil text
அறன்வரையான் அல்ல செயினும்
பிறன்வரையாள் பெண்மை நயவாமை நன்று
Aṟaṉvaraiyāṉ alla ceyiṉum
Piṟaṉvaraiyāḷ peṇmai nayavāmai naṉṟu
English translation
Even if a man does not observe other moral limits, it is good if he at least does not desire the womanhood of another's wife.
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Explanation
This closing kural offers a minimum standard: even if someone fails in other virtuous conduct (அறன் வரையான் அல்ல செயினும்), let them at least avoid this particular sin. Not desiring another's wife is the bare minimum of decency, and even that is praiseworthy.
விளக்கம்
பிறனில் விழையாமை அதிகாரத்தில் வரும் இக்குறள், ஒருவர் மற்ற அறங்களைச் செய்யாவிட்டாலும், பிறர் மனைவியை விரும்பாமல் இருப்பது நல்லது என்கிறது. இது குறைந்தபட்ச ஒழுக்கம். பிறர் மனைவியை விரும்பாதது கூட ஒரு நல்ல குணம்.
Word meanings
- அறன்aṟaṉvirtue
- வரையான்varaiyāṉwithin the limits
- அல்லallanot
- செயினும்ceyiṉumeven if doing
- பிறன்piṟaṉanother
- வரையாள்varaiyāḷshe who is within the bounds of
- பெண்மைpeṇmaiwomanhood
- நயவாமைnayavāmainot desiring
- நன்றுnaṉṟuis good
Story behind this kural
In a village nestled beside a whispering river, lived two farmers, Arun and Bala. Arun, known for his harsh words and disregard for community rules, often angered his neighbors. Yet, he worked hard, providing for his family. Bala, however, was known for his gentle nature and kindness, though his farm struggled. One day, Arun noticed Bala’s wife, Priya, as she carried water from the well. He felt a sudden, unwelcome longing. He began to linger near their home, offering unsolicited “help” and sly compliments. Priya, though polite, remained distant, her eyes reflecting her unwavering devotion to Bala. Bala, witnessing Arun's behavior, felt a pang of worry. He continued to work his farm, his heart heavy. Soon, Arun, seeing his advances rebuffed, lost interest and turned his attention back to his own fields. Years passed. Arun's farm thrived, but he remained isolated. Bala's farm prospered too, and he and Priya grew old together, their love a beacon of warmth within the village.