Kural #153
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Tamil text
இன்மையுள் இன்மை விருந்தொரால்
வன்மையுள் வன்மை மடவார்ப் பொறை
Iṉmaiyuḷ iṉmai viruntorāl
Vaṉmaiyuḷ vaṉmai maṭavārp poṟai
English translation
The poverty of not hosting guests is the worst poverty; the strength of bearing with the foolish is the greatest strength.
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Explanation
Two profound comparisons: The worst lack is not material poverty but failing to welcome guests. The greatest strength is not physical but the ability to tolerate foolish people without losing composure.
விளக்கம்
விருந்தினரை உபசரிக்காத வறுமை கொடியது. அறிவில்லாதோர் செயல்களைப் பொறுத்துக்கொள்வது பெரிய வலிமை. பொறையுடைமை அதிகாரத்தில், பிறர் தவறுகளைப் பொறுக்கும் பண்பே சிறந்தது என்கிறது குறள். இது வாழ்க்கையில் பொறுமையின் முக்கியத்துவத்தை உணர்த்துகிறது.
Word meanings
- இன்மையுள்iṉmaiyuḷamong poverty/lack
- இன்மைiṉmaipoverty
- விருந்துviruntuguest
- ஓரால்ōrālnot considering/neglecting
- வன்மையுள்vaṉmaiyuḷamong strengths
- வன்மைvaṉmaistrength
- மடவார்maṭavārthe foolish
- பொறைpoṟaitolerance/forbearance
Story behind this kural
In a humble village nestled beside a whispering river, lived a kind farmer named Arul. His hut was small, but his heart was vast. One day, a weary traveler arrived, seeking shelter. Arul welcomed him, sharing his meager meal and the warmth of his hearth. Across the village, lived a wealthy merchant named Selvan. He had a grand house filled with treasures, yet his door remained closed to strangers. When a foolish man, known for his thoughtless words, insulted Selvan in the marketplace, the merchant, though wealthy, erupted in anger. Meanwhile, at Arul's hut, the traveler, before departing, revealed he was a sage in disguise. He gifted Arul a seed, promising prosperity. The seed grew into a bountiful harvest, enriching Arul's life. He also received great respect from the villagers. Selvan, despite his riches, remained isolated, his anger breeding discontent. His wealth brought him no lasting joy.