Kural #151
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Tamil text
அகழ்வாரைத் தாங்கும் நிலம்போலத் தம்மை
இகழ்வார்ப் பொறுத்தல் தலை
Akaḻvārait tāṅkum nilampōlat tammai
Ikaḻvārp poṟuttal talai
English translation
To bear with those who revile us, even as the earth bears with those who dig it, is the highest virtue.
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Explanation
This opening kural of the chapter sets the standard for forbearance. Just as the earth patiently endures being dug, a noble person endures insults without retaliation. The earth metaphor beautifully illustrates unconditional tolerance.
விளக்கம்
பொறையுடைமை அதிகாரத்தில் வரும் இந்தக் குறள், பூமியைத் தோண்டுபவரையும் பூமி தாங்குவது போல, நம்மை இகழ்வாரையும் பொறுக்கச் சொல்கிறது. இது மிக உயர்ந்த குணம். பிறர் செய்யும் தீங்கையும் பொறுத்துக்கொள்வதே அறம்.
Word meanings
- அகழ்வார்akaḻvārthose who dig
- தாங்கும்tāṅkumbears/supports
- நிலம்nilamearth/ground
- போலpōlalike
- தம்மைtammaioneself
- இகழ்வார்ikaḻvārthose who revile/insult
- பொறுத்தல்poṟuttalbearing/enduring
- தலைtalaihighest/chief
Story behind this kural
In a small village nestled beside a lush forest, lived an old farmer named Arun. He was known for his gentle nature and bountiful harvests. One day, a jealous merchant, furious at Arun's success, began to spread false rumors, hoping to ruin the farmer's reputation. He shouted insults in the marketplace and even tried to sabotage Arun's fields. The villagers, witnessing the merchant’s cruelty, expected Arun to retaliate. They urged him to defend himself, to argue, to punish the merchant for his wickedness. But Arun remained silent. He continued to tend his fields, offering a kind smile to everyone, even the merchant. Years passed. The merchant’s bitterness only grew, yet Arun never changed. Eventually, the merchant, worn down by his own negativity and the farmer's unwavering kindness, fell ill. He had no one to turn to but Arun. The old farmer, without hesitation, nursed him back to health, offering food and comfort. The merchant, humbled and ashamed, finally understood.